06 May 2025
Living in Finland as a Gambian can be both exciting and financially challenging. The country offers stability, safety, and good education and healthcare. But keeping up with bills in a new country isn’t always simple. Between rent, food, internet, and money transfer from Finland to Gambia, things can get tight.
How can you handle everything without stress? Here’s a clear and simple guide to help you manage your bills with confidence.
If you’ve just moved or plan to move, it's easy to underestimate how expensive life here can be.
Here’s a rough monthly breakdown:
That’s already over €1,000 per month, and that’s before you send money home. So the first step is knowing exactly what you’re working with.
It doesn’t have to be complicated. Use the basic 50/30/20 rule:
You can use budgeting apps like Monefy or Spendee. These help you track spending and avoid the classic “Where did all my money go?” moment.
Don’t fall into the trap of thinking solo living is the only way. Most international students and new workers share flats or rooms. This slashes your rent and utilities in half or more.
Also, be smart about your subscriptions. Do you really need three streaming platforms? Finland has fantastic public libraries with free Wi-Fi, books, and even movies.
Sending money to family in Gambia is close to your heart, but don’t let it damage your wallet. Instead of sending large chunks randomly, send smaller amounts regularly and use a service that doesn’t eat into your earnings.
That’s where ACE Money Transfer comes in. It's widely trusted by Gambians across Europe because it offers:
With ACE, your family gets more, and you stay in control.
Not every bank is the same. Look for one that offers:
Keep an eye out for any hidden fees. And always monitor your account regularly.
Avoiding late fees is just smart living. Use automatic payments (direct debit) for your rent, electricity, and internet. Most Finnish banks let you schedule them easily.
You can also set monthly reminders for things like subscriptions, travel card top-ups, or phone bills. A missed bill can mess up your budget fast. Automate to avoid surprises.
Food is expensive, but you can save a lot with some planning.
One packet of jollof rice or stew can last you days. Trust the tips, your bank balance will thank you.
Life happens. Medical bills, visa renewals, or family emergencies back home.
Start putting away even €20–€50 per month in a separate savings account. Think of it as another bill.
Avoid payday loans or borrowing from credit cards. These quick fixes often lead to long-term debt.
Tech can help make life abroad smoother. These tools are especially useful:
You’re juggling two homes. These tools make sure nothing falls through the cracks.
Living in Finland while supporting family in Gambia isn’t easy, but it’s 100% doable. Make a budget. Share where you can. Save where you must. And always use a reliable remittance partner like ACE Money Transfer to send money to Gambia from Finland.Thousands of Gambians already trust ACE, and with good reason; it gives you more control, better rates, and peace of mind.
Remember: You’ve already done the hard part, moving to a new country. Now it’s time to take charge of your money, too.
Ready to send money back home the smart way? Sign up with ACE Money Transfer now!
It typically ranges between €900 and €1,200, depending on your lifestyle, rent, and how much you send back home.
Use a reliable remittance service like ACE Money Transfer. It’s secure, fast, and has low fees with competitive exchange rates.
Yes. You can access student benefits, housing support, and health coverage through KELA and your university’s international student office.
Try shared housing, plan your grocery shopping, use public transport with apps like HSL or Matkahuolto, and avoid impulse buying.
Only if your own bills and savings are covered first. Supporting family is important, but not at the cost of your survival.
