Life Living in Italy as a Retiree from The US
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 12 มี.ค. 2023
- In this video, I talk about what life is like living in Italy as a retiree from the US. The culture change, the people, the lifestyle, the healthcare.
Moving to another country is a huge decision, made even more challenging when you are in your twilight changes. For us, we love it and, in this video, I explain why.
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As an American-Italian, I always knew that I was drawn to my ancestral homeland. Last year, I FINALLY pulled the trigger and moved. Initially, my family was a little reluctant. One year later, my family asks "Why didn't we move sooner?"......with that said Italy isn't for everyone. But if you're looking for quality of life, great healthcare, safety, lower cost of living, less stress, and just a healthier lifestyle in general---then you might want to consider Italy. Sure, there are some things that some spoiled Americans might miss.......but if you really look at things as outlined in this video-----it really isn't that big of a deal. And no, I'm never coming back. Italy is home.
As a Californian of 35 years who will be moving to Florence, Italy in September 2025, I found your analysis to be tremendously helpful. "Moving to Italy" videos are a dime a dozen, yet your presentation has never been covered in the same way. For the first time, the small refrigerators in Italy now make perfect sense! You paint a people who is family-centric and delightfully taking their time in relishing life. Thank you!
Dear James, learning about italy for me is as much passion as pleasure. I am glad you found us. Please give a thumbs up and take a look at the TLR FaceBook community. Chip
You can buy a "Frigo Americano" at most appliance stores ... those big things with water/ice dispensers. Worry not.
Thanks, James, Chip
What I love of your videos is the kindness of your way of speaking. Love that.
That said, as an italian living in the North east, venice mainland, I must say there are many "Italies" and many "italians" depending on the area. For example, Milan is quite different from Rieti in terms of living standard, environment and people. Not worse, not better, Simply different. The north is different from the south. The north east is different from the north west. Bigger cities are different from small cities. There are differences even between same size cities, towns or villages. The region where I live in offers alpine villages as well as modern urban centers and small size towns in the countryside with huge differences of habits, food, costs, etc. So, anybody planning to move to Italy should choose carefully where to go 😊
You are right, living in Turin or living in south Italy is very different!
@@sylviedhancarville4486 Definitely!
Most countries vary, Italy is not unique in that sense. The south is not as developed or serviced as the north. Southern life offers an amazing climate hence winters in Sicily or Calabria are very enjoyable. The north has better medical centers and overall much better services, hence living in the richer regions of Italy would carry many benefits. As for eastern vs western coast….the differences are cultural and geographical. You can find a quaint provincial city on the western shore such as Lucca or on the eastern shore such as Pesaro. Standard of living would be very similar. Best scenario is to reside in the North and spend the winter in Sicily.😊
I agree. Chip
Regarding the electrical supply, there are no fuses blowing. There are electronic meters of different power sizes according to the contract you have signed with the electricity company that are triggered if you exceed these limits. Furthermore, there are price differences per kWh depending on whether you are a resident or not. For example a holiday home is non-resident and you pay more.
Ezio, you are absolutely correct and we do have some outages or at least brief interruptions during storms. Nothing major unless we are told beforehand. Thanks for pointing all this out to everyone. Chip
Living in padua for 5 years. Your comments are very accurate. Comment on the he'll of getting driving license, just got mine, took 4 years, need to know italian, otherwise this is a dream. Robert
Sir living here in California, USA, Even You have no idea how incredibly good you have it! Salute to you. Excellent perception and good old fashioned common sense brought you there. Their is a give and take in Everything, Anywhere. Your decision to live There is totally justifiable. Can't wait to actually be there one day soon myself. There is almost nothing I don't like about it, and too much to love about it. One thing about 'they don't talk about money' is something I already knew. One thing about Italians a lot of people don't know is that Italians do not 'show off' in almost any way. It is as you say, not to be discussed. Also, people have no idea of the wealth of the Italian people and how much money goes around Italy. The current banking crisis, Italy doesn't need to worry about it. Sure calamity affects Everyone, but they are positioned to do better in that calamity than Everyone else. Excellent videos because of You. Look forward to the next one. Best Regards.
