(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 21 JULY 2016)
NOTE: ASSUMPTIONS MADE
- An Expat may be an individual, a couple or a family: that is on an international assignment (usually defined in an Expat Agreement or contract for months or years) from an USA company or corporation or international company or international agency OR have relocated legally from another country or the USA with an Elective Residence visa OR have relocated legally from another country or the USA as a dual citizen (Italian and whatever nationality).
- A Student is legally attending with a student visa: a study abroad program or a degree program from a college or university based in the USA OR has qualified to attend an Italian university OR attending an accredited Italian language program.
- I am NOT addressing what is or is not available to US Military or US government or US defense/civilian contractor personnel and their dependents stationed or assigned in Italy or elsewhere around the world. These individuals have their own procedures, facilities, etc. available to them and their guests.
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- Most medications sold in the USA cannot be shipped via FEDEX, UPS, DHL, etc. or mailed via USPS to Italian addresses in Italy.
- Even though, an electronic device may state it is dual voltage (110V - 220/240V), not all electronic devices or adapters are auto-sensing for voltage may it be 110V - 220/240V. Please check that there is not a switch that you manually have to move or to select the correct voltage setting first before the device is being plug into the electrical outlet wherever you may be located at the time.
- If you are planning to have something shipped via Fedex, UPS, DHL, etc. or mailed to you via USPS, please be AWARE that you may have to pay a hefty customs duty (fee) on the item(s) that had been shipped or mailed to you. Not only have I have heard stories from other Expats or read about them but it has happened to me. In 2007, when I moved to Italy, I had a box of used clothing sent to me via USPS. It was stated on a customs declaration form "used clothing" and zero value ($0.00) attached to the box. However, I was still charged €26 ($34+) by Italian customs. I had already paid $50.00 plus dollars in postage to send the box from the States.
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- Once you get to Italy, plan on buying surge protectors or UPS's (Universal Power Supply with built-in surge protection) for your electronics. For what you may pay for a quality and adequate surge protector, you would only pay €3 or €5 more for a UPS or the same price for a surge protector, if it's on sale. I have (5) UPS's for laptops computers, TV and DVD player, stereo equipment, cordless phone and medical equipment and for the refrigerator in our rental house because I know that we have dirty power where we live and have occasional brown outs.
- Whenever we have someone visit us from the States (even, a friend of a friend), I will usually ask them to bring something(s) over for me in their luggage. I will have the specific item(s) shipped to their state-side address and/or ask them to buy various items, e.g., an unlocked GSM, quad-band cell phone, OTC medications, vitamins, various items for my laptop, men, women and children's clothing items, carbon monoxide detector, books, paperbacks, magazines, disposable contact lenses, solutions for contact lenses, etc.
- In the same vein, it you ever travel back to the State on business or pleasure, bringing or buying another suitcase there and fill it up with the items that you want or need here in Italy. Last year, my wife packed a second bag inside a suitcase with minimal clothing she was taking to the States with her. On the return trip to Italy, she filled up both suitcase with her various purchases and items that she had bought or received from various friends and family members. Even with today's fees for checking luggage, it is still cheaper and safer than having these items sent or shipped to her in Italy. Something to think about and to consider for trips back to the States in the future.
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- EXPATS
- Expatriate Relocation Overseas – Please scroll down to "Moving Overseas Checklist" – By BaliMermaid – Source: HubPages – "Publish easily, Attract readers, & Earn rewards"
- International Moving Checklist – "Advice and Tips for Moving Overseas" – " Moving abroad doesn't have to be complicated or stressful. Use this list to plan ahead and organize packing, documents and other details of an international move." – Christine Benlafquih – Jul 8, 2008 – Source: suite101.com – "Insightful writers. Informed readers"
- Tips & Checklists – by various contributors and authors – Source: Expat Women – "Helping Women Living Overseas"
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- STUDENTS
- Center for International Experience Pre-departure Checklist – "Before You Go..." – Source: Center for International Experience of Yale University
- Pre-Departure Checklists – Source: UC San Diego International Center
- Pre-Departure General Checklist for Students Going Abroad – Source: indobase
- NOTE: Please check with the organization, institution, college or university for their respective copy of a pre-departure checklist's or guide lines for study abroad or degree programs in whatever country you are traveling to or for Italy.
