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sick and tired of the united states

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sonnyp
  9/22/2016 13:22 EST

hello everyone. I'm old and tired. I'm single, white, 66 years old male. I've been active my whole life having played American football and training racehorses but recent bouts with debilitating spine and joint problems have slowed me way down. I have $1,200.mo social security and about $80,000 in retirement funds I've never touched. I live a very frugal existence in a lovely northeast town in the united states. I've been a lifelong resident of the u s and never have traveled to Italy. I have, however, been granted my Italian citizenship and passport thru "jure sanguinis".

I am greatly disillusioned with life in America. my ancestors are from the village of "castile campangiano", Caserta and I'm registered in that aire. I just want to leave the American rat race and find some peace and tranquility for my remaining years. I am alone with no indebtedness and/or ties. I long for the 60;s in attitude and mentality.

is Italy a realistic option for me in your opinion ?

rsetzer99
  9/22/2016 13:38 EST

It could be. Assuming you already are living on that amount of money in the US, you can certainly find places in Italy where you can do so as well. Not the big cities of course, but from your post, it seems clear you are looking for a nice quiet village.

On the realistic side. Until you get a good grasp on the language, you may feel very isolated. Everyone in the village has known each other forever, so that will take some time.

It is often suggested that people go and just live there for one to three months. Get a real idea of how life would be, what things you might find to keep you occupied.

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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sonnyp
  9/22/2016 13:56 EST

does the dual citizenship and passport eliminate much of the redtape and obsticles many encounter?

outside of everyday living expenses, the only item id be concerned with is medical. as a citizen who has never lived there or contributed to the Italian system, what would my position and status be ? anyone ?

as far as activity....id like a jug of wine, a piece of cheese and bread and a place to sit and fish. how's that ?

almare2
  9/22/2016 14:07 EST

I would recomnend that you travel there as a tourist to begin with. Travel around the country by train a bit, and see if you really like it. I doubt you will find a '60s attitude there, though. Italy is a modern country in the modern world. However, the pace of life there is certainly more relaxed and people-oriented than in the US. Unless you live in a big city, you will find it difficult to survive and make friends unless you speak Italian. Most people in smaller cities and towns speak minimal to no English. There are many other threads on this forum that will answer your questions about medical care, taxes, etc.

Sergios
  9/22/2016 14:08 EST

OK, first, you don't want a small town. You are better off in a small city with the services you are going to need, a population with a high percentage of english speakers, a good climate [winter and summer] and medical services. If you don't mind the heat in summer, southern Italy will cost you less, say some place like Lecce, or Siracusa, Gallipoli, or similar. If you go to too small a town you will have problems with services, shopping, language, etc.
As far as red tape, you are 3/4 of the way there. You will need to establish residency in whatever town you select. That should take a few weeks. You will need a place to live to get the residency. Once you have that you got get you sanitary booklet that will let you into the medical system. You should have a doctor in mind before hand so you can select him as your prime. See the doctor even if you are not covered. The exam and consultation will be very cheap and the doctor could advise you on what to say to the municipality about the sanitary booklet. The type of coverage you will get. Medical care is excellent. Good luck.

sonnyp
  9/22/2016 14:16 EST

thank you all. very nice and informative responses. thank you

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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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DoppioCittadino
  9/22/2016 14:41 EST

The correct name of the comune is "Castel Campagnano."

Go to http://www.paginebianche.it/index_en.html and search for your surname in Castel Campagnano. In such a small community, the odds are that anyone who shares your surname will be a relative of yours and, if you move there or nearby, you may find some of those relatives interested in forming a relationship with you and maybe even guiding you where necessary. You might even find one that has an unused property that you can inhabit at low cost.

As to reducing red tape, as an Italian citizen, you have the exact same rights as any other Italian citizen and should not encounter any significant red tape in making your move.

Your social security will be taxable in Italy but the overall amount will be very small due to the "standard deduction" (€7,500 if I recall correctly) and other tax policies.

As a citizen resident and taxpayer (no matter how new or how little), you will be entitled to all the benefits of Italy's national healthcare system. The most difficult part of that will be the language barrier, but it can be managed.

