Stacey, one thing I might add to your list is open up a Wise (transfer wise) account. This allows you to move money around the world (US to Italy), pay your bills and withdraw money using their debit card (€250 per day). It’s been a godsend for us here in Italy. 🍷
We do have an Italian bank account. But that was before we knew about Wise. Italian bank account is good for larger withdrawals up to €1000 and our ENL bill is withdrawn directly from our Italian account. But paying larger amounts such as vendors Wise is the way to go.
Really low. I would say it’s a must if you move anywhere in the world and your money is in a different country. It also allows you to withdraw money in any currency as long as you have money in your account.
Oct 12, 2022·edited Oct 12, 2022Liked by Stacey Eskelin
Yeah, Facebook is evil, except that its "group" functions are a godsend. You can join these before you arrive in country. There are several expat groups for Italy (I belong to Expats Italy and a regional one called UmbriAliens) and many towns and cities have a group page, including my local town. Members of the latter are Italians with few exceptions, but FB has translation systems built-in so you can read posts and you can use Google translator or some other translator to post your own thoughts, comments, ideas etc.
The exchange of information that occurs in these groups is hugely helpful, plus you may "meet" other expats close by with whom you can take a chance at friendship. You can use the group exchanges to find local services you may - WILL - require, including medical and dental services in English and you will hear about local and regional events you can enjoy while you rub shoulders with Italians.
Last thing: maybe take out a subscription for The Local - an English-language online newspaper about Italy with links to English language editions for other European countries: www.thelocal.it
I subscribe to The Local! You're right--it's super helpful, just as FB is helpful, too, in some instances. Zuckerberg's motto, "Move fast and break things" was the most bro-ey thing ever written. It has been fascinating to watch guys like him grapple with the reality that "connecting the world" is a lot better on paper than it is in reality. Our brains just aren't ready for that kind of togetherness.
Deep down, people are panicked monkeys. Deeper still, a lizard.
I would add scotch tape to that list of things to bring. For some unknown reason, the US seems to be the only country on the planet with decent scotch tape.
Right? It's madness. Even when you find Scotch tape here, it's the kind that yellows and almost never comes in its own dispenser. That's separate, and it never ever works. Super cuteness though: Italians call it "Scotch," as in "Hai dello Scotch?"
Stacey, I have to laugh about the WhatsApp. Yes, everyone in Italy uses it, save Adam. He absolutely refuses. So I get all the texts, from all the people, even his Italian doctor. Drives me insane!!!
I actually learned on a stick -- a couple of them, in fact. My family didn't even own an automatic until we inherited one from my grandmother sometime in the late '60's. It's like falling off a bicycle -- once you learn how, you never forget.
But otherwise? Yeah, don't see it ever happening. My knees, my cardio, my intolerance for noise, my impatience ... I'm not cut out for that. Guatemala is a possibility; Spanish is easier to learn and the dollar goes further. But I'd have to figure out a solution for my cats (some of them could go with me), and face the fact that I am terrible at meeting people and making new friends.
Gares, what on earth would you do without your Thursday taco place????
You might like Costa Rica. There's an expat community there (in case you're feeling desperate for conversation, for some reason). I have a couple of friends in Mexico City, and they love love love it. John and I are big fans of Poland, which is affordable, except that the recent flood of immigration from Ukraine has driven up the price of rent. Poland's a little TOO close to Russia, however. Apparently, Polish television now runs 24/7 tutorials on how to fire a rifle and launch a grenade. So ....
I actually have a colleague who lives and teaches in Poland, and SIUC has an arrangement with one of the other universities there so that we're always exchanging professors. (My coauthor on "Quantum of Explanation" is there now.) The proximity to Russia means nothing. If Putin is that insane (and his generals too ball-less to "force a new election," as it were) then Antarctica is not going to be safe.
The trouble for me is the language. Polish makes Italian look easy. I have friends who are Slav's (Bulgarian, in fact) and they joke about how insane Polish is. (Imagine a language so tweaked that Bulgarians think you're out of your mind!)
