You arrive in a new country.
A few practical things change quickly. Phone, address, routines.
And then comes the question of how to handle your money.
Your home bank can feel distant. Payments are slower. Fees appear in places you did not expect. Support takes longer (if there is one at all).
Fintech apps like Wise look like the answer.
Quick sign‑up. Clean apps. Good rates. Problem solved, right?
I use fintechs. Every day. They make travel and life abroad easier. I move money fast. I pay in local currency. I like them.
Here is the real question though.
Can these apps replace a bank when you live abroad for real life needs?
Rent. Payroll. Visas. Utilities. Taxes. Business accounts. Emergencies.
Sometimes the answer looks like yes. For a few months you can run everything from your phone. Many people do this during the first stretch in a new place.
Over the course of a year, new requirements come up.
Landlords ask for a local account. Employers prefer local payroll paths. Some agencies request bank letters. Large deposits need clear protection. A card freeze on a travel day becomes a real problem if you have no backup (I have been there).
This post gives a clear view.
What fintechs do well. Where they have limits. What a bank still adds. How to set up a simple stack that works in daily life.
I am not trying to sell you on any brand. I want you to avoid avoidable pain.
My rule is simple. Use the tools that give you speed and control. Keep a safety option for everything. Especially money.