20 Things to Buy from USA to India: An NRI’s Shopping Guide 🛍️

This Article was fact checked and last updated for accuracy on November 22, 2024 by Mani Karthik

Hey there! Mani here.

Let me tell you about my first trip back to India in 2018 after moving to the US.

Picture this: Me at SFO, surrounded by:

• 3 suitcases
• 2 carry-ons
• 1 very confused airline staff
• And a handwritten list from every relative in India!

“Beta, iPhone leke aana!”
“Those vitamins from Costco…”
“That pressure cooker everyone’s talking about…”

After 5 years and countless trips (plus many overweight baggage fees 😅), I’ve mastered the art of what’s actually worth carrying from the US to India.

Quick Decision Guide ⚡

Price Differences That Matter 💰

Category	US Price	India Price	Savings
iPhones	$799	₹79,990	~₹25,000
Nike Shoes	$89	₹15,000	~₹8,000
Instant Pot	$89	₹12,000	~₹5,000

Things to buy from USA to India

Now, let’s dive into what you should actually buy, and more importantly, why!

1. Apple Products 📱

Let me tell you about my cousin’s iPhone purchase in India. Paid ₹95,000, then saw my US-bought iPhone cost $799 (₹65,000).

That’s a ₹30,000 difference – enough for AirPods!

Why US Purchase Makes Sense:

• Price difference: 25-30% cheaper
• Launch dates: Get latest models months earlier
• Warranty: International coverage
• No grey market concerns
• Dual SIM models available
• US models are carrier-unlocked

Best Buys:

• iPhone 15 ($799 vs ₹79,990)
• MacBook Air M2 ($999 vs ₹99,990)
• iPad Pro ($799 vs ₹81,990)

2. Instant Pot 🍲

The story of every Indian mom: “I don’t need this!”

One week later: Makes everything from dal to biryani in it!

Why It’s Worth It:

• Cost: $89 in US vs ₹12,000+ in India
• Functionality: Replaces pressure cooker, rice cooker, slow cooker
• Safety: UL certified, multiple safety features
• Recipes: Huge Indian recipe community online
• Parts availability: Easy to get replacements
• Energy efficient: Perfect for apartment living

Recommended Models:

• Instant Pot Duo 6-Qt ($89)
• Perfect for 3-4 member family
• Makes perfect dal in 30 minutes

3. Nike/Adidas Running Shoes 👟

True story: My brother bought Nike Epic React for ₹15,000 in India.

Same shoe from Nike US outlet: $89 (₹7,300).
The math hurt more than my runs!

Why US Purchase is Smart:

• Authenticity guaranteed
• Latest models available
• Outlet prices are incredible
• Better size availability
• More color options
• Return policy is excellent

Best Picks:

• Nike Air Zoom ($120 vs ₹15,000)
• Adidas Ultraboost ($180 vs ₹18,999)

4. Skincare Products 🧴

Remember when my sister paid ₹2,500 for The Ordinary Niacinamide in India?

The same bottle at Ulta: $6.99 (₹580).

She hasn’t stopped reminding me about this!

Why US Products Are Better:

• Authentication guaranteed
• No skin-lightening additives
• Original formulations
• Better expiry dates
• Fresh stock always

Must-Buy List:

• The Ordinary Products:
• Niacinamide ($6.99 vs ₹2,500)
• Hyaluronic Acid ($7.99 vs ₹2,800)
• Retinol ($7.99 vs ₹3,000)
• CeraVe:
• Moisturizing Cream ($16.99 vs ₹3,500)
• Cleanser ($12.99 vs ₹2,800)

5. Health Supplements 💊

Oh, the Costco vitamin aisle – where every Indian auntie can be found!

Why Buy from US:

• FDA regulated
• No counterfeit concerns
• Bulk packaging available
• 50-60% cheaper
• Better potency

Best Picks from Costco:

• Vitamin D3 (365 tablets: $11.99 vs ₹2,500)
• Fish Oil ($15.99 vs ₹3,000)
• Multivitamins ($19.99 vs ₹4,000)

6. Baby Products 👶

My cousin’s list for her newborn was longer than my PhD thesis!

Why US Products Win:

• Stringent safety standards
• Better materials
• Advanced features
• Huge price difference
• Latest designs available

Top Picks:

• Pampers Swaddlers ($25 vs ₹3,500)
• Similac Formula ($30 vs ₹4,000)
• Johnson’s Baby Products (40% cheaper)

7. Kitchen Gadgets: Beyond Instant Pot 🍳

Story time: My mom visited me in California, saw my Ninja Blender, and now…

“Beta, my Preethi mixer stopped working wink wink“

Why US Kitchen Gadgets Rock:

• Better motors (110V but work with converters)
• Longer warranties
• Superior build quality
• Actually dishwasher safe
• Parts available online

Must-Buy List:

• Ninja Professional Blender:
• US: $99 vs India: ₹15,000
• Crushes ice like a beast
• 72 oz capacity
• Actually delivers 1000W power
• KitchenAid Hand Mixer:
• US: $49.99 vs India: ₹8,000
• Perfect for small Indian kitchens
• 5-speed settings that work
• Great for roti dough

8. Tech Accessories 🎧

Let me tell you about my friend who bought “original” AirPods from Delhi’s Nehru Place…

Spoiler: They weren’t original!

Why Buy in US:

• Guaranteed authenticity
• Latest models
• Better warranty coverage
• Often 40% cheaper
• International warranty

Best Buys:

• AirPods Pro:
• US: $249 vs India: ₹26,990
• Apple warranty works worldwide
• Latest H2 chip
• Better noise cancellation
• Samsung Galaxy Buds:
• US: $149.99 vs India: ₹18,990
• International warranty
• Original accessories
• Latest firmware

9. Home IoT Devices 🏠

Remember trying to explain smart homes to Indian parents?

Dad: “Beta, switch on-off mein kya problem hai?”

After installing smart lights

Dad at 3 AM: “Hey Google, lights on!” 😅

Why US Smart Devices:

• Better compatibility
• Regular updates
• English voice recognition works better
• Huge price difference
• More features unlocked

Smart Home Essentials:

• Google Nest Hub:
• US: $99.99 vs India: ₹15,990
• Works perfectly with converter
• Better voice recognition
• Full feature access
• Philips Hue Starter Kit:
• US: $169.99 vs India: ₹24,990
• Same voltage range
• International warranty
• Works with Indian apps

10. Branded Clothing 👕

Funny story: Bought a “Nike” tee from India for ₹999.

Wore it to my gym in San Francisco.

Trainer: “Nice Nike… wait, since when do they spell it ‘Nikee’?” 🤦‍♂️

Why US Shopping Makes Sense:

• Original products, period
• Outlet prices are incredible
• Better stitching quality
• Latest collections
• Seasonal sales are amazing

Best Picks:

• Nike Outlet:
• Dri-FIT Tees: $15 vs ₹2,499
• Running Shorts: $20 vs ₹2,999
• Training Pants: $30 vs ₹4,499
• Levi’s:
• 511 Jeans: $39.99 vs ₹5,999
• Black Friday deals: Buy 1 Get 1
• Original denim, actual sizes

11. Gaming Gear 🎮

The day I realized my “gaming” mouse from India was actually a regular mouse with LED lights…

Why US Gaming Products:

• Authentic hardware
• Factory warranties
• Latest models
• Better prices
• No “gaming tax”

Must-Haves:

• Logitech G502:
• US: $49.99 vs India: ₹8,999
• Real HERO sensor
• International warranty
• Original software support
• Razer BlackWidow:
• US: $89.99 vs India: ₹15,999
• Genuine mechanical switches
• Full RGB control
• Latest firmware updates

12. Specialty Foods 🍫

The “American Chocolate” section in Indian stores vs actual American chocolates…

Why Pack These:

• Original taste
• Better expiry dates
• Huge price difference
• Special editions available
• Perfect gifts

Worth Carrying:

• Costco Nuts:
• Mixed Nuts: $17.99 vs ₹3,499
• Better quality
• Larger quantities
• Fresher stock
• Special M&Ms:
• Limited Editions: $3.99 vs ₹999
• Peanut Butter flavor
• Holiday specials

13. Sports Equipment ⚽

True story: Bought a “Nike” tennis racket in India.

