Italy is a country with many treasures. A rich artistic tradition, spectacular natural landscapes, a fashion-forward society and delectable gastronomy – all of these give the country a unique character. Expats are also drawn to Italy because of lucrative employment opportunities and a high quality lifestyle. For those relocating to Italy, here are 10 helpful websites.
The Informer www.informer.it
This site aims ease the transition phase of expats in Italy by helping them resolve commonly-faced problems such as navigating the Italian bureaucracy.The Informer provides information in English, which is based on the experience of the staff’s own experience of living in Italy. It also serves as a point of reference for expats dealing with issues such as labor regulations, taxation and social security.
Kate Lives Here
katehash.squarespace.com
The author of this blog lived in Florence, Italy from 2011 to 2014 and has had her own experience with moving to Italy and settling into live there. She has posted on different subjects, but the ones dealing with Italian dual citizenship are especially useful. Expats can find a neat little compilation of posts dedicated to this subject on the blog.
Trenitalia (national train company)
www.trenitalia.com
This is the website of the primary train operator in the country, Trenitalia. It was started soon after the EU passed a directive facilitating deregulation of rail transport. Apart from rail connections throughout Italy, Trenitalia also has international connections to Belgium, Austria, Spain, Slovenia, Hungary, Germany, Switzerland and France. There are both regional and long-distance trains and details of these trains as well as various deals and offers can be found on this website.
The British Institute of Florence
www.britishinstitute.it
Established in 1917, the British Institute of Florence has the distinction of being the first overseas British cultural institute. They offer beginner to advanced Italian language courses and other interesting courses such as a History of Art course that focuses on Florentine art. Details of services provided by the institute can be found on the website.
Firenze Moms 4 Moms Network
www.firenzemoms4moms.net
This group was started in 2004 as a support base for English-speaking expat mothers in Florence and Tuscany. The site, blog and forums provide useful information and tips about raising children while living in Italy. The group also welcomes Italians who wish to assist the expat community with adjusting to life in a foreign country.
Polizia di Stato – Italian National Police
www.questure.poliziadistato.it
This is the official website of the Polizia di Stato or Italian National Police. This particular link is useful for those who are waiting for their residence permit or permesso to be processed. It takes you to a page where you can check the status of your application. All you have to do enter the file number or registered mail code.
Florence Online
http://en.firenze-online.com
This is an online guide that has been in operation since 2001 and is dedicated to the Tuscan capital of Florence. It provides information to tourists and expats about places to visit, where to eat and what to do for entertainment. It also aims to assist people who have businesses in Florence and wish to promote them. This link leads to a list of useful telephone numbers.
Parla Food
www.parlafood.com
Katie Parla, the author of this blog, is an American who lives in Rome. A travel writer and tour guide, she aims to draw attention to great food and drink while highlighting the people involved in the preparation of such food. Readers discuss their food preferences and there are also some interesting posts about Italian food culture.
Bleeding Espresso
www.bleedingespresso.com
This site with an interesting title is the work of Michelle, an American living in her family’s ancestral village of Calabri. The posts from 2006 to 2019 are an assortment of topics such as the southern Italian lifestyle, Italian traditions, recipes and holidays. What expats may find particular useful are the later posts where the author shifts focus to how her life changed since moving to Italy.
Italy Chronicles
www.italychronicles.com
This was earlier called Blog from Italy and has been chronicling life and happenings in Italy since 2005. Expats can find a range of topics here from news and politics to tips on finding the best Italian wines.