I am so glad you love Italy too. It has wonderful food, customs and most of all people. I hope you get here soon. Put your mind to it... It will happen.
Thank you for sharing i love this i grow up in italy now i am in canada but i loved my life in italy, also happy to be where i am this is so true thank you
I visited my "homeland" for the first time last year, at 60. One week stay, based in Sorrento. I could not believe how "right" it felt being there. Surreal. I've never felt such a strong connection anywhere I have visited. Recently one of Chip's videos showed up on my feed. I'm not exactly sure why, other than I have been watching some retirement videos. I never seriously pondered retiring in Italy, but based on that trip, I was interested just to hear what he had to say about life as an ex-Pat. The points Chip makes are straightforward, concise, and because of my visit, intriguing and compelling. In that short week, I experienced much of what he discusses in terms of the slower more relaxed pace; the friendliness of the people - everywhere I went! I don't speak the language - didn't matter. People are not at each other - they are WITH each other. And they take you right in, if you are friendly. It is not about "what's next", as it is in the States. It is about being present and enjoying yourself now and the people you are with now - even strangers. The dinners are long. Yes. But the point is "What is so important that you have to rush this? Where else do you have to be? This is what life is about." So unbelievably refreshing, perhaps more so from a life-long New Yorker. This had never crossed my mind but I now actually have to consider this as where I end up. It is a lot of fun to think about. Even with the things you sacrifice, as Chip discusses. My brief visit has me believing the good would WAY outweigh the bad.
It's not for everyone, but we were able to create a very pleasant and enjoyable, safe, and healthy lifestyle for ourselves.
I am italian, I live in Parma and if you come around I would be happy to welcome you with my family to show you our city, if you've never been there!
Thanks a lot for what you tell us thruough these videos and for your love of our Country!
We have visited Parma and it's a lovely city. We always find new places to love when we travel in Italy and we want to spend the rest of our lives discovering this beautiful country and its people
@@thelaughingretirement4714 I ask you to consider our People the same as your People!
We need so much people like you, thanks for your love, thank you for your appreciation, Thank you for choosing Italy as the place to live in!
You are much more italian than many other people who were borne here!
Your enthusiasm gives us confidence, nowdays so many italians have the dream of living somewhere else because Italy "is not enough"!
God bless you! God bless America and God bless Italy!
Wonderful video. I love hearing about the pros and cons. You’re a great storyteller.
sorry I missed that program. I'm seriously thinking of taking the plunge even as far as getting dual citizenship. I've been watching videos for several weeks and studying Italian. I'm planning a trip there in April 2024. I'm praying my house here in Texas sells. If I can get your information online, I'd be more than happy to pay for it. Thank you..I'm 2 years widow by February 2024 and your age!
I didn’t hear any negatives, just healthy adjustments.
I’ve been living in America, for 60 years, I am presently 67 and it’s gonna be very easy to me to move to Italy , I was born there.
Enjoy going home😊🎉
I just found your channel. We have visited Italy 4 times. I fell in love with Italy on my first visit 2002. We are retired and are blessed with income to live comfortably. I am ready to move to Italy today. I have to pull back my expectations and give my husband time to adjust and absorb my excitement. I think one option is to visit Italy and find a place that is agreeable for both of us and visit for three months available to us with our US Passports. That being said, we both like having projects work keep us busy. For example, gardening.
Thank you for your insightful channel.
Diane, we hope you find what you are looking for. Chip
I need to show you videos to my parents :) I appreciate all the effort you put into your videos. I’m buying a house near Arezzo and can’t wait to be there !
Going back to Abruzzo and Lazio to look again for houses. How did you choose Arezzo?
