Pakistan better than India? Canadian tourist says Indians treat you like a walking ATM

India takes pride in its ancient philosophy of ‘Atithi Devo Bhava’—which translates to ‘Guest is God.’ However, a recent viral video suggests that not all foreign visitors feel this sentiment in practice. Canadian traveller and vlogger Nolan Saumure has sparked controversy with his candid comparison of hospitality in India and Pakistan.

In a short interview with Instagram user @officialnamour, Saumure was asked which country offers better hospitality. Without hesitation, he replied, "Pakistan, obviously." His remark has set social media ablaze, drawing both agreement and criticism from viewers.

"Walking ATMs vs. Genuine Hospitality"

Expanding on his answer, Saumure claimed that hospitality in India is largely transactional, with locals seeing foreign visitors as customers rather than guests. In contrast, he described Pakistan as more welcoming, with locals inviting tourists to share meals and even offering them a place to stay.

"People in India treat you like a walking ATM," Saumure said. "In Pakistan, people invite you over, feed you, and even ask you to stay overnight."

Mixed Reactions on Social Media

The video, which has amassed over 4.4 million views, has elicited a variety of responses. Some users agreed with Saumure’s observation. One Instagram user, who identified as an African living in Dubai, commented, "Pakistanis are friendlier than Indian people. Pakistan treats you as a friend; Indians treat you as a complete stranger."

Another viewer, an Indian, simply stated: "I agree."

Some users provided context for the perceived difference in hospitality. One comment suggested that India's booming tourism industry has led to a more commercialised approach, while Pakistan’s smaller number of foreign visitors makes each guest feel special. "India gets a lot of tourists, so we are used to it and have built an economy around them. Pakistan hardly gets a few hundred tourists a year, so it’s a big event for them to see a foreigner," the user wrote.

Not everyone agreed with Saumure’s assessment. Some users took issue with his perspective, questioning why foreign visitors expect preferential treatment in India. One commenter referenced India’s colonial history, writing, "Why do whites expect princess treatment from Indians after stealing $45 trillion from India?"

Saumure responded directly, stating, "Preferring not to be harassed is not princess treatment."

A Traveller’s Perspective

Saumure is an experienced traveller who has explored numerous countries, including Sri Lanka, the USA, Mexico, Indonesia, Vietnam, and more. His global travels have given him a broad perspective on how different cultures treat visitors. However, his remarks about India and Pakistan highlight the subjectivity of hospitality experiences—what one traveller sees as warmth, another might perceive as intrusion or commercialisation.

The debate stirred by Saumure’s comments goes beyond a simple comparison. It raises deeper questions about tourism, cultural expectations, and the evolving nature of hospitality. India’s tourism industry is one of the largest in the world, bringing in millions of visitors each year. With such high volumes, interactions often become more transactional. In contrast, Pakistan’s tourism sector is still developing, and visitors are a rarity, making hospitality feel more intimate.

While the online debate rages on, one thing is clear: perceptions of hospitality are shaped by individual experiences, cultural norms, and the context in which they unfold. Whether one agrees with Saumure or not, his viral video has undoubtedly sparked a meaningful conversation about how nations welcome their guests.