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- EXPATS AND STUDENTS
- Pre-Departure Checklist for Living Abroad – "Vital Items Every Traveler Should Remember to Bring Overseas" – "Getting ready to travel abroad for work or study? Time to make sure all of the following essential items are packed and ready to go!" – Suzanne Swartz – Oct 17, 2009 – Source: suite101.com – "Insightful writers. Informed readers"
- Check out this previous blog entry: Info about Checklists for Moving or Relocating to Italy *, dated Friday, April 7, 2006
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- APPLIANCES (ELECTRIC)
- Kitchen appliances (small): blenders/mixers, bread makers, coffee grinders, coffee makers, cookers: induction, rice or slow cookers, cupcake makers, deep fryers, food dehydrators, egg cookers, indoor grills, griddles, food savers, juicers, knife sharpeners, microwaves, panini/sandwich makers, pop corn makers, toasters, waffle irons, warming drawers/trays, etc.
- Most small kitchen appliance sold in the USA are 110V and 60 Hz and will NOT work in Italy unless used with a step down voltage transformer or 110 - 220/240 voltage converter.
- If the kitchen appliance has a motor or heating element, it will not be as efficient as it was in the States and MUST be used with a voltage transformer or voltage converter.
- For Expats, this is why you request a small appliance allowance in your Expat Agreement and/or relocation package. This is something to consider when you move to Italy or anywhere abroad, the replacement costs for all the small kitchen appliances that you currently own or use.
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- Kitchen appliances (large), e.g., freezers, refrigerators, etc.:
- Most large kitchen appliance sold in the USA are 110V and 60 Hz and will NOT work in Italy unless used with a step down voltage transformer or 110 - 220/240 voltage converter.
- These appliance have a motor and they may not run or be as efficient as they were in the States.
- SUGGESTION: Unless this is a long tern international assignment or you are planning on living in Italy year round, consider LEAVING it in the States.
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- Other appliances (large): washing machine, clothes dryer, etc.
- These appliances have a motor and it may not be as efficient as it was in the States.
- There are differences between USA and Italian/European washing machines.
- There is NO separate tap for washing machine.
- These appliance have a motor and it may not be as efficient as it was in the States.
- There are differences between USA and Italian/European clothes dryers: gas and electric:
- how it is vented
- the difference in connections: electrical and gas
- These appliance have a motor and it may not be as efficient as it was in the States.
- SUGGESTION: Unless this is a long tern international assignment or you are planning on living in Italy year round, consider LEAVING it in the States.
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- COMPUTER RELATED ITEMS
- There are no bargains for computer related items in Italy. DVDs, various cables, desktop / laptop accessories are more expensive in Italy and there are fewer choices.
- External disk drives, CD/DVD drives, routers, switches, hubs, etc. MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
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- ELECTRONICS
- A/C adapters or chargers for GPS devices, MP3 players, iPad, iPod, battery chargers, etc.
- MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
- You must use an electrical plug adapter that has either 3 or 2 male plugs and either be 10A or 16A.
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- Cell phones
- MUST be GSM! – or a “world phone”
- Unlocked
- Ideally, Tri or quad band for better cellular service
- A/C adapter for cell phone or iPhone charger MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
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- Desktop / Laptop computers
- Power supply for desktop MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
- A/C adapter for laptop MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- Hair dryers/curling irons and other hair care products
- Power supply for these items MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
- If your current device is NOT dual voltage, leave it in the States and replace it with one in Italy.
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- Monitors: Analog, LCD including widescreen, etc.
- Power supply for these items MUST be 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
- If your current device is NOT dual voltage, leave it in the States and replace it with one in Italy.
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- Stereo Equipment / Home Theater System
- Dual voltage items are OK
- There is a label on the back of or somewhere on the device, e.g., compact disk, DVD and Blu-ray players, DVD recorder, stereo receiver, turn table, that should state 100 – 240V and 50 – 60 Hz (dual voltage)
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- TV including LCD HDTV, LED LCD, PLASMA
- Most TVs sold in the USA has a tuner that will recognize only the NTSC encoding/transmission standard. In Italy and most of Europe, you have PAL except for France and a few other countries. There is SECAM in France, Russia and the former countries that made up the USSR and a few other countries.
- X – "" – "" – "" – Source: X – ""
- CLOTHING
- CHILDREN
- You will not find the variety and choices that you have in the States, plan on bringing extra children clothing items in various sizes over to Italy.
- SUGGESTION: Buying an item on-line in the States and follow the advice in Item #2 mentioned above in ADVICE / SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS
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- MEN
- If you are a 2X or larger, plan on bringing extra items of clothing with you.
- I personally have found that in the shops and men's stores that I have visited that 2X or larger is not only very hard to find but if you do find a clothing item labeled 2X, it is usually too small or does not fit properly.
