Setting Up Basics: Bank Accounts, Phone Plans and More to Arrange in Advance

Introduction

The plane has touched down, you’ve made your way through immigration and at last you are on the campus of your dream university. The hard part is over, right? Not exactly. The first few weeks of your study abroad experience are a whirlwind of firsts, but also a to-do list packed with practical activities. For new international students, one of the most difficult obstacles to navigate is the relatively simple task of setting up essentials abroad. Without a local bank account or a functioning phone, even the simplest task can seem like a steep obstacle. This is an all-in-one, step-by-step guide to take you on those head-on battles. We will guide you through the most important to-dos, with straightforward guidance on everything from setting up essentials abroad to getting a phone plan abroad. Get the Basics Straight And we don’t mean packing an iron! We understand how crucial it is to get these fundamentals right before you study abroad and that’s where Gateway International comes in. When you’ve finished reading this guide, you will have a detailed strategy for your first few days so that you can worry about the fun stuff related to your new life.

Part 1: Why This Readiness Is Essential

You are, perhaps thinking, “Can I not use my Indian debit card and get an international roaming plan for a bit? The short answer is: You could. But it’s not a good idea. Depending on foreign cards is likely incur expensive transaction fees and an exchange-rate screwing, and the constant worry of the card being frozen for security reasons. International roaming plans, in the same way, are not only costly, but also unreliable. And the truth is that setting up essentials abroad isn’t just about convenience; it’s also about financial security, staying plugged in with family, and freeing yourself up so you can more fully embrace your new life. Living without a local bank account or a dependable phone is like driving a car without gas. It just won’t work. That little bit of time you spend preparing here will save you a ton of frustration and headache later down the line. It is a pivotal piece of the puzzle for any student experiencing student essentials while studying abroad.

Part 2: Financial Bedrock: Bank Accounts

And this, quite frankly, is probably the most important item on your list for setting up essentials abroad. The anchor of your financial situation, your means of tuition payment and of getting money from home is an local bank account setup.

The Why: Your Money, Your Control

Eluding Fees: Each transaction you make overseas will come at a cost courtesy your Indian bank. All of these little fees start to add up fast, and especially for you boots, who are out here balling out and buying everything from food to books. A bank account will put an end to these unnecessary fees and very important for setting up essentials abroad. Security: Local accounts are much more secure. Losing your foreign card, or having it stolen, can also set a nightmare in motion when you have to get a new one shipped to you. You need only to take a trip to a branch or get a new card sent to your local address with a local account. Convenience: Many local companies, landlords, and service providers (such as phone companies and utilities) will require that you have a local bank account for payments. It is also far easier for your family to send you money through a local account. This easy bank account switch is the path to financial freedom and is very necessary for setting up essentials abroad.

The How: A Step-by-Step Guide

The process by which to set up a bank account will vary by country, but here’s a general guideline. Step 1: Research Pre-Arrival Account Opening How Getting Started Pre-Arrival Working with a major bank in the UK, Canada or Australia, many international students are able to start their application online before they arrive. This is a massive time-saver. You can complete the forms, file any necessary documents and are given a temporary account number. It’s one of the setting up essentials abroad you want to set up as early as possible. Step 2: Collect Your Documents Whether you apply online or in person, you will need a bundle of documents. Have them in both digital and hard copy:

• Your Passport and Visa
• Acceptance Letter (or Form I-20/CoE) from a University
• Proof of Address in your new country (this could be difficult for new students however many universities international student office can give a letter as proof)

Step 3: The In-Person Visit The last step for a successful bank account setup after landing is a trip to the bank. Schedule an appointment if possible. Bring all of your documentation, and be ready to answer a few questions about what your account is for. The bank representative will guide you through the process, and you’ll depart with a debit card along with your account information. It’s a nonnegotiable part of setting up essentials abroad.

Check out: Contact Us →

Part 3: Connections Phone Plans

The second order of business after your bank account is a phone plan. A local number is essential for everything from signing up for university dubs to ordering food and keeping in contact with new friends. This is a very important piece of the getting a phone plan while abroad right.

The Why: More Than Just Calls

Staying in Touch With Family: And while messaging apps are awesome, a local number means you can make and receive calls — a necessity in the case of an emergency. Campus and Daily Life: Your university may utilize your local number for notifications and emergency alerts. It’s also necessary for many services, such as ride-sharing apps, food delivery and job applications. Get Rid of Roaming Fees: Over the time of a day or two, using an international roaming plan can be nothing short of criminal. Local plan is pennies on the dollar and they show up. This is one of the reasons why to get phone plan abroad as soon as you can.

