After moving to Italy things changed for me in a way I could never have imagined. One night I poured my heart out on a forum,(Italymag) I received at lot of help, support and advice from people who didn’t know me but were kind enough to care.
I have been in Italy for just over 5 years and would never consider going back, don't even like visiting Uk, am very settled and happy here, for me it was definately the right move, but it's not always the case.I have seen quiet a few people chuck it in and go back, I can only say I personally would find going back a much harder move than the move out here, as you could never go back to your old life (if thats what you wanted) It would probably be a new town/ house/job/school, and lots more changes, what if this doesn't make you happy, where do you go next?Having seen people make this choice it makes me feel more content knowing I am happy here, once people decide to go back they become a real pain, because they feel the need to justify (probably ro themselves) the decision and there is nothing worse than a failed expat.What was once a beautiful long hot summer becomes unbearable heat, The once lovely, friendly ,helpful nieghbours become then nosy b..stards from next door, and the fantastic food becomes boring and samey, so not like fish n chips then?This behaviour really bugs me, if you like it stay and if you don't, then go back!
Theres only one 4x4 good enough for Italian snow, think forestali, caribiniere... my landrover is 25 yrs old and can still get out of my field when the snow is covering the wheels.You won't need snow chains just good tyres, and you will never have a problem getting parts.If you contact your local caribiniere they will be able to tell you where they sell the old ones, so you could find a well maintained, low milage bargain!
Yes I have queried this in another post, My carte di identita runs out 5th July so I went in to my commune to ask and he just said come back when it expires and I will renew it, no mention of checking my bank statement or needing health insurance, anyway all will be revealed next week-I will get back to you and let you know what happens!
What documents do you need if you have lived here for 5 years and have the identity card, havent they already seen everything? mine is due for renewal and I wondered if anyone knows when we become official residents can we use rhe new card for european travel, (the old one states on it that you can't) - it will be a lot cheaper than a passport if we can.
I would like to say thanks to badger for this info, I was just about to send 4 passports to Rome for renewal. can't imagine where they might have ended up if I had!
Comments posted
I have been in Italy for just over 5 years and would never consider going back, don't even like visiting Uk, am very settled and happy here, for me it was definately the right move, but it's not always the case.I have seen quiet a few people chuck it in and go back, I can only say I personally would find going back a much harder move than the move out here, as you could never go back to your old life (if thats what you wanted) It would probably be a new town/ house/job/school, and lots more changes, what if this doesn't make you happy, where do you go next?Having seen people make this choice it makes me feel more content knowing I am happy here, once people decide to go back they become a real pain, because they feel the need to justify (probably ro themselves) the decision and there is nothing worse than a failed expat.What was once a beautiful long hot summer becomes unbearable heat, The once lovely, friendly ,helpful nieghbours become then nosy b..stards from next door, and the fantastic food becomes boring and samey, so not like fish n chips then?This behaviour really bugs me, if you like it stay and if you don't, then go back!
Theres only one 4x4 good enough for Italian snow, think forestali, caribiniere... my landrover is 25 yrs old and can still get out of my field when the snow is covering the wheels.You won't need snow chains just good tyres, and you will never have a problem getting parts.If you contact your local caribiniere they will be able to tell you where they sell the old ones, so you could find a well maintained, low milage bargain!
But the permesso sigiorno has been abolished, we no longer need to renew them when they expire, we only need the identity card.
Yes I have queried this in another post, My carte di identita runs out 5th July so I went in to my commune to ask and he just said come back when it expires and I will renew it, no mention of checking my bank statement or needing health insurance, anyway all will be revealed next week-I will get back to you and let you know what happens!
Many laws in Italy most are ignored- bonfires, seatbelts, crash helmets, zebra crossings, drink driving etc etc
I have lived here 5 years and have never been asked for bank statements or health insurance, maybe it depends on your commune.
What documents do you need if you have lived here for 5 years and have the identity card, havent they already seen everything? mine is due for renewal and I wondered if anyone knows when we become official residents can we use rhe new card for european travel, (the old one states on it that you can't) - it will be a lot cheaper than a passport if we can.
I would like to say thanks to badger for this info, I was just about to send 4 passports to Rome for renewal. can't imagine where they might have ended up if I had!
All the nice people are in the mountains! (sanding floors and painting walls)
Does anybody like it? maybe they should reopen the old forum for the veterans, and keep this for the newbies.