Rome, Italy Report of what it's like to live there - 02/10/08
Personal Experiences from Rome, Italy
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I have also lived in Bucharest, Romania.
2. How long have you lived here?
18 months.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
My husband works for the U.S. State Department.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
A direct flight from Rome to Dulles/DC is about 8-10 hours.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Housing consists almost exclusively of apartments in various parts of the city,depending upon the family size and need for access to parks.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Everything is more expensive when it costs US$1.51 to buy one euro. Luckily for us we have very easy access to the Naval Support site and can shop at the commissary there where groceries are insanely cheap.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
If we can't get it in Rome we can get it at the naval commissary. Life is good.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Who eats fast food when you are living in Rome?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
We have an APO AND pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
8-10 euros per hour for babysitters and domestic help.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Gazillions of ATMs. We use credit cards all the time. No worries.
4. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Catholic, Anglican. Maybe a few others, not sure.
5. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
We have AFN; Sky is also available.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Don't come to Rome without knowing basic Italian or without plans to take language lessons. Italians do NOT speak English except for the touristy areas, and you really need it if you hope to make it through three years here without pulling out your hair.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Lack of handicapped facilities everywhere. Some street corners have ramps but not all. Many sidewalks are littered with potholes. I think those in wheelchairs would find Rome very frustrating.
Transportation:
1. Do you drive on the right hand side of the road or the left?
Right, like the U.S.
2. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxis are safe and relatively affordable, not cheap, but not outrageous either. Public transportation is much cheaper and fairly easy to use. I use public transportation ALL THE TIME but many people are intimidated by it. I think it depends upon your approach to the city. I find it FAR EASIER to walk and use public transportation than to spend the money on a cab or to try to drive and find parking. Parking is a nightmare of colossal proportions. THERE IS NO PARKING IN THE CITY.
3. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
The smaller the better. And make sure it has dings in it because if not you'll leave Rome with lots of them. The best car to bring is a used one that you don't really care about.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, a few offerings for about US$50-60 per month.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Everyone has one and you can buy them here. Most work on a pay-as-you-go basis unless you prefer a contract.
3. What is the best way to make phone calls back home?
A Europa card costs 5 euros and gets you 6 hours of calls to the U.S. It's the best deal in town although lots of people now have contracts with Vonage.
Pets:
1. Quality pet care available (vets & kennels)?
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
If you don't speak Italian, finding work is difficult.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Same as U.S.
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate. Don't forget - Italy must conform to strict EU standards on pollution so any statements to the contrary are probably overblown. Plus for about two years now, smoking is not allowed in any store, restaurant, bar or cafe.
2. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Lots of petty theft but that is about it. Hardly any violent crime to speak of.
3. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Basic and standard medical care here is better than in the U.S. but prices vary. Reimbursements from Blue Cross has been a mixed bag: good and easy in a few cases, very difficult in others.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Very mild winter, extremely rainy fall and winter, hot summer. In general, the spring and fall is a lovely time of year (if it isn't raining!)
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
Lots! American Overseas School of Rome, St. Georges British International School, Marymount, St. Stephens, AmBrit...
2. What accommodations do schools make for special-needs kids?
3. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Preschools are available at most of the international schools but they tale few kids younger than 3.There are a few that targets the younger age group, so have no fear, just keep on looking. There are also several Italian day care programs but beware of those and the poor behavior of Italian children!
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Massive.
2. Morale among expats:
Fairly good but Rome can really get to you. You have to come here determined to get along with the city and not let it get the best of you. Don't fight the life, just accept it, and you'll be fine.
3. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
It's the eternal city!
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Families: any post is good for families if you are committed to not letting Rome get you down. It is very difficult to see any of the sites with very young children but with imagination you can do it. Babysitting is expensive and a bit tough to find but don't let it get you down. There are ALWAYS sources through the embassy of reliable and available babysitters! Plus because the embassy community is so large, there are ALWAYS families with high school age kids who want to babysit! Couples: Most definitely if adventure is your thing. I don't know anyone who has seen all of Italy! Singles: I am green with envy of all singles here. What a life!
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
Don't know, but in general, Italians are not super tolerant of homosexuality.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
A bit with Muslims but other than that, it is a fairly tolerant society. Of course if you are Christian (Catholic to be specific), you have come to the right place!
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
Good Lord, where do I start? It's the eternal city! It is not possible to spend three years here and see and do everything. It just isn't possible.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Travel, ceramics from Deruta, leather from Florence, fashionable handbags from Prada and Furla, wines from Umbria and Tuscany.
9. Can you save money?
If you are lucky and you don't travel. But where is the fun in that?
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Wow, I don't want to leave!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Minivan, SUV, California wines, Muellers pasta.
3. But don't forget your:
Super dooper rain gear. Head-to-toe raincoats, wellies, boots.
4. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
6. Recommended movies/DVDs related to this city:
Rome, La Dolce Vita.
