An Indian woman living in the US said aspiring migrants, especially women, should not expect the "princess treatment" they may be used to in India, as she recounted regularly travelling to refill drinking water, paying for it and hauling heavy bottles back home.
In a video titled “Life in USA,” the woman documented herself filling a large water container at a dispenser, inserting money into the machine and then wheeling the heavy jar back home on a trolley. She said she pays about $3.50 (around Rs 300) every three days to refill drinking water.
Recalling the stories her parents told her about their childhood, she said, "My parents used to say they crossed rivers to go to school. One day, I'll tell my children that in America, we spent $3.50 every three days just to drink water and carried heavy bottles all the way home."
For her, moving to the US had not turned out exactly as she had imagined: "I thought I'd become independent after coming to America. But first I have to arrange drinking water, and only then can I chase my dreams.”
The woman also had a message for those planning to move abroad, particularly women.
"If you dream of moving abroad, especially girls, be prepared. You won't get the princess treatment you got in India, where your mother would hand you a bottle of water while you were still in bed. Here, you have to work so hard just to stay hydrated," she said.
The video was also shared by X user Lakshay Mehta, who said that the woman had stopped drinking tap water after it made her sick.
"An Indian woman living in the US shared that she has to travel away from home to refill her drinking water bottles, paying about $3.50 each time. She used to drink tap water directly, but it made her sick. Because RO water purifiers are very expensive in the US, many Americans refill or buy drinking water this way," he said.
The video prompted mixed reactions online. While some users related to her experience, others argued that it did not reflect the situation across the US.
"We have to do the same in the Philippines, but they often deliver it. Water here is treated, but you still can't drink it," one user commented.
Another wrote, "Tap water is absolutely fine and drinkable in most of the USA. If you prefer, get a $3 filter. This lady may have a location-specific or personal complaint, but don't generalise."
One of the users also questioned the type of water she appeared to be collecting, saying, "And yet, instead of using the RO dispenser, she chooses distilled? Who drinks distilled water as their hydration source?"
A discussion, thus, ensued over the everyday realities of living abroad, with many pointing out that experiences can vary depending on where a person lives and the quality of the local water supply.
- Ends
Published On:
Jul 22, 2026 12:52 IST