First serve? The strings made a sound like a guitar at a metal concert!

Why US Sports Gear:

• Quality control exists
• Authentic materials
• Better durability
• Proper warranty
• Competition-grade equipment

Best Buys:

• Wilson Tennis Rackets:
• Pro Staff: $199 vs ₹24,999
• Real carbon fiber
• Original strings
• International warranty
• Proper grip sizes available
• Nike Basketball:
• NBA Official: $29.99 vs ₹4,999
• Genuine leather
• Proper air retention
• Competition standard

14. Premium Cosmetics 💄

My sister’s makeup collection story:

India: “100% authentic MAC, only ₹1,000!”

Reality: Let’s just say her face turned more red than the lipstick 😅

Why US Cosmetics Win:

• Zero chance of fakes
• Latest collections
• Better shade ranges
• Proper storage/shipping
• Sample sizes available

Must-Buy List:

• MAC Cosmetics:
• Lipsticks: $19 vs ₹2,200
• Foundation: $35 vs ₹3,900
• Holiday sets: 40% cheaper
• Estée Lauder:
• Double Wear: $45 vs ₹4,900
• Advanced Night Repair: $75 vs ₹9,500
• Gift sets during holidays

15. Coffee/Tea Accessories ☕

Remember when I got my first Chemex?

Dad: “Beta, filter coffee maker se kya problem hai?”

Now he: “Can you bring one more Chemex?”

Why These Matter:

• Better brewing quality
• Original equipment
• Proper materials
• Significant savings
• Latest coffee tech

Coffee Enthusiast Picks:

• Chemex Classic:
• 6-Cup: $44.95 vs ₹6,999
• Original borosilicate glass
• Real wood collar
• Proper filters available
• Baratza Grinder:
• Encore: $169 vs ₹22,999
• Proper burr quality
• Voltage compatible
• Warranty honored internationally

16. Fitness Gadgets 🏃‍♂️

Let me tell you about my “original” Fitbit from India:
It showed I walked 10,000 steps…
While I was sleeping!

Why US Fitness Tech:

• Real health metrics
• App ecosystem works
• Proper updates
• International warranty
• Accurate sensors

Best Investments:

• Garmin Watches:
• Forerunner 255: $349 vs ₹42,999
• Real GPS tracking
• Global maps work
• Accurate heart metrics
• Connect app fully functional
• Apple Watch:
• Series 9: $399 vs ₹49,900
• ECG works in India
• Fall detection active
• International emergency service

17. Work From Home Gear 💼

2020 WFH setup in India:

“Sir, webcam out of stock.”

“Gaming chair? ₹25,000!”

“Mechanical keyboard? Try this membrane one instead.”

Why US Office Gear:

• Better ergonomics
• Original certificates
• Proper warranties
• Significant savings
• Latest models

Must-Haves:

• Logitech Webcam:
• C920: $69.99 vs ₹12,999
• Real 1080p quality
• Works with all apps
• No driver issues
• Herman Miller Aeron:
• Basic: $999 vs ₹1,45,000
• 12-year warranty
• Original build
• Better lumbar support

18. Premium Headphones 🎧

The “Sony” headphones saga:

India price: ₹35,000
US price: $299 (₹24,000)

Plus: Actually noise cancelling vs “noise convincing” 😅

Why US Audio Gear:

• Authentic products
• Better warranty claims
• Latest firmware
• All features work
• International support

Sound Investments:

• Sony WH-1000XM5:
• US: $399 vs India: ₹45,999
• Real noise cancellation
• All codecs supported
• Multi-point actually works
• Latest firmware available

19. Premium Backpacks 🎒

Remember my “waterproof” backpack from India?

