Viral Video Rupee vs Dollar: US woman proves Rs 800 beats $10 in real life; Internet calls it 'best explanation of PPP ever'

Time of India

a day ago

'Let's break it down': Kristen keeps it simple
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Real-life examples: Food, haircuts, and more
Internet reacts: 'Better than many economists!'
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In a time when many are questioning how far their money really goes, a short Instagram video by American content creator Kristen Fischer has sparked a big conversation. With over 1.3 lakh views, her clip answers a common question: Is the Indian rupee actually better than the US dollar?Kristen, known for her simple and relatable content, explained the idea using real-life examples instead of boring financial jargon. And the internet loved it.Kristen, who has been living outside the US for four years now, often mentions how affordable life in India is. But she says many people reply with comments like, 'You can't compare India and the US.'So, she breaks it down.She introduces the idea of Purchasing Power Parity (PPP), which basically means how much things cost in one country versus another. 'One dollar and one rupee are not equal in value,' she says, 'but what matters is what they can buy locally.'And that's where the rupee wins.Instead of giving textbook definitions, Kristen talks about everyday stuff. 'If you have $10 in the US, that might get you one simple meal,' she explains. 'But Rs 800 in India (around $10) can get you several meals.'In her caption, she gives an even better comparison: the cost of a haircut.'In India, an average haircut is around Rs 100. In the US, it's $40 – that's Rs 3,400! So basically, you can get 34 haircuts in India for the cost of one in the US.'She also adds that while people in the US might earn more, they also spend a lot more on basics – making the rupee feel stronger within India.The response to Kristen's video has been huge. Many said her simple way of explaining things helped them understand PPP for the first time.One viewer commented, 'We never bought anything premium in the US, but in India, we always go for the best.' Another wrote, 'This is better than many economics lessons!'Others praised her constant love for India. 'You always say something positive about India – thank you, Kristen,' one user wrote.Another summed it up perfectly: 'Earning in dollars and spending in rupees – that's the real dream life.'Disclaimer: This article is based on a viral video and public commentary. ET does not independently endorse or offer any economic views or advice reflected in the content.