Here is some helpful info about your comune: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Castel_Campagnano

The comune's website: http://www.comune.castelcampagnano.ce.it/

And a so-so Google translation of the website: https://translate.google.com/translate?sl=auto&tl=en&js=y&prev=_t&hl=en&ie=UTF-8&u=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.comune.castelcampagnano.ce.it%2F&edit-text=&act=url

dg6162
  9/22/2016 14:45 EST

Hi I think you could have a fantastic time in Italy but take a trip here first! Go to Caserta in the winter when the weather is worst but it's also cheapest. Give yourself plenty of time to get the feel of the place. Stay in a modest bed and breakfast if you can or even better a room in someone's house. Someone mentioned language. Very important. But your experiences and impressions will be very instructive. You will find people to talk to as you learn Italian or improve or perfect. As for health care, we are paying 400 euros each as a couple I don't know if that's standard but most people get insurance through work and don't think twice about it. I think you'll find it more affordable than US. I sympathize with your back issues- and share them, but even that is better here. We are in a warm dry-sh place though, that helps. As for budget you'll find driving expensive- insurance gas etc not to mention the vehicle itself. Try not to commit too quickly to that by staying somewhere where you can walk a lot to shops etc nearby - rent for special trips only and again you'll find off season is a bargain compared to summer. Relax and don't rush into anything take your time and good luck!

nick0126
  9/22/2016 14:49 EST

you should have relatives (regardless of how distant) in caserta, and if your experience is anything like mine was, they will be thrilled to have you. yes,Italian will be a challenge, but not impossible. I began by offering to help people that wanted to learn English... I say go for it, and let me know if you make the jump, and I come visit for Abruzzo...

sonnyp
  9/22/2016 14:53 EST

you all have been very kind and thank you

nick0126
  9/22/2016 14:59 EST

getting your health care card is one of the hardest things to accomplish. It required having your commune certifying your residency. In the case of a small town, a local policeman (could be from a nearby town) will usually visit you to verify you actually live there. normally, you need to spend 3 months continuous or something like that. most important thing is to become pals with the commune anagrapher. They can help once they know you serious. Buying a small house is not an actual requirement, but it makes it easier to have the town feel you are for real and "want to return to your roots". BTY, you can register a car without residency also, so it is a bit of a chicken and egg problem getting started... took me a couple years to get settled in, but it was worth it..

William RussellWilliam Russell
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William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.

William RussellWilliam Russell

William Russell's private medical insurance will cover you and your family wherever you may be. Whether you need primary care or complex surgery, you'll have access to the best hospitals & doctors available. Unlike some insurers, we also include medical evacuation and mental health cover in our plans (except SilverLite). Get a quote from our partner, William Russell.
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nick0126
  9/22/2016 15:02 EST

ooopps. meant to say: You ca NOT register a car without residency.. You also need to get your Italian Drivers license someday, and that test is in Italian only..

Sergios
  9/22/2016 15:12 EST

Nicko, I think you may be mixing residency for citizens for residency for those that are in Italy on a visa. To get residency as a citizen all you need is a document prepared by your landlord and presented to the commune to be certified. Once you show that you have an abode, you'll get residency. As far as payment for medical, it's free. You may have to pay for certain specialists and for some medications but the overall cost is free. If you are not a citizen then you are. Required to pay a nominal amount.

almare2
  9/22/2016 15:28 EST

BTW, some cities and towns offer free or low-cost beginning courses for new immigrants, so that might be something to look into as a start.

almare2
  9/22/2016 15:29 EST

Beginning Italian courses, I should have said. :-D

Frankman415
  9/22/2016 15:31 EST

As an Italian citizen, I read in the forum somewhere that the premium one pays to participate in the healthcare system is based on your income. Is this not true?

sonnyp
  9/22/2016 15:46 EST

here, they are rioting and burning down charlotte noth Carolina, while you people seem to want to go out of your way to help. exactly the change in life I'm looking for.

one last thing...has the refugee problem effected any of your lives ?

nick0126
  9/22/2016 15:54 EST

That hasn't been my experience with residency. My son moved to Rome about 10 years ago (with his Italian passport) and his process to get his residency docs such as his health care card, etc. required multiple visits by local policemen. they stopped in unannounced a couple times to make sure everything was aboveboard.