The How: Choosing Your Plan

The phone plan market can be confusing. Here’s how you can be a smart decider. Step 1: Pre-Arrival Options If you want to make sure you’re connected the instant you touch down, there are a few options to consider beforehand, such as an eSIM or a pre-ordered SIM card. You can still purchase these from online companies that cater to international travel. You can set up an eSIM before you head out, so that as soon as you land you can activate it. That’s a very savvy move for setting up essentials abroad. Step 2: In Person Purchase After you arrive in your new city, you’ll have a couple of options:

• Prepaid (Pay-As-You-Go): This is the best option for the first time getting a phone plan abroad. You purchase a SIM card and load it with credit. You’re charged for a certain amount of data, calls and texts for a certain period. It’s flexible and has no long-term contract or a credit check required.
• Postpaid (Contract): This is the long term good option. You sign a contract for a certain period (usually 1 or 2 years) and then pay the same amount each month. These plans typically include more data and subsidies for a phone. You’ll need a local bank account and a credit history for thisso it’s not an immediate option for setting up essentials abroad.

Step 3: What to Watch Out for When a provider is considered, consider:

• Network Coverage: Look at the provider’s coverage map to make sure they have good coverage on your campus and in the city where you’ll live.
• Data Allowance: This is a biggie. As a student, you’ll want to use data for maps, messaging and social media. Ensure the plan you select offers enough data to fully last all month.

Check out: Education Loans vs Scholarships: Which Funding Option to Choose?

Part 4: Past Bank and Phone: Other Student Essentials to Sort Out

Though the bank account and phone plan are most vital to making your transition seamless, other things on your list are also up there in terms of importance. All of these are the basics of setting up essentials abroad. Student D and Library Access Your university student ID card gives you access to your campus life. It gains you entry into the library, campus buildings and even certain discounts. Be sure to do this as soon as possible. Public transportation card: In the majority of cities, a public transport card will work out cheaper than purchasing single tickets. It’s the Oyster Card in London; the Presto Card in Toronto.  Getting one is a crucial part of setting up essentials abroad for daily life. Health Services Registration: This is easily forgettable but very crucial. Know how to register with a local doctor or clinic and how to obtain health services. Your university’s international student office will likely have information on this. Student Discounts: With a student ID you can enjoy discounts at museums, cinemas, restaurants, and several other places. There are student discount cards for certain countries worth applying for. This is a fantastic way to save money and a major help for students setting up essentials abroad.

Chapter 5: A Day in the Life of a Freshman: A Story Walkthrough

To take some of the woefulness out of all of it, let’s track a fictional student named Divyanshi from Mumbai as she confronts the challenge of setting up essentials abroad on her first full day in Toronto. Divyanshi arrived exhausted but excited. The next morning she woke up ready to get her basics in order. She also had a list in hand from Gateway International that took some of the emotion out of the process. Her first stop was the bank. She rode the streetcar from her dorm to the downtown branch, feeling her heart trip a bit with the nerves. She brought her documents in a folder, just as her adviser had advised her to do. She went inside and was greeted by a smiling representative. “Hello, I have an appointment to open a student account,” she announced, her voice a little wobbly. The representative smiled and exclaimed, “Of absolutely! Let’s get you sorted.” Divyanshi showed her passport, visa and letter of address from her university. The process was surprisingly quick. She left an hour later with a temporary debit card and her account numbers. Her first major assignment was a triumph. And it was a huge relief. She had finished the most important part of setting up essentials abroad is setting up her bank account. She then proceeded to the phone store. She had done her homework and knew exactly what plan she wanted—a prepaid plan with data to last her until she was paid from her part-time job. “I had gone in there and said to the salesman, ‘I’m a student; I just need a simple prepaid plan with a heap of texts and a couple of gigs of data,’” she says. The associate offered her a handful of options, and within 15 minutes, she had a new SIM card and a local number. She called her parents as soon as she reached the street, her voice bursting with excitement. “I’m all set!” she told them. She’d made it through phone plan abroad! Her last stop was a convenience store to buy a Presto card for public transportation. Tapping her new debit card was a source of pride for her. These little wins made her feel more self-sufficient than she ever had. At the end of her first day, Divyanshi began to feel less like a visitor and more like a local. Suddenly all the small pieces of students setting up essentials abroad were starting to fit together.

Check out: Staying Connected: Leveraging Your University’s Alumni Network After Graduation

Key Stats on Student Essentials Abroad

Category	Statistic
Indian Students Abroad	1.3 million+ studying overseas in 2023 (MEA Report, 2023)
Bank Account Need	85% of landlords and service providers abroad require local bank accounts for payments (ICEF Monitor)
Pre-Arrival Setup	60% of international students can begin bank applications online before arrival (NAFSA, 2022)
Money Transfer Costs	Using foreign debit/credit cards abroad can add 3–5% in transaction + FX fees (World Bank Data)
Student Banking Errors	40% of students face account delays due to missing documents (British Council, 2021)
Phone Costs	International roaming is up to 10x more expensive than local student SIM plans (OECD Report)
Connectivity Impact	72% of students report difficulty accessing campus services without a local number in their first week (QS Survey, 2022)
Student Discounts	ISIC and student ID cards save an average of 30% on entertainment, transport, and dining (ISIC Global, 2023)

Student Queries

Q1. When will I be able to begin the bank account opening process?

