How much money to take for emergency on the exchange: amounts by country

Deciding how much money to bring for emergencies during an exchange is one of the most important planning issues. In addition to the regular monthly costs, each country has specific financial proof requirements for visa approval, and having an adequate reservation can be decisive for a smooth experience without financial stress.

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Why having an emergency reserve is essential

An emergency reserve during the exchange goes far beyond having extra money available. It represents your security and autonomy in a foreign country, where unforeseen events can have much higher costs than in Brazil and where you may not have an immediate support network.

In addition to unexpected expenses, many countries require strict financial proof as part of the visa process. This requirement is to ensure that you have sufficient resources to support yourself throughout your stay without relying on government assistance, unauthorized work, or becoming a burden on the local system.

Main situations that require your emergency reservation:

• Urgent medical expenses not covered by insurance
• Forced accommodation changes
• Loss or theft of important documents
• Emergency tickets to Brazil
• Unexpected extension of stay
• Extra costs with visa renewal
• Problems with international transfers

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Official financial proof and emergency amounts by country

Canada: the destination that requires the most planning

Official financial proof: CAD 20,635 per year (single student)

‍Monthly cost of living: CAD 1,500 - 3,000

‍Suggested emergency reserve: CAD 2,000 - 6,000

Canada has one of the most stringent financial proof requirements. Single students must prove CAD 20,635 per year, which does not include tuition fees for the course. For students with dependents, the amounts increase significantly: couples need to prove CAD 25,690, and couples with one child, CAD 31,583.

For programs of Public College in Canada or Private College in Canada - Co-op, it is essential to have a robust reserve, especially for the first few months until you get a part-time job.

Tips specific to Canada:

• Large centers like Toronto and Vancouver can cost up to 50% more
• Winter significantly increases spending on heating and clothing
• Provincial health system may have limited coverage for students
• Part-time work is limited to 20 hours per week during term time

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Germany: excellent cost-benefit ratio with moderate planning

Official financial proof: €11,904 annually (€992 monthly for blocked account)

‍Monthly cost of living: €850 - 1,200

‍Suggested emergency reserve: €1,000 - 2,000

Germany requires a “Sperrkonto” (locked account) with €992 monthly, totaling €11,904 annually. This amount is released monthly and serves as the basis for your budget. The program Study and Work in Germany offers one of the best value for money among popular destinations.

Tips specific to Germany:

• Cities like Munich and Frankfurt are more expensive than Berlin or Leipzig
• Efficient public transport significantly reduces costs
• Robust health system reduces risks of high medical expenses
• Part-time job opportunities abound for students

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Ireland: balanced destination with good compensation

Official financial proof: €7,000 - €10,000 annually

‍Monthly cost of living: €1,500 - 2,000

‍Suggested emergency reserve: €1,500 - 3,000

Ireland requires €7,000 for courses of up to 9 months and around €10,000 for longer courses, in addition to tuition. The country offers one of the highest minimum wages in Europe (€12.70/hour), making it easier to support yourself during the Study and Work in Ireland.

Tips specific to Ireland:

• Dublin concentrates most opportunities, but is more expensive
• Cork and Galway offer lower living costs with good quality
• Part-time work is allowed for 20 hours a week and 40 hours on vacation
• Easy access to the rest of Europe for weekend trips

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Malta: the most affordable Mediterranean destination

Official financial proof: €8,400 - €14,400 annually (estimate)

Monthly cost of living: €700 - 1,200

‍Suggested emergency reserve: €800 - 1,500

Malta has no official fixed amount disclosed, but it is recommended to prove the equivalent of one year of expenses. The program Study and Work in Malta offers excellent value for money in the heart of the Mediterranean.

Tips specific to Malta:

• Small size makes it easy to travel and reduces transportation costs
• Favorable weather reduces spending on heating and winter clothes
• Job market focused on tourism and financial services
• Stable cost of living throughout the year, without major seasonal variations

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Spain: significant regional variations

Official financial proof: €7,000 - €9,000 annually

‍Monthly cost of living: €900 - 1,300

‍Suggested emergency reserve: €1,000 - 2,500

Spain requires proof of €7,000 to €9,000 annually to cover basic expenses. The cost varies dramatically between regions, with Madrid and Barcelona being significantly more expensive. The program Study and Work in Spain allows you to work up to 30 hours a week.

Tips specific to Spain:

• Southern and inland cities are much more economical
• Summer may increase costs in tourist destinations like Valencia
• Minimum wage of €10/hour facilitates livelihood through part-time work
• Efficient and economical public transport system

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New Zealand: premium quality of life

Official financial proof: NZD 15,000 annually

Monthly cost of living: NZD 1,200 - 1,800

‍Suggested emergency reserve: NZD 1,500 - 3,000

New Zealand requires NZD 15,000 annually for personal expenses in addition to the course fee. The program Study and Work in New Zealand offers a safe environment and exceptional quality of life.

