I've been trying to set up a direct debit on my Italian bank account to pay ENEL via the ENEL site but either it doesn't, 'take' or else it seems to work but checking later the direct debit has dropped out.
I usually drive to Italy with my old style UK paper drivers licence with no photo. Back in early 2020 this was also good to show for car hire. Have the rules changed since Brexit? is an old style UK paper licence still valid for
Just in case it might help anyone not already aware. My comune is discounting the costs of IMU by 37.5% for second home owners resident abroad who are in receipt of a recognized pension as proof of retired status.
Any recommendations on an Italian bank? I have used MPS for years and they are fine and I can manage stuff online but they seem expensive, I assume to pay for an extensive branch network.
Lunigiana is pretty but villages can be pretty remote which is great for peace and quiet as well as low house prices but the compromise is accessibility from abroad and local amenities. Just set out your priorities and see if Casola fits the bill. I like northern Tuscany, which I think is underrated, but i chose to buy nearer Pisa so I could get to my property by rail and air without always needing a car. I also chose a small town with decent amenities and bars, shops, etc within walking distance.
Any ideas on best Italian bank to use for paying usual property costs, utilities and taxes?. I've used MPS for years and they have loads of branches, perhaps too many, but they seem pricey, accepting that running a current account can't be free.
Alan, shortly back from Italy. It was lovely and especially sweet as it suddenly is getting difficult again. It looks like having to grab an opportunity whenever an opportunity presents, even if it means getting tested in France and buying snow chains. I hope others have been able to get across.
There are others better qualified in this community to give you an answer but there are grants available for major works. You don't have to be resident. There is a deadline for submission and completion. A chap on YouTube called Not Useless Yet has done a quick summary that will give you an idea.
If you don't know anyone yet in the area then the estate agent might have some names especially if the area has a few second homes. They might also act as a key holder. Once you settle in and get to know the neighborhood then you might find other second home owners who have a better solution.
Does anyone know whether we in the UK need IDP to drive across France, Switzerland and Italy as I only have an old style paper UK licence? Tried various sites but all a bit vague.
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Lunigiana is pretty but villages can be pretty remote which is great for peace and quiet as well as low house prices but the compromise is accessibility from abroad and local amenities. Just set out your priorities and see if Casola fits the bill. I like northern Tuscany, which I think is underrated, but i chose to buy nearer Pisa so I could get to my property by rail and air without always needing a car. I also chose a small town with decent amenities and bars, shops, etc within walking distance.
Any ideas on best Italian bank to use for paying usual property costs, utilities and taxes?. I've used MPS for years and they have loads of branches, perhaps too many, but they seem pricey, accepting that running a current account can't be free.
Obviously your experience sounds horrific. Surely you can get some legal advice to see what remedy you can get? Hi
Agree. Just means being ready when next becomes possible, maybe spring?
Alan, shortly back from Italy. It was lovely and especially sweet as it suddenly is getting difficult again. It looks like having to grab an opportunity whenever an opportunity presents, even if it means getting tested in France and buying snow chains. I hope others have been able to get across.
There are others better qualified in this community to give you an answer but there are grants available for major works. You don't have to be resident. There is a deadline for submission and completion. A chap on YouTube called Not Useless Yet has done a quick summary that will give you an idea.
If you don't know anyone yet in the area then the estate agent might have some names especially if the area has a few second homes. They might also act as a key holder. Once you settle in and get to know the neighborhood then you might find other second home owners who have a better solution.
Thanks Alan. Good idea but I've left it late before trying to squeeze in a trip.
Alan, thanks for the reply. I've tried the embassy site and it is vague. I might as well get IDPs just in case.
Does anyone know whether we in the UK need IDP to drive across France, Switzerland and Italy as I only have an old style paper UK licence? Tried various sites but all a bit vague.