Most banks in the US let international student start the application process online 3-6 months before arrival. The last check comes in person once they are on the ground.

Q2. Can I manage with only my Indian debit card and an international roaming plan?

In theory, yes, but fees and limitations make this infeasible. Local setup is cheaper and more reliable.

Q3. Do I go with pre-paid or postpaid for my first phone plan?

Start with prepaid—easy, no contracts, no credit history required. You can switch to postpaid down the road.

Q4. What’s the biggest mistake students make when moving money from home?

Using only traditional bank transfers. Services such as Wise or Remitly often have cheaper fees and rates.

Q5. Banking and phone is there anything else I should get done the first week?

Student card, health services and local transport card. They accelerate your integration into campus life.

Check out: View Universities →

Gateway’s Assistance

It can be daunting getting your ducks in a row abroad, but you don’t have to navigate it solo. Structured support to facilitate the student’s fast and safe settlement in their new country is offered by Gateway International. How we help:

• Banking Advising: Help with pre-arrival account applications, documentation and student-friendly banks.
• Phone Plans: Tips for selecting the best and cheaper prepaid or postpaid plans as well as setting up eSIM before heading out.
• Student Essentials Setup: A step by step guide to using transport cards, registering for health services, student IDs, discounts programs and more.
• Transition How-To: Tips and resources to help you make the money transfer, sign the contract and settle into your new place before the first week is up.

With Gateway as your guide, what could have been bewildering first days abroad become the smooth and confident beginning to your study abroad journey. Check out: Get Started →

Quiz: Ready to Set Up Abroad?

1. What is the worst part about swiping your home country’s debit card internationally?

1. a) Long ATM queues
2. b) Sky-high transaction and exchange rate fees
3. c) Wanting to get the fuck out with cash.

2. What documents are normally needed when applying for a student bank account in another country?

1. a) Passport, visa, university acceptance letter and address evidence
2. b) Only your passport
3. c) A letter from your parents

3. How Do I Stay Connected and Cost-Effective as a New Student?

1. a) Continue using international roaming
2. b) Buy a prepaid local SIM or eSIM: 
3. c) Use only public Wi-Fi

4. Why wouldn’t I be able to get a postpaid phone plan right away?

1. a) They are native only
2. b) They need a bank account and credit history, local to the area
3. c) Τhey do not offer student reductions

5. What 3 things should you set-up within a week of being on campus other than bank and phone?

1. a) Transport card, student ID, health registration
2. b) Part-time job contract
3. c) Housing loan application

Answer key: 1-b, 2-a, 3-b, 4-b, 5-a

Conclusion

You’re going to have an amazing experience on your study abroad! But nailing the fundamentals at the outset is what enables it all in the first place. By proactively setting up essentials abroad While you are simply ticking items off your pre-departure checklist you are also setting yourself up for a successful and smooth future. From your bank account set up to making phone plans abroad, it’s all a movement towards independence and a smooth transition. The work is worth it every single day you are overseas. At Gateway International, we want you to feel supported every step of the way, helping you make the transition as smooth as possible. Contact us for more advice on study abroad student essentials. For further assistance or queries students can contact us, study abroad consultancy, and avail of our wide range of services for students on destinations like Study in USA, study in UK, study in Singapore , study in Switzerland , study in Australia, study in New Zealand and many other countries.

FAQs

Q1: How early can I apply for opening a bank account before finishing?

You can start the process with many international banks 3–6 months before departure. While you can’t complete everything until arrival, pre-applying saves valuable time and stress.

Q2: Anything in particular to keep in mind about getting a phone plan abroad?

Ensure your phone is unlocked so it can work with local SIM cards. A locked phone tied to your home network won’t be compatible abroad.

Q3: Any special cautions for first-time international students around transferring money?

Use services like Wise (TransferWise) or Remitly for cheaper, faster transfers with better exchange rates compared to traditional bank wires. This is a smart way to save on study abroad student essentials.

Q4: I am an incoming international student, will I be able to get a credit card?

A standard credit card is tough without local credit history. However, secured credit cards (where you deposit collateral) are often available and help build your credit profile for future services.

Q5: Where are some key places to find discounts for student essentials abroad?

Once you have your student ID, check for discounts at restaurants, theaters, museums, and shops. Consider getting an ISIC (International Student Identity Card), which offers global student discounts.