- SUGGESTION: Buying an item on-line in the States and follow the advice in Item #2 mentioned above in ADVICE / SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS
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- WOMEN
- bras
- If you are size that is difficult to find in the States, plan on bringing extra bras over to Italy.
- If there is a specific brand that you prefer, plan on bringing extra bras over to Italy.
- plus sizes
- Finding any item that you may like or wear in Italy, may be difficult. So, plan on bringing extra items of clothing with you.
- SUGGESTION: Buying an item on-line in the States and follow the advice in Item #2 mentioned above in ADVICE / SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- EYEGLASSES AND CONTACTS
- Have a copy of your latest eyeglass/contact prescription.
- Be sure to have an extra pair of your eyeglasses and/or contact lenses.
- If you wear contacts, please be aware of the following:
- Disposable contacts lenses are very expensive in Italy, please plan on bringing extra pairs from the States with you.
- If you use a specific solution for your contact lenses, please plan on bringing extra supplies from the States with you.
- SUGGESTION: Consider buying disposable contacts and/or contact lenses solution on-line in the States and follow the advice in Item #2 mentioned above in ADVICE / SUGGESTIONS / RECOMMENDATIONS
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- LAMPS
- You can use most electric lamps or light fixtures bought in the States in Italy.
- You will need to changeout and replace the existing 110V bulb or halogen in the light fixture for a 220V one and either use a 10A/16A plug adapter or cut off and replace the USA electrical plug with the right size Italian electrical plug.
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- MEDICATIONS – CAVEAT: MOST MEDICATIONS SOLD IN THE USA CANNOT BE SHOPPED VIA FEDEX, UPS, DHL, ETC. OR MAILED VIA USPS TO ITALY.
- NAME BRAND
- Not all name brand medications that you have in the USA are available in Italy.
- When coming to Italy, be sure to know the standard drug name and its generic name.
- Needless to say, if you can find it here in Italy, it will cost MORE!
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- OVER THE COUNTER (OTC)
- You do not have the choice or selection that you have in the States.
- For example, in the farmacia (pharmacy), aspirin are usually sold individually. The costs can be as much as €1 a piece and you can only get so many at a time.
- 10 OTC pharmacy/medicine equivalents in Italy – 18 FEB 2012 – blogger: Shelley Ruelle – Source: Un'americana a Roma – "not your average American girl in Rome."
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- PRESCRIPTIONS
- You will need to go to an Italian doctor and have a new Italian prescription written for the current USA prescription that you are taking.
- You will receive a fixed number of pills or tablets from the farmacia (pharmacy). There is no 30 or 60 or 90 day supply.
- So you'll need to see an Italian doctor several times a year to get your Italian prescription written again for a refill.
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- ALLERGIES INCLUDING FOOD AND DIETARY RESTRICTIONS
- You exercise the same care and due diligence that you do in the States but you MUST be more alert because of language differences, etc.
- If you are in a restaurant, be insistent and be very clear that the wait person (waiter/waitress) understands your request for no X being either in the food that you order or used in the preparation of your meal.
- Check out these blog entries:
- Info on dietary/food allergy translation cards for Italy *, dated Friday, August 10, 2007
- Info on being gluten-free in Italy *, dated Tuesday, May 29, 2007
- Info about traveling with allergies to Italy *, dated Friday, January 26, 2007
- Info on Vegetarian Eating in Italy *, dated Friday, November 8, 2006
- Info about Food Allergies and Dietary Restrictions in Italy *, dated Wednesday, May 31, 2006
- Info on Travelers' Health in Italy and Europe *, dated Thursday, December 01, 2005
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- HANDICAPPED/DISABLED
- You exercise the same care and due diligence that you do in the States but you MUST be more alert because of language differences, drivers of all types of motor vehicles including motorcycles, scooters, etc.
- NOTE: My wife and I have had this experience several times when driving in various sized towns and cities in Italy. My wife or myself would stop at a cross walk or an intersection with or without a stoplight to let an elderly individual or visually impaired person or an individual in a wheelchair or a person using a cane or crutches cross the street in front of us. However, the driver of whatever vehicle behind our car would attempt to pass us and nearly miss hitting the person crossing the street. Fortunately, we have not witnessed anyone being hit but there have been several close calls.
- Check out these blog entries:
- Info for Handicapped and Disabled Travelers going to Italy *, dated Friday, May 18, 2007
- Info for Disabled/Handicapped, Hearing Impaired and/or Vision/Sight Individuals in Italy *, dated Friday, March 3, 2006
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- RECORDS AND DOCUMENTS
- Certified copies of birth and/or marriage certificates
- Make at least 2 copies each of the front and back of your driver’s license, credit cards, ATM cards, student identification cards; passport photograph page; professional certifications, a copy of your latest eyeglass/contact prescription, etc. and keep them in separate locations if possible.
