The big four, compared as a stack:
- Forex: Wise vs Revolut. Wise has the real mid-market rate and transparent fees; Revolut has better weekend rates and a slicker card. Open both, use Wise for large transfers. - Insurance: SafetyWing (~56 USD/4 weeks) vs World Nomads. SafetyWing wins for long stays; World Nomads for adventure add-ons. - SIM: Airalo vs Holafly. Airalo is cheaper per GB; Holafly's unlimited plans win for heavy users. Buy before you fly. - Banking: blocked accounts via Expatrio for Germany (11,208 EUR for 2026); high-street student accounts in the UK after arrival with your BRP. Sources: EducationUSA No single app covers all four well. Run Wise + SafetyWing + Airalo + your blocked account provider, and track the whole stack in one checklist so nothing slips to arrival week.
