Italy is a country that attracts many people from the UK who are looking for a change of scenery, a warmer climate, and a rich cultural heritage. Whether they are retirees, professionals, students, or adventurers, expats who move to Italy find themselves immersed in a unique lifestyle that offers both challenges and rewards. In this blog, we will explore some of the aspects of living in Italy that UK expats should be aware of, such as housing, work & education, language, food, transportation, communication, and social norms. Our goal is to help you prepare for a smooth transition to your new home and enjoy the best of what Italy has to offer.
When moving to Italy, UK expats must consider finding suitable housing. Options include apartments and villas in cities or farmhouses and cottages in rural areas. Housing costs depend on location, size, condition, and amenities. Northern regions and major cities are pricier than the South. According to Numbeo, a website that compares living costs around the world, the average monthly rent for a one-bedroom apartment in Italy is €647, compared to €1,017 in the UK. The average price per square meter to buy an apartment in Italy’s city center is €3,791, versus €6,015 in the UK. you can find available apartments for rent in Italy from here.
Before buying or renting, UK expats should handle legal aspects, check ownership, hire agents and lawyers, negotiate contracts, and register the property. Utilities and services must also be considered, such as electricity, gas, water, internet, phone, and TV.
Best cities like Rome, Milan, Florence, and others offer a vibrant cultural and economic life. But charming places like Siena, and Lucca, or beautiful regions like Tuscany and Sicily are also attractive options for a more relaxed lifestyle.
Italy’s diverse economy offers opportunities in tourism, manufacturing, agriculture, services, arts, etc. The job market may be competitive due to language and bureaucratic barriers. Research and preparation are essential for job applications. The average monthly net salary in Italy is €1,387 (€2,167 in the UK) with an income tax rate of 27% (20% in the UK). Working hours are 38 per week (37 in the UK), and annual leave is 28 days (25 in the UK).
For education, Italy has public and private schools and universities. Types of schools include nursery, kindergarten, primary, lower secondary, upper secondary, and vocational. Universities are public, private, and online. Public education is generally free/low-cost for EU citizens. Recognition of UK degrees depends on equivalence or validation by official authorities.
One of the most rewarding and enjoyable aspects of living in Italy for UK expats is experiencing and appreciating the rich and diverse culture and lifestyle that Italy offers. Italy is a country that has a long and illustrious history and tradition that have shaped its art, beauty, cuisine, family, social life, festivals, holidays, etc. UK expats who move to Italy should try to learn and respect the main aspects of Italian culture and lifestyle, such as:
Italy is famous for its delicious and varied cuisine that reflects its regional and seasonal diversity. Some of the most popular dishes are pizza, pasta, risotto, lasagna, gnocchi, polenta, etc. Some of the most famous drinks are wine, coffee, limoncello, grappa, etc. As expats who live in Italy, you can try to taste and enjoy the local specialties and flavors, as well as learn some basic etiquette and customs related to food and drink, such as how to order, tip, eat, etc.
Italy is a country that values family and social relationships very highly. Italians tend to have large and close-knit families that often live together or nearby. They also have many friends and acquaintances that they often meet for social occasions. Expats who live in Italy should try to build and maintain good relationships with their neighbors, colleagues, landlords, etc., as well as join some clubs, associations, or groups that share their interests or hobbies.
Italy is a country that has a remarkable artistic and aesthetic heritage that can be seen in its architecture, painting, sculpture, music, literature, fashion, design, etc. Some of the most famous artists and works are Michelangelo’s David, Leonardo da Vinci’s Mona Lisa, Dante’s Divine Comedy, Verdi’s Aida, Prada’s Bags, etc. You can visit and admire some of the museums, monuments, churches, palaces, etc. that showcase the art and beauty of Italy.