- For Expats, a copy of your last Federal and if applicable, State, tax returns.
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- AND EVERYTHING ELSE
- Power of Attorney
- Medic Alert & Food Allergy/Medical Condition Cards
- Obtain an updated copy of your glasses or contacts prescription(s)
- Notifying Bank & Credit Card Companies that you will be abroad and in which countries and for how long
- Make photocopies of the photograph page of your passport, international health insurance card, student identification card, the front and back of all debit and credit cards, your drivers license, VISA application, etc.
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- FOOD ITEMS
- ETHNIC FOODS
- You will not find the variety and choices that you have in the USA for the ethnic foods that you may prefer. Please plan on bringing and packing enough ethnic foods items with your household goods shipment.
- ETHNIC SPICES / INGREDIENTS
- While you may find oriental/Indian and other ethnic markets and shops in Italy, the items that you find are more expensive than what you are used to paying in the States. Depending on where you end up living, ethnic markets and shops are found in the larger cities, e.g., Rome, Firenze, Milano but may be non-existent in smaller cities and towns of Italy.
- OTHER FOOD ITEMS
- You will not find your favorite USA snacks in Italy.
- You will not find certain food items in Italy, e.g., yellow cheddar cheese, velveeta cheese, cream of mushroom soup and other varieties, etc.
- Check out these blog entries:
- Info on dietary/food allergy translation cards for Italy *, dated Friday, August 10, 2007
- Info on being gluten-free in Italy *, dated Tuesday, May 29, 2007
- Info on Vegetarian Eating in Italy *, dated Friday, November 8, 2006
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- See above
- EXPAT
- Becoming an Expat – By Jessica Spiegel | June 9th, 2008 – Source: BootsnAll – "ONE-STOP INDIE TRAVEL GUIDE"
- Culture Shock in Italy – Source: Expat to Italy section of Expat Arrivals – "local info for global expats"
- Source: Expat Intelligence – In multiple languages
- Living in Italy – Source: Expatify.com – "Inspiring Expatriatism"
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- STUDENT
- Basic Packing List for Study Abroad – Posted by Michelle on Tuesday, 22 July 2008 – Source: Culture Shock · Tips, Travels and Tribulations of a Study Abroad Junkie Turned Photographer
- The Center for Global Education – "An International Resource Center"
- Packing – Italy section of the Study Abroad Student Handbook – "How to Get There . . . and Back"
- SAFETI (Safety Abroad First - Educational Travel Information) Clearinghouse – "was initiated in 1998 to create and disseminate resources to support study abroad program development and implementation, emphasizing health and safety issues and resources for U.S. colleges and universities supporting study abroad."
- Study Abroad Student Handbook – "How to Get There . . . and Back"
- Less is More! – "Key Packing Tips" – Source: CIMBA – "Consortium of Universities for International Studies"
- Pack It Up: What to Bring to College – Note: This article is oriented for students going to college/university in the States – By Roxana Hadad – Source: Student Life section of fastweb® – "Paying for school just got easier"
- Packing List – Source: International Programs section of the University of Wisconsin
- Ready to Go to Italy – "What to Pack" – Source: Arcadia University – "The College of Global Studies"
- What to bring – Source: Study in Italy – "Italian Higher Education for International Studies"
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- EXPATS AND STUDENTS
- Living in Italy – "Key Expatriate Websites and Resources" – Source: Transitions Abroad – "WORK STUDY TRAVEL LIVING"
- Packing for Long Stays in Italy What to Bring to Italy when Working or Studying for Several Months – Sep 4, 2009 – Suzy Guese – Source: suite101.com – "Insightful writers. Informed readers"
- Top 10 Things to Bring to Italy – Source: Top 10 Italy – "Discovering Italy, 10 Steps at a Time" – "Art & Culture | Entertainment | Fashion & Style | Featured | Food & Wines | Learn Italian | Sports | The Italian Way! | Travel"
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- BLOGS
- Expats in Italy – "Here We Interview People Living And Working In Italy" – Source: Expat Interviews – "Interviews with people (expats) living overseas and abroad!"
