Essential Guide
Your First Days in Europe
SIM cards, bank accounts, and essential tasks to complete when you arrive
🇩🇪 Germany
🇫🇷 France
🇳🇱 Netherlands
🇪🇸 Spain
🇮🇹 Italy
🇭🇺 Hungary
🇵🇱 Poland
🇦🇹 Austria
🇨🇿 Czech Republic
🇸🇪 Sweden
🇩🇰 Denmark
🇫🇮 Finland
SIM Cards
Banks
Essentials
Lidl Connect
Top Pick €8.99/4 weeks 10GB
Network: Vodafone
Best budget option, unlimited calls/texts
Aldi Talk
Top Pick €14.99/4 weeks 30GB
Network: O2
Great value, EU roaming included
Lebara
€14.99/month 10GB
Network: O2
English website/support, international calls
SIMon Mobile
€11.99/month 20GB
Network: Vodafone
Post-paid, cancel monthly
O2 Free M Youth
€15/month 25GB
Network: O2
Under 29 or student ID required
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Ensure your phone is unlocked before arriving
- Bring your passport — it's required for activation
- Buy at carrier stores for help with activation
- All EU SIMs include free roaming in other EU countries
N26
Top Pick Digital
Free
Best for students — instant setup, English app, free ATM withdrawals
Commerzbank
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Good branch network, easy Anmeldung-based opening
Deutsche Bank
Traditional
Free (under 30)
International reputation, English support available
Sparkasse
Traditional
~€3–5/mo
Largest ATM network in Germany, local branches everywhere
DKB
Digital
Free
Free worldwide ATM, great for travelers
Banking Tips
- You need Anmeldung (city registration) to open most bank accounts
- N26 can be opened before Anmeldung with just a passport
- Bring your passport, student enrollment letter, and Anmeldung confirmation
- IBAN is used for all EU transfers — no SWIFT needed within EU
City Registration (Anmeldung)Within 14 days
Register at local Bürgeramt — required for everything else
Health InsuranceBefore enrollment
TK, AOK, or Barmer for public; must be arranged before university registration
Bank AccountFirst week
Open N26 or traditional bank for rent payments and salary
SIM CardDay 1
Buy prepaid SIM at supermarket or carrier store
Semester TicketAfter enrollment
Free/discounted public transport included in semester fee
University EnrollmentBefore semester
Complete enrollment with all required documents
Residence PermitWithin 3 months
Apply at Ausländerbehörde (foreigners office)
Free Mobile
Top Pick €2/month 50MB
Network: Free
Cheapest option for light users
Free Mobile
Top Pick €19.99/month 300GB
Network: Free
Best value unlimited plan in France
SFR Red
€10/month 130GB
Network: SFR
No commitment, good coverage
Bouygues B&You
€9.99/month 100GB
Network: Bouygues
Reliable network, EU roaming
Orange Prepaid
€10/month 20GB
Network: Orange
Best coverage, available at airports
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Free Mobile offers the best value — €19.99 for 300GB
- Buy SIM at Tabac shops or carrier stores
- French number needed for many admin tasks
- RIB (bank details) may be needed for post-paid plans
BoursoBank
Top Pick Digital
Free
Best free online bank, Visa card included
Société Générale
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Good student offers, many branches
BNP Paribas
Traditional
Free (under 25)
Largest French bank, English support
N26
Digital
Free
No French address needed initially
Crédit Agricole
Traditional
Free (students)
Strong in smaller cities, student packages
Banking Tips
- You need a French address to open most accounts
- RIB (Relevé d'Identité Bancaire) is your bank ID — needed everywhere
- Student accounts are usually free until age 25
- Bring passport, proof of address, and enrollment certificate
OFII ValidationWithin 3 months
Validate your long-stay visa with OFII (immigration office)
CAF Housing AidAfter moving in
Apply for APL housing assistance — most students qualify
Bank AccountFirst week
Open account to receive CAF aid and pay rent
Health Insurance (Ameli)After arrival
Register with Assurance Maladie for free healthcare
SIM CardDay 1
