Italian Homes: Create your Livable Home
On top of the regular culture shock, Italian homes are simply different in design, electrical, heating and air conditioning, Internet and wireless reception, and home security to name a few.
With some research and changes, an Italian home can become a dream home, here is some essential information for newcomers.
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Italian Address at Home and Amazon
3 kw, 4 kw or 6 kw electrical system capacity?
Hi-Speed Internet
SME and Ikea (for furniture and accessories)
Italian Air Conditioning
Internet Throughout the
Home
(Powerline Adapter)


Virtual Private Networks
Home Security


For purchases delivered to Italian addresses the Poste Italiane (and other delivery services) to deliver to your Italian address they require your name on your post office box ( outside gate/fence) for you and your family.
Amazon (Italy)
For those who will be residing off base, Amazon.it (same login, same password is used for each country, www.amazon.it vice .com) is relatively quick and delivers purchases to Italian addresses. It can also be configured for English.
An apartment or house has a power rating based on consumption and supportable infrastructure. If you run the air conditioner, microwave, dishwasher and a blow dryer at the same time in a 3 kw home then the external electrical circuit breaker (outside the house) will probably blow. Not all homes can be upgraded to 4 kW or 6 kW. Your current power rating is on your energy provider bill. Work with the landlord/landlady to determine the capability before making any changes. Note: the increase in the power rating is not free, the upgrade and cost increase is based on your home and energy provider.
Italians and Americans see the Internet through their own cultural lenses. In Italy, people often prioritize lifestyle and face-to-face connections over constant online access, which may mean slower internet speeds compared to the U.S. When choosing an internet service provider (ISP), speed and price are essential. Check to see if fiber optics are at your address below and sign up to be notified when is available.
A dependable provider can make all the difference, especially in managing service interruptions or technical issues in your new home. Here is the Yelp list for the Provincia di Pordenone. Also, to see if there is fiber service in your town, see the link.
If you’re new to Italy and looking for home essentials, SME and IKEA are two great shopping destinations. SME is a large Italian department store offering everything from electronics and small appliances to furniture, kitchenware, and décor—perfect for setting up your new home. IKEA provides budget-friendly Scandinavian-style furniture, along with a wide selection of pots, pans, plants, picture frames, rugs, and other home accessories to personalize your space. Whether you need everyday essentials or decorative touches, both stores make furnishing your home in Italy easy and convenient.
Not all air conditioning is created equal. Summers can be brutally hot in the local area. This cultural difference highlights how Italy and the U.S. diversely view the use of air conditioning. In Italy air conditioning is used more sparingly than in America, reflecting cultural and health-related perceptions. Many Italians view air conditioning with caution, believing that prolonged exposure, especially in bedrooms or to direct airflow, can lead to colds or other health issues. Consequently, Italians often prefer indirect cooling methods, especially in the bedrooms.
Italian homes with concrete construction present unique challenges for Wi-Fi signals. Powerline technology is relatively easy to set up and maintain by extending your internet signal throughout your home using your existing electrical wiring creating an additional network where needed.
A number of companies make powerline adapters, one of the more established ones is Devolo. A new Devolo Starter Kit or used Magic 2 Starter Kit is less than $100.00 on Amazon (Italy).
What can I do to give me peace of mind in dealing with burglary threats to home?
Installing sensor activated lights and/or purchasing outdoors security cameras that provide you alerts and live feed can be both preventative (seen by possible robbers) and reassuring.
Living in Italy as an American, a Virtual Private Network (VPN) is among your essentials nowadays. On top of the privacy, using a VPN while in another country can give you access to geographically restricted content.
Many state/U.S. government and financial websites (e.g., DMVs, IRS, or banking) restrict access from foreign IP addresses. A VPN with a U.S.-based server ensures you can access these sites securely.
Additionally, with a VPN you may be able to access region-blocked streaming sites, like loading the US Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, Disney Plus, etc. Your selection will be a mixture of Italian and American content. Access can be provided via your router, device (e.g. Apple TV) or website. There is a selection of VPNs for Italy with various prices, see below for a list.




The air conditioning is used to circulate air rather than blowing directly on occupants. In contrast, Americans tend to embrace robust air conditioning, cooling entire homes and bedrooms for comfort without similar health concerns.
Additionally, energy costs in Italy are higher, promoting more conservative use, while in the U.S., lower energy costs encourage more widespread and frequent usage. It may be worth discussing with your landlord/landlady to add an air conditioner unit to one or more rooms or even to purchase a professional air conditioner yourself to bear the summers’ heat, especially at night.
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