- LISTS
- Blog Italy, expat Italy – "Would you like to work, live, move to Italy? Or just to find out how is life in Italy? We've got much better than travel brochures, read blogs written by expatriates living in Italy!" – Source: Living in Italy section of expat blog – "Share your expat experience!" – "The living abroad website, by expats, for expats"
- Comprehensive list of current expat blogs on Italy – "All blogs were current as at the beginning of 2009." – Source: italytutto - "Italy blogs, forums, reviews" – "the best of expat views on life in Italy"
- Expat Blogs in Italy – Source: Ms. Adventures in Italy – Sara Rosso – Location: Milan, Lombardia (Lombardy)
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- BLOG ENTRIES/FORUM DISCUSSIONS
- 7 Habits of Highly Effective Expats in Italy – Posted 20 October 2009 – by guest blogger: Cherrye Moore of My Bella Vita! – Source: bleeding espresso – "in which an American finds love, her roots, and a coffee addiction in southern Italy"
- Adjusting to Expat Life in Italy – Posted 23 June 2009 – by Michelle Fabio – Source: bleeding espresso – "in which an American finds love, her roots, and a coffee addiction in southern Italy"
- American to Italian Kitchen – By Barb, August 2006 – Source: Expats in Italy – "for those who dream and those who live the dream"
- What to Bring – Posted Sat, 10/03/2009 - 14:58 – by Anonymous – Source: Expats in Italy – "for those who dream and those who live the dream"
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- ARTICLES
- MOVING – Source: lifeinitaly.com
- Moving to Italy – "Moving to Italy and Accommodations"
- Italian Red Tape
- What It Was Like Moving from the UK to Italy – "Episode One: An Amazing Woman, Bikes and Babies Names; Little Pieces of a Huge Jigsaw." – Fay Henson – Wednesday, June 9th, 2010
- X – "" – " "– "" – Source: X – ""
- SEE ALSO:
- Info on expat web sites for Italy and elsewhere , dated Wednesday, June 16, 2010
- Info about Expat agreements for an international assignment to Italy *, dated Wednesday, June 09, 2010
- Info on the usage of ATM, debit and credit cards in Italy and Europe *, dated Wednesday, March 17, 2010
- Info on money/currency transfer to Italy *, dated Friday, August 03, 2007
- Info on traveling with your laptop to Italy and abroad *, dated Friday, July 20, 2007
- Info about electrical plug adapters, power strips and voltage converters for Italy *, dated Tuesday, April 10, 2007
- Info on blogs about Italy written by Expats living in Italy *, dated Tuesday, December 26, 2006
- Info about Mail Forwarding for Italy *, dated Saturday, July 08, 2006
- Info about ATMs (Automated Teller Machines) in Italy *, dated Tuesday, April 25, 2006
- Info about Moving Pets to Italy *, dated Friday, April 14, 2006
- Info about Checklists for Moving or Relocating to Italy *, dated Friday, April 7, 2006
- Info on Relocation and Moving to Italy *, dated Monday, January 30, 2006
- Info on EXPATS: Primarily in Italy *, dated Wednesday, November 09, 2005
The above links as of this date are/were current. If anyone has any suggestions for any other additional web sites and/or links for reference, please feel free to post your comment and I'll update this blog entry.
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Broken links: Since November, 2005, I have written over 635+ blog entries with 1,000's of corresponding links/URLs for Moving2Italy2, covering a varied and wide range of topics. In the event if you come across a broken link or a non-functioning link/URL, please post a comment and report the non-functional link. I wish to thank you in advance for assisting me in the ongoing maintenance and the updating of this successful and informative blog.
Please note: I do NOT represent or endorse any of these links nor do I receive payment for listing them in my blog.
Depending on your respective situation whether coming over to Italy as an Expat or as a student, you will bring what you need or want. It may be a lot or very little. Remember to be flexible and open to new experiences, to the people you will meet and the differences in how things get done in Italy or not.
That's it for Wednesday, 14 July 2010: mercoledì, 14 luglio 2010
Ciao, Ben
Moving2Italy2 – #1 source of links About, For or On Italy for those individuals moving, traveling or already living in Italy.
Today’s quote is an Italian proverb / saying, author unknown.
"Chi piu sa, meno credo."
"The more one knows, the less one believes."
Please read my wife's blog about our life in Italy with photographs:
Friends and Family in Italy
Going to Spain, read my new blog:Info About, For or On Spain – a source of links About, For or On Spain for those individuals traveling or already living in Spain.
Please note: The time listed below for this posting is Central European Time (CET)/ GMT+1.
(LAST EDITED/UPDATED: 21 JULY 2016)
© Benjamin H. Licodo, 2005 - 2016, All Rights Reserved.
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