Buy at Free store or Tabac shop
Transport CardFirst week
Get Navigo (Paris) or local transport card with student discount
Lebara
Top Pick €10/month 8GB
Network: KPN
Easy English activation, international calls
Simyo
Top Pick €10/month 10GB
Network: KPN
Best prepaid value, easy top-up
Ben
€13/month 15GB
Network: T-Mobile
Good coverage, flexible plans
KPN Prepaid
€15/month 10GB
Network: KPN
Best coverage in NL
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- BSN number needed for post-paid contracts
- Prepaid SIMs available at Albert Heijn, Jumbo supermarkets
- All plans include free EU roaming
- DigiD (digital ID) needs a Dutch phone number
ING
Top Pick Traditional
€0 (students)
Most popular, English app, wide ATM network
ABN AMRO
Top Pick Traditional
€0 (students)
Good English support, student packages
Bunq
Digital
€2.99/month
English-first, instant IBAN, no BSN needed initially
Rabobank
Traditional
€0 (students)
Strong in smaller cities
N26
Digital
Free
German IBAN — works but Dutch IBAN preferred
Banking Tips
- BSN (citizen service number) required — get it at municipality
- Dutch IBAN needed for rent, salary, and DigiD
- ING and ABN AMRO have the best student deals
- Bring passport, BSN, and proof of enrollment
BSN RegistrationWithin 5 days
Register at municipality (gemeente) to get BSN number
Bank AccountAfter BSN
Dutch IBAN required for almost everything
Health InsuranceWithin 4 months
Mandatory basic insurance (~€130/month), compare on Independer.nl
DigiDAfter BSN
Digital identity for government services — needs Dutch phone
OV-chipkaartDay 1
Public transport card — get personal card for student discount
SIM CardDay 1
Prepaid SIM from supermarket or phone store
Lycamobile
Top Pick €10/month 15GB
Network: Movistar
No contract, international calls included
Orange Prepaid
Top Pick €10/month 25GB
Network: Orange
Best prepaid value, great coverage
Digi
€10/month 50GB
Network: Digi
Cheapest high-data plan in Spain
Vodafone Yu
€15/month 25GB
Network: Vodafone
Youth plan, good perks
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- NIE number needed for post-paid contracts
- Prepaid available at Carrefour, El Corte Inglés
- Digi offers the most data for the price
- WhatsApp is widely used — get a Spanish number quickly
N26
Top Pick Digital
Free
Open without NIE, English support
Santander
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Largest bank, campus branches at many universities
BBVA
Traditional
Free (students)
Good app, Blue account is free
CaixaBank
Traditional
Free (under 26)
Largest ATM network in Spain
Openbank
Digital
Free
Santander's digital bank, fully online
Banking Tips
- NIE (foreigner ID number) needed for most banks
- N26 works without NIE as temporary solution
- Spanish banks may require in-person visit
- Bring passport, NIE, and proof of address/enrollment
NIE (Foreigner ID)ASAP
Apply at police station — needed for bank, contract, work
EmpadronamientoAfter finding housing
Register at city hall (Ayuntamiento) — proof of address
Bank AccountAfter NIE
Spanish IBAN needed for rent and bills
Health InsuranceBefore/at arrival
EU: EHIC card. Non-EU: private insurance required
SIM CardDay 1
Prepaid at any phone store or supermarket
Transport CardFirst week
Metro/bus card with student discount (T-Jove in Barcelona, Abono Joven in Madrid)
Iliad
Top Pick €7.99/month 150GB
Network: Iliad
Best value in Italy, no hidden costs
ho. Mobile
Top Pick €6.99/month 100GB
Network: Vodafone
Great budget option, Vodafone network
WindTre
€9.99/month 100GB
Network: WindTre
Wide coverage, stores everywhere
TIM
€9.99/month 50GB
Network: TIM
Best coverage nationwide
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Codice Fiscale needed for SIM activation
- Iliad vending machines at train stations — quick setup
- Bring passport + Codice Fiscale to any phone store
- Italian SIMs are very cheap compared to other EU countries
Intesa Sanpaolo
