100+ Things I Wish I Had Known Before Arriving in Italy

Discover essential information on the ins and outs of living in Italy on one website with no hidden agendas.

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"Right Start Italy isn’t just a guide — it’s a growing network of newcomers, neighbors, and locals helping each other thrive."

Regardless of whether you’ve just arrived, are established, an expat, a retiree, or are somewhere in between, living in Italy is both an adventure and a challenge. We are all on a journey that is constantly changing. Getting a right start in each phase and stage sets the tone for the way ahead.

Italy isn’t just one culture — it’s a vibrant tapestry of 20 distinct regions, each with its own dialects, languages, cuisines, traditions, and celebrations. Similarly, adapting to living in Italy is not for the faint of heart, there are so many cultural and institutional differences. However, as we all engage on our Italian journey, l'unione fa la forza (unity makes for strength).

The focus of Right Start Italy is on practical, independent information and resources . It is a volunteer-based, non-commercial website. No ads, sponsorships, or funding—just community support.

white and brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
white and brown concrete building near body of water during daytime
a group of people walking through a large building
a group of people walking through a large building

Moving to Italy Is Beautifully Demanding

10 Crucial Questions You’ll Wish You Asked Sooner

  1. Where is the closest emergency room located and how many patients are waiting right now in each? What would I do if I lost my passport or CAC (military)--what apps/websites are essential?

  2. What is the fee my bank is charging as compared to the "official exchange rate" and why does it matter?

  3. How can I avoid stopping to pay at toll booths and pay online and how do I pay for parking online without ever running over?

  4. What is my ideal home, am I/we in my ideal home?

  5. What do permesso and coperto mean and what other Italianisms don't I know about?

  6. What health clinics are near me and what are the differences in healthcare systems?

  7. Is the Italian preschool, asilo or school system right for my family?

  8. Is there fiber for Internet at my street address, how can I get WiFi throughout my house? What type of air conditioning unit(s) is in my home and how does it differ from American air conditioning?

  9. Do I feel like a local or like a foreigner and what could I do to feel more at home in Italy?

  10. How could I live in Italy and become a resident, what are some of the challenges and obstacles?

A large, welcoming sign with the phrase 'WELCOME TO ROME, ITALY' in bold letters set against a backdrop of ancient Roman ruins and architecture. The words 'ROME' and 'ITALY' are highlighted with colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. The setting is likely an interior space with a tiled floor and overhead lighting.
A large, welcoming sign with the phrase 'WELCOME TO ROME, ITALY' in bold letters set against a backdrop of ancient Roman ruins and architecture. The words 'ROME' and 'ITALY' are highlighted with colors of the Italian flag: green, white, and red. The setting is likely an interior space with a tiled floor and overhead lighting.
A large Italian flag waves prominently over a bustling city square, surrounded by historic buildings under a partly cloudy sky. The atmosphere is lively with people and vehicles moving around the circular road. Classical architecture dominates the scene, with a backdrop of distant hills visible under the expansive sky.
A large Italian flag waves prominently over a bustling city square, surrounded by historic buildings under a partly cloudy sky. The atmosphere is lively with people and vehicles moving around the circular road. Classical architecture dominates the scene, with a backdrop of distant hills visible under the expansive sky.
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