First Seattle rain: My laptop almost went swimming!

Why US Backpacks:

• Actually waterproof
• Real YKK zippers
• Lifetime warranties work
• Original materials
• Better laptop protection

Top Picks:

• Peak Design Everyday:
• US: $259 vs India: ₹35,999
• Real weather sealing
• Original magnetic clasps
• Lifetime warranty honored
• Perfect for cameras too
• North Face Recon:
• US: $99 vs India: ₹18,999
• Genuine materials
• Better back support
• Actually fits airlines specs

20. Travel Accessories 🧳

Let me tell you about power adapters:

Bought one in India: “Universal adapter, madam!”

Reality: Universal way to trip every circuit breaker 😅

Why US Travel Gear:

• Safety certified
• Actually universal
• Better build quality
• Proper voltage support
• Real warranties

Must-Haves:

• Apple World Travel Kit:
• US: $29 vs India: ₹4,999
• Original Apple quality
• All voltages supported
• Perfect for MacBooks
• Anker Power Bank:
• PowerCore 26800: $59.99 vs ₹8,999
• Real capacity
• Fast charging works
• Airlines approved
• Multiple device charging

Final Shopping Tips from an NRI Who Learned the Hard Way 💡

Let me tell you about my first Black Friday in the US.

There I was, 5 AM, standing outside Best Buy in freezing San Francisco weather.

Was it worth it? Absolutely!

Snagged an iPad for $200 less than Indian prices.

Timing your shopping in the US is crucial. After years of trial and error (and way too many “last-minute before flight” purchases), I’ve figured out the sweet spots.

Black Friday isn’t just a sale – it’s like Diwali, Christmas, and your birthday combined for electronics.

I’ve seen MacBooks go for $200-300 less than usual.

Cyber Monday? Perfect for those who prefer shopping in pajamas (like me!).

Prime Day in July is another golden opportunity. Last year, I got my mom’s Instant Pot and my dad’s blood pressure monitor for almost 40% off.

The key is planning ahead – I keep an Amazon wish list running year-round.

Speaking of planning, let’s talk about the baggage dance. You know, that nervous moment at check-in when you’re praying your suitcase isn’t overweight.

Here’s what I’ve learned: carry heavy electronics in your carry-on (yes, that MacBook is precious!), but keep the original boxes for customs.

Those boxes aren’t just packaging – they’re your “yes officer, I bought this legitimately” proof.

My golden rule now?

If I’m saving more than ₹5,000 on something, it goes on my US shopping list. But it’s not just about savings – it’s about quality.

When it comes to tech, I’m strictly a US-only shopper.

After that “original” iPhone charger incident in Delhi (let’s not talk about the small fire), I learned my lesson.

And here’s something nobody tells you – warranties matter. That AppleCare+ you bought in the US?

Works in India.

That “international warranty” your cousin’s friend’s electronics shop promised? Not so much.

For gifts, American brands still carry that special charm back home.

The look on my aunt’s face when she got her Instant Pot? Priceless. Though she did ask why it didn’t make dosas (spoiler: now it does!).

Remember: This isn’t just about saving money – it’s about getting stuff that actually works, lasts longer, and doesn’t give you anxiety every time you plug it in!

My Personal Shopping Rules:

• If saving > ₹5,000: Buy in US
• If warranty matters: US only
• If it’s tech: Always US
• If it’s gifts: US brands

Remember: The key isn’t just saving money – it’s getting genuine products that actually work!

Questions? Drop them below!

P.S. – Want my complete shopping checklist with store recommendations? Join my newsletter! 😊