Italy
What do expats find most challenging?
We asked expats and digital nomads what they find the most challenging about the local culture in Italy. They wrote...
"The language, sex roles, classism and being an outsider. The language is difficult due to the sentence structures and loads of pronouns. Too much male and female and posturing. It SEEMS as if women are meant to be like a combination of dolls and domestic servants. Classism - if they think you have money, they are extremely nice. If they think you are average or poor then, you are invisible. To me, it seems as if they everyone is concerned with giving the appearance of having money or wealth. Wealthy people are treated as if they are gold and average are treated like pests. Being a perpetual outsider - I am the American woman - when properly identified - so I always feel evaluated. People will watch everything you do, and how you do it. They are very curious and for someone from New York, that can be annoying," wrote a member who made the move to Tuscany, Italy.
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"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," explained one expat living in Southern Tuscany, Italy.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Italy?
- How do I meet people in Italy?
- What is life like in Italy?
- Is there a lot of crime in Italy?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Italy accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Italy like?
- Is the cost of living in Italy high?
- What advice do you have for expats having a baby in Italy?
- What are healthcare services like in Italy?
- Is the cost of living in Italy high?
- What type of recreational facilities are in Italy?
- What is the weather like in Italy?
- Are there good restaurants in Italy?
- Where will I buy groceries and do other shopping in Italy?
- What are the visa & residency requirements in Italy?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Italy?
- What do I need to know when buying property in Italy?
- Are foreigners allowed to own property in Italy?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
What do expats find most challenging?
If you live in Italy, newcomers to Italy would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
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.
