In a viral Instagram video, Aakriti Pandey, an Indian content creator, expressed her dismay at the high costs of traveling in the United States. Upon arrival, she faced substantial expenses, including a $67 (approximately ₹6,325) Uber ride from the airport to her accommodation. Additionally, her craving for Indian food led her to spend $57 (around ₹5,300) on three dosas in the Bay Area. Pandey noted the difficulty of not converting expenses into Indian rupees, as the current exchange rate is about ₹93 to ₹95 per dollar. She emphasized that traveling becomes more manageable when expenses are covered by employers, otherwise, it can lead to significant anxiety for travelers. Her experience resonated with many Indians, as social media comments reflected similar frustrations regarding the high costs of food and transport abroad compared to India. This situation highlights the challenges faced by the rising middle class in India as they pursue international travel amidst a persistent currency gap.