I spent a bit of time in my situation getting the local Abruzzo authorities to certify my residency as well. Getting access to healthcare is a big deal within Italy as it is the single largest expense for a normal family. Just leasing an apartment as the only requirement would mean you could "buy" Pan European health care for the cost of some low end apartment. Every town may implement this differently, but I'm pretty sure the official state policy is to "verify" that a person is actually living in Italy and is a Citizen of the EU.

Sergios
  9/22/2016 19:07 EST

But it is my experience in Palermo. Once I presented my documentation, citizenship and rental agreement I had residency. The sanitary booklet followed suit.

guestuser
  9/22/2016 20:11 EST

Hello sonnyp!

As a citizen, much of the red-tape complications foreigners face will be eliminated for you. I have to agree with Sergios, however, with the idea that you might want to look for a nice small city that has a higher percentage of English speakers, at least in the beginning. If you don't speak Italian, it can be difficult to manage the services you might/will need, especially if you are going to need a good doctor. Health care issues are not ones in which one wants misunderstandings to occur. As you become more proficient with the Italian language, your options will improve.

I would like to point out two financial issues: Italy does tax one's U.S. social security (at your income level, you would fall into the 23% tax range, however I believe your deduction (based on age) would be 7,000 euros and other deductions are possible), and there are other taxes, as well. Also, since your income is in dollars, you will be affected by whatever the exchange rate is on a daily basis. Currently, the exchange rate is about $1.12. So, for example, if your expenses average 1,000 euros per month, that would cost you $1,120. The year I arrived, the exchange rate was $1.39, which means 1,000 euros would cost you $1,390. Those of us whose income is in dollars must consider the exchange rate issue.

Italy is a wonderful country, but not without it's issues. The only way in which you can determine if it would be a good fit for you is to come and experience it for yourself. I also suggest an extended trip before completely committing yourself to a move so you can experience Italy first-hand.

Good luck!

maluza86
  9/23/2016 00:12 EST

Without trying to be redundant, you find the answer to many issues in Italy is....it depends. It depends in which city you live, who you talk to and even what day of the week it is :-) For instance, Sergios did not have to be checked by the local polizia at his actual residence. My wife, who is a dual national actually got her residence after I did, even though she is an Italian citizen and I am not. They came to the house, she was not home, I was, they granted me residency and it took them three weeks to come back and find my wife at home, to certify she actually lived there.

As for the medical care questions, as an Italian citizen you do not pay anything, no premiums, nothing. If you elect to go see a private doctor then you have to pay out of pocket. Most medicines are free as well with your prescription from your doctor. I think the most we've paid was €1 for an antibiotic.

My healthcare is also free through my wife, even though I am not an Italian citizen, but a permanent resident.

Someone else mentioned a small city vice a small town. I agree as well. I live in San Vito Dei Normanni, a city of about 30,000 in the winter, swells to about 60,000 in the summer, but pretty much everything you need you can find in our town. There is a decent sized expat community of Brits as well. I've found traveling around the southern parts of Italy, everyone is very friendly and accommodating to Americans, and bear with you as you butcher and learn Italian. The important thing for them is that you are trying and they will welcome you with open arms. The temperature in the Puglia region remains pretty temperate, although August will normally be hot...mid to upper 90s on occasion. Dead of winter, Jan-Feb in the 40s. The rest of the year beautiful and there are many things to do year round. I like the fact that I can walk to the bar in the morning, get a cappuccino, then walk or ride my bike to buy some fresh, hot out of the oven bread, then head to the fruttavendolo to buy my fruit and vegetables for the day, then on to the butcher for some fresh cuts of meat...and that's how I am learning my Italian. Good luck.

nick0126
  9/23/2016 01:12 EST

just to set the proper scale on big versus small towns in Italy. I live in Goriano Sicoli near Sulmona and we are about 400 souls. Pescara is the largest city in Abruzzo with 100,000. for me, the best of both worlds is to be within 10 minutes or 1 hour of critical services, but able to retreat to my centro storcio for total silence at "zero dark 30"... about as close to the gods as you can get...

