Finding Truth in a Sea of Misinformation
This week, debunking falsehoods about moving to Italy, the Miller's new life in Puglia, a chat about healthcare, tips on finding work, and more.
Anyone who has explored the possibility of starting a new life in Italy knows that there are a lot of moving parts. From figuring out how to stay to logistically moving your belongings, each step carries with it an endless list of questions. So, where do we go for answers? Typically, our initial curiosity takes us to the internet.
[cue dramatic music]
The blessing of the digital age is an immense amount of information at our fingertips. This truth gives way to another…a lot of that information is confusing, misleading, and conflicting. As a savvy consumer, sometimes it’s easy to point out the culprits, but when you’re entering into unknown territory, it’s not always so clear. Here are some examples of bad information that can be found online:
🚫A YouTuber sharing a property tour saying you can just take a wall down or add a window without a proper report from a geometra (and no mention of this requirement).
🚫A well-meaning blogger suggesting a shortcut to citizenship recognition.
🚫Advice on a new tax law posted on a social media site by someone who isn’t a commercialista.
🚫A secondhand (or thirdhand) account of a friend’s experience getting an Italian work visa.
🚫 Five different responses to a question you posted in an online forum, all pointing you in a different direction.
So how do you separate fact from fiction?
Essentially, there are two paths you can take. The first requires you to verify multiple sources, and cross-reference details from reputable websites, official government portals, and firsthand accounts from expatriates who have already made the move. And then there are the issues of compliance. If you know anything about Italy, you know that policies and regulations are always changing so you’ll need to find a reliable source to keep all of that straight. Yes, this could be your new full-time (volunteer) job.
The second path leads to professional assistance; finding a reputable, credible consulting agency to guide your steps. This service, customized to your unique situation (not a one-size-fits-all package) can help you get it right the first time. Mistakes based on misinformation can be costly, in terms of both time and money, so working with a consultant can be an efficient and economical way to reach your goals, and minimize stress.
The bottom line is, the amount of information available is overwhelming and often untrue or outdated. As you move forward, it’s important to be aware of possible pitfalls, like misinformation, that may hinder your progress and/or set you off course. It’s one thing if you’re looking for anecdotes but another if you’re looking for facts to guide your next steps. In today’s community success story, you’ll meet a couple who chose path 2, partnering with Smart Move Italy to navigate their intricate path to Italy.
Which path will you take?
Community Success Story - Meet The Millers 👋
Phyllis and Rich Miller loved their life in Buffalo, New York, but after 30 years of shoveling snow, and with retirement approaching, they decided to shake up the routine…and move to Italy.
“We first started thinking about it in 2010,” says Phyllis. “As we got closer to deciding that we wanted to do it, we quickly realized that this isn’t something that is best done on your own, especially with all of the misinformation that is out there on the Internet."
They considered reaching out to several different companies for help, but none of them felt right. Then a deep dive on Facebook led them to Smart Move Italy. Once they found SMI, the plan to move went from a daunting challenge to a realistic opportunity. Phyllis’s EU citizenship answered the question of how to stay but where to stay was a bigger issue. “Initially, we wanted to be in or around Florence,” says Phyllis. “It’s one of our favorite places, but it’s the favorite place of a lot of people.”
Fortunately, being a part of the Smart Move Italy community opened their eyes to other possibilities, and to tax incentives they previously knew nothing about. This information ultimately helped them choose a 7% seaside town in the province of Bari. Here they’ve found a community of generous, warm neighbors eager to greet them, offer help, and welcome them as family.
The Smart Move Italy team helped the Millers negotiate and secure their long-term rental and continued to provide assistance through the transition. “Without them, we wouldn’t have lights or internet,” says Rich. “Their connections here really made a huge difference for us.”
While not in the world-famous artistic and architectural center of Florence, the Miller’s new hometown provides everything they need: an easily accessible airport and train station, excellent medical facilities, local shopping, and amazing restaurants.
The couple has been pleasantly surprised by the fact that a “language barrier” hasn’t prevented them from making friends (although, they don’t yet speak Italian) and that their community seems to be age blind. “You’ve got people in their 30s friends with people twice their age and vice versa,” says Phyllis. “It’s very inclusive. Whether you’re married, single, have children, or don’t have children…it doesn’t matter. It’s really nice.”
