Italy Information For Expats

If you are moving overseas there is a lot for you and your family to organise. Here you can find general information to help new expats in Italy get settled and get acquainted with the basics of life in Italy.

Relocating to Italy - Important Information

Setting up your lines of communication with the outside world as quickly as possible is particularly important to many expats. For those living in Italy, getting an internet, telephone and television packet is straightforward.

Getting a landline in Italy means contacting Telcom Italia, who also provide telephone and internet services. However, there are many other companies (e.g. BT Italy and Tiscali) and packages to suit individual needs and doing your homework will ensure you get the right deal for you and your family.

If you are planning on taking your mobile phone with you to Italy, note that a GSM system is in use.

The quality of internet provision in Italy is very much location dependent but broadband is widely available in large cities and urban areas. In more rural areas expect your internet connection to be ISDN or dial up. Internet cafes are common in Italy and many smaller touristy towns often have free internet hotspots in their centres.

Satellite, digital terrestrial and cable TV (pay to air and free channels) are all available in Italy. Note that foreign broadcasts in Italy are usually dubbed and not subtitled.

Italy Information and Education in Italy

There are numerous education establishments that offer international schooling (International Baccalaureate (I.B)) in major Italian cities.

Expats in Italy can also choose to enter their children in to the local Italian education system which is based on three levels: primary, secondary and high school. Both private and public education is offered in Italy and the curriculum is the same in both sectors. Education is free in public schools and is compulsory from the age of 6 until the age of 16.

University education is available after five years of high school education and after passing a state exam.

Italy Information and Health Care in Italy

Health care in Italy is regarded generally as good with a mix of public and private provision available to citizens and residents alike. The national service (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale (SSN), is free of charge (or low cost) to those paying social security contributions but it is important to note that the standard and availability varies from location to location.

The family of any expat who is paying in to the social security system is automatically covered under the national system and reciprocal agreements are in place for EU citizens. Other nationalities need to be in possession of a residence card in order to obtain a healthcare card.

Due to the varying standards within the state healthcare system around the country, many expats in Italy opt for private health care which has an exemplary reputation.

Italy Information and Banking in Italy

To open a bank account in Italy you will first need your tax code (codice fiscale).

Banks in Italy are open from 8/8.30 a.m. until 1/1.30p.m. and are notorious for high banking charges. Your banking life in Italy will therefore benefit from shopping around.