Sergios
  9/23/2016 02:24 EST

I live at ground zero for the refugee problem, Sicily. There has been little evidence that life has changed much because of that issue. There are central and northern Africans around but most either work as delivery people or are self employed as street vendors. Some are beggars. The problem is much more significant in places like Paris, where I spent a few weeks this summer. There there are tent cities of refugees. A very sad situation but not one that will seriously affect your stay in Sicily.

Sergios
  9/23/2016 02:26 EST

I should have said your stay in Italy, not just Sicily. At the moment I am in La Spezia and there is little evidence of the refugee problem.

codybrandy
  9/23/2016 05:01 EST

Hello Sonnyp, Very exciting adventure you are going on. We gave up everything in the US to buy a nice sized apt. in Liguria...but...we traveled for years all over to see which area would suit us best. I too have distant relatives near Caserta but the heat would have been too much unless we could have afforded a coastal town. I know you have lots of suggestions to consider but finding the right town/region is probably the most long term important. Do you want a car? The drivers test (read posts..mine and others) is grueling for someone who doesn't speak the language...but...we did it, it can be done. You might be lucky enough to find an instructor who speaks English...remember in the smaller communities this is unlikely...we did all the book work and on-line tests with our dictionary and google translator...after a year of hard work we passed. The people: well worth the effort. In our town only 3 out of 600 speak any english at all and to a person we've had wonderful experiences. Our small town people are kind and generous and very curious about us. We have only simple services in town: an alimentary, P.O, Bar (most important place in any Italian town) and Forno (next in line) and we have decent bus service to larger towns. So, my suggestions would be BEFORE THE MOVE: 1.visit different areas of Italy 2, pick up the driving book (c.24E) next visit and start work 3. Take basic Italian...learn at least to conjugate present and past tense...that and a dictionary you can make yourself understood quite well. 4. Get your Codice Fiscale (call your local embassy) 5. If you have any trouble walking...choose a flatter town...this is important...you need to walk around daily to get to know people. Choose a village with at least some services...the big cities cost more but are easy to get to. In our town there are pleasant 2bd apts. for rent for c.400+ and there is a wonderful, spotless little cottage, good yard, in town but private for 60K...start looking at sites: google: case per vendesi a ______(town). One last thing, if you will be going home yearly (we're from Boston) don't be too far from a major airport. We are 1 1/2hrs from Pisa or Genoa and that is long enough to drive! All things worthwhile take time. Best of luck...let me know if there is anything else you would like to know about settling in. Siamo anche in pensione e perfetto.

sonnyp
  9/23/2016 07:19 EST

I'm very pleased to have made the effort to gain citizenship. it seems as though that will be very valuable asset in a move.

thank you all. you've all been very helpful and informative

sonnyp
  9/23/2016 07:19 EST

I'm very pleased to have made the effort to gain citizenship. it seems as though that will be very valuable asset in a move.

thank you all. you've all been very helpful and informative

almare2
  9/23/2016 14:03 EST

sonnyp, If you would like to start learning Italian before you travel to Italy and you have an iOS device (iPhone, iPad, or iPod Touch), there are a number of good apps on the App Store that include audio pronunciation by native speakers (you want to avoid the ones with synthesized pronunciation). I have tried almost all of them, and I recommend the following, all of which are free or cost $5.00 or less: Italian by Nemo, WordUP Italian, Learn Italian by Greg Vick, Learn Italian by Codegent, Italian in a Month by Elky Entertainment, ItNouns! and Italian! by Ronald Bell, Surface Languages Italian, and, for verbs, LearnBots Italian.

For a little more money, there are Italian by Living Language ($9.99), Barron's 601 Italian Verbs (no audio) ($6.99), and Teach Yourself Italian Pro ($14.99).

