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Piazza del Popolo in Rome

Moving to Rome

By Betsy Burlingame

Last updated on Aug 20, 2023

Summary: Expatriates are drawn to Rome, Italy for its rich history, vibrant culture, and delicious cuisine. Rome is a bustling city with plenty of attractions, from the Colosseum to the Trevi Fountain, and its mild climate makes it an ideal place to live. Before moving to Rome, it is important to be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other parts of Italy. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the language barrier, as many locals do not speak English. Finally, it is important to be aware of the traffic and parking regulations, as they can be quite strict.

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What do I need to know before moving to Rome?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Rome, they said:

"Rome is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and culture. It is important to be aware of the language barrier, as Italian is the official language of the city. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Rome, which is higher than in many other cities in Italy. Additionally, it is important to research the different neighborhoods in Rome and find one that best suits your needs. Public transportation is widely available and is a great way to get around the city. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette in Rome, as it is a very traditional city," explained one expat living in Rome, Italy.

"The experience of living in the Eternal City can't be beat. The food is fantastic. Fresh pasta is divine. However, the Italian way of life is very different than that of the US way of life. At times, you will be frustrated and upset. For example, imagine going to the supermarket for days on end and there is no milk or fresh produce because there is a transportation strike going on. All notions of right and wrong do not exist here especially when driving. Italians will honk at you if you are going too slowly and they want to pass you or if you pause to wait for a pedestrian to cross the street you will be yelled at and honked at for not attempting to swerve around the pedestrian. My advice is to try to always remain calm and practice patience. If life gets too exasperating, go have a cappucino or better yet, get some good pizza and pasta and tackle your problem the next day. Another good tip, learn Italian. Make Italian friends who can help you overcome any difficulties," said one expat in Rome.

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About the Author

Betsy Burlingame Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University with a BA in International Business and German.

Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.

Piazza del Popolo in Rome

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