You don't have to keep money in multiple countries, just be able to receive SWIFT and/or IBAN transfers. Many banks in European countries don't charge anything

You don't have to keep money in multiple countries, just be able to receive SWIFT and/or IBAN transfers. Many banks in European countries don't charge anything for receiving any wires, including SWIFT, only sending them. (the $15 fee is just for receiving any wire transfer, and is independent of the standard SWIFT fees)