Indian woman living in Europe shares 7 things she took for granted back home

An Indian woman living in Portugal shared a list of everyday conveniences she never thought much about while living in India, only to realise how much she missed them after moving abroad.

Shruti Shivam, an Indian expat who documented her experiences overseas through her Instagram page Desi Life Abroad, posted a video emphasising the small but significant aspects of daily life in India that she said she now appreciated far more.

The display text on the video read: "Things Portugal made me appreciate that I took for granted in India."

In the clip, Shruti walked viewers through seven everyday conveniences that she believes were often overlooked by people living in India.

Topping her list was doorstep delivery. She pointed out that in India, everything from groceries and medicines to meals could be delivered straight to one's home with minimal effort. In Portugal, however, she said many purchases still required people to visit stores or collection points in person.

Another major difference, according to her, was the ability to function on "last-minute mode." She explained that many tasks in India could often be arranged instantly or on short notice, while life in Portugal generally revolved around appointments, scheduling and advance planning.

She also highlighted India's fast delivery ecosystem, noting that services promising deliveries within minutes, the same day or the next day have become commonplace. In contrast, she said even next-day delivery can feel remarkably quick by Portuguese standards.

Healthcare and access to medicines was another area where she felt India had an advantage. While acknowledging that Portugal's healthcare system was well-structured, she said getting doctor appointments, visiting pharmacies and obtaining medicines often felt more straightforward and accessible in India.

Transportation also made the list. Shruti observed that autos, taxis and various forms of public transport were readily available across many Indian cities, often at comparatively affordable rates. While Portugal offers organised transport systems including buses, metros and trains, she said the costs felt noticeably higher.

The content creator then mentioned the availability of skilled workers in India. Tasks such as calling an electrician, plumber or repair technician could often be handled quickly, whereas in Portugal such services typically required appointments and came with higher labour costs.

Finally, she spoke about what she described as India's strong repair culture. According to Shruti, many household items, electronics and appliances could be repaired easily and inexpensively in India, while in Portugal people were often more likely to replace broken items altogether.

Take a look at the post here:

The video triggered a lively discussion among viewers, particularly among Indians living abroad who related to many of her observations.

Some commenters joked that Portugal's slower pace of life felt remarkably similar to Goa, while others said her comparisons were accurate and reflected experiences they had encountered after moving overseas.

At the same time, some viewers offered a different perspective, pointing out that the conveniences she highlighted are often linked to differences in labour costs and workplace structures.

One commenter remarked that when labour is valued differently and workers enjoy stronger protections and wages, everyday services can naturally become less immediate and more expensive.

The discussion ultimately turned into a broader conversation about convenience, lifestyle and the trade-offs that come with living in different parts of the world, with many agreeing that moving abroad often makes people notice aspects of life in India they once barely gave a second thought.