Almost 45 years after I was in the service, I could still field strip an M16 (and hence, an M4, an AR15, or any other weapon built around that base) practically blind-folded. Talk about muscle memory. So I'd just switch over to whatever their equivalent of the cartoon channel happens to be.
Costa Rica and Guatemala are are both high on the ex-pat lists. Mexico is fine, but outside of the big cities is where it is really affordable.
You're perfect right, of course. Polish is the bastard child of French and Russian, often muttered instead of spoken, and IMPOSSIBLE to learn. I worry about that country. They already took one on the chin with WWII. Before then even. And, as you point you, no one's safe.
However, there is one visa which is relatively easy to get if you can get accepted into an Italian school -- a Student Visa.
While it may be used largely by people in their 20s , there is no age limit. One must show 6000 euros (I think) in the bank, have a place to live, and show a letter of acceptance.
With a Student Visa, one can work up to 20 ours / week. (Although good luck findng a decent paying job).
If one receives an actual degree (not just enrolled in a language course), its possible to convert the Student Visa to a Work Visa.
But of course, this requires studying diligently, knowing Italian, and passing rigorous exams. Possibly not most people's dream of La Vita Bella.
But people have done it.
Of course, one can always come over for 90 days as a tourist and find a nice Italian to marry. Could be the easiest path of all.
INTERESTING. I did not know that, Mark. I had (foolishly, it would seem) assumed there was an age limit. Do you know what schools offer these kinds of letters of acceptance? I know some people who might benefit.
There are hundreds of public and private schools throughout Italy. Of course, it would require applying and meeting their requirements. But they all would provide such a document once someone is accepted. My wife's 30 yo son was accepted into two nearby schools -- a language school and a private music conservatory.
Doing a language school alone does not allow the conversion to a Work Visa; that requires receiving a degree.
There is still a quota for conversions but its much higher, as Italy wants to retain people with a higher education.
Most degreed programs will want to see some proficiency in Italian -- just for daily living if nothing else.
However, some schools teach their classes in English, as they want their graduates to be able to work anywhere.
I lecture at the University of Florence from time to time and the professor insists that the presentation and discussion is all in English.
Really interesting. I have about half a dozen friends for whom this might work, but had always assumed they were (two are in their thirties) too old. I need to investigate this. You're a gem.
Hi Stacey - I just bought a place in Spello and had to open an Italian bank account to pay the bills. I found that if I get locked out on the bank's app the only way to get back in is to have them send you a One Time Passcode (OTP) - but they will only send to an Italian number. So you need to have an Italian phone and an Italian phone number. Otherwise, you are out of luck - especially if you are in the US and trying to pay the bills. Ugh.
Spello! You're killing me. I LOVE Spello. Are you happy with your new place? I'm so so happy for you!
I'm assuming you have two phones, then: one Italian and one American. Or maybe one of those iPhones with two SIM cards in it? As the world moves online and cyber-thieves invent newer and bolder ways to steal, I predict that we will all be driven mad at some point by the need for security.
I have two phones - the iPhone with two sim cards which I have no idea how to use sim-card wise and the Italian phone which is useless except for the texting capabilities. I always use my iPhone and the ATT international day pass when I am in Italy.
Spello is beautiful - my new place is lovely. It used to be the home of the Proietti family which I found out after I bought it. Are you familiar with the art of Norberto? It was his family home. I was just there a few weeks ago and will be coming back sometime this winter and then again in May. Haven't quite made the full time leap to Italy. Your articles about Italy are spot-on! I absolutely love your writing!
I'm so glad you found your "eyes and ears on the ground" in Cappuccino, and I'm doubly glad you found a lovely home in Italy. I am familiar with Norberto. If his home is anything like his artwork, you are indeed living in beauty. At this point, his work is almost synonymous with Assisi, isn't it? I'm just so thrilled you landed in Spello. A more beautiful place I cannot imagine.
Stacey, one thing I might add to your list is open up a Wise (transfer wise) account. This allows you to move money around the world (US to Italy), pay your bills and withdraw money using their debit card (€250 per day). It’s been a godsend for us here in Italy. 🍷
I've heard GREAT things about Wise. How are the foreign transaction fees?
