Foreign Life in Italy: Essential Knowledge Before Relocating and Utilizing Your American Express Card
Moving to Italy as an American: Here's Your Ultimate Guide
Grab a cup of espresso and let's dive into the practicalities of deciding to live in Italy as a fellow US citizen!
The number of US residents calling Italy their home is on the rise, with approximately 16,534 Americans settling down in 2024 – over 2,000 more compared to 2022[1]. But before you get swept up in the excitement, there are a few crucial aspects to think through.
Work Opportunities
If you're of working age, landing a job in Italy might be tougher than back home, since EU citizens have priority over non-EU workers[1][2]. Even if you're a citizen of an EU country, Italy offers fewer opportunities and salaries tend to be lower compared to the United States[1].
Don't forget that after your first year of residency, you'll need to resit your driving test in Italian to keep your license, and filing yearly tax returns in both Italy and the US is also necessary[1].
Six Must-Know Facts Before Making the Move
After carefully weighing the benefits and drawbacks, if you decide that Italy is your chosen destination, there are essential tasks to tackle during your relocation.
1. Apply for a VisaThis is the first step towards your Italian venture. The relevant visa will depend on your circumstances.
2. Apply for a Residency PermitOnce you've secured your visa, this is your next crucial step to establish your residency rights in Italy.
3. Find Long-Term AccommodationSeek a place to call home in your new Italian city.
4. Set Up a Bank AccountOpening a bank account in Italy is a necessity for day-to-day transactions.
5. Register with the National Health ServiceEnsure that you can access quality healthcare in Italy. Private insurance may be preferred for fast and specialized care.
6. Learn Italian and Make FriendsImmersing yourself in Italian culture will greatly enhance your experience. Engage with the local community to make long-lasting connections.
Can I Use My American Express Card in Italy?
American Express cards are not universally accepted in Italy, as many businesses find the high merchant fees discouraging. It is recommended to use an alternative card, such as Mastercard or Visa, while keeping your American Express card handy as a backup.
To find out which businesses in Italy accept American Express, you can check their interactive map provided by American Express.
Tipping Culture in Italy
Unlike in the US, the custom of tipping is less common in Italy. Tipping is by no means required, but is always appreciated for exceptional service.
Stay Informed and Connect
For more tips and information about relocating to or living in Italy, check out our dedicated Americans in Italy section[1]. If you have any feedback or suggestions, feel free to reach out to us at our email address.
Remember to remain open-minded, observe local customs, and embrace the Italian way of life. Buona fortuna con la tua nuova avventura!
[1] Enrichment Data: Moving to Italy from the United States requires careful planning across several key areas. Here’s a structured overview of the practical considerations and steps to take before relocating:
Key Practical Considerations
- Cost of Living: Italy’s cost of living varies widely. As of 2025, the average monthly living expenses are estimated at €3,102.9 for a family of four and €882.7 for a single person, excluding rent. Larger cities like Rome, Milan, and Florence are typically more expensive, while smaller towns in the south or countryside offer more affordable options.
- Language and Culture: While English is spoken in larger cities, learning Italian will significantly enhance your integration and daily life. Italian bureaucracy can be complex and slow, so patience and preparation are essential.
- Healthcare: Italy has a robust public healthcare system, but expats must register to access it. Private health insurance is also an option for those seeking faster or more specialized care.
- Family Considerations: If moving with family, research local schools (public or international), healthcare, and family-friendly neighborhoods. LGBTQ+ expats may prefer larger cities with more inclusive communities.
- Remote Work Opportunities: The rise of remote work has increased interest in Italy. However, not all visas permit employment, so choosing the right visa is crucial.
Essential Steps Before Relocation
- Choose Your Location
- Decide between urban centers (Rome, Milan, Florence) and smaller towns. Consider your budget, lifestyle preferences, and language comfort.
- Apply for the Correct Visa
- Common options include:
- Elective Residency Visa: For retirees and those with passive income; requires proof of sufficient funds and accommodation, and does not permit local employment.
- Work Visa: Required if you intend to work in Italy, often sponsored by an Italian employer.
- Student or Family Reunification Visas for other circumstances.
- Prepare Documentation
- Gather necessary documents such as passport, financial records, proof of accommodation, and health insurance. Some visas require notarized translations and apostilles.
- Register for Residency and Local Services
- Upon arrival, register with local authorities and apply for a residence permit (Permesso di Soggiorno).
- Obtain a Codice Fiscale (tax identification number) for banking, healthcare, and legal matters.
- Set Up Banking and Utilities
- Open an Italian bank account and arrange utilities (electricity, water, internet). This process can be complex, so patience and local assistance may be required.
- Find Accommodation
- Secure housing before or shortly after arrival. Consider short-term rentals while searching for long-term options.
- Register for Healthcare
- Enroll in the Italian National Health Service (SSN) or arrange private insurance.
- Learn the Language and Local Laws
- Invest in Italian language courses and familiarize yourself with local laws, especially those related to residency, taxation, and employment.
Checklist Summary
- Research locations and budget.
- Apply for the appropriate visa.
- Prepare and organize all required documents.
- Register for residency and obtain a Codice Fiscale.
- Open an Italian bank account and set up utilities.
- Secure accommodation.
- Register for healthcare.
- Learn Italian and local regulations.
These steps will help you avoid common pitfalls and ensure a smoother transition to life in Italy.
- For US citizens moving to Italy, it's essential to consider the challenging job market, as EU citizens have priority over non-EU workers, and salaries are typically lower than in the United States.
- After the first year of residency, you'll need to resit your driving test in Italian and file yearly tax returns in both Italy and the US.
- During the relocation process, crucial tasks include applying for a visa and a residency permit, finding long-term accommodation, setting up a bank account, registering with the National Health Service, and learning Italian.
- To make the move seamless, use an alternative card, such as Mastercard or Visa, while keeping American Express as a backup, since not all businesses accept it.
- Tipping is less common in Italy, but is always appreciated for exceptional service.
- For more tips and information about relocating to or living in Italy, visit the Americans in Italy section on our website.
- In 2024, about 16,534 Americans will settle in Italy, representing an increase of over 2,000 compared to 2022.
- To smoothly transition to life in Italy, research locations and budget, apply for the appropriate visa, prepare and organize all required documents, register for residency and obtain a Codice Fiscale, open an Italian bank account, secure accommodation, register for healthcare, learn Italian, and familiarize yourself with local regulations.
