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Study Abroad in 2025: Best Student Bank Accounts, SIM Cards & Budgeting Tips in Top Countries
Planning to study abroad in 2025? Beyond flights and accommodation, one of the first things you’ll need upon arrival is a student-friendly bank account, a reliable SIM card, and smart budgeting tools to manage your money. For tips on whether Europe is open and welcoming to international students, check this guide from TopUniversities.
💳 Best Student Bank Accounts by Country
🇺🇸 USA
- Chase College Checking – No monthly fees for students aged 17–24.
- Bank of America Advantage SafeBalance – Simple digital banking, widely accepted. Learn more about student safety in the USA here.
- Tip: Set up your account with your passport, I-20, and student ID.
🇬🇧 UK
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- Santander 123 Student Account – Comes with a complimentary 4-year railcard and zero monthly charges.
- HSBC Student Account – Generous overdraft, mobile banking features.
- Note: You’ll need a UK address and proof of student status. For cultural etiquette tips abroad, see this guide from Educations.com.
🇨🇦 Canada
- Scotiabank Student Banking Advantage Plan – Unlimited transactions, Scene+ rewards.
- TD Student Chequing Account – No monthly fee, easy online setup.
- Find out challenges international students face in North America here.
🇦🇺 Australia
- Commonwealth Bank Student Smart Access – Contactless payment & great ATM access.
- ANZ Access Advantage – Free with valid student ID.
🇩🇪 Germany
- N26 (online bank) – English support, no maintenance fee, virtual card.
- Deutsche Bank Student Account – Traditional in-branch banking.
🇫🇷 France
- BNP Paribas Student Account – Discounts & insurance add-ons.
- Société Générale Student Pack – Affordable and digital-friendly.
🇮🇹 Italy
- Intesa Sanpaolo XME – Flexible account, available in English.
- UniCredit – Widely accepted, student promotions available.
🇸🇪 Sweden
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- SEB Student Account– Offers smooth digital banking with zero account charges.
- Swedbank – Broad ATM access, simple student packages.
🇵🇱 Poland
- mBank – English language interface, mobile-first.
- PKO BP – Popular with students, national reach.
🇭🇺 Hungary
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- OTP Bank Student Account – Affordable for local and international students.
- K&H Bank – Offers English-language support and an easy-to-use digital banking application.
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🇦🇹 Austria
- Erste Bank Student Account – No fees, good student perks.
- Raiffeisenbank – Strong presence across Austria with good digital tools.
📱 Best SIM Cards for International Students
Global Tips:
- Always carry your passport for SIM registration.
- Choose prepaid if you’re staying less than a year.
- Look for data-heavy student plans.
Top Student SIM Providers:
- USA: T-Mobile, Mint Mobile (low-cost)
- UK: giffgaff, VOXI (social media data included)
- Canada: Fido, Koodo (student packages)
- Australia: Amaysim, Boost Mobile (affordable prepaid)
- Germany: Aldi Talk, Lidl Connect (budget options)
- France: Free Mobile (generous 5G data)
- Italy: Iliad, TIM (affordable and reliable)
- Sweden: Comviq, Hallon (data-heavy prepaid plans)
- Poland: Orange, Plus
- Hungary: Yettel, Telekom
- Austria: HoT, A1 Telekom
💰 Budgeting Tips for International Students
- Use Free Budget Apps
- Try Revolut, YNAB (You Need A Budget), or Spendee.
- Track Daily Expenses
- Keep a simple Excel sheet or use mobile apps.
- Use Student Discount Apps
- Register for UNiDAYS, ISIC, and Student Beans.
- Set Weekly Limits
- Plan a weekly spend goal for food, transport, and fun.
- Avoid International Transaction Fees
- Get a multi-currency card (Wise, Revolut, or N26).
📌 Final Checklist
- ✅ Open a local student bank account
- ✅ Get a reliable prepaid SIM card with data
- ✅ Download budgeting & student discount apps
- ✅ Avoid credit cards unless absolutely necessary
- ✅ Make the most of student-only offers from stores & transport
📘 Read Our Other Helpful Guides
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