Italy is full of culture and history, but what if you're not Italian? What if you're an American who's thinking of moving to Italy? It's easier than ever (and cheaper than ever) if you have a job in the EU. But it can still be complicated if you don't know where to start.
If you’re planning on uprooting your life to somewhere across the world, Italy is a fantastic place to move to. However, you must learn how life there is different if you want to truly live your best life while on the other side of the world.
This article is full of tips, tricks, and advice that can help you to adjust to living in Italy in the most effective, safe, and enjoyable way possible.
Food and Culture
Because Italian food is so delicious, it’s easy to overlook the fact that it has a lot of differences from American food. There are some similarities—pasta, pizza, and gelato are all staples of both cultures—but there are also major differences.
Italian food tends to be much healthier than American fast food but is also considerably more expensive. You can find cheaper options in supermarkets or local markets (which might have better quality), but if you want true Italian cuisine, you will pay for it.
The good news is that this expense is offset by how much Italians spend eating: most Italians don't snack between meals like Americans. Instead, they eat three meals daily with plenty of time for lunch breaks or siestas.
Wine also plays a large role in the culture of Italy. It is exceedingly popular and can be found everywhere, from restaurants to local grocery stores. There are many different types of wine, so it's important to know your options when ordering or purchasing wine.
People who enjoy learning about other cultures will find that they have a lot to learn about Italian wine, which has distinct flavor profiles compared to American wines. Wine is also an excellent way for Americans who speak little or no Italian to get their feet wet in learning more about the language.
Language Barriers
The second issue is the language barrier. If you stay in Italy for more than a couple of months, it's worth learning Italian. Start as soon as possible, and you'll be speaking the language like a native by next summer, as long as you work at it hard enough.
Traveling Around the Country
If you’re looking to travel by train in Italy, you’ll want to purchase a Carta D’Identità (ID card) as soon as possible. The public transportation system is excellent, but it can be confusing and intimidating if you don’t speak Italian or know the rules of riding the trains.
If driving is your preferred mode of transportation, you may have some adjustments. Many Americans have told me that driving in Italy was more difficult than expected due to narrow streets and crazy drivers (among other things).
Italians drive on the right side of the road, so keep this in mind when crossing streets or entering parking lots.
At the end of the day, if you’re someone who gets flustered easily when driving, it is highly recommended that you try to rely on public transportation. If you stay in a city like Rome or Florence, avoiding travel by car can make your life much easier and less stressful.
Expat Community in Italy
While living in Italy, you will be surrounded by a strong ex-pat community. The Italian ex-pat community is very welcoming and inclusive, which makes it a great place for foreigners to live. Most Italians are happy to have foreigners from other countries and love meeting people from different places.
The Italian ex-pat community is very welcoming, active, helpful, and inclusive. There's a lot of information available online, but it's still smart to do your research before you move. The best way to learn about living in Italy as an American is by joining groups on social media like Facebook and Meetup.com (there are also language exchange groups).
You can connect with other ex-pats who have gone through the same things as you. They'll be able to help guide you through some of the challenges that come up when moving abroad.
Education for Younger People
One of the benefits of living in Italy is low-cost or free education. As a European Union member, Italy provides free education for children six years old and older. It is compulsory for children between seven and 16 years old to attend school until age 16.
There are also many opportunities for higher education in Italy—especially if you're an EU citizen. Universities are subsidized by the government and offer both undergraduate and graduate degrees at low cost or even for free.
You'll need to demonstrate proficiency in Italian before enrolling in these programs, though (more on this later). If you're not an EU citizen but still want to pursue higher education without paying out-of-pocket costs, then several options are also available.
Healthcare in Italy
Health care in Italy is not free. However, you don’t need to worry about health insurance because it is universal and mandatory. You will have to register with an Italian doctor and get a medical card that allows you to receive care from any public hospital or clinic (the small fee may be waived if you can prove that you cannot afford it).
The healthcare system in Italy is quite different from the US; while there are similarities, there are also some major differences in practice and procedure. For example:
- The doctors will not spend much time explaining why your symptoms require treatment; they might simply prescribe a medication without telling you what the problem actually is or how serious it could become if left untreated.
- The waiting times may be longer due to a shortage of medical staff who often work part-time or change shifts when necessary.
Personal Safety
The level of crime in Italy is relatively low compared to the United States, but you must remain aware of your surroundings and avoid certain areas at night. Most cities have a dangerous area or two, but if you're careful and use common sense, you'll be fine.
The crime rate in Italy is low compared with other countries across the world. However, some areas of Rome and Milan (and other cities) have higher rates of petty theft and burglary than others.
You should always be aware of your surroundings, especially when walking around at night—don't wear flashy jewelry or carry large bags with expensive items.
It's also important to remember that pickpockets often target tourists in touristy areas like Piazza Navona and Via del Fori Imperiali; keep an eye out for suspicious characters who might try to distract you while their partner lifts your phone from behind.
Be sure not to leave valuables lying around, even if they're locked away in a locker at the gym or hostel where you're staying.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Italy is a great place to live as an American ex-pat. With some preparation beforehand and flexibility once you arrive, it can be an exciting experience.
Lastly, before you travel to Italy, use the travel assessment to see if you need a visa for the purposes and duration of your stay. EU travel authorization rules frequently change but you can keep yourself informed before your departure to Italy.
Sources:
Italy vs United States Crime Stats Compared | Nation Master
Italy's expat hotspots | Property Guides
Italian Cuisine: 66 Most Famous Traditional Foods in Italy | World Travel Connector