🐧 10 international money hacks you need to know

Automation, 2 FX fee hacks, virtual mailbox, visa-free travel, 3 foreign tax savings

Welcome to the 1,500+ new subscribers who joined this past month! 🥳

Since we have new faces, here are 10 must-know international money hacks. All that I wish I knew when I first moved abroad.

Today in 10 minutes or less, you’ll learn:

  • 🤖 Automating cross-border investing

  • 🌐 Two currency exchange fee hacks

  • 📱Virtual mailbox and phone numbers

  • 🛂 Visa-free travel via APEC Card

  • 🚀 Foreign taxes on public equity & ESOP

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⚡10 must-know international money hacks

For 4+ years, I have been living abroad as a tech professional.

I have spent 100+ hours researching and testing how to earn, save, and invest while overseas.

Here are 10 of my favorite tactics:

🤖 1. Automate your cross-border savings, investing, and bill payments

I’m a huge fan of “set and forget” systems. Most expats I know are like me — busy with work, travel, and family. By automating your money, you reduce decision overload, avoid late penalties, and invest more without relying on self-control.

How:

  • Setup scheduled transfers in money transfer apps like Wise or Revolut

  • Go here to see an in-depth guide (and my exact personal setup)

💳 2. Get a debit card with unlimited ATM fee rebates and/or no foreign transaction fees

If you travel abroad frequently, foreign transaction fees can really add up. 😥 

For example, I recently paid (VND) for dinner in Vietnam using my DBS debit card (SGD), resulting in a ~2% foreign transaction fee. (DBS charges up to a 3.25% foreign transaction fee.)

How:

  • For US persons: Schwab Investor Checking offers free ATM withdrawals, no foreign transaction fees, and no account fees

  • For Singapore residents: Youtrip and Instarem Amaze both offer no foreign transaction fees (caveat: I haven’t tested these, DM me if you have!)

📈 3. Track your net worth using a Net Worth Tracker

Whatever your money goals are, the first step is getting a clear, complete picture of your financial health — net worth, income, and expenses.

Most tools are not designed for expats who have (1) non-US accounts (2) multiple currencies and (3) shared finances with a partner.

How:

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