Italy is a country that has a rich and complex history that spans from ancient times to modern days. Some of the most significant historical periods and events are the Roman Empire, the Renaissance, the Unification, the World Wars, the Republic, etc. Some of the most distinctive traditions and customs are the Carnival, Easter, Christmas, Saints’ Days, etc.
Italy is a country that has many festivals and holidays that mark religious, cultural, or seasonal occasions. Some of the most popular ones are New Year’s Day (January 1), Epiphany (January 6), Valentine’s Day (February 14), Carnevale (February or March), Easter (March or April), Liberation Day (April 25), Labor Day (May 1), Republic Day (June 2), Ferragosto (August 15), All Saints’ Day (November 1), Immaculate Conception (December 8), Christmas (December 25), Boxing Day (December 26), etc.
For leisure and entertainment, Italy offers a plethora of options for expats who want to have fun and relax. Some of the best places to visit and things to do in Italy are:
Italy has some of the most renowned and diverse museums in the world that display art, history, science, nature, etc. Some of the most famous ones are the Vatican Museums, the Uffizi Gallery, the Colosseum, the Pompeii Archaeological Park, the Leonardo da Vinci Museum, etc.
Italy’s culture, religion, politics, and more are reflected in its stunning and symbolic monuments. Some of the most well-known ones include the Pantheon, the Duomo of Milan, the Leaning Tower of Pisa, the Spanish Steps, and the Trevi Fountain.
From stunning landscapes and wildlife to leisure and culture, Italy’s parks have it all. Some of the best examples are the Cinque Terre National Park, the Gran Paradiso National Park, the Vesuvius National Park, the Villa Borghese Gardens, the Boboli Gardens, and more.
Whether you want to relax, swim, surf, or dive, Italy’s beaches have something for everyone. Some of the top destinations are the Amalfi Coast, the Sardinian Coast, the Sicilian Coast, and more.
Italy’s mountains cater to a diverse array of adventurous pursuits, spanning from hiking and skiing to climbing and beyond. Among the notable options are the Alps, the Dolomites, the Apennines, the Etna Volcano, and several others, providing an abundance of activities for thrill-seekers.
Italy has some of the most popular and passionate sports in the world that offer excitement, competition, and fun. Some of the most famous ones are football (soccer), cycling, motor racing, basketball, volleyball, etc.
From harmony and beat to feeling and expression, Italy’s music has something for everyone. Some of the top genres are opera, classical, pop, rock, folk, and more.
Italy boasts an array of internationally renowned and diverse cinema, offering a captivating blend of drama, comedy, romance, thrillers, and more. Some of the most famous ones are La Dolce Vita, Life is Beautiful, The Godfather, Cinema Paradiso, etc.
One of the most important aspects that you need to consider when moving to Italy is how to access and afford healthcare and insurance. Italy has a universal healthcare system that provides public and private options for its residents. The public healthcare system, known as Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is funded by taxes and offers free or low-cost basic healthcare services, such as general practitioners, specialists, hospitals, emergency care, etc. The private healthcare system, known as Assicurazione Sanitaria Integrativa (ASI), is funded by fees and offers additional or alternative healthcare services, such as dental care, cosmetic surgery, private clinics, etc.
Health insurance is crucial for expats in Italy to ensure proper coverage and avoid unexpected expenses. They have various options based on their status:
Registering with a local doctor (medico di base) is essential for accessing healthcare services, involving choosing a doctor, filling out a registration form, providing personal details, health card number, and proof of residence, receiving a confirmation letter, and making appointments as needed. For more information about Healthcare for UK nationals living in Italy, you can check here.
When relocating to Italy, as an expat, you should consider the practical aspect of transportation for exploring the country. Italy offers a well-developed transportation system with both public and private options. The public transportation system, called “trasporto pubblico,” comprises buses, trams, and trains connecting cities and regions. On the other hand, the private transportation system, known as “trasporto privato,” includes cars, motorcycles, and bicycles, providing greater flexibility and convenience.
