5 Must-Haves for Professional Volleyball Players: Tips for Success Abroad

As a professional volleyball player, your journey doesn’t just include on-court skills and training. There are logistical aspects of living and playing overseas that can make or break your experience. Whether you’re navigating the challenges of international travel, managing finances, or ensuring your body stays in peak condition, the right tools can make all the difference.

In this post, I’ll share five must-have essentials for any pro volleyball player taking their talents to Europe (or anywhere abroad). These items will help streamline your life, reduce stress, and ultimately help you perform at your best.

1. A Reliable Bank Account: N26

Managing finances overseas can be difficult if you don’t know what you are doing . International transactions, currency exchange, and managing accounts from afar can get complicated. That’s why I recommend using N26, a digital bank that makes it easy to handle money across Europe.

Why N26?

• No physical branch hassle: You don’t need to open and close accounts at the start and end of every season. Everything is managed through your phone or computer.

• Low fees on international transactions: Unlike traditional U.S. banks, which often charge high fees for international transfers, N26 keeps things cheap. More money in your pocket!

• Easy transfers to your U.S. account: Pair it with Wise (a partner app used for transfering money) to move money back to your American account without the stress of high fees or delays.

  
  

Plus, you can get a physical card or just use Apple Pay to make payments

Pro Tip: This is a lifesaver if you’re traveling between multiple countries and don’t want to deal with exchanging cash or excessive fees. You can use the card in most currencies, I have never had an issue with it while traveling for Champions League. 

Get started with N26: Sign up here.

2. Capital One Venture One Credit Card

You might not think about it, but your credit score matters—especially when you’re living abroad. Whether you're renting an apartment, buying a car, or planning for your future, it’s important to continue building your credit even while overseas. That’s where the Capital One Venture One credit card comes in.

Why Capital One Venture One?

• 0% foreign transaction fees: This is a game-changer for anyone traveling outside the U.S. You can use this card worldwide without worrying about extra charges for making purchases in a different currency.

• Earn travel rewards: Every time you swipe, you earn travel points that you can redeem for flights, hotel stays, or even rental cars. So, while you’re abroad, you can continue to explore new places without breaking the bank.

  
  

Get your Capital One Venture One card here: Sign up now.

3. Outlet Converters – Don’t Forget These!

When traveling to Europe, you’ll quickly realize that the electrical outlets are different from those in the U.S. So, you’ll need converters to charge your devices, from phones to laptops to gaming consoles.

I recommend having at least 3-4 converters on hand, especially if you’re living in different places or moving between hotels during away matches. You can use one for your nightstand to charge your phone, another next to the TV to plug in your Gaming console, and another for any other electronics you use regularly.

Pro Tip: Don’t wait until you arrive to buy converters. Grab a few on Amazon before you leave so you're set from the start.

Here’s one I use: Outlet Converter.

4. Vktry Insoles – Protect Your Body

When you’re a professional athlete, your body is your business. Taking care of it should be your number one priority. That’s why I highly reccomend Vktry Insoles. I just started using them this year and they have helped me a lot!

Why Vktry Insoles?

• Impact reduction: While I can’t say for sure if they’ve added inches to my vertical, I can confidently say that they reduce stress on your joints and feet, especially after high-impact plays. They help absorb shock, which means less soreness after practices and games.

• Improved comfort and strength: I feel more powerful and explosive on the court while using them. They took a little while to break in, but after a couple of practices, my feet got used to how they felt.

• Protect your long-term career: At the end of the day, your body is what earns you money. The better it feels, the better you’ll perform. And the better you perform, the more money you can make. Simple as that.

  
  

Pro Tip: These insoles aren’t just a "nice-to-have" add-on—they’re an investment in your body, and ultimately, your career.

Here is my referral link: http://rstr.co/vktrygear/slivinskivolleyball

5. Compex Stim Machine

One of the most effective recovery devices I’ve used is the Compex Stim Machine. This device has been a game-changer for my recovery routine, especially after a recent shoulder injury. If you're serious about improving your recovery and reducing muscle soreness, I highly recommend giving it a try.

How the Compex Stim Machine Works:

• Electrical Stimulation: The device uses electrical impulses to stimulate muscles, promoting recovery, improving circulation, and reducing pain.

• Targeted Relief: You can apply the electrodes directly to the area in need of relief (such as a sore shoulder), which helps reduce inflammation and speed up healing.

• Multiple Programs: It offers different modes tailored to specific needs, such as muscle activation, pain relief, and recovery.

  
  

If you're looking to take your recovery to the next level, the Compex Stim Machine could be the perfect addition to your routine. Check it out here: Compex Stim Machine on Amazon.

Conclusion

Living and playing as a pro volleyball player overseas can be incredibly rewarding, but it comes with its own set of challenges. From managing your finances to taking care of your body, having the right tools in place can make all the difference.

By using N26 for banking, getting a Capital One Venture One card to build credit, packing outlet converters for your electronics, and protecting your body with Vktry Insoles, you’ll be in a much better position to focus on what truly matters: your game.

Stay healthy, stay organized, and take care of your future. Good luck out there!

Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, meaning I get a commission if you decide to make a purchase through my links, at no cost to you.