In dictionaries, I recommend, for a beginner, the Oxford Paravia, $14.99. The most complete is Il Ragazzin by Zanichellii ($37.99 or so). Both include audio pronunciations of all entries.

If you don't have an iOS device, PM me your name and mailing address and I will send you an old iPod Touch that I don't use anymore and that is nonsaleable as it doesn't upgrade past iOS 5.1. I've installed a number of the free and trial Italian language apps on it as well as some useful travel apps. I'll delete my personal information from the device. That way you can test the apps, and if you later decide to buy an iPhone (I recommend buying an *unlocked* iPhone 5 on Amazon, which is reasonably priced and will allow you to use an Italian SIM card when you travel to Italy), you will know which apps you want to download. But if you want the iPod, you must PM me quickly as on Tuesday the 27th I'm leaving for a month in Italy!

nick0126
  9/23/2016 14:19 EST

I like DUOLINGO. It's free, available on your phone OR computer and they ping you each day with lessons and monitor your progress. nice way to work on vocabulary...

almare2
  9/23/2016 14:20 EST

nick, that's good too, but all the ones I've listed are on the phone and don't depend on an Internet connection.

almare2
  9/23/2016 14:22 EST

So they're good, for example, on a long plane flight to Italy, lol!

nick0126
  9/23/2016 14:32 EST

Yeah, internet free use is definitely a plus here, but I really like how DUOLINGO pesters you to practice everyday... I use Rosettastone when I'm connectivity challenged...

almare2
  9/23/2016 14:51 EST

Rosetta Stone is good, too, but you already have some knowledge of Italian. Most of the apps I cited (especially the free ones) are more of a phrase book type, good for beginners who have never studied Italian, just to get an idea of what they are hearing when they go out into the community, need to ask directions, etc.. Several also have a record-yourself feature, for a much lower price than Rosetta Stone. The ones I suggested are just to get a start, for no or little cost. There is also a free Zanichelli Parola del Giorno app for iOS. But I think a word of the day is more useful for someone who has at least a basic grasp of grammar. Really I think a class is the best, but to learn a little before one's first trip to Italy, it's not necessary to spend a lot of money.

almare2
  9/23/2016 14:54 EST

The great thing about having an app on one's phone is that one can use it at odd times of the day without having to fire up the computer and be tied to one's desk. :-)

whidden39
  9/24/2016 04:19 EST

DoppiaCittadino: In your answer to SonnyP you indicated that there is a 7500 euro personal deduction that can be taken in Italy against Soc Sec earnings. In SonnyP's case he indicated that his income is solely social security and it would appear that he wouldn't be paying any tax on those earnings in the US (below the threshold). But after taking the deduction he would pay on the balance at a relatively high Italian tax rate, correct? In his case can you guess at what that tax rate might be? I find this example instructive and useful for my own purposes and I suppose others here are trying to get down to an estimate of what that tax burden might be. Can you elaborate a bit more on this example? Thanks much!

DoppioCittadino
  9/24/2016 07:18 EST

whidden38,

Yes, US social security income is taxable in Italy [italics]for dual citizens[end italics].

Detailed info on tax rates and allowances can be found at http://www1.agenziaentrate.gov.it/english/italian_taxation/income_tax.htm#Irpef:%20rates%20and%20allowances

The base allowance (deduction) is €7500 for pensioners under 75 years of age and €7750 for those 75 and over. Of course, there are other allowances which might apply.

The base tax rate is 23% of taxable income up to €15,000,

It would be wise to determine your Italian tax situation well in advance of actual arrival. Depending on your specifics, it might be prudent to either spend as much of the full calendar year in Italy as possible, or to arrive after July 1st to keep your first year under 6 months - if you are in Italy for greater than 6 months, ALL of your worldwide income will be taxable by Italy for that year; if you are there less than 6 months only the income actually earned while resident in Italy is taxable.

