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Italy: Cons of living in Italy:
The answer depends more on you than on Italy. What annoys me may annoy you less and vice versa. There are things you get used to, like traffic, as Sergios remarked. There are things I will never get used to, like Italian drivers. I have learned to watch all three mirrors almost constantly, on guard against folks overtaking me without warning from the right while I am about to turn left, and sometimes overtaking from both sides at once at the instant I am - with signals flashing - about to proceed to turn. So that's likely to annoy anyone who learned to drive in the UK, for example, as I did, years ago. For me it goes in the "price you pay" bucket. As do the quirky electrical system, catastrophic garbage collection, unfathomably bureaucratic utility companies, convoluted and inefficient government services, the lack of customer service generally... But if any of these things are really important to you, you should never abandon the comforts of home because truth is you are not really ready to sacrifice those comforts and you will never be able to replicate them perfectly anywhere.
I get it that you are probably for lack of a better term in love with Italy and are looking for a reality check, biggest one I think is that you may be in love with Italy but Italy is not in love with you, or with any of us for that matter, and it would be naive to expect otherwise. So do not expect to be treated differently than an Italian in your country - I find putting the other shoe on always helps - what would be their experience of dealing with the utility companies, with immigration, etc. Give it some thought next time you waste a day in line at the wrong teller. You know there's headline news about women dying in childbirth at Italian hospitals. It made me look up maternal mortality rates, and guess what, Italy ranks among the world's best, easily beating Canada and US. Easy to jump to the opposite conclusion in the absence of facts. An Italian in your country might have to put up with a lot worse than you ever would here. So keep your expectations low on things working, people honouring promises or simply showing up, and when things do work, people do show up and promises are kept you will always be pleasantly surprised. As a final note: one thing you can't change is the weather; Italy has so many diverse climatic areas, mountain, sea, you should be able to find something you love to wake up in every day, just make sure you see it at least once at its worst - in the off season - and then you will never be unpleasantly surprised.
Italy: italy and the EU:
Well said Sergios and Jackster, let's keep US politics out
Italy: Residents Card:
Doppia cittadino has nailed it, having just been thru this process, I can attest. I was asked for a whole lot of documents that weren't necessary in fact the official had misinterpreted my status completely and was upbraided by a senior in front of my eyes. That said, there's a law in Italy that allows you to certify something yourself, the forms are available and you can use it in just about every situation I have found. Chi autocertificazione
Italy: sick and tired of the united states:
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!
Italy: Canadian Doctor Abruzzo:
Hi Wendy I am also Canadian but in Sicily and cannot help, in fact have no doctor here either. However I recently found myself in desperate need of medical care, I thought I would die from a lung infection, and went to emergency at the hospital here. I was amazed at how they fast-tracked me through CAT and X-Ray and then hooked me up to IV drugs - Only had to pay at the pharmacy, no charge for the medical care. So I would not hesitate if you need urgent attention just go. hope this helps
Italy: Siracusa expats:
My impression of Siracusa is that it is likely safer than urban centres of most North American cities particularly US. If you were to rank it against Miami, I'd say it was .40 or less than half as scary; Philadelphia .50; Manhattan .80... etc.
Bottom line is the perception of insecurity is just that, a perception; you ned to be prudent wherever you are. Get theft and fire insurance same as in US; why wouldn't you? Do the same safety checks you would anywhere else you live. I wouldn't say the same for Catania or Palermo, they have a poorer reputation, but Siracusa is "tranquillo"
Italy: Commercialista advice:
Hello, I wonder if anyone can refer me to a competent commercialista or tax accountant familiar with expat issues and tax treaties in the Siracusa area?
Many thanks in advance for any tips.
Italy: Retiring to italy:
Hello people, we are retiring to Italy imminently and I have found this forum useful. The tax issue is vexing - but I just found an official govt website in English which I will share: http://www1.agenziaentrate.gov.it/english/italian_taxation/income_tax.htm
Good news for me is that the deductions resemble ours in Canada and there is a tax treaty with Canada meaning you can't be taxed in two jurisdictions. Also have received the advice of having a "commercialista" file taxes for us, still looking into it but while at first glance the system looks punitive for pensioners there appears to be some forgiveness built in, so keeping fingers crossed. Best advice for anyone on any subject is learn Italian, enough to get by, as you will be lost in any dealings with authorities and you will have many if you live here.
Italy: Shipping Cars:
Hi, I have been investigating from Canada for several months. Frustrated about to give up. Yes it is legal but what is not legal is to drive without third-party liability insurance coverage. No Italian company will touch a car not registered in Italy. Clements (only world-focused US co.) says they can no longer provide. The issue is how you drive around legally in your car s it is illegal to drive uninsured and your foreign plates will attract attention. If you have insight or know of a solution please advise!
Italy: Booking flight for Elective Residence visa:
Hi I am interested in the same issue, please share what you learn!
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