Living in Italy

"Unless you have connections or otherwise know people here, Arona is a tough place to move to. Prepare to be lonely for a while, and you probably need a car," said one expat in Arona.

"-For Books try FNAC on Via 20 September -For Curry try the Asian Super Markets along from Porto Antico toward Station Principe -For Ex-Pats try the English Bar off a side street Nr Piazza di Ferrari (on left as you head towards Via Garibaldi," explained one expat living in Genoa, Italy.

"Expats in Italy can join local interest groups that meet in cities, such as book clubs, language exchanges, and walking tours. Expats can also look for nearby music and arts events, as well as church meetings and relevant cultural events. Expats can even meet people by visiting local markets and exploring popular tourist spots. Additionally, many cities have Meetup groups or specialized expat groups to help connect foreign newcomers to the area. Finally, many expats join business networks and associations, which can create positive work relationships and personal connections," said one expat who made the move to Italy.

"There are dozens of them - I live close to Florence, so you have theirs, as well. I've made friends who are artists, musicians, businesspeople, retirees...you name it. So I recommend that each person, couple or family explore. Newspapers are abundant, social media even more so. And people drop by all the time. The only way you don't find out what's going on is if you lock yourself inside a building with no internet," explained one expat living in Fiesole, Italy.

"Expats and digital nomads in Italy enjoy a vibrant culture and a beautiful countryside filled with some of the best food, wine, and culture in the world. From the rolling hills of Tuscany to the canals of Venice, Italy has something for everyone. In larger cities like Rome and Milan, there is an active nightlife as well as plenty of opportunity for professionals and entrepreneurs who are looking to experience something different. Italy is also host to many popular festivals and cultural events throughout the year which can further enhance the experience of living in the country. With excellent transportation, healthcare, and education services, Italy is an ideal place to live, work, and travel," explained one expat living in Italy.

"Italy generally has a low level of crime but some regions, particularly in the south, experience higher rates of violence, theft, drug-related crime, and organized crime. Most crimes in Italy are non-violent and property-related, such as pickpocketing, burglary, and vandalism. Computer fraud, identity theft, and online scams are also common, as are violent crimes such as assault, homicide, and organized crime activities," said one expat who made the move to Italy.

"The predominate religion is Catholicism. This area is very poor and a lot of people do not even have a bank account. The cultural diversity is enormous. They are not accepting of differences. In my opinion the people can't even comprehend other cultures. A lot of people cannot read or write. Some people don't know or are not willing to accept that there are other religions besides Catholisim," said one expat in Procida.

"The International School of Milan is one of the premier international educational experiences in Italy. It provides students with an inclusive, bilingual learning environment where they are equipped with the knowledge and skills necessary to be successful in the global marketplace. With its commitment to a holistic, age-appropriate curriculum, the International School of Milan provides a challenging and supportive environment that encourages creativity, problem solving, and collaboration. This school has also established a strong emphasis on art, science, and technology to ensure students are well-rounded in their education. The Italian-German School in Rome is a unique international school in Italy, where students aged 3-19 have the opportunity to learn in both English and German. It follows the Italian and German national education systems and students are able to take official exams from both countries. With its focus on co-operation and responsibility, the Italian-German School provides an atmosphere where students can develop academically, socially and emotionally. In Florence, the British Institute (BI) is a popular choice among expats and the wider international community. Set in the historical centre of the city, the school provides an excellent hub for learning. Offering both ICSE and A' Level programs, it is key in providing students with the right educational background and foundation to succeed in higher education. It also has many extra curricular activities on offer such as sports, art, drama, and music. Finally, the European School Rome (ESR) is part of an international network of educational institutions that was established in 1957. It is one of the best international schools in the country and offers students a multi-lingual learning experience, with instruction in English, French, and Italian. It promotes innovation, mobility, and creativity and is dedicated to offering students from all over the world the best educational experiences. In addition, students have the option of taking part in extra curricular activities and programs to further broaden their education and experience," explained one expat living in Italy.

"I am not currently living in Italy but have stayed in apartments during my visits. I started to laugh when I read that cost of living is high in Italy and that a one bedroom will cost you €800 to €1200. In US currency that's a few dollars more. However I wish I could pay this living in southern California for a nice one bedroom apartment but it doesn't exist unless you decide to live in a deplorable neighborhood.. I pay more for a lovely 2 bedroom back home. In regards to Italy I think it depends on the city. In Venice for example an apartment can cost a bit more as opposed to Mestre. It all depends on the city and location," wrote one member in Italy.

