Digital Nomad Life in Florence, Italy

"Expats in Florence often join clubs and activities such as language exchange groups, cooking classes, and wine tasting events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining a gym or sports team, or volunteering with a local organization. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups to connect with other expats living in Florence," explained one expat living in Florence, Italy.

"Living in Florence as an expat or digital nomad can be an incredibly rewarding experience. The city is full of culture, art, and history, and the locals are friendly and welcoming. Expats and digital nomads can find plenty of coworking spaces, cafes, and restaurants to work from, as well as a vibrant nightlife and plenty of outdoor activities. The cost of living in Florence is relatively low compared to other European cities, making it an attractive destination for those looking to live and work abroad. Additionally, the city is well-connected to other parts of Italy and Europe, making it easy to explore the region," remarked one foreigner who made the move to Florence.

"I researched a year before moving on the Internet and found apartmentsflorence.com who skyped with me from Florence. Lorenzo the owner described many different options and I felt very comfortable making the decision which apartment to rent before I moved. Took care of the first months rent online, very efficient," explained one person living in Florence, Italy.

"One of the best ways to find a place to live in Florence is to search online for rental listings. Websites such as Airbnb, HomeAway, and Booking.com offer a variety of rental options in the city. Additionally, there are many local real estate agencies that specialize in renting out apartments and houses in Florence. You can also look for postings on local classifieds websites such as Craigslist or Kijiji. Finally, you can also ask around in the local community for recommendations on rental properties," said one expat in Florence.

"Before retiring in Florence, expats should be aware of the cost of living, which is higher than in many other parts of the country. Expats should also research the healthcare system and the availability of medical services in the area. Additionally, expats should familiarize themselves with the local culture and customs, as well as the language, to ensure a smooth transition. It is also important to research the local job market and the availability of housing, as well as the cost of living in the area. Finally, expats should be aware of the local laws and regulations, and ensure that they are compliant with them," said one person in Florence.

"Italians love to be outdoors and there are often outdoor markets and festivals to go to. Italians dress very well and they are amusingly stylish and make for great people-watching at any time. Small shops are great for establishing a regular rapport with owners. A medieval building with modern decor inside is always amusing. Florence is a place where you can walk around and actually picture what life could've been like in medieval times. The countryside is beautiful and definitely picturesque. The wine is fantastic and sitting in cafes can be a leisurely past time. Sitting in ancient piazzas and seeing beautiful works of art can be breath taking. I do like the shopping here as well," said one person in Florence.

"Expats in Florence appreciate the city's rich history and culture, which is evident in its stunning architecture, art, and cuisine. They also enjoy the relaxed pace of life, with plenty of opportunities to explore the city's many parks, gardens, and outdoor markets. The friendly locals are also a major draw, with their warm hospitality and willingness to share their culture with visitors. Additionally, the city's vibrant nightlife and diverse range of cultural events make it a great place to live and explore," said one expat who made the move to Florence.

"Expats in Florence often find the language barrier to be the most challenging aspect of the local culture. As Italian is the primary language spoken in Florence, many expats find it difficult to communicate with locals and to understand the nuances of the language. Additionally, expats may find the Italian lifestyle to be quite different from their own, as Italians tend to take a more relaxed approach to life and work. This can be difficult for expats who are used to a more structured and fast-paced lifestyle. Finally, expats may find it difficult to adjust to the Italian bureaucracy, which can be complex and time-consuming," explained one expat living in Florence, Italy.

"Most Florentines are not friendly and do not care for foreigners. Nothing here has to be as difficult as they actually make it. If it's not Italian, it's not as good. Italians have a lot of pride in themselves and are some of the most arrogant and racist people I have ever met. They are also the most self-centered I have ever encountered....Italy starts with I! If there is a line, one will always jump to the front and ask questions, etc. There is no consideration if there are people waiting behind them, they will take their time to get their stuff done first (b/c it's all about them :0)) Itlians are VERY loud and unaware of when they are yelling in your ear or on their phones in a contained public space (ie bus, office, etc.). There are museums, cafes, restaurants and shopping; however, after a month or two, the novelty wears off. I prefer big cities and a wide variety of entertainment options. Florence doesn't have this," said one person in Florence.

"If you plan to stay in Florence for a while, you will need to apply for a residence permit. Depending on your nationality, you may need to apply for a Schengen visa before entering Italy. Once you have arrived in Italy, you will need to apply for a residence permit at the local police station. You will need to provide proof of your identity, proof of your address in Italy, and proof of your financial means," explained one expat living in Florence, Italy.

"Drinking cappuccino after 1pm, not having coffee after dinner, wearing my gym clothes outside of the gym, trying to flag down a taxi (call or go to stands instead)," said one expat in Florence.

"It is important to be respectful of local customs and traditions when visiting Florence. Avoid making loud noises or speaking too loudly in public places, as this is considered rude. It is also important to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Refrain from taking photos of people without their permission, as this is considered intrusive. Additionally, it is important to be aware of the local tipping customs and to be respectful of the local language," remarked one member in Florence.

"Florence is home to a wide variety of healthcare services. The city is home to a number of public and private hospitals, as well as a number of specialized clinics and medical centers. The city also has a number of pharmacies, providing both prescription and over-the-counter medications. Additionally, Florence is home to a number of medical professionals, including general practitioners, specialists, and nurses. The city also has a number of medical research centers, providing the latest in medical technology and treatments. Finally, Florence is home to a number of health insurance providers, allowing residents to access the healthcare services they need," commented a person living in Florence, Italy.

"My wife and I chose Florence to live in and we are incredibly pleased with our choice. The food, the art, the shopping, the lovely people, the stunning countryside, the proximity to so many other parts of Italy through Trenitalia or Peretola, or discount air travel through Pisa make us very happy indeed. We are fortunate to be retired and can spend our days experiencing life in this most beautiful of cities. I have read other reviews where people have had complaints, and IMO the attitude one brings to the country is what one ends up with. Relative to Canada, government services take longer and the process is usually more convoluted, but frankly, who cares? Things still get done and there is pretty much always a work around for the short term. In any event, there is always a wonderful enoteca just around the corner to spend an hour or two in to take any edge off," said a member in Florence.

"Expats and digital nomads living in Florence often appreciate the city's rich cultural heritage, its stunning architecture, and its vibrant art scene. They also enjoy the city's excellent food, its mild climate, and its proximity to other cities in Italy. On the other hand, some expats and digital nomads may find the cost of living in Florence to be quite high, and the city can be quite crowded during peak tourist season. Additionally, the language barrier can be a challenge for those who don't speak Italian," explained one person living in Florence, Italy.