Stef Smulders

Cooking like a local in Italy by Priscilla

Hello, Enjoying the local food of your expat country is great, but learning to cook the dishes yourself is even better. Please share what it's like cooking like a local in Italy. What are some of the most popular local dishes that are easy to ...

Interesting customs and traditions in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Living outside of our home country requires us to adapt to a new culture and different traditions. What are some of the cultural specifics in Italy? What are some of the traditional beliefs and cultural practices that you have ...

Tax advise for US expats in Northern Italy? by anderjoe

Hi all, Does anyone know of a tax advisor / accountant that is proficient in Italian, as well as, American tax law (tax treaty) in northern Italy? Preferable in the Milan, Varese, Como area but any recommendation is appreciated. Thanks, Joerg

Traffic in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Which city or area do you live in in Italy, and how do you find the traffic? How long does it take to commute to work or run errands? Is there a rush hour in your city? What times of the day would you recommend people to ...

What to expect when moving to Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Is there anything you wish you had known before moving to Italy? For example, transportation, internet speeds, types of housing, aspects of the culture or social life. In your opinion, what's the most important thing to know ...

Moving to Tuscany. Any advice welcome 😀 by Garyslinn

Our family are moving to Tuscany from UK in Aug 2017 and giving it a go for a year. We have a rental property and have secured school places for our girls aged 4 and 8. The plan is that I commute, 1 week UK, 1 week Italy. I have a permenant job in ...

How to bring your car to Italy by Bhavna

Hello everybody, If you exported your car to Italy, were there any formalities that needed to be completed beforehand? What were they? What is the best way to export your car? Is there a limit on the number of vehicles, or perhaps the age of ...

Mistakes expats make in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Italy? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...

Mistakes expats make in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Did you make any mistakes when you first moved to Italy? What were they? How did you address your mistakes? Did you learn anything from them? With hindsight, what would you do differently? Are there any tips you could ...

The holiday season in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Are you about to celebrate the holiday season in Italy? In many countries and cultures, the festive season is the time for happiness and reunions/gatherings. Is it so in Italy? How do Italians celebrate this very special time of ...

Common misconceptions and clichés about life in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Old clichés die hard, as the saying goes... and living in Italy can generate lots of misconceptions in the eyes of the people. What are the most common misconceptions about the expat lifestyle in Italy? What are the most ...

Pets in Italy by Priscilla

Hello everyone, Many of us in Italy have four-legged friends. What about you? Do you have one or more pets? Share your experience with us! What are the formalities to import pets in Italy? What about pet adoption procedures in the country? Did ...

In retrospect, would you move again to Italy? by Christine

Hi all, If you had to look back on your expat experience in Italy, would you heartily say "let’s do it again"? From the preparation stage to your actual everyday life in your new country, what did you enjoy the most? Would you do certain ...