"That really depends... In Minturno, a couple who want to live simply, using the bus and train for transportation, $20,000/year would suffice," explained one expat living in Minturno, Italy.

"The cost of living in Italy varies by region. Generally, in the larger cities, such as Roma, Milano, Torino and Firenze, the cost of living tends to be more expensive compared to more rural areas. A nice one bedroom apartment in Italy can range from 1000-1500 US Dollars a month, while a nice two bedroom apartment may cost 1200-2000 US Dollars. Eating at a moderately priced restaurant in Italy may range from 20-30 US Dollars for dinner and a beverage," wrote one expat living in Italy.

"In Italy, residents enjoy a variety of recreational facilities, such as beaches, parks, and gardens. There are also many outdoor activities, such as hiking, biking, and swimming. For those who prefer indoor activities, there are plenty of museums, galleries, and theaters. Italy also has a vibrant nightlife, with many bars, clubs, and restaurants. Additionally, there are many sports facilities, such as soccer fields, tennis courts, and golf courses. Finally, Italy is home to many ski resorts, offering a variety of winter activities," commented one expat who moved to Italy.

"The weather in Italy is generally mild and pleasant. Summers are usually hot and sunny, while winters are usually mild and wet. Spring and autumn are usually mild and pleasant, with occasional rain showers. The northern regions of Italy tend to be cooler than the south, and the mountainous regions tend to be cooler than the coastal areas," mentioned one expat inItaly.

"One of Italy's most beloved restaurants is La Pergola in Rome. Located in the Rome Cavalieri Hotel, La Pergola offers a luxurious dining experience with a menu that features classic Italian dishes with a modern twist. The restaurant has been awarded three Michelin stars, making it one of the most prestigious restaurants in the country. Another popular Italian restaurant is Il San Lorenzo in Florence. This family-run restaurant has been serving traditional Tuscan cuisine for over 50 years. The menu features classic dishes such as ribollita and bistecca alla fiorentina, as well as a selection of homemade pastas and desserts. In Milan, the renowned Trattoria Milanese is a must-visit for food lovers. This traditional trattoria serves up classic Milanese dishes such as risotto alla milanese and ossobuco, as well as a selection of fresh seafood dishes. Finally, in Naples, the renowned Pizzeria da Michele is a must-visit for pizza lovers. This iconic pizzeria has been serving up classic Neapolitan pizzas since 1870, and is widely considered to be one of the best pizzerias in the world," commented one expat who moved to Italy.

"People living in Italy typically buy groceries from local markets, supermarkets, and specialty stores. They also do other shopping at department stores, boutiques, and online retailers. Additionally, many people in Italy enjoy shopping at local street markets, where they can find fresh produce, handmade goods, and other unique items," commented one expat living in Italy.

"In order to obtain a visa for Italy, foreigners must contact the Italian Embassy or Consulate in their own country to obtain the appropriate visa form and find out the necessary document requirements, such as a valid passport, birth certificate, marriage certificate and proof of income. Applicants must then complete the form and make an appointment to submit the form and documentary evidence to the Embassy at the designated time. To apply for residency in Italy, applicants must first obtain a visa that is valid for at least 90 days and then register at their local police station. They must provide proof of where they will be living in Italy, proof of income and a valid passport with all relevant documents, such as a birth certificate or marriage certificate, to the police station. Upon receipt of the documents and proof of accommodation, the police station will issue the foreigner a residency permit that must be renewed every five years," remarked one expat in Italy.

"Health Insurance in Italy is based on the "breadwinner's" income and then a nominal amount for family members. For us: middle income retirees...c. E1600/yr total. Rx very inexpensive," said one expat.

"Healthcare and health insurance in Italy can be expensive, depending on the type of coverage and services required. Generally, public healthcare is free for Italian citizens, while private healthcare can be costly. Health insurance is also available, but it is not mandatory for all citizens. Premiums for private health insurance can be expensive, but they may be worth it for those who need more comprehensive coverage," commented one expat living in Italy.