Tips specific to New Zealand:

• Auckland is significantly more expensive than Wellington or Christchurch
• Geographic isolation makes some imported products more expensive
• High minimum wage (NZD 23.50/hour) compensates for high costs
• High-paying seasonal work opportunities in agriculture

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Australia: investment with guaranteed return

Official financial proof: AUD 24.505 per year

‍Monthly cost of living: AUD 1,200 - 2,000

‍Suggested emergency reserve: AUD 1,500 - 3,500

Australia requires AUD 24,505 annually for living costs in addition to monthly fees. The country offers the highest minimum wage in the world (AUD 24.95/hour), offsetting higher initial costs. The program Study and Work in Australia it is ideal for those seeking well-paid professional experience.

Tips specific to Australia:

• Sydney and Melbourne are the most expensive cities, but with the most opportunities
• Gold Coast and Perth offer better value for money
• Part-time work limited to 48 biweekly hours during studies
• Full-time work opportunities during academic vacations

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United Arab Emirates: emerging premium destination

Official financial proof: There is no official fixed amount

‍Monthly cost of living: AED 4,000 - 7,000

‍Suggested emergency reserve: AED 5,000 - 10,000

The United Arab Emirates has no official amount disclosed, but it is recommended to prove AED 4,000-7,000 per month. The program Study and Work in the United Arab Emirates offers a unique Middle Eastern experience.

Tips specific to the United Arab Emirates:

• Dubai is more expensive than Abu Dhabi and other cities
• Accommodation represents 60-70% of monthly expenses
• High-paying job opportunities in tourism and hospitality
• High cost of living, but salaries are also proportionately higher

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Smart financial management strategies

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Financial organization before the trip

International accounts: the Wise solution For exchange students, Wise (formerly TransferWise) is one of the best international account options. This fintech offers multi-currency accounts with much lower fees than traditional banks, allowing significant savings in conversions and transfers.

Wise benefits for exchange students:

• Accounts in over 40 different currencies
• Debit card with no conversion fee in most countries
• Real exchange rate without abusive spreads
• Intuitive app for real-time expense control
• 100% online and fast account opening

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Savings strategies during the exchange

Smart accommodation:

• Homestay in the first months for cultural adaptation
• Student residences offer networking and security
• Shared apartments after discovering the local market
• Outlying neighborhoods with good transport connections

Economical food:

• Cooking at home can save 60-70% of food expenses
• Local markets are cheaper than grocery stores
• Take advantage of student promotions and discounts
• University restaurants offer subsidized meals

Efficient transportation:

• Monthly student passes have significant discounts
• Bicycles are economical and healthy
• Ride-sharing apps for longer distances
• Walk whenever possible to save money and get to know the city

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Generating income during the exchange

Cool part-time job:

• Strictly respect the hours allowed by the visa
• Seek opportunities at the university or through agencies
• Areas such as hospitality, retail, and customer support hire students
• Jobs on weekends may pay more per hour

Online freelancing:

• Online Portuguese translations and classes
• Graphic design, programming and digital marketing
• Consulting in areas of expertise
• Beware of local tax issues

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Spending planning by categories

Essential expenses (65-75% of the budget)

• Accommodation: Higher individual spending (40-60% of total)
• Food: 15-20% of the monthly budget
• Transportation: 5-10% for passes and trips
• Academic material: Books, equipment, and fees
• Health insurance: Required in most countries

Personal expenses (15-25% of the budget)

• Leisure and entertainment: Cinema, restaurants, events
• Clothes and personal items: Especially winter clothes
• Communication: Cell phone, internet, calls to Brazil
• Trips and tours: Take advantage of the international experience

Emergency reserve (10-15% of the budget)

• Kept separately: Specific account for emergencies
• Easy access: But not so easy for impulsive spending
• Mandatory replacement: Whenever used
• Monthly review: Adjust according to local experience

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Specific tips by type of program

For language programs

Students at Learning a Language Abroad they have shorter stays, allowing for a more accurate budget, but with fewer job opportunities to offset expenses.

For university programs

University Abroad requires long-term planning, considering seasonal variations and additional academic costs such as projects and study trips.

For Pathway programs

University Entry Pathway combines linguistic and academic preparation, requiring a flexible budget for possible program extension.

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Financial documentation for visas

Universally accepted documents

• Bank statements for the last 3-6 months
• Bank letter confirming balance and average transaction
• Income tax return for the last 2 years
• Proof of scholarships or funding
• Family Sponsorship Letter with Sponsor Documentation

Important tips for proof

• Amounts must have been in the account for at least 28 days
• Avoid large and sudden deposits close to the application
• Certified translations may be required
• Some countries require an apostille of documents
• Keep originals and copies of all documents

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Common mistakes to avoid

Financial planning

• Underestimate initial installation costs
• Don't consider seasonal price changes
• Relying exclusively on part-time work for sustenance
• Not having a plan B for financial emergencies

Management during the exchange

• Spend the emergency reserve on non-essential items
• Not keeping track of expenses regularly
• Ignore student discount opportunities
• Don't diversify income sources when possible

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Be Easy

Turning the exchange dream into reality requires much more than choosing a destination - it requires intelligent financial planning and specialized support. A Be Easy offers comprehensive guidance on all financial aspects of your exchange, from proof requirements for a visa to practical savings strategies during your stay. Our experienced team knows the peculiarities of each destination and helps you calculate exactly how much you'll need for a smooth and enriching experience. Contact us and ensure that your exchange is a transformative experience, not a financial stress!

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