Moving to another country comes with freedom and excitement, but also with new expenses. From rent and groceries to phone bills and unexpected fees, it’s easy to lose track of where your money goes. That’s why budgeting apps are essential when living abroad. They help you stay in control, save more, and avoid financial surprises.
Why Budgeting Apps Matter When You’re Abroad
Living in a different country often means managing multiple currencies, fluctuating prices, and unfamiliar banking systems. You might be sending money home, paying rent in one currency, and earning in another. Budgeting apps help you track it all in one place, giving you clarity and control even when life feels unpredictable.
Revolut: More Than Just A Bank
Revolut started as a travel-friendly bank alternative and has grown into one of the best tools for managing money globally. You can hold multiple currencies, track spending by category, and set monthly budgets. It also provides real-time exchange rates and instant notifications after each transaction.
Great for: people living between countries or earning in multiple currencies.
Wise: Simple And Transparent
Wise is famous for affordable international transfers, but it’s also an excellent tool for daily expenses. You can get a Wise debit card, manage local bank accounts in several countries, and monitor your spending in real time. It’s especially helpful if you regularly send money home or receive payments from abroad.
Great for: freelancers, remote workers, and anyone with cross-border income or expenses.
Mitti: Manage Mobile Costs And Send Credit To Loved Ones
No budget is complete without accounting for mobile costs. With Mitti, you can top up mobile credit, manage your phone balance, and instantly send data or airtime to loved ones. It works seamlessly with local SIMs, eSIMs, and even your home provider, so you can stay connected wherever you are. Every transaction is transparent, with no hidden fees or contracts, making it easier to keep your telecom expenses under control. Whether you’re living abroad, traveling, or supporting family in another country, Mitti offers a fast, reliable, and cost-efficient way to stay connected and send credit when it matters most.
Great for: anyone who wants a quick and dependable way to manage mobile costs and support friends or family.
Monzo And N26: Mobile Banks With Built-In Budgets
Both Monzo and N26 have smart budgeting features built directly into their apps. You can set spending limits, create savings pots, and categorize each transaction. These mobile banks are ideal if you want everything in one app without needing a separate budgeting tool.
Great for: digital nomads and expats who want an all-in-one banking and budgeting solution.
Splitwise: When You’re Not Budgeting Alone
Living abroad often means sharing expenses. From groceries with housemates to weekend trips with friends, Splitwise helps you track who owes what. No more awkward reminders or messy notes. Simply log expenses, split them fairly, and settle up when you’re ready.
Great for: students, group travelers, or anyone sharing rent, meals, or activities.
Spendee: Clean Design, Powerful Tools
If you want a stand-alone budgeting app that works with any bank, Spendee is worth trying. You can create shared wallets with family, track multiple currencies, and connect it to your existing accounts. Its clean design makes it easy to manage your finances, even if budgeting isn’t your favorite task.
Great for: couples, families, and anyone managing joint expenses while living far from home.
Mint: A Classic For A Reason
If you are based in the US or still have a US bank account, Mint remains a trusted choice. It automatically tracks spending, reminds you of bills, and provides insights into your financial habits. While it doesn’t support all international banks, it’s still valuable if part of your finances remain in the US.
Great for: US citizens or permanent residents living abroad.
The right budgeting app depends on your lifestyle, where you bank, and how you spend. Whether you need a full digital bank, a shared expense tracker, or a simple way to keep your family online, there’s an app to match your needs. Try a few, track your spending for a month, and see what works best for you. Smart budgeting starts with visibility, and these tools help you get there faster.