It is not an easy transition because most of the world have not yet woken up to crypto, but it is possible. I am lucky because I have always been able to meet people who want to buy BTC in exchange for the local currency, but am also in the process of setting up an account with Revolut.com who (for a fee) will exchange crypto/fiat

Also, my partner does still have her bank account, though there isn't any money in it!

We don't have much either... but fingers crossed the market will rise again soon :)