Making such a huge move is never an easy task. They’ve run into hiccups, just like anyone else, but overall, starting a new life in Italy has been as stress-free as possible for this couple from Buffalo. We continue to wish them well on their new Pugliese path…and are thrilled that they’ll always be a part of the Smart Move Italy family.
If you’re inspired by the Miller’s story and would like to work with SMI to launch your own Italian adventure, schedule a chat with us today. ⬇️
Location Spotlight - Potenza, Basilicata ☀️🥖☕️
Last issue, we featured a beautiful town in the North, Turin, but this week we’re heading straight south to the province of Potenza, the capital of the region of Basilicata.
If the crowds of Milan, Venice, Florence, and Rome make you cringe, this area of Italy is worth considering. Definitely, off the typical tourist itinerary, Potenza has a rustic, simple beauty that reflects the rugged and resilient nature of its people. As a counterbalance, the University of Basilicata is based here, helping to maintain a vibrant, modern vibe.
It’s a bit less polished and a bit more raw than your common Italian postcard, Potenza is as beautiful as it is gritty. The landscapes here vary greatly between its 100 municipalities. A visit (or move) to Potenza will allow you to explore jagged mountains, sloping river valleys, and rocky coastlines. The area suffered significant damage in a strong earthquake in the mid-1800s and was heavily bombed in World War II, but residents here are dedicated to constant rebuilding.
You’ll find the cost of living significantly more affordable than many places in Italy, especially in the North. Still, there is no shortage of excellent food, interesting museums, and cultural events. One of the most popular events in Potenza, Parata Dei Turchi (the parade of the Turks), takes place every year at the end of May, just before the feast day of the patron Saint Gerard. On this day, participants dress in elaborate, colorful costumes and reenact what may be ancient historical events, but may also be folklore. It is said that Turkish invaders were stopped by the people of Potenza with the help of Saint Gerard’s “celestial light.”
Last Sunday’s Vendita newsletter featured this ⬇️ 3 bedroom, 2 bathroom property with a balcony in Libertà, Potenza for just over 200.000 €. Did you miss it? Be sure to subscribe via email, or join our Telegram channel. It’s completely free!
Have you considered Potenza? Let me know in the comments.
Italian Healthcare - 🧑⚕️ 👩⚕️ 💊
Sometimes the path to a new life in Italy has twists and turns, and many surprises along the way. Depending on where you are coming from (and where you’re moving to), the healthcare system may be one of the most pleasant surprises.
Healthcare in Italy, in general, is excellent for many reasons. It offers exceptional care at affordable rates but the most unique characteristic is the interconnection between the public and private systems. Yes, there are two systems but they do not operate exclusively, meaning you are able to weave in and out of both as your needs change.
Let’s look at some of the features of each (Keep in mind, this is just a snapshot).
Public System
🔷 Must be a resident to participate.
🔷 Fee currently based on where you live and a % of your income.
🔷 Choose a family doctor at time of enrollment. He/She is your primary point of contact.
🔷 Specialty care is referred out.
🔷 Property ownership does not qualify you for the public system.
🔷 You may have to wait for care, depending on the need.
🔷 Many doctors only speak Italian.
🔷 Rates are not increased for pre-existing conditions.
🔷 Fees are paid yearly from 1 January - 31 December (not pro-rated) so timing is important.
Private System
🔶 Anyone can pay out of pocket for private care (regardless of residency) and private insurance is an option.
🔶 More likely to find a doctor who speaks a language other than Italian.
🔶 Shorter wait times (if any) for appointments.
🔶 Many options for doctors, treatments, and facilities.
🔶 Unsurpassed level of care.
The Cross-Over Effect
🔄 You can switch back and forth between the two. For example, start in the private system for a consult and then enter the public system for a procedure.
🔄 You are responsible for maintaining your own medical records, which will be in a file, on physical paper.
🔄 Emergency care is always covered for everyone in Italy (even tourists).
🔄 Dental isn‘t covered but is typically affordable (private dental insurance is available).
🔄 Healthcare is very personable in Italy. Doctors are often available for house calls and on WhatsApp.
