Being an NRI isn’t just about a different pin code — it’s a whole lifestyle. It’s juggling two time zones, two cultures, and twice the number of festival celebrations. Whether you moved recently or have been away for years, here are 15 totally relatable signs that scream “I’m an NRI!”
1. You mentally convert every dollar into rupees
$4 coffee? That’s ₹330! Suddenly that venti caramel macchiato doesn’t feel so worth it…
2. You celebrate Diwali on Zoom and sleep through Holi because of time zones
You’ve lit diyas at 5 AM and joined Holi parties in your pajamas because, hey, Indian Standard Time waits for no one.
3. You hoard Maggi, Bournvita, and Parle-G like rare collectibles
That one aisle in the Indian grocery store? Pure gold. Bonus points if you’ve smuggled pickles in your check-in luggage.
4. You’ve turned into an unofficial foreign exchange expert
You know when to send money home based on daily USD to INR rates. You might even beat Google Alerts to it.
5. You’ve taught your coworkers what ‘jugaad’ means
And also why you need 3 days off for Ganesh Chaturthi.
6. You carry snacks on international flights like your mom taught you
Poha, theplas, and dry fruit in zip-lock bags. Because airline food isn’t Indian-mom approved.
7. Your phone has at least 4 Indian apps you barely use but won’t delete
Paytm, IRCTC, Zomato, and Hotstar — just in case you go back for a month.
8. You feel oddly patriotic during cricket matches
You don’t just support India — you become India when the World Cup is on.
9. You’ve used “IST” as a valid excuse for being late
Even when you’re not in India anymore. Old habits die hard.
10. You’ve shipped gifts to India more times than you’ve received any
Birthdays, anniversaries, Rakhi, Diwali — you’re Santa Claus with an international shipping fee.
11. Your “home” has two definitions
One is where you live. The other is where your heart, family, and WhatsApp groups are.
12. You constantly explain to people that naan is not the only Indian bread
And no, “chai tea” is not a thing. It’s just chai. Please stop.
13. You save up PTO just to visit India — and come back more tired
Family functions, wedding season, temple hopping — not a vacation, it’s a schedule.
14. You’ve helped at least one friend transfer money to India
Because you’ve cracked the code: lowest fees, best exchange rates, fastest transfer.
15. You live two lives — and you love it
You’ve mastered the art of balancing dosas with donuts, cricket with baseball, and Diwali with Thanksgiving.
Final Thoughts
Being an NRI is more than just a visa status — it’s an experience. It’s about staying connected to your roots while building a life abroad. Whether it’s sending money back home, binge-watching Bollywood on weekends, or keeping the family WhatsApp group alive — you do it all.