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Largest Italian bank, XME Conto for under 35
UniCredit
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Good international bank, English support
N26
Digital
Free
Works without Codice Fiscale initially
Hype
Digital
Free
Italian fintech, instant card
Banking Tips
- Codice Fiscale required — get it at Agenzia delle Entrate
- Italian IBAN needed for rent and university payments
- Some banks require in-person visit with appointment
- Bring passport, Codice Fiscale, enrollment letter, and permit receipt
Codice FiscaleDay 1
Tax code from Agenzia delle Entrate — needed for everything
Permesso di SoggiornoWithin 8 days
Residence permit — apply at post office (kit from Poste Italiane)
Bank AccountAfter Codice Fiscale
Open with Codice Fiscale and passport
SIM CardDay 1
Get Iliad at vending machine or store with Codice Fiscale
Health InsuranceBefore enrollment
EU: EHIC. Non-EU: buy Italian health insurance or register with SSN
University EnrollmentBefore semester
Complete immatricolazione with all documents
Vodafone HU
Top Pick HUF 3,000/month 15GB
Network: Vodafone
Best coverage, English app
Telekom HU
Top Pick HUF 3,500/month 20GB
Network: Telekom
Reliable, good city coverage
Yettel
HUF 2,990/month 10GB
Network: Yettel
Budget option, decent coverage
Digi Mobile
HUF 1,590/month 10GB
Network: Digi
Cheapest option, growing network
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Prepaid SIMs available at any newsstand or phone store
- Passport required for activation
- Top up at post offices, newsagents, or online
- ~HUF 3,000 ≈ €8 — very affordable
Revolut
Top Pick Digital
Free
Most popular among international students, instant setup
OTP Bank
Top Pick Traditional
~HUF 500/mo
Largest Hungarian bank, ATMs everywhere
Wise
Digital
Free
Great for international transfers, multi-currency
CIB Bank
Traditional
Free (students)
Good student packages, English support
Banking Tips
- Revolut/Wise work well without Hungarian address
- Hungarian bank account needed for Stipendium Hungaricum stipend
- Bring passport, student ID, and address proof
- OTP has the most ATMs across Hungary
Address CardWithin 30 days
Register address at immigration office — needed for residence permit
Residence PermitWithin 30 days
Apply at immigration office with enrollment + financial proof
TAJ Card (Health)After registration
Social security card for healthcare access
Bank AccountFirst week
Revolut immediately, Hungarian bank after address registration
SIM CardDay 1
Buy at any newsstand with passport
Student IDAfter enrollment
Hungarian student card gives discounts on transport and museums
Orange Flex
Top Pick PLN 25/month 25GB
Network: Orange
App-based, best for students
Play
Top Pick PLN 25/month 30GB
Network: Play
Good value, wide coverage
T-Mobile
PLN 30/month 30GB
Network: T-Mobile
Reliable, good 5G coverage
Plus (Polsat)
PLN 25/month 20GB
Network: Plus
Decent coverage, budget plans
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- PESEL number needed for post-paid (get at city hall)
- Prepaid SIMs at Żabka convenience stores — everywhere
- ~PLN 25 ≈ €6 — Poland has very cheap mobile data
- Register SIM within 30 days to keep it active
mBank
Top Pick Digital-first
Free (students)
Best student account, full English app
PKO BP
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Largest Polish bank, ATMs everywhere
Millennium
Traditional
Free (students)
Good English support, modern app
Revolut
Digital
Free
Works immediately, PLN account available
Banking Tips
- PESEL number required for Polish bank accounts
- Get PESEL at any city hall (Urząd Miasta) with passport
- mBank has the best English-language experience
- BLIK payment system is used everywhere in Poland — get a bank that supports it
PESEL NumberFirst week
Register at city hall — universal ID number for everything
Bank AccountAfter PESEL
Polish IBAN needed for rent and university payments
Health InsuranceBefore enrollment
