17 things to know before you move to Italy

If you’re thinking of moving to Italy from Australia, you’re not alone. Not only the Bel Paese is one of Australians’ favourite tourist destinations, but as many as 30,000 Aussies had made their home here in 2002, according to Wikipedia.

Have you completed your checklist yet? There are several things you need to know before you move. Find them below.

1. You may need a visa

Unless you have an Italian passport, you will probably need a visa in order to stay in the country for extended periods of time.

However, remember that if you are only planning a short stay before your final move, you may be able to enter Italy and the Schengen Area visa-free with the ETIAS online authorisation.

2. Consider the language barrier

Italians speak, well, Italian. If you’re taking up an international job in a big city like Milan or Rome, you may get away with just a few Buongiorno and Grazie. But if you plan to live like a local or have chosen a smaller centre, you will need to learn the language.

3. Italy is a varied country

For such a small land, Italy is packed with a variety of landscapes and microclimates. Be aware of the seriously cold winters in the north near the Alps (calling all mountain and skiing lovers) and the dry and often over 40℃ summers in Sicily.

4. ...really varied

It’s not just the weather: every region has a unique taste to it. If you’re into culture-rich medieval towns and cobblestone streets, try Florence and Mantova. If you prefer picture-perfect fisherman villages and fashionable people, head to Liguria or the Amalfi Coast.

5. Get ready to start cooking Italian

Italians are very proud of their mouth-watering cuisine, and with good reason. However, this means that they may not be too enthusiastic about your fettuccine Alfredo and your BBQ chicken pizza.

The bright side is that virtually everyone will be happy to give you some cooking classes so that you can impress the family when you go back for the holidays.

6. You’ll be surprised by prices

Italy is overall way cheaper than Australia and the UK in many areas, such as rent and dining out. However, things like clothes and gym memberships can be surprisingly pricey. It may take you a while to get used to the new budget rules.

7. You’ll be charged monthly

If you’re used to getting paid and taking care of your bills weekly, consider that salary, rent, utilities, and most bills are paid monthly in Italy and the majority of Europe.

8. You can easily travel around Europe

Since Italy is part of the Schengen zone, you will be able to visit all Schengen countries for tourism without having to apply for a visa. This is true whether you’re on an ETIAS temporary authorisation or a long-term Italian visa.

9. Rules for permanent residence change though

We have no idea why you’d ever want to leave Italy permanently but if you wish to start a new chapter of your life somewhere else in Europe, then you’ll have to get country-specific info on the local immigration rules and find out whether you’ll have to apply for a separate permit.

10. You’ll probably have less space in the house

Especially if you come from a country like Australia, it may take you some time to get used to living solutions in Europe. Italy is heavily populated and most people in urban areas live in apartments.

You may have to give up your backyard BBQs but may gain a few fun local flatmates.

11. Get ready to trade the footie for soccer

Soccer runs in the blood of Italians. Every Sunday during the soccer season, your friends will probably lock themselves in the house with a beer to watch the game. If you can’t beat them…

12. Your coffee will taste different

Those used to a pumpkin spice latte will most likely have to change their morning habits in Italy. Although you can find Starbucks in major cities, most coffee shops (simply bar in Italian) will only sell drinks you can make with a traditional coffee machine, like espressos and cappuccinos.

One taste of the stuff, though, and you’ll be hooked like Italians are (your local friends can drink as many as 5-7 coffees per day.)

13. You can get anywhere by train, but you’ll probably be late

European public transport is very different from the Aussie one. Italians rely heavily on the railway system to go from one city to the other, and you can virtually tour the whole country by train.

Although there are several high-speed rail routes, smaller towns and villages can only be reached by local trains (regionali in Italian.) These are run by Trenitalia and are, alas, famously late.

14. Fashion everywhere, everytime

Italians are extraordinarily fashionable people. At the office, in the park, at the restaurant and yes, even at the grocery store, people look surprisingly well dressed to foreign eyes.

After all, this is the birthplace of brands like Gucci, D&G, Versace, Armani, and Valentino. Get ready to step up your wardrobe game.

15. You’ll soon be part of the family

If you make local friends and receive an invitation to go to their family house for a meal or a weekend away (and trust us, you will receive it) you’ll soon feel ‘adopted’ by the truly welcoming local culture. You’ll become part of the extended family, keep getting invitations, and be sent regards and wishes on a regular basis.

Be open to these warm customs and make sure to ask after your friends’ family. Make a great first impression by bringing simple gifts with you like food, wine, or flowers.

16. Aperitivo takes on a whole new meaning

If you think that aperitivo is just a glass of wine in the late afternoon before you head to dinner, then think again.

You can order wine or a cocktail, but be prepared for a small (or even regular) meal to come with it. You’ll be served fresh snacks and canapes (think cheese, cured meat, olives, bruschetta and even pizza), free of charge. No better way to start a night out.

17. Manners are important

Italians can be very formal by Australian standards. Here, for example, you may see people call someone they don’t know well by surname (like ‘Mr. Rossi’) and you will not say ciao (‘hi’) to someone you’re not familiar with. The right formula is buongiorno or buonasera depending on the time of the day.