For example, DO NOT work at your US job until June 15th and then retire to Italy on June 17th. If you do so, it is likely that the income you earned January-June will be subject to Italian income tax at a rate that is almost certainly higher than your US tax rate.

guestuser
  9/24/2016 07:39 EST

Hi DoppioCittadino. If I may interject a question regarding the 7,500 euros deduction on income, my commercialista said that it only applies to pension income and not income from ordinary interest earned, which is added to the total taxable income. What is your understanding of that? That is, does the 7,500 euros deduction only apply to the pension portion of one's income? Thanks in advance.

nick0126
  9/24/2016 11:28 EST

I'm here just south of 6 months each year and normally spread over two. Visits. One Sprite g and one fall . My wife will. Be working another 6 years or so, so my soc Sec waves are tAxed at her high rate. I pull my my income over as needed. Am I falling thru the cracks ( I don't file Italian taxes yet as I have never declared any income here yet) or does the nature of my short visits put me in a different category.? I am a dual national with a house and residency in Italy

DoppioCittadino
  9/25/2016 08:36 EST

nick,

Do not forget this basic fact: Italy does not have the US equivalent of "Married, Filing Jointly."

If both you and your wife have separate incomes in your own names, then you each file separate Italian tax returns based on your individual incomes.

DoppioCittadino
  9/25/2016 08:46 EST

Jackster,

I don't see any distinction regarding type of income, only regarding the working (or, age?) status of the taxpayer ("pensioner" vs. non-pensioner).

Generally speaking, Italian men can begin collecting Italian social security at age 66 whereas women can collect as early as 62.

guestuser
  9/25/2016 10:40 EST

DoppioCittadino, thanks for your response. I am retired, but my government pension is tax exempt in Italy, although I do have interest, dividend, and capital gain income from investments that I declare on my Italian income tax. When I asked my commercialista about the deduction for pensioners, he said I didn't qualify, but I didn't delve far enough into the question of "why?" I understood him to say that it was not applicable to non-pension income, but I was not completely satisfied with that answer. As a matter of fact, I was given no deduction of any kind. This is obviously a topic I need to have him explain to me in more detail.

DoppioCittadino
  9/25/2016 15:39 EST

Jackster,

I don't know, but it seems that there must be *some* general deduction, wouldn't you think?

What about, "4,800 euros, no matter how many days they work a year, for taxpayers with other types of income." in the exemptions section of the Agenzie delle Entrate document previously linked?

guestuser
  9/25/2016 23:50 EST

Yes, DoppioCittadino, I agree. I guess I let his answer slide as there were so many other aspects regarding my tax return that were discussed and I was trying to learn how it is done. I am going to re-address the topic with my commercialista today. Thanks for your thoughts; we'll see what he has to say. Regards.

guestuser
  9/26/2016 12:17 EST

DoppioCittadino, my commercialista answered my query regarding exemptions. His reply was, "Confirmed. No exemptions for investment income." When I have the time, I might peruse the Agenzia delle Entrata and see if I can find that particular tax regulation.

MAGICMAN
  9/26/2016 12:58 EST

I am happy that you want to live in Italy, I too live in Italy, but America is my mother land, and I am sick and tired of seeing this as a topic in this forum Topic: sick and tired of the united states" I don't believe one has to disrespect my country to express one's self!!

Jergirl
  9/26/2016 14:04 EST

I wouldn't say that I'm "sick and tired' however the level of concern expressed by these posts reinforces my feeling that it is best if I maintain my stays to 180 days. I think in the end everyone figures out what works for them in the meantime without any security what might be their situation in the future. It seems Italy does not want a flood of non-EU retirees, maybe that is smart?

sonnyp
  9/26/2016 14:16 EST

magicman


America exists because people got "sick and tired " of Europe. America today is not the same place (which I thought was wonderful) as it was when I grew up. the young lady who helped me claim my citizenship in Italy said it best explaining the long wait to be processed. she said 100 years ago many wanted to go from Italy to America and now their grandchildren want to go back. I don't think it should be offensive that I feel America has become distasteful in my opinion it has become vulgar and obscene in every aspect of life. the food, the economy and family life are disasters. 80% of black babies are born to single mothers. how can such a place possibly survive. please read a history book. all great societies (of which America was) decay from within. the corpse of America is in a state of disintegration.