ZUS registration through university or private insurance
SIM CardDay 1
Buy prepaid at Żabka or phone store
Residence CardWithin 3 months
Apply at Voivodeship Office for temporary residence
City CardFirst week
Get local transport card (e.g., Karta Miejska) with student discount
HoT (Hofer)
Top Pick €5.90/month 15GB
Network: T-Mobile
Best budget option, at Hofer supermarkets
Spusu
Top Pick €4.90/month 15GB
Network: Three
Great value, flexible plans
A1
€15/month 20GB
Network: A1
Best coverage in Austria
Three (Drei)
€12/month 20GB
Network: Three
Good city coverage, stores everywhere
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- ID required for SIM activation since 2019
- HoT SIMs available at Hofer (Aldi) supermarkets
- All Austrian SIMs include EU roaming
- Spusu offers the best price/data ratio
Erste Bank
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Best student account (s Studentenkonto), George app
Bank Austria
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
UniCredit group, good international features
N26
Digital
Free
Open before Meldezettel, instant setup
Raiffeisenbank
Traditional
Varies
Strong in smaller cities and rural areas
Banking Tips
- Meldezettel (registration confirmation) needed for most banks
- N26 works without Meldezettel initially
- Student accounts are free at most Austrian banks
- Bring passport, Meldezettel, and enrollment confirmation
Meldezettel (Registration)Within 3 days
Register address at Meldeservice — needed for everything
Bank AccountAfter Meldezettel
Austrian IBAN for rent and salary
Health InsuranceBefore enrollment
ÖGK self-insurance for students (~€65/month)
SIM CardDay 1
Buy at Hofer (HoT) or any phone store
Semester TicketAfter enrollment
Discounted public transport pass (Semesterticket)
Residence PermitBefore visa expires
Apply at MA 35 (Vienna) or Bezirkshauptmannschaft
Vodafone CZ
Top Pick CZK 349/month 10GB
Network: Vodafone
Good prepaid plans, English support
T-Mobile CZ
Top Pick CZK 399/month 15GB
Network: T-Mobile
Best coverage, reliable
O2 CZ
CZK 299/month 5GB
Network: O2
Budget option, decent coverage
Kaktus
CZK 249/month 5GB
Network: T-Mobile
Cheapest option on T-Mobile network
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Czech mobile data is more expensive than Poland/Hungary
- ~CZK 350 ≈ €14 — prepaid is the easiest option
- Passport required for SIM purchase
- Buy at any electronics store or carrier shop
Fio Banka
Top Pick Traditional
Free
Completely free, English online banking
ČSOB
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Good English support, many branches
Raiffeisenbank CZ
Traditional
Free (students)
Modern app, good student deals
Revolut
Digital
Free
Works immediately, CZK account
Banking Tips
- Czech accounts are in CZK (not EUR)
- Fio Banka is the only fully free bank
- Bring passport, visa/residence permit, and enrollment letter
- Revolut works great as a temporary solution
Foreign Police RegistrationWithin 3 days
Register at Foreign Police Department
Long-term Residence PermitBefore visa expires
Apply at Ministry of Interior
Bank AccountFirst week
Czech CZK account for rent and payments
Health InsuranceBefore arrival
VZP or private insurance required for non-EU students
SIM CardDay 1
Buy prepaid at any Vodafone or T-Mobile store
ISIC Student CardAfter enrollment
International student card for discounts
Comviq
Top Pick SEK 95/month 10GB
Network: Tele2
Best budget option, easy top-up
Lycamobile
Top Pick SEK 99/month 8GB
Network: Tele2
International calls, English support
Telia
SEK 149/month 15GB
Network: Telia
Best coverage in Sweden
Halebop
SEK 129/month 10GB
Network: Telia
Telia network, flexible prepaid
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Personnummer (personal number) needed for post-paid
- Prepaid SIMs at Pressbyrån kiosks
- ~SEK 100 ≈ €9 — Sweden is cashless, phone payments everywhere
- BankID requires Swedish phone number + personnummer
Handelsbanken
