The Smart Expat's Financial Toolkit: Why Wise is Your Go-To for Life in Europe
- Staff
- Sep 4
- 3 min read
You’re finally ready to make the move abroad; excitement and anxiety twist in the pit of your stomach. After the dreamy glow of your wanderlust-filled Instagram feed fades away, the first thought on every soon-to-be expat’s mind: finances. Suddenly, your mind races with logistical thoughts: “How do I manage my money while living abroad?” “What is the best way to convert dollars to euros?” “What if I want to make a big investment, like purchasing a home?” “Do I really need a local bank account?”
Free yourself from the stress about transferring your savings, if your card will work, or the dread of potential hidden fees. While your traditional banking institution might be who you trust in your native country, their international transfers will be slow, have exorbitant fees, and unfavorable exchange rates. The best kept secret to address all of these concerns and more is with the aid of ViaMonde’s trusted partner, Wise. Through our partnership, we offer a streamlined, cost-effective, and transparent solution with Concierge level assistance.
The Wise Solution: Your Financial Hub for Europe
Although Wise is a financial institution regulated by the National Bank of Belgium, it isn’t a bank, it’s a money services provider. An account with Wise allows you to hold and manage money in over 40 currencies, including Euros, GBP, and USD. Based in Belgium, Wise offers their customers a European IBAN (International Bank Account Number) so you can send and receive money quickly and efficiently while living abroad. You’ll never have to worry about hidden fees, as Wise is transparent before making transfers or conversions. They offer the mid-market conversion rate as opposed to traditional banking institutions that include a 3-5% mark up. You can even earn interest on money held within your account.

The ViaMonde team and many of our clients trust Wise because it has become our go-to for daily life abroad. There is no need to have multiple accounts for different currencies or carry large amounts of cash while traveling. You can use your Wise card like a debit card without the worry of foreign transaction fees. Wise will automatically convert your money to the local currency. Need cash? No problem. At the ATM, Wise will allow you the option to be charged in the local currency.
How ViaMonde Elevates Your Wise Account to the Concierge Level
Of course, with your Wise account you can handle all of your daily and monthly expenses: receive payments from your employer or clients directly to your Wise account, buy groceries or make online purchases, and even send rent and utility payments, instantly. But how is Wise different when you sign up with ViaMonde?
When you use our affiliate link to open a Wise account, you’re not just signing up for a regular account, you’re signing up for Concierge level service. Our referred clients will enjoy partner-only, dedicated support. We have a team of account managers that will be able to provide a personalised, white glove service only available to you through ViaMonde’s affiliate link. Some Wise benefits include discounted FX fees for large transfers and local bank details, perfect for purchasing a home abroad.
Thinking about buying property and worried about a secure way to transfer and convert large sums? Start here, and let us make your experience seamless.
Check out some guides from Wise: