Italy has earned a clear reputation for being one of the most enjoyable places to live in Europe. Stunning scenery, gorgeous food and a culture which is relaxed enough to appreciate life have cemented Italy as being a premier destination for expats.
However, like any location, a nuanced understanding of what Italy has to offer is key for success. If you need a removal service to Italy, make sure to contact us at Pinnacle Removals & Storage. Now, let’s take a look at the pros and cons of living in Italy.
Pro - Italy Focuses on Enjoyment
Italy is a country which takes its leisure activities very seriously. The country believes very firmly in enjoying themselves and the Italian lifestyle is designed to reflect this. Whether it’s spending time with friends, going to the opera, or simply pursuing your passions, there is ample time to explore leisure activities while you live in Italy.
Con - Speaking Italian is a Must
There are many places in Europe where speaking the language of whatever country you are living in is less important because most of the population also speaks English to account for tourism.
Italy is one of those places where Italian is more necessary than English is, and will probably be expected to speak at least basic Italian by the time you get there. It’s important to learn a few key phrases before you arrive to prepare for the experience.
Pro - Italian Cuisine
It should not come as any great surprise that Italian cuisine is known around the world. Food is much like a religion in Italy, and great care and attention goes into making sure that every meal is not only prepared properly but also tastes amazing.
Food can be a very social experience and meal times often last at least an hour, so it’s a good opportunity to sit down and spend time with your friends and coworkers.
Con - The Cost of Living
It shouldn’t come as a great surprise that the cost of living is high everywhere right now, and Europe is no exception. The cost of living in most major cities around Europe is starting to creep up, and this does include Italy.
If you want to live somewhere like Rome or Milan, then you will find that it is more expensive than some of the quiet towns and villages, but the cities are also where the largest concentration of culture is, so it’s difficult to split the difference.
Generally speaking, your best bet will usually be to find someone just outside the city which is an easy commuting distance so you can enjoy the culture without having to pay ridiculous amounts for rent.
Pro - Good Healthcare
Healthcare is one of the most critical factors of whether a country is good to live in, and luckily life in Italy is one of the better destinations in Europe with regards to healthcare. They have an excellent healthcare system which is widely considered one of the best in the world. It’s also free of charge for citizens who visit public hospitals.
There are only two real caveats to this. First of all, there is private health insurance available and the standard of care is even better, but it can be quite expensive. Second of all it’s worth taking out health insurance to provide complementary services to the free benefits you get, but choosing a provider is something you should do with great care and after considerable research.
Con - The Bureaucracy
Effective bureaucracy is something that we are used to in the UK and can be a bit of a culture shock to go abroad and find out that public services are often slow and not very helpful. Unfortunately, Italy is one of those places where bureaucracy tends to fall down. It’s one of the biggest problems with living in the country at the moment.
Not only is the Italian legal system full of obscure laws and rules, but you will also find that it’s never really clear what you are supposed to be providing when filling out legal documents or submitting for certain assistance or benefits.
Most people complain that they have to check at least three times to get a real understanding, and even then, it’s usually best if they just hire a legal consultant.
You will also find that legal services in Italy move quite slowly. If you’re looking for a swift and speedy resolution to your problem, don’t expect to find it here.
Pro - Italians Are Lovely
Obviously, we are going to end on a positive note. Italians are lovely people. Anything you’ve ever seen in the media about Italians being warm and friendly, it is pretty true. The bulk of Italians are very friendly people and more than happy to get to know some new visitors or expats. They make friends quickly and you will easily be able to insert yourself into the community.
It is important to remember that not everybody is friendly, and some people are simply solitary by nature. However, you will find that the vast majority of Italian people are more than happy to get to know you, which is good if you want to experience the culture first hand without feeling like an outsider for too long.
Moving to Italy
Italy has a lot of amazing things to offer people. It’s a wonderful place to live, and it’s no surprise that people choose to move to Italy all the time. However, like any destination in Europe or indeed the world, there are things to keep in mind. It’s not a perfect place to live, and there are a few bumps to overcome at the beginning that you may find difficult.
With that being said, if you are set on moving to Italy, then don’t use these as reasons not to go. They are just things to keep in mind, and they shouldn’t be things that dissuade you completely. It’s important to have a nuanced take on life in another country because it is a big move and you will have to navigate these challenges. Being aware of them before you make the trip is definitely a good idea.
If you are thinking about making the move to Italy, Pinnacle Removals & Storage is here to help you figure it out. We offer an excellent removal service so please feel free to get in touch.