@@jmcqueen7355 I was looking for about 300sq m for under €150,000 and I found a nice one about 30 mins from Arezzo :)
Hi Chip, really enjoy your videos, you are right living in Italy is so much better, life style, food and Italians really know how to enjoy life..what part of Italy did you retire?
Ciao
Joseph, we retired to Central Italy in the Rieti area.
Love your channel and your insights. I'm working towards retiring in Italy.
Nice channel, love your soothing voice, you give some really good information. May I chip in and say that I think a slower pace of life is found in small rural towns, but if you live in a city like Rome (like me) or Milan, Naples, etc., then it resembles London or elsewhere and is just as fast-paced (and the traffic..!) . Shopping for groceries is now becoming more like other industrialized countries as women are no longer able to be stay-at home-mums, due to the cost of living being disproportionate to our wages. It could be great though if you are earning in dollars as a retiree. I Agree totally about health-care, it is BRILLIANT compared to many other countries and nobody, not even non-citizens are refused emergency care, they will treat you and no questions asked, sometimes you may even be sent home with free medicines! Another thing I love about the Healthcare, is that people are very aware of their own health (they can understand their own bloodwork! ) I think most of what you mention is referring to smaller towns and villages where the majority of the population is still quite old, pensioners (old ladies) do their shopping around 9. 30 am so they can go for coffee with their friends (such a lovely way of life), working people will go after work, parents taking kids to school will probably pop in to the local 'alimentari' to get a pizzetta for the kids' school snack (avoid the few minutes before school starts!). A lot of younger people have to move out of smaller towns to seek jobs elsewhere, which is quite sad. It is lovely that in summer, when kids aren't in school, families make the most of the cool until late! (Thank goodness for the piazza life, and historical centers that are natural gathering points.) Italy really is an amazing place.
I am a new subscriber and really appreciated this vlog. Thank you for the open minded and positive approach. It seems daunting for me but every day more and more convinced it will be a great option to retire to Italy. Looking forward to watching all your videos
What a great video! The way you focus on what's important in Italian life and how you have embraced it is so lovely.
Great video! Thank you!
Excellent video I am not American but enjoy how you explain Italy - great job - new subscriber 😀
Can you please share what town in Italy you chose to retire in? Thank you
Good video Chip!
thanks Bill, glad you are still with us....Chip
Very much enjoyed your perspective on Italy from an American . I can relate to all of it
I immediately like the video as soon as you say “hello”..
Another great video. Thank you and it is helping me with my move this year. I bought a home in Pescara
These are great videos and thanks for taking that time to create them. I have two questions. One, how do you maintain an address in the US for bank and credit cards? Second, what has the impact been for taxes in Italy? I assume that Italy has a tax treaty with the US to prevent double taxation on income, but I am concerned that when you add US taxes, taxes in Italy, and Euro currency fluctuations it will be too expensive to live in Italy or Spain. I will have three sources of income, Social Security, IRA, and dividend payments from my taxable brokerage account and I need to figure out how much taxes I would owe in Italy after paying taxes in the US. Any help on both the address and tax question is much appreciated. Thanks.
If you haven’t mentioned it before, many Italian Americans are eligible for Italian citizenship by descent. If eligible, you can begin the process either in the United States or once you are in Italy. It certainly makes things a lot easier to be a citizen of Italy. Lastly, before arriving in Italy, having a basic knowledge of Italian would be very helpful. Eventually one should have at least a B 1 level of proficiency (intermediate level) .
Excellent suggestions, especially about the language. Thanks Chip
I enjoyed the video very much but would like to add something about my own experience, specifically, what I would consider the 'golden rule'. I moved to Italy in 1976 at the age of 27 - i.e. I've been here almost 50 years:
1. I rigorously avoided expat social circles from the beginning
2. I worked within the Italian system (university prof)
3. married an Italian lady and became part of an extended Italian family
4. learnt Italian - not language school Italian but the local version
5. made contacts (very important to do so)
The golden rule? Follow, as much as possible, the 5 points above and stop comparing Italy to your country of origin, i.e. become Italian, otherwise, you will always be a 'simpatico straniero' at best. In short, love it or leave it!
