Master Your Money: Practical Tips for Expats Living in Europe

Moving to Europe? Discover practical tips for expats to manage money smartly, from budgeting and saving to banking across borders. Learn how bunq helps you stay in control and enjoy your European adventure stress-free.

June 5, 2025

Moving to Europe means new cities, new faces, and a new way of managing your money. With so much changing at once, it pays to keep your finances simple. Here’s how bunq helps you stay in control while you settle in and make the most of your adventure.

1. Set a Budget That Fits Your Life

Living costs can vary a lot between cities. With bunq, you can create up to 25 Bank Accounts for different expenses, so your budget stays flexible wherever you go. Rent, groceries, nights out—everything organized, everything clear.

2. See Where Your Money Goes

In a new country, it’s easy to lose track. bunq keeps you in the loop with Instant Notifications and clear Spending Insights. You’ll spot patterns, catch small leaks, and make quick changes when you need to.

3. Save Without Even Thinking About It

Big trip? New gadget? Just building a buffer? With bunq, saving feels effortless. Earn high interest, paid out weekly for faster growth. Turn on AutoSave to round up your purchases and put the spare change straight into savings.

4. Learn The Basics Early

Every country has its own rules for banking, taxes, and residency. You don’t need to know it all, but getting familiar with the basics saves a lot of hassle later. A little prep now can mean fewer surprises (and fewer headaches) down the road.

5. Choose a Bank That Moves With You

bunq is designed for people who live life across borders. Manage multiple currencies, switch app languages, and open new Bank Accounts straight from your phone. No paperwork, no queues.

Final Thoughts

Living abroad should feel exciting, not overwhelming. With bunq, you can manage your money smarter, save faster, and spend with confidence—giving you more time and freedom to enjoy everything Europe has to offer.

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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

Easy Savings icon

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

Easy Bank icon

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

Easy Bank Pro icon

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon

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

Easy Savings icon

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

Easy Bank icon

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

Easy Bank Pro icon

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon

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

Easy Savings icon

bunq Free

Free

The essentials to get you started.

Easy Bank icon

bunq Core

€3.99/month

The bank account for everyday use.  

Easy Bank Pro icon

bunq Pro

€9.99/month

The bank account that makes budgeting easy.

Easy Bank Pro XL icon

bunq Elite

€18.99/month

The bank account designed for your international lifestyle.