Living in Italy

"Just come and look around. I never, ever tell someone that "this is the place" for you. I've lived all over Italy and have dozens of "favorite" places to live, work or visit," said one expat who made the move to Fiesole.

"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," remarked one expat living in Italy.

"-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," remarked one expat who made the move to Genoa.

"Good living, socializing, arts and festivals. Good wine town. The true "secret" of Italy is the connections people have with each other. It's also a good way to learn the language...fast," said one expat in Fiesole.

"In Procida the residents have a very old mentality and have a general prejudice towards non-resents, especially non-Italians. The opinions are that women do not need to work. The top priorities are taking care of there spouses, cleaning house, and having children. Procida is a very small island that is considered part of Naples. Most of the men work away from home and usually see their husbands 4 months out of the year," said one expat who made the move to Procida.

"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 in 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," explained one expat living in Procida, Italy.

"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," remarked one parent with kids at in .

"Homeschooling internationally is a low-stress lifestyle. Keep your child's love of learning,"

"Ask to see the inspection report, ask about budgets for books and IT resources, ask to see the books of children in the school - this will give you an idea of what you are letting yourself in for. Ask to see curriculum plans in place for the years of your children. Ask the school to show you any Online resources they subscribe to. I advise this because had we were somewhat naïve when we looked at the school and had some shocks once we arrived. Please ask to see how they develop the children grammatically and mathematically and about differentiation and progression. I did not see any examples of this happening during our 3 years at the school but things may have improved," said one parent with children at International School of Modena in Modena.

"The cost of living in Italy can vary greatly depending on the city. In general, the larger cities tend to be more expensive, while smaller cities and towns offer more affordable cost of living. For example, it is generally more expensive to rent an apartment in Rome than it would be in other parts of Italy. Groceries are usually fairly affordable, with fresh produce available in most markets throughout the country. Eating out in restaurants can also be slightly more pricey than in other countries, but prices vary significantly depending on where you dine. Transportation costs in Italy are also quite reasonable, with discounts often available to those who purchase tickets in advance. Overall, the cost of living in Italy is lower than in many other European countries, making it a popular destination for expats," explained one expat living in 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," said one expat.

"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," said an expat in 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," said an expat in Italy.

"Italy is blessed with innumerable excellent restaurants. My wife and I can attest to this because we lived in Milano for 1 year and then Catania for another year. We have also traveled extensively throughout Italy and recently decided to purchase a home in Como, a medium sized city blessed with many fine restaurants. The price of dining out in Italy is typically much cheaper than in the USA and the quality is far superior," said one expat.

"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," remarked one expat living in 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," mentioned one expat inItaly.

"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," said one expat.

"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 living in Italy.