How to Set Up Your Finances in Your First 90 Days Abroad

Moving abroad? Learn how to set up your finances in your first 90 days, from managing daily spending to organizing accounts across borders.

Moving abroad comes with a lot of exciting firsts, and getting your finances set up early is one of the smartest ways to make the transition feel smooth from day one. With the right structure in place, you can manage your money across borders, stay on top of everyday spending, and build habits that actually fit your new life.

In those first 90 days, you’re figuring out new routines, from paying rent to splitting costs and navigating a different cost of living. A clear financial setup helps everything click into place faster, so you’re not second-guessing how to handle basic things like payments, budgeting, or tracking your expenses.

In this video, we walk you through the financial essentials most expats and students overlook when they move abroad. You’ll learn how to organize your accounts, handle daily spending, and set up a system that works seamlessly wherever you are, so you can focus on settling in and making the most of your experience.


Share this article

Black chain link icon, symbolizing a hyperlink or connection, on a light background.
Black chain link icon, symbolizing a hyperlink or connection, on a light background.
Simple black envelope icon, commonly used to represent email, messages, or communication.
Simple black envelope icon, commonly used to represent email, messages, or communication.
Black LinkedIn logo with “in” letters in white on a black square, symbolizing the professional networking platform.
Black LinkedIn logo with “in” letters in white on a black square, symbolizing the professional networking platform.
Black stylized “X” logo, representing the rebranded Twitter platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Black stylized “X” logo, representing the rebranded Twitter platform, formerly known as Twitter.
Black WhatsApp logo with a phone icon inside a speech bubble, representing messaging and calling.
Black WhatsApp logo with a phone icon inside a speech bubble, representing messaging and calling.
Black circular Facebook icon with lowercase white “f,” representing the Facebook social network.
Black circular Facebook icon with lowercase white “f,” representing the Facebook social network.

Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

1

/

6

This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

1

/

6

This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Risk indicator for all bunq B.V. accounts

1

/

6

This number is indicative of product risk, with 1/6 indicating lower risk and 6/6 indicating higher risk.

bunq B.V. is adhered to the Dutch Deposit Guarantee Fund. The maximum guaranteed amount is €100,000 per user

Find your perfect fit

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.

Start your 30-day free trial

Open your account in just 5 minutes, directly from your phone.