10 Everyday Things India Does Better Than Other Countries— Says an American Woman

Nidhi | May 06, 2025, 20:43 IST
from upi to rickshaws: us woman reveals 10 things in India she wishes America had—‘it is so convenient to..'
( Image credit : Times Life Bureau )
What happens when a U.S. woman lives in India and starts noticing things the world often overlooks? This article lists 10 everyday things India does more affordably, efficiently, and thoughtfully — from public transport to sustainability — and why the rest of the world should pay attention.
When you land in India, your senses are the first to react — the riot of colors, the hum of life, the scent of spices in the air. But give it a little time, and something deeper settles in. Beneath the chaos, there’s a quiet intelligence to how daily life flows — one that’s practical, people-centric, and often surprisingly efficient.

That’s exactly what an American woman discovered while living in India — and her list of “10 things India does better” isn’t just a love letter to the country, but a practical reminder that innovation isn’t always digital and progress isn’t always expensive. Sometimes, it’s just a smarter way to live.

Here’s what stood out to her — and why it matters more than we think.

1. Affordable Healthcare — Without the Paperwork Panic

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Healthcare
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In India, getting a doctor’s consultation or even a surgical procedure can cost a fraction of what it does in the U.S. And here’s the kicker — you can walk into many clinics without an appointment, see a specialist the same day, and get test results within hours.

No mile-long insurance forms. No $1,000 bills for Tylenol. Just straightforward care. Sure, the system isn’t perfect, but its accessibility is something the West could take notes from.

2. Public Transport That’s Cheap and Omnipresent

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Public Transport
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You want options? India gives you buses, autos, taxis, metros, e-rickshaws, shared jeeps — the works. It may not always be luxurious, but it’s everywhere, and it works.

A train ride across states can cost less than a cup of coffee abroad. And in cities like Delhi or Mumbai, the metro systems are modern, affordable, and growing fast. Where the West often prioritizes the individual car, India moves masses — and does it with impressive reach.

3. Food That’s Rich in Flavor, Culture — and Costs Less Than a Sandwich

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Indian Food
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In India, food isn’t just sustenance — it’s an experience. The variety is dizzying, and even at a street stall, a meal can leave your tastebuds in shock (in the best way) for under a dollar.

Vegetarian food is creative and hearty. Spices are layered like symphonies. And every region offers a new surprise. You don’t need a reservation — just an appetite and a little trust in the magic of the local thaali.

4. Community Support That Acts Like a Safety Net

The West prides itself on independence — but sometimes, it isolates. In India, family and community are lifelines. Elders often live with their children. Neighbors are like extended family. And when there’s a wedding or crisis, support floods in — not through systems, but people.

It’s messy, sure. But it’s also warm, human, and profoundly grounding.

5. Resourcefulness That Feels Like Superpower-Level Efficiency

Indians can fix almost anything. Why throw away a fan when you can fix the motor for ₹200? Why buy bubble wrap when yesterday’s newspaper will do?

From repurposing glass jars into spice containers to inventing jugaads (makeshift hacks that work), India doesn’t just believe in recycling — it thrives on it. In a world drowning in waste, this frugality is not backward — it’s genius.

6. Resilience That’s Woven into Everyday Life

There’s a quiet strength you notice in India — the ability to adapt, bounce back, and keep going. People work hard, often with little, and still find reasons to celebrate, laugh, or share.

Resilience here isn’t just about enduring hardship. It’s about making beauty from it — with festivals, street art, poetry, and even a cup of cutting chai shared with a stranger.

7. Festivals That Invite Everyone to the Table

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Indian Culture
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There’s always a festival around the corner in India — and everyone’s invited. Diwali, Holi, Eid, Pongal, Navratri — the diversity of celebrations is staggering, and yet each one feels inclusive.

Lights, colors, music, rituals — they’re not just for religion, they’re for joy. In a world often divided, this ability to celebrate together is quietly revolutionary.

8. Education That Doesn’t Bankrupt You

India’s public universities offer world-class education — sometimes for less than a month’s rent in New York. Even private schools and institutions offer competitive programs at a fraction of the Western cost.

For many, education is seen as a path to dignity, not just a degree. And despite challenges, India continues to churn out some of the best minds in tech, medicine, and science.

9. Labor That Moves at the Speed of Life

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Labor
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In India, tasks happen fast. You can get your clothes stitched, keys copied, shoes fixed, and lunch delivered — often within hours. Need help moving a bed? Someone will show up with a truck in 15 minutes.

Labor isn’t just available — it’s deeply integrated into daily life, helping cities function like living organisms with millions of parts working in unison.

10. Local Living That’s Inherently Sustainable

In rural India and even in many urban corners, people live close to the land. They eat what’s local. They shop from vendors they know. They compost, reuse water, grow herbs on rooftops.

It’s not marketed as "green living" — it just is. And in a world gasping for sustainable solutions, India’s age-old habits may be exactly what the future needs.

A Different Kind of Progress

This list isn’t about saying India is perfect. Like every country, it has its challenges. But what this American woman — and many others — discover is that India offers a kind of wisdom in its everyday life.

It’s not always digital or shiny or smooth. But it’s human. It works. It adapts. And most importantly, it reminds us that sometimes, the best solutions are the ones rooted in community, common sense, and centuries of quietly evolving genius.

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