*Numbers
after the questions denote the page you'll find the answers.
PROPERTY 5
1. Which area in Italy would provide the best rental income? 5
2. Would it be better to buy land with planning permission and
build a property to my specifications or buy something to renovate?
6
3. I have heard that septic tanks are fairly common in Italy.Can
you tell me about this? 7
4. Do you have any tips about what to look out for when meeting
agents on our viewing trip? Our Italian is a little rusty. 7
5. What are the pitfalls, risks and costs when buying in Italy?
8
6. My wife and I want to set up a small bed & breakfast business
in Italy. 9
7. The 3% commission payable to an Italian estate agent seems
a bit steep to me. Can I ask for a reduction? 10
8. Should I make time to learn the language once I have moved
in or do most people get by with a smattering of
Italian?
10
9. I have bought a derelict rustico to renovate. Should I employ
an English or an Italian builder? 11
EXCHANGE RATES 11
1. What is the current rate of exchange for the Euro? 11
2. What is the best way to transfer money to Italy, exchange companies
or banks? 12
3. Can we use Smart Currency Exchange to pay any interim costs
until we get out there? 12
LEGAL 12
1. Am I better off getting an Italian or an English mortgage?
12
2. Is there Capital Gains Tax in Italy and if so how does it work?
13
GETTING MARRIED IN ITALY 14
1. My partner and I have bought a house in Italy and would love
to tie the knot there. Is this possible and how would we go about
arranging it? 14
MEDICAL AND RETIREMENT IN ITALY 14
1. If I choose to live in Italy permanently, as I'm already disabled,
will I be able to access regular healthcare? How does the health
system work for expats? 14
2. How do I go about finding a dentist and are they expensive?
15
3. We wish to retire to Italy and take advantage of a more peaceful
lifestyle. Do you have any recommendations as to the best places
for us? We don’t want to be completely isolated and would
ideally like to be close to a reasonable town/large village. 15
4. What is Italian public transport like in Italy? 16
RESIDENCY 16
1. What makes me a resident? How does this affect my tax position?
16
EMPLOYMENT 17
1. Any ideas on how I can earn money in Italy? 17
EDUCATION 18
1. How does the education system work in Italy? 18
2. How easy should it be for my children to integrate into the
education system? 19
3. How do I enrol my child in a school? 20
COST OF LIVING 20
1. Is it cheaper to live in Italy? 20
2. Is petrol the same price as in the UK? 20
3. How much does it cost to eat out? 20
4. What is the recommended amount that I should tip at restaurants?
21
AUTOMOTIVE 21
1. Can I take my British car and use it there rather than buy
an Italian one? Would there be any advantage to buying an Italian
one? 21
2. What about insuring my car? 22
3. Do I need a special licence to drive in Italy? 22
4. Can I talk on my mobile phone whilst driving in Italy? 22
5. What about seat belts, are they compulsory as in the UK? 22
6. Is there the equivalent of our MOT in Italy? 22
7. Any other tips generally on successful driving in Italy? 22
LIVING IN ITALY 23
1. Are there any international clubs or organisations in Italy?
23
2. Do you have any general tips on getting on with the locals?
24
BANKING 25
1. What are the banking hours in Italy? 25
2. What is needed to open a bank account? 25
3. How do you write an Italian cheque? 25
4. How can you do money transfers to a bank? 26
5. Are credit cards used in Italy? 26
6. What is a codice fiscale? 26
BRINGING PETS TO ITALY 27
1. Do pets have to go into quarantine when moving them to Italy?
27
2. Are pets common in Italian households? 27
EMERGENCY INFORMATION 27
1. What are the emergency numbers and other important numbers
we should know when in Italy? 27
GARDENING 28
1. What do you suggest we do about gardening? We plan on having
a 2nd holiday home in Italy and will not be there all the time?
28
HEALTH CARE 29
1. How is healthcare in Italy? 29
INSURANCE 30
1. When should I take out house insurance? 30
2. How much should I insure for? 30
3. Is it better to have an Italian or an English insurer? 31
4. What about life insurance? 31
SERVICES IN ITALY 31
1. Who do I contact for electricity and gas? 31
2. I have an open fire. Where do I find firewood? 32
3. Is the water safe to drink? 32
4. How do I get my telephone installed and can I make myself ex
directory? 32
5. Should I get a “pay as you go” mobile or take out
a contract? 33
6. How do I get connected to the Internet and set up my email?
33
7. How do I get my TV connected? How much is a TV licence? 34
8. Will my new digital radio work in Italy? 35
9. Is the postal service in Italy reliable? 35
SHOPPING IN ITALY 35
1. What are business and shopping hours? 35
2. Do you recommend sticking to the larger supermarkets for most
produce or is it still good to try local individual shops and
markets? 36
3. Is it best to buy furniture in Italy or ship it from the UK?
36
4. What is shopping like in Italy and what shops are there? 37
TRAINS AND BOATS AND PLANES 38
1. I know there are now many regional airports in Italy but how
can I quickly find who flies to each without trawling through
the internet endlessly? 38
2. What are Italian trains like? I have heard they are cheaper
than in the UK. How easy is it to make reservations? 39
3. What is the best way of getting my car to Italy? Do I have
to drive through France? 40
VOTING 40
1. If I become a resident in Italy, can I still vote in UK elections?
40
Your Questions? 41