Public Transportation in Italy
Using public transport is a wise and cost-effective way to travel in Italy. You can rely on the public transport system for your daily commute, sightseeing, or exploring the country. They need to purchase tickets or passes from vending machines, kiosks, or newsstands, validate them before boarding, and check schedules and routes online or at the stops and stations. Adhering to the rules and etiquette of public transport, such as giving up seats for elderly or disabled individuals and avoiding loud noises or littering, is essential.
Driving in Italy as a UK Expat
For those seeking more freedom and comfort, driving in Italy is an option. However, it can be challenging and stressful due to traffic, parking, tolls, and fines. Most expats planning to drive in Italy must ensure they have a valid driver’s license recognized in Italy. While their UK license is valid for the first 12 months after moving, they’ll need to exchange it for an Italian one afterward. Familiarizing themselves with traffic rules, speed limits, road markings, traffic lights, and roundabouts is crucial. Being prepared for common driving conditions and habits in Italy, such as narrow roads, aggressive drivers, frequent honking, and lane changes, is also important.
Cycling in Bike-Friendly Cities
Cycling is another enjoyable and healthy way to explore Italy, especially in its bike-friendly cities. You can use bicycles to savor the scenic beauty, stay active, and save money. When cycling, they should acquire bicycles from shops, rental services, or bike-sharing schemes, wear helmets and protective gear for safety, and adhere to cycling rules and regulations. This includes respecting traffic lights, bike lanes, and pedestrians. Additionally, securing their bicycles with proper locks when not in use is essential.
One of the most essential and enjoyable aspects that UK expats need to consider when moving to Italy is how to communicate and interact with the locals. Italy has a beautiful and expressive language that reflects its culture and identity. The official language of Italy is Italian, but there are also many regional dialects and minority languages that are spoken in different parts of the country. Expats who move UK to Italy should try to learn and practice the Italian language and communication, as it will help them to integrate, socialize, and appreciate the country better.
Language basics are key phrases and expressions that can ease communication in Italy. UK expats who move to Italy should learn some basic words and sentences that can help them to greet, introduce, thank, apologize, ask, answer, etc. For instance, they should know how to say:
Language schools and resources are where to learn Italian in Italy. Expats who move to Italy should enroll in a language course or use a language resource that can help them to improve their Italian skills and knowledge. They can choose from various options, such as:
Language schools: There are many language schools in Italy that offer courses for different levels, durations, and purposes. They usually provide qualified teachers, interactive classes, cultural activities, certificates, etc. Some of the most popular language schools in Italy are Scuola Leonardo da Vinci, Dilit, Lingua Sì, etc.
Language exchanges: Many language exchanges in Italy offer opportunities for native speakers of different languages to meet and practice their target languages. They usually provide free or low-cost sessions, friendly environments, social events, etc. Some of the most popular language exchanges in Italy are Tandem, Speaky, HelloTalk, etc.
Language apps: Many language apps offer ways to learn and practice Italian anywhere. They often have lessons, games, exercises, flashcards, quizzes, etc. Some of the most well-known language apps for learning Italian are Duolingo, Babbel, Busuu, and more.
Gestures and body language are non-verbal cues that can help to understand and convey messages in Italy. UK expats who move to Italy should be aware of some common gestures and body language that Italians use to communicate their emotions, opinions, intentions, etc.
Moving to Italy as a UK expat can be a rewarding and fulfilling experience that can change your life for the better. However, it can also be a challenging and stressful process that requires preparation, adaptation, and patience. In this blog, we have tried to provide you with some useful information and advice on how to prepare for a smooth transition to Italy and enjoy the best of what the country has to offer.
To integrate successfully into Italian culture, embrace the lifestyle and language, respect norms, and avoid stereotypes. Enjoy Italy’s offerings, from climate to cuisine, and explore the country’s beauty and traditions. Treat your time in Italy as a journey of growth, learning from experiences and developing new skills and relationships as a UK expat.
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