Pros and Cons of Living in Italy

"Expatriates in Italy appreciate the richness of the country's culture and its deep, long history. They revel in the beauty of the architecture, the art, and the vibrant mix of customs, tradition and people. They also appreciate the diversity of cuisine, with its regional specialities, ranging from the pizza in Naples through to the risotto in Milan. The fashion and style of the Italians is renowned, with their sense of elegance and chic sophistication evident everywhere you go. Expats in Italy love the country’s passionate enthusiasm for music and its cultural pursuits, such as the opera and theatre. Above all, expats enjoy the warmth and hospitality of the Italian people, making them feel part of the local culture," replied an expat in Italy.

"Italians love to be outdoors and there are often outdoor markets and festivals to go to. Italians dress very well and they are amusingly stylish and make for great people-watching at any time. Small shops are great for establishing a regular rapport with owners. A medieval building with modern decor inside is always amusing. Florence is a place where you can walk around and actually picture what life could've been like in medieval times. The countryside is beautiful and definitely picturesque. The wine is fantastic and sitting in cafes can be a leisurely past time. Sitting in ancient piazzas and seeing beautiful works of art can be breath taking. I do like the shopping here as well," remarked one in Florence.

"Expats in Italy may find the language barrier to be the most challenging part of adapting to the local culture. While many Italians are learning English and are happy to practice, it may be difficult to navigate daily life without speaking Italian fluently. Additionally, many Italians have very specific ideas on how to conduct oneself in social situations, including greeting others and dress codes, which may be confusing or even overwhelming for newcomers to the country who are not familiar with the customs. The local custom of taking lunch and dinner late in the day, may also be difficult for those used to dining at an earlier hour, and may require some adjustment," said one person in Italy.

"I'd kill for some fresh ginger and a good, hot Indian curry most days! Setting up businesses - the bureaucracy and taxes can be crippling and are changeable. I take my hat off to accountants here," remarked one expat in Southern Tuscany.