And here, as a bonus rule, join local groups - photography, walking, sourdough bread-making - the list is endless
Greate answer Matt
Thanks for the feedback!
Well, it also seems fair to me after all... If a Chinese or an Indian goes to America he cannot expect to continue to remain so, bringing with him his laws, his culture and his language, and pretending to impose it on the locals too; to truly become part of another country you must fully integrate into its social fabric and lifestyle, even accepting what you don't like or what seems strange to you. When in Rome do as the Romans do.
Thank you for your insightful videos. We are retired (I taught English), with a modest income ($45k) from pensions, social security, and our rented ($25k) condo in Portland, Oregon. We just completed four months in Lviv helping a new school open. And we fell in love with the ''old-town" look of Lviv and Krakow. Where would you recommend that we begin our search for an apartment in Italy? My wife has MS, so healthcare and air conditioning is critical. Thank you!! Dean & Cindy
My wife and I are planning in buying a home in Abruzzo (or Molise). Initially, it’ll be a vacation home for us and our adult children…and offer it to our extended families. I’m retired US military (retired in 2014 with 26 years active duty service); wife is a federal govt employee with about 20 years of federal service-and she wants to work a few more years, as she’s on the cusp of moving up to the executive service.
Neither of us speak Italian, but we both speak Spanish (she’s a native speaker) and French…but want to learn Italian. We’ve both lived overseas (wife is originally from Ecuador, so she spent her first 18 years there) in conjunction with my military service…Panama, Okinawa Japan, as well as Ivory Coast and Mali (embassy duty). My wife has family who live in Barcelona (we’ve visited them a few times over the past 20 years).
Dear MR, sounds like you have this well planned! Start working on your italian..... Look forward to seeing you here in Italy. Chip
I am really enjoying your videos on Italy. I still have a few years before I can retire but myself and my buddy are seriously thinking about moving to Italy. Our wives are not so sure lol.
Bring them Here, travel here, let them see and eat and feel. We are discussing having a meeting about life here in April/May. I will let you know. Chip
I like to hear your stories. How's your Italian now?
What do you do when the euro is back at 1.20 or 1.30 exchange and. Ow our us$ are worth 20 or 30% less?
Thanks
Gary
Just found your channel today and am wondering if a recording of the March 25 conference is available for purchase? Thanks.
Yes, it is.... we do have a charge to cover our costs. The charge is $29.95, If you are interested, please send an email to info@thelaughingretirment.com and ask for the link.... We will send it out right away. Chip
@@thelaughingretirement4714 Great, thanks!
Going for a walk or for a gelato at 22:30 or 23:30 or even 00:00 at the Piazza is more in summer time, isn'it?
I lived a bit in North Italy, and in winter with the cold, streets get more empty earlier..at least in small towns
ABSOLUTELY! iN winter the streets are dark, wet and cold, Even here! Chip
Chip can you tell me about social security and income being doubled taxed in Italy.
There are places in the US that have a shortage of specialists and one has to travel or wait a long time! And, we pay through the nose for a "rickety" system...why do we have 3 or 4 systems for "different" types of people??? (vets, poor, VERY poor, old, etc.)
I'm thinking Italy may be a good fit; my only concern is taxes on retirement income. I'm a U.S. military retire, I also get VA disability and work as a government worker hoping for a second retirement. I have two rental homes in the U.S. making another net profit of $1700 a month. I'm an only child and should also inherit a trust that makes about $4000 a month. I understand government pensions aren't taxed? What about Social Security income? Does a trust that I administer count as income?
I’d love to get the information you gave out at the conference 16:53
Eva, send me your request to info@thelaughingretirement.com. I am working on it! Chip
Hi, thank you very much for the info,
I have a question please,
Does health care insurance covers previous illness??