Healthcare is a nuanced topic and there are many other points to take into consideration, including the health coverage requirements for visas. There are also many misconceptions. Click ⬇️ to hear Samantha talk about “free” healthcare in Italy:
The Italian culture is very focused on health. With typical diets of fresh, local food, high levels of daily activity (lots of walking!), and excellent healthcare, it’s no wonder Italians typically live so long!
Working in Italy
For some, a new life in Italy means enjoying the fruits of retirement. For others, it means continuing to work, but in a new location. If you fall into the latter camp, you’ve probably discovered that finding work in Italy can be… complicated.
Your New Life in Italy community leader, Ali Frothingham, is well-versed on the topic. She provides some valuable pointers to help point you in the right direction.
👆1️⃣ Check out local newspapers' classifieds 🗞️ like The Florentine and Regione Toscana.
🤘2️⃣ Contact Italian work agencies like Gi Group and Randstad.
🤟3️⃣ Explore companies you're interested in by visiting their websites. Many post their job openings there.
🖖4️⃣ Dive into popular job platforms like Indeed: Indeed Italy and LinkedIn Italy
❗️Remember, the smaller the town, the harder it will be to find work. Bigger cities like Milan often offer more job opportunities.
❗️Remember, in Italy, relationships matter! 🤝 Your chances of finding a job will increase if you utilize connections and word-of-mouth leads.
❗️Fluency in Italian is often a prerequisite for finding a job.
Your New Life in Italy community regularly delves into topics like this to give our members expert insight and valuable resources. If you’d like to be a part of the conversation, membership is open now!
🙋 Hoping to snag a work visa?
Working in Italy without EU citizenship requires a work visa, but those are difficult to come by for two main reasons:
1) There's a limited amount that can be granted each year.
2) The extra hoops for non-EU citizens make EU candidates a more appealing hire to employers.
🙋♀️ What if you want to volunteer?
If you’re interested in working on a volunteer basis, for example, in exchange for housing, there are several organizations dedicated to connecting you with a host. In this case, non-EU citizens do not need a visa if they stay less than 90 days. Check out WWOOF Italia or WorkAway.
ASA (Ask Samantha Anything)
Email us at sophia@smartmoveitaly.com to submit your questions.
Dear Samantha: What can you tell me about renter’s insurance in Italy? I’m used to getting it when I sign a new lease but many people have told me that it’s not common in Italy.
Dear Jeff: Renters insurance is not common and only a handful of our clients have been required to take out a policy with a lease. This is usually a request of the owner of a property that is higher-end and furnished. Property insurance (owned or rented) is not as common as in North America but still available and in most cases simply an “option”.
Warm up to Roasted Chestnuts 🌰 🔥 🍁 ❄️
Growing up, roasted chestnuts symbolized the beginning of the end of a long, very animated holiday meal. I remember the smokey fragrance wafting through the house and the steam rising from the platter as my nonna placed it on the table, next to the clementines, cookies, and pomegranates. Tiny espresso cups clinked against delicate saucers or bottles of grappa as hands reached in from every direction to grab their favorite treat. For this reason, chestnuts are, to me, synonymous with the fall and winter seasons.
Of course, I’m not alone. Cooler temperatures in Italy signify the start of the roasted chestnut season. One of the best places to enjoy these ancient nuggets of smokey goodness is at an Italian Christmas market. Here, amongst the twinkling lights and booths full of handmade goodies, you’ll find street vendors expertly roasting the chestnuts over open fires. They are usually served in handy, little paper cones.
Chestnuts straddle the line between savory and sweet and are similar in consistency to a sweet potato. They are a bit of an acquired taste and not everyone likes to eat them. Some people just buy them to keep their hands warm!
Chilly weather and roasted chestnuts just seem to go together, but you don’t need an Italian Christmas market or an open fire to enjoy them. Your oven will work just fine. Enjoy!
Black Friday for Our Community!
Don’t miss our Black Friday sale!
Enjoy 50% off the Elective Residency Visa Lab and/or the Residency Lab today through Tuesday, 28 November. Use code BLACKFRIDAY23 at checkout.
In the coming weeks, we’ll explore the Christmas Market tradition and chat about different ways to heat your home Italian home. Have a topic you’d like us to cover? Please share it in the comments. We always love to hear from you. Thanks for reading and for being part of the Smart Move Italy famiglia. A presto!