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Free Things for Indians: There are numerous basic amenities in India that people utilize completely free of charge. In contrast, people in the United States pay substantial fees for these very same services.

Free Services for Indians: We often assume that basic services are uniform across the globe. We tend to take it for granted that if something is free for us, the same rule must apply to other countries as well. However, the reality is quite different. You might be surprised to learn that there are many things we use for free in India—services for which people in the U.S. pay significant sums. Let’s explore this in a bit more detail.

Sending Money: Completely Free

In India, UPI and digital payment services are entirely free of cost. You simply open an app, type in a number, and with the tap of the “Send” button, the transaction is instantly completed. There are absolutely no fees or charges involved. In contrast, if we compare this with the United States, sending money via apps like Venmo or PayPal—or conducting credit card transactions—often incurs a fee. In some instances, even maintaining a standard bank account comes with a monthly maintenance charge.

Indians Are Fortunate

In India, you can visit a railway station, book train tickets online for a nominal fee, and access government services via apps without ever having to worry about membership subscriptions. Furthermore, many mobile plans—offering free incoming calls, SMS, and data packs—are available at price points that would seem completely unrealistic in the United States.

It is worth noting that mobile data rates in India are among the lowest in the world. In the U.S., people typically spend between $50 and $80 (approximately ₹4,000 to ₹6,500) per month for a standard unlimited data plan, whereas in India, the same level of service can be comfortably obtained for just ₹300 to ₹700.

Additionally, subscription services like ‘Zomato Gold’ or ‘Swiggy One’ are remarkably affordable in India. Meanwhile, in the US, services like DoorDash or Uber Eats charge hefty fees for delivery. On top of that, one is expected to pay substantial tips separately.

In India, calling a plumber, beautician, or electrician to one’s home is inexpensive, whereas in the US, one has to pay a hefty ‘visiting fee’ for such services. In India, medical treatment and medicines are provided free of cost in government hospitals. In the US, however—without expensive health insurance—even the fee for a routine check-up runs into the thousands.