From July 9th to 11th, Praia da Rocha beach in Portugal will come alive as over 40,000 fans gather for what’s now known as the world’s biggest Afrobeats festival, Afro Nation. What began as a dream by SMADE and Obi Asika has grown into a global celebration of African music, uniting the biggest names in Afrobeats, Amapiano, and dancehall.

It’s the perfect moment to reconnect with your favourite artists, dance in the sun, and feel the power of the diaspora on one unforgettable coastline.

But while you’re there to vibe, you’ll also need a reliable way to spend like a local. From food and drinks to transport and merch, every second counts and your payment method shouldn’t hold you back. With Grey, you can open a euro account and spend like a Portuguese local, smooth, fast and stress-free.

Also read: Best digital nomad destinations in East Africa

Expenses to plan for if you're going to Afro Nation

1. Accommodation: Hotels and short-term rentals close to the venue are often pricey due to high demand. Many attendees book months ahead to secure a good deal. If you delay, expect to pay double or stay far from the venue, adding transportation costs to your budget.
2. Transportation: From airport taxis to daily rides between your stay and the concert, transportation is a major cost. In some cities, Uber or Bolt prices surge during events. Public transport may not be an option late at night, making ride-sharing or private cabs your only choice.
3. Food and drinks: Festival food is notoriously expensive. Meals within the venue or nearby restaurants can cost far more than usual. Add drinks to the mix, especially alcohol, and your daily spending can spiral quickly. Some vendors also only take card or contactless payments, not cash.
4. Merch and outfit changes: There’s pressure to look good, with many attendees planning multiple outfit changes across festival days. Whether you’re buying clothes before travelling or getting last-minute outfits or festival merch, this adds up quickly, especially if you're trying to keep up with trends.

Also read: How to travel as a digital nomad with an African passport

Common payment challenges at Afro Nation

1. Currency exchange shocks: Changing naira to foreign currency at the last minute can be costly. You might lose money through poor rates or unfair exchange fees, especially at airports or street bureaus. Many people underestimate how much these charges affect their total spending.
2. Card payment rejections: Some cards simply won’t work abroad or are declined at random. This becomes stressful when you’re trying to buy food, pay for transport, or shop. Even when cards work, daily limits and international restrictions can interrupt plans.
3. Unreliable POS: Not all vendors accept every type of card, and network issues can affect card machines. You might face long queues at ATMs or get stuck if a vendor insists on a payment method your card doesn’t support.

Also read: How to apply for a digital nomad visa in Portugal

How to avoid spending issues at Afro Nation

1. Set up your payment options before travel: Sort out your cards, virtual wallets, and international accounts well in advance. Test them before travel. Confirm your bank allows international transactions and know your spending limits to avoid embarrassing declines.
2. Use Grey: With Grey, you can open an EU account, receive money, and convert currencies at better rates than traditional banks. You get better control as you can spend in euros directly, making it easier to pay for tickets, accommodation, and daily expenses at Afro Nation.
3. Avoid last-minute currency exchange: Instead of exchanging money at the airport or using black market rates, you can use the Grey platform to see real-time and favourable rates. This way, you can always convert the right amount of euros to have fun at Afro Nation without stress or surprise charges.

Benefits of using Grey at Afro Nation

Opening an EU bank account with Grey offers practical advantages that make your Afro Nation experience smoother and more financially secure:

• Quick signup and verification: You can register and verify your identity within minutes, with no paperwork or long waits.
• Instant access to a euro account: Once approved, you’ll receive a  EU account allowing you to hold and spend euros directly, which is perfect for a euro-based festival like Afro Nation.
• No EU address required: Unlike traditional banks, Grey doesn’t require a European address or residency to open an EU account, making it accessible from anywhere.
• Competitive exchange rates: Convert your money to euros at favourable rates in real-time, with no hidden fees or overpriced rates like those found at airports or ATMs.
• Secure and regulated: Your transactions and data are protected with strong security measures and international compliance standards, so you can spend with peace of mind.

Spend with ease at Afro Nation using Grey

Whether you’re hitting the Afro Nation stage as a performer or showing up to enjoy the vibes, one thing’s certain: managing your money shouldn’t be a hassle. With Grey, you can spend in euros directly, avoid card issues, and skip the stress of currency exchange. From booking your stay to buying drinks, Grey helps you stay in control so you can focus on the music, the energy, and the memories.

Sign up or download the Grey app today and make every moment at Afro Nation count.

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