MAGICMAN
  9/26/2016 22:38 EST

Thank you for leaving!

MAGICMAN
  9/26/2016 22:38 EST

Thank you for leaving!

sonnyp
  9/26/2016 23:19 EST

hey magic


watch this and many more on youtube about innercities in America. u should return and live in these neighborhoods

maluza86
  9/27/2016 01:25 EST

Hello...can we please take these unhelpful diatribes offline. This forum is not for political views, whines, complaints or xxxxxx. This forum is to help those that are interested in becoming expats in Italy or are already expats and are trying to find out some other pertinent info. So please don't rant and rave here. Thank you.

guestuser
  9/27/2016 01:48 EST

Well said, maluza. And, my apologies to all for "hijacking" the thread and asking an unrelated question about tax exemptions. Although it's good to know one's tax obligations before committing to a move to Italy, I should have gone to another thread, or started a new one.

codybrandy
  9/27/2016 03:11 EST

Maluza...bravo...the end. Helpful advice and hints only.

velvet
  9/27/2016 03:39 EST

yes let's keep this forum pleasant. So nice to come on here and get great information. Jackster you never hijack as your posts are so relevant.
I have missed Sergios describing what he is having for lunch. Very important to hear no matter what the topic.
Regards

minturnopat
  9/27/2016 07:18 EST

We live in the medieval part of a small town. We can walk 1000 ft to most everything we need, stores, grocery, butcher, doctors, dentist and lots of other services. Housing is cheap public transportation is good and the people are friendly. The town square is filled in the evenings with couples, children and people of all ages. The stores close for an afternoon nap, what is not to love. Minturno is my kind of life. Ciao and buona fortuna.

heresea
  9/27/2016 11:33 EST

Well said maluza86
As a daily update subscriber it would be great if folks would use private contact on non topic messages to dramatically reduce the overload of personal conversations.

roma2016
  9/29/2016 09:24 EST

Has anyone attempted to open an Italian bank account in the last year or so?
I ask because the US passed laws (FBAR I think was the acronym) which forced foreign banks to report on bank accounts held by US citizens (regardless of dual citizenship.)
This resulted in many non-US banks refusing and even closing accounts to anyone with US citizenship, because they simply didn't feel it was worth the work entailed in reporting.
We have a checking account in the UK, as a result of having lived there and deciding to keep it open. Although the bank has allowed us to keep it open, they did require a fair bit of paperwork from us.
Any experiences anyone?

rsetzer99
  9/29/2016 10:47 EST

I opened one at UniCredit-Banco di Roma in May of 2016. The banks have caught up with the regulations and the process simply has a few extra forms now. My process was quite routine. I do not have residency yet so it is an account for foreigners.

equitraveler
  9/29/2016 11:05 EST

We have had an account at the Cassa di Risparmio di Bra for about 10 years. We were concerned that they might close our account in response to the new US reporting rules. They have not done so, but we did have to visit the bank in person to fill out and sign additional forms.

maluza86
  9/29/2016 11:41 EST

I opened an account with the local branch of Banca Monte dei Pasci di Siena in March of 2015, no problems at all. I am a legal resident, not a citizen.

roma2016
  9/30/2016 11:38 EST

Thanks for the several comments about opening accounts with Italian banks.
That's a relief. We all know how expensive it is to use foreign bank debit cards or charge cards. The fees and their profits on exchange rates become significant.

velvet
  9/30/2016 16:30 EST

I am not sure that an interview contributes much to the application process. An interview is not required here.
The consulate here has been very helpful. While they were not aware of some issues (reciprocal health care) from experiences of others the rules have been the same for all.
Yes Jackster that amount is more reasonable.
I would like to add that I feel very confident that if we decide to go ahead and apply for ER that the actual process would not be an issue. If only we could get clear guidance on the tax issue and that might not happen until we are actually staying in Italy. i should add here not only Italian tax but Australian tax as well. At least with Australian tax there won't be any surprises.

guestuser
  9/30/2016 21:50 EST

Hi Velvet. Sent you a p.m.

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