In Italy, if you are sick, you get cured. Full stop. The public health system is sometimes slow, quality can differ from region to region, and so you can pay or have an insurance to access the private one. If you are over 65 or with a low income, you have even more exemption. Usually we pay a symbolic ticket for every non-urgent exam (25$ to 100$), for the ER you usually pay nothing (both for treatment and ambulance). A specialist visit can costs from 70€ to 200€, if you don't have exemptions.
In Italy no one gets cut off from medical care, even for previous illnesses, but if you want to be safe you can take out good medical insurance.
As a Italian American I’ve never been to Italy. I think I need a vacation soon I am retired but my major concern is my wife’s health. She is on dialysis every day and does it at home if something like that would be possible there in Italy whenever we go on vacation, we have to take a long, her machine and her supplies which can be bulky.
John, I am sorry to hear about your wife and I know nothing about dialysis here in Italy. I wish you well Chip
Quick question Chip concerning the retirement forum on the 28th. Will there be specifics regarding retirement abroad and taxation? Thank you.
Yes, it will but, I need to add a note of caution on the word " specifics" There will be some specifics, Like a 7% tax rate for three years down south. or no tax from your company, etc. We will discuss this but not "specific to anyone's personal needs. I hope you will join us! Chip
A question on having a car, I have heard that getting a driver’s license is difficult because of the written test, I speak Italian but I am not sure about technical words. Was it difficult to pass it?
@@rosaliegalasso791 Hi Rosalie, great question. It is not difficult, It takes learning, and my license is the primary reason I speak as well as I do. It is work. It takes time. Difficult, no, not at all. It is just in a different language that takes some effort. I flunked three times and passed the fourth. I had wonderful, patient teachers. I is the single thing i am most proud of.... Chip
@@infothelaughingretirement3008 Grazie, I teach Italian and speak it, I just don't know the technical words....I guess I will have to study, and thank you for your reply!
@@rosaliegalasso791 Hi Rosalie, you willl not have a problem. When I took my first class, I could not understand the teacher. I had to switch teachers twice before I found a teacher I could understand. The first spoke Reatino, the second Romano, and the third I could understand. I took notes from the board and the video and translated them page by page into the driver's manual, that I also had to translate. You will do fine! And, yes, you will have to study. Even the Italians dread this exam..and 50% flunk at least once! From what I saw it was closer to 70%, and I saw 30% flunk the practical You will do fine!
There’s a lot to say about the difference in the quality of life in Italy but one way to look at it is:
It’s the opposite of a drive-through.
So true, Love that!
Hi, thanks for the video. I am a Canadian and I am looking forward to retire in Europe. I came across the Italian driver's license issue and how to obtain it. From what I could find it seems difficult to obtain and following that, the size of the car engine might be restricted. Could you please share your experience on this topic. Thanks
Not easy. I started just before COVID, and the class shut down for about 9 months. I flunked 3 tests and passed the fourth theory test, and the practical test was easy. The US has no reciprocity with Italy, and the classes and tests are in Italian. I am very tenacious, and I worked the system until I passed! I learned more about Italian by taking the course than any other way. Chip
As to the converse, your Italian driver's license, called the Patente di guida, allows you to drive in all Svengen Countries. I have never met a foreigner who tried to get an Italian license and did not pass both tests eventually, though you will still need to know your Italian to do so and pay to take classes. This need not be done the first year you live here and though the law says you must get your Italian license after the first year of residence, the reality is that there are people who live here for the first several years and drive with only an International Driver's License. While you are in the process of studying and taking classes, you need to carry proof of that in the car. Those that choose that method are taking a risk, especially, if they should be in an accident. The question about the car engine being limited doesn't seem to be much of an issue. There are Maserati's and Ferarris on our streets daily. Driving here and in much of Europe is very different than driving in the USA as are distances, road conditions, road construction, signage, speed limits, infractions, toll roads, speed traps, onramps, parking, insurance, permits, inspections, predictability of other drivers and just about everything except for the vehicle operation and engine mechanics, which would be familiar to you. Please don't try to judge driving in Italy in the context of your USA, and Canada driving knowledge and experience. Some traffic rules are the same or similar and some are quite different as are the way the rules are or are not enforced. Come to Italy, rent a car, and drive around the country for a couple of weeks, then you will begin to understand. Another upside is that concerning other options that may be available to you in Italy, having an Italian Driver's License is just more proof to the powers that you are serious about living here and not just a part-time vacationer, and that adds to your reputation and influence and respectability. In some ways, you could consider it a badge of courage, ha! If I can do it, anyone can do it. Good Luck to you!