We do have an Italian bank account. But that was before we knew about Wise. Italian bank account is good for larger withdrawals up to €1000 and our ENL bill is withdrawn directly from our Italian account. But paying larger amounts such as vendors Wise is the way to go.
Really low. I would say it’s a must if you move anywhere in the world and your money is in a different country. It also allows you to withdraw money in any currency as long as you have money in your account.
Yeah, Facebook is evil, except that its "group" functions are a godsend. You can join these before you arrive in country. There are several expat groups for Italy (I belong to Expats Italy and a regional one called UmbriAliens) and many towns and cities have a group page, including my local town. Members of the latter are Italians with few exceptions, but FB has translation systems built-in so you can read posts and you can use Google translator or some other translator to post your own thoughts, comments, ideas etc.
The exchange of information that occurs in these groups is hugely helpful, plus you may "meet" other expats close by with whom you can take a chance at friendship. You can use the group exchanges to find local services you may - WILL - require, including medical and dental services in English and you will hear about local and regional events you can enjoy while you rub shoulders with Italians.
Last thing: maybe take out a subscription for The Local - an English-language online newspaper about Italy with links to English language editions for other European countries: www.thelocal.it
I subscribe to The Local! You're right--it's super helpful, just as FB is helpful, too, in some instances. Zuckerberg's motto, "Move fast and break things" was the most bro-ey thing ever written. It has been fascinating to watch guys like him grapple with the reality that "connecting the world" is a lot better on paper than it is in reality. Our brains just aren't ready for that kind of togetherness.
Deep down, people are panicked monkeys. Deeper still, a lizard.
For one panicked monkey I will raise you one sheep grazing.
I would add scotch tape to that list of things to bring. For some unknown reason, the US seems to be the only country on the planet with decent scotch tape.
Right? It's madness. Even when you find Scotch tape here, it's the kind that yellows and almost never comes in its own dispenser. That's separate, and it never ever works. Super cuteness though: Italians call it "Scotch," as in "Hai dello Scotch?"
Ha!
I should add he does have a second Italy-only phone. It’s only for calls-- no data so no texts etc.
Just tell me he has a big piece of electrical tape over the camera on his laptop screen.
Stacey, I have to laugh about the WhatsApp. Yes, everyone in Italy uses it, save Adam. He absolutely refuses. So I get all the texts, from all the people, even his Italian doctor. Drives me insane!!!
LOL! What a Luddite! Does he give any reasons for his refusal? I mean, sure it's a Facebook-owned corporation, but EVERYONE (as you know) is on it.
He’s a privacy nut—both his books are all about keeping data secure. Clearly, he isn’t so worried about his wife’s data!
LOL! I don't think anyone's data are secure. Not even his.
I actually learned on a stick -- a couple of them, in fact. My family didn't even own an automatic until we inherited one from my grandmother sometime in the late '60's. It's like falling off a bicycle -- once you learn how, you never forget.
But otherwise? Yeah, don't see it ever happening. My knees, my cardio, my intolerance for noise, my impatience ... I'm not cut out for that. Guatemala is a possibility; Spanish is easier to learn and the dollar goes further. But I'd have to figure out a solution for my cats (some of them could go with me), and face the fact that I am terrible at meeting people and making new friends.
Gares, what on earth would you do without your Thursday taco place????
You might like Costa Rica. There's an expat community there (in case you're feeling desperate for conversation, for some reason). I have a couple of friends in Mexico City, and they love love love it. John and I are big fans of Poland, which is affordable, except that the recent flood of immigration from Ukraine has driven up the price of rent. Poland's a little TOO close to Russia, however. Apparently, Polish television now runs 24/7 tutorials on how to fire a rifle and launch a grenade. So ....
I actually have a colleague who lives and teaches in Poland, and SIUC has an arrangement with one of the other universities there so that we're always exchanging professors. (My coauthor on "Quantum of Explanation" is there now.) The proximity to Russia means nothing. If Putin is that insane (and his generals too ball-less to "force a new election," as it were) then Antarctica is not going to be safe.