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Good for international students, helpful staff
Swedbank
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Most ATMs, Swish payment support
SEB
Traditional
Free (students)
International-friendly, English banking
Wise/Revolut
Digital
Free
Use temporarily until personnummer arrives
Banking Tips
- Personnummer required for Swedish bank accounts
- Apply for personnummer at Skatteverket (Tax Agency)
- Swish (mobile payment) is essential — everyone uses it
- Sweden is almost cashless — card/phone payment everywhere
PersonnummerASAP (takes 2-8 weeks)
Apply at Skatteverket — needed for everything in Sweden
Bank AccountAfter personnummer
Swedish account needed for Swish and salary
SIM CardDay 1
Prepaid Comviq from Pressbyrån
Residence Permit CardAfter arrival
Visit Migrationsverket to get biometric card
Student NationAfter enrollment
Join a student nation for social life and housing help
BankIDAfter bank account
Digital ID for all Swedish online services
Lebara
Top Pick DKK 49/month 8GB
Network: Three
No CPR needed, international calls
Lycamobile
Top Pick DKK 49/month 6GB
Network: Telia
Easy activation, English support
Oister
DKK 79/month 30GB
Network: Three
Best value for data
TDC
DKK 99/month 15GB
Network: TDC
Best coverage, premium network
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- CPR number needed for post-paid contracts
- Prepaid available at 7-Eleven and Netto
- ~DKK 50 ≈ €7
- MobilePay needs CPR + Danish bank — use until then cash/card
Danske Bank
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Largest Danish bank, English support
Nordea
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Nordic bank, good international features
Lunar
Digital
Free
Danish fintech, modern app
Wise/Revolut
Digital
Free
Temporary until CPR + bank setup
Banking Tips
- CPR number required for Danish bank accounts
- MobilePay is Denmark's Swish — essential for daily life
- Denmark uses DKK (not EUR)
- Apply for CPR at International House or municipality
CPR NumberWithin 5 days
Register at International House or municipality
Yellow Health CardAfter CPR
Automatic healthcare with CPR — card arrives by mail
NemKonto (Bank)After CPR
Danish bank account for salary and SU support
SIM CardDay 1
Prepaid from 7-Eleven with passport
RejsekortFirst week
Transport card for buses, trains, metro
NemID/MitIDAfter CPR + bank
Digital ID for all Danish online services
DNA Prepaid
Top Pick €8/month 6GB
Network: DNA
Good coverage, easy top-up
Elisa Prepaid
Top Pick €8/month 4GB
Network: Elisa
Best coverage in Finland
Telia Prepaid
€7.90/month 4GB
Network: Telia
Reliable, available at R-Kioski
Moi
€14/month Unlimited
Network: DNA
Best value post-paid, unlimited data
Pro Tips for SIM Cards
- Finnish personal ID needed for post-paid plans
- Prepaid SIMs at R-Kioski and K-Market
- Finland has excellent mobile coverage even in rural areas
- Moi offers unlimited data for €14 — best deal in Nordics
Nordea
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Largest in Finland, good English support
OP Bank
Top Pick Traditional
Free (students)
Cooperative bank, friendly service
N26
Digital
Free
Use temporarily before Finnish ID
Holvi
Digital
€0-6/month
Finnish fintech, IBAN available
Banking Tips
- Finnish personal identity code needed for bank accounts
- Get identity code at Digital and Population Data Services Agency (DVV)
- Finnish banks are slow to open accounts — allow 2-4 weeks
- MobilePay/Pivo used for mobile payments
Register at DVVFirst week
Get Finnish personal identity code from DVV office
Residence PermitBefore arrival/within 3 months
Apply online at Migri.fi, collect card after arrival
Bank AccountAfter identity code
Finnish IBAN needed for Kela benefits
Kela BenefitsAfter registration
Apply for housing allowance and student meals subsidy
SIM CardDay 1
Prepaid from R-Kioski or K-Market
HSL/Transit CardFirst week
Public transport card with student pricing