👍👍👍❤️
Where do you live in Italy ?
👍👍❗️
What part or city of Itali you guys live in, thanks.
We live outside the city of Rieti
I'm sorry but I can't seem to find your Facebook page. Is it TLR Italy?
It is called The Laughing Retirement Community. Look forward to seeing you there. Chip
It sounds like a great place for dead beats. No one cares what you do or even if you work. 👍👍
Is it true that you need a pension or social security of $3000 per month/ per person????
Where in italy do you live in sir? Are you renting or did you buy property?
Dear virtualRAO, I live outside RIETI in central Italy. If you have interest, International Living magazine has a conference coming up in Sept 2023 in Denver. I will provide a video on the subject shortly and a link if you are interested. Chip
At this time we rent and will buy shortly - we hope.
When is your next meeting?
We are putting one together...... I am looking at having a meeting here in |italy in early May, and International LIving is having one in April (12 -14th in Portugal. Email me at info@thelaughingretirement.com for more concrete information. Chip
Where in Italy are you living....?
We live in Lazio province in the Reiti Valley. Chip
Thanks for this interesting video. I do find myself wondering if you are generalizing too much? I think one's experience in a larger Italian city would be very different from a small Italian town.
We are generalizing because we know that life in the cities will be different. We didn't choose to live in an Italian city for many reasons that apply to us and can only tell you about OUR experiences here. There are philosophies, traditions, and social mores that make Italy and Italians more homogenous than our US society, therefore even in the city, it's still Italy and you are still surrounded by Italians. If you watch our future videos we will explain more in detail about our experiences in this country and explain why WE think it's different and why it was a good fit for us. Not the only choice but one of a few choices that we considered.
Yes, I spent my first 20 years in Rome (which I now refer to a Babylon) and then moved to a village about 30 miles north - the best decision I've ever made.
Very nice and authentic content. A little advice, please use a more professional camera because us, internauts, have a different taste in quality and with this your message could reach more people.
The infracture in Italy over all is old and decayed. Small crowded streets, overcrowded huge apartment buildings, lack of sufficient electrical power. If this is OK with you, then you can be happy. Other countries like the Netherlands, Australia, Denmark, easliy beat out Italy for natural beauty (not rocks) and infrastructure.
Extraordinary nonsense. Evidently you know very little about Italy. She or she speaks from hearsay.
This is Western Europe! us are great but it was this Europe that made our world
Allesandro, you are absolutely correct. Chip
I saw your video from 10 months ago and this one from 7 months ago - you look 10 years younger. Italia does not have GMO in its food chain nor steroid meats ("selective breeding"). Why our veggies and fruit are so tasty compared to the US and Canada. We can tell GMO from a 100 km away, perfect, shiny looking veggies - why you never buy anything from Holland in Italia (they are the GMO capital of the EU). BTW, you can buy a "Frigo Americano" in Italia if you miss it. On the electricity you can apply to ENEL and increase the amount. I went to +6 kV, cost was a one time charge of €125. Double the base amount and why you are tripping your "Salva Vita". Keep posting, you tell the TRUTH. Me 10 yrs here after lifetime in Canada. Would never return. And don't forget about the morning and evening PASSEGGIATA!
Thanks for watching!