What do I need to know before moving to Italy?

When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Italy, they said...

"It is important to note that Italy has a predominantly Catholic population and that the majority of the population speaks Italian. Additionally, communication can be difficult in Italy, and expats should be prepared to learn some basic Italian words and phrases. Immigration procedures can often take a long time in Italy, and it is important to be patient in the process and to make sure that any necessary paperwork is in order. Expats should be aware that Italy is known for its positive culture, vibrant cities, and stunning landscapes; however, living costs can be high and the country has encountered its share of economic difficulties in recent years. Due to Italy's cultural importance worldwide, they should also research Italian customs and etiquette prior to moving. Finally, with thousands of years of history and art, Italy is full of amazing sites to explore and discover, making the relocation an exciting and memorable experience," mentioned another expat when asked about moving to Italy.

"As far as the actual move, pair down to two suitcases per person. Ditch or store the rest. Don't drag it around. AirB&B's allow you to rent for 29 days. After that, the owner must have a legal rental agreement. Short-term rentals in fully furnished apartments allow you to live several places to see how you like it. Choose places close to stores, train stations, bus lines. If you do find a charming old house up on a hill, be careful if it's too remote. Unfortunately, remotely located houses can be targets for robberies. I know some people who built their dream home and have been robbed 5 times while away. If you don't speak Italian, you're in trouble. Finding community, especially a community of like-minded English speakers is difficult in most cities in Italy. Facebook pages are the best way to connect," commented one expat who made the move to Passignano sul Trasimeno, Italy.

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What do I need to know before moving to Italy?

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.