Here is why this Russian woman is charging Rs 100 for a selfie

In a playful and ingenious move, a Russian travel influencer turned the tables on the constant requests for selfies from Indian locals by charging Rs 100 per photo.

The idea, showcased in a now-viral Instagram video, has captivated social media, sparking both amusement and praise for her creative approach.

The viral moment 

The influencer, Angelina, shared a video where she mimicked how Indian tourists often ask for photos with foreigners. “Ma’am, please, one photo? One photo? We’re tired of this, so I came up with a solution,” she says in the clip.

Holding up a sign reading “1 selfie Rs 100”, Angelina stood on a beach as curious locals approached her.

To her surprise, several men were happy to pay the fee for a quick selfie. The video captures Angelina cheerfully accepting Rs 100 notes and proudly showing off her earnings.

In the video caption, she explained her rationale: “And now we’re all happy. Indians get their photo with a foreigner, and foreigners aren’t tired because they’re paid for the selfie. How’s this solution?”

Social media reactions 

The video, garnering over 3.2 million views in six days, with social media users praising Angelina’s clever workaround. Comments ranged from humorous to admiring with one user saying “Modern problems require modern solutions” while another joked by writing, “She found an infinite money glitch” added a third.

Others suggested she raise the price, with one user quipping, “Increase the price after looking at inflation!”

Cultural context 

The fascination of Indians with foreigners often stems from curiosity and cultural dynamics. Social media has further amplified this trend, with many locals treating tourists like celebrities.

While some users expressed amusement at Angelina’s approach, others highlighted the broader context, noting how foreigners in India often face such interruptions during their travels.

A light hearted solution 

Angelina’s initiative has been celebrated as a humorous yet practical way to navigate cultural quirks. By turning an inconvenience into an opportunity, she has not only lightened the mood but also sparked a conversation about the unique interactions between travellers and locals in India.

Her video serves as a reminder of the power of humour and adaptability in bridging cultural differences, leaving both sides smiling—sometimes with Rs 100 in hand.