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," remarked another expat in Italy.
"This city of Bergamo is divided into two parts, the upper city and lower city. The upper city is literally on a hill and is the more exclusive part of town. It's the "in" place right now. But it comes with drawbacks - can be loud at night because of all the bars and restaurants, while there are plenty of parks up here there are no yards, and hard to find parking spaces. I would first decide what type of housing situation you want (house with yard or city living) and then hire a good realtor. You have all types of housing from apartments to houses with yards and gardens. Our expat friends live in a variety of housing situations so there is no one way to do it here," said a member in Bergamo, Italy.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Become ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before moving to Italy?
- How do I find a place to live in Italy?
- What is a typical expat home or apartment like in Italy?
- What is the average cost of housing in Italy?
- Should I buy or rent a home in Italy?
- What should I pack when moving to Italy?
- What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Italy?
- Why do people move to Italy?
- What are healthcare services like in Italy?
- What are medical services in Italy like?
- What are typical rents in Italy?
- What appliances are typically included in a rental?
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 one of the founders of Digital Nomad Exchange and the Founder and President of Expat Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange and Digital Nomad 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.