The trouble for me is the language. Polish makes Italian look easy. I have friends who are Slav's (Bulgarian, in fact) and they joke about how insane Polish is. (Imagine a language so tweaked that Bulgarians think you're out of your mind!)
Almost 45 years after I was in the service, I could still field strip an M16 (and hence, an M4, an AR15, or any other weapon built around that base) practically blind-folded. Talk about muscle memory. So I'd just switch over to whatever their equivalent of the cartoon channel happens to be.
Costa Rica and Guatemala are are both high on the ex-pat lists. Mexico is fine, but outside of the big cities is where it is really affordable.
You're perfect right, of course. Polish is the bastard child of French and Russian, often muttered instead of spoken, and IMPOSSIBLE to learn. I worry about that country. They already took one on the chin with WWII. Before then even. And, as you point you, no one's safe.
I. F*cking. LOVE. This.
Every word is absolutely true.
However, there is one visa which is relatively easy to get if you can get accepted into an Italian school -- a Student Visa.
While it may be used largely by people in their 20s , there is no age limit. One must show 6000 euros (I think) in the bank, have a place to live, and show a letter of acceptance.
With a Student Visa, one can work up to 20 ours / week. (Although good luck findng a decent paying job).
If one receives an actual degree (not just enrolled in a language course), its possible to convert the Student Visa to a Work Visa.
But of course, this requires studying diligently, knowing Italian, and passing rigorous exams. Possibly not most people's dream of La Vita Bella.
But people have done it.
Of course, one can always come over for 90 days as a tourist and find a nice Italian to marry. Could be the easiest path of all.
INTERESTING. I did not know that, Mark. I had (foolishly, it would seem) assumed there was an age limit. Do you know what schools offer these kinds of letters of acceptance? I know some people who might benefit.
Thank you for the info!
There are hundreds of public and private schools throughout Italy. Of course, it would require applying and meeting their requirements. But they all would provide such a document once someone is accepted. My wife's 30 yo son was accepted into two nearby schools -- a language school and a private music conservatory.
Doing a language school alone does not allow the conversion to a Work Visa; that requires receiving a degree.
There is still a quota for conversions but its much higher, as Italy wants to retain people with a higher education.
Most degreed programs will want to see some proficiency in Italian -- just for daily living if nothing else.
However, some schools teach their classes in English, as they want their graduates to be able to work anywhere.
I lecture at the University of Florence from time to time and the professor insists that the presentation and discussion is all in English.
Really interesting. I have about half a dozen friends for whom this might work, but had always assumed they were (two are in their thirties) too old. I need to investigate this. You're a gem.
Hi Stacey - I just bought a place in Spello and had to open an Italian bank account to pay the bills. I found that if I get locked out on the bank's app the only way to get back in is to have them send you a One Time Passcode (OTP) - but they will only send to an Italian number. So you need to have an Italian phone and an Italian phone number. Otherwise, you are out of luck - especially if you are in the US and trying to pay the bills. Ugh.
Spello! You're killing me. I LOVE Spello. Are you happy with your new place? I'm so so happy for you!
I'm assuming you have two phones, then: one Italian and one American. Or maybe one of those iPhones with two SIM cards in it? As the world moves online and cyber-thieves invent newer and bolder ways to steal, I predict that we will all be driven mad at some point by the need for security.
I have two phones - the iPhone with two sim cards which I have no idea how to use sim-card wise and the Italian phone which is useless except for the texting capabilities. I always use my iPhone and the ATT international day pass when I am in Italy.
Spello is beautiful - my new place is lovely. It used to be the home of the Proietti family which I found out after I bought it. Are you familiar with the art of Norberto? It was his family home. I was just there a few weeks ago and will be coming back sometime this winter and then again in May. Haven't quite made the full time leap to Italy. Your articles about Italy are spot-on! I absolutely love your writing!
I'm so glad you found your "eyes and ears on the ground" in Cappuccino, and I'm doubly glad you found a lovely home in Italy. I am familiar with Norberto. If his home is anything like his artwork, you are indeed living in beauty. At this point, his work is almost synonymous with Assisi, isn't it? I'm just so thrilled you landed in Spello. A more beautiful place I cannot imagine.