Rome, Italy Report of what it's like to live there - 04/27/09
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?
2nd experience, 1st was Paris, France.
2. How long have you lived here?
1 year so far.
3. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
U.S. Embassy spouse.
4. Travel time and best routes to this city from Europe or the US:
Travel time is about 8-9 hours from the East Coast and many flights are available from Dulles and JFK. Chicago and other Midwestern cities sometimes have direct flights in the summer.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
We have severe noise issues upstairs. Since the Embassy only 'rents' our place and the people upstairs 'own' their place, we have very little pull or say in asking them to be more quiet. They fight, throw things, walk in hard shoes all day and night- even at 3 am. While this extreme isn't too common, noise issues are an issue for some people. Embassy housing is not great compared to housing pools in other European cities. We have a two bedroom for four of us (two adults, two children) and we're not the only ones. The alternative would be to live out on the Cassia (northwest suburbs) in a bigger place, but the commute times can be over an hour each way. Even those with three or four bedrooms have very small rooms, or connected rooms, where you can only access one by walking through another!
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries are slightly more expensive, but produce from the markets is actually cheaper and better quality.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Bring lots of summer clothes, fans for the heat, and rain gear for the rain. Bring sporting equipment and English books since the selection isn't as wide here.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Pizza and sandwich places are everywhere- and are very good! McDonald's is also pretty easy to find if you want American fast food. As far as more formal dining options, Italian food is fantastic. They don't always have highchairs or kids portions, but they will happily accommodate children.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
FPO is pretty quick. Italian post offices have long lines, but we've always had everything delivered, no problem.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Runs about 8 - 10 Euros an hour, very easy to find.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Gyms in the city are moderately expensive, but are nice. If you like to swim, most pools are only available with a gym membership.
4. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Be careful and only use ATMs attached to a bank, if possible.
5. What English-language religious services are available locally?
Santa Susannah is the Catholic church for English-speakers. There are a few other Christian churches available as well.
6. English-language newspapers and TV available? Cost?
The International Herald Tribune is available in many newsstands. Sky (cable TV) offers a lot of English-speaking programs, and most shows that were originally in English can be easily switched back with your remote. It's roughly 30 Euros a month.
7. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
Knowing Italian is very helpful, but English-speakers can be found. They are very patient with any attempt to speak Italian and will work to communicate with you.
8. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Rome would be impossible! I spend most of my time pushing a stroller, so I can only imagine. There are so many steps, hills, narrow sidewalks, and cars are always parked in the crosswalks. Elevators are small and many restaurants or cafes have their bathrooms either up or downstairs.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Buses are so crowded and the metro is just not extensive enough to take everywhere, so you will sometimes need to walk or take a cab (or even drive your own car). Monthly and yearly public transportation passes are available are a reasonable cost.
2. 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?
Bigger cars are a problem for parking, narrow streets, but really anything else will work here.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
30 Euros for Wireless. Be prepared that getting internet installed will take a month or longer, so inquire weeks before you move in.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Pay as you go is easy and can be recharged quickly.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
2. 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?
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Health & Safety:
1. Pollution index (Good, Moderate, Unhealthy, or Very Unhealthy)?
Moderate if you're pretty healthy.
2. What immunizations are required each year?
Medical and dental care are very good. My obstetrician and the ultrasounds/tests were all similar to the US standards, if not better. I will say that culturally, their practices are twenty years behind the U.S., as far as being able to hold your baby and bond just after a c-section or being able to have your baby with you full time. Beware having a baby in the summer, since air conditioning is not usually available and those first few days with hot flashes can be really tough.
3. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Mostly petty theft and some areas have problems with break-ins. Keep your shutters closed at night or when you're gone and that will deter most thieves.
4. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
5. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
40s and 50s (F) in the winter with lots of rain; warm and sunny in the summer... it's nice, but it gets hot! Air conditioning is not very common in shops and restaurants.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
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?
4. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
On the smaller side; Milan is a large center of business and finance, so many expats live there as well.
2. Morale among expats:
Good, bad, and lots of in between. I've heard a wide range of opinions, so really read these posts and talk to people you know in Rome before making a decision.
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?
4. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
Probably easier for single or couples.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I've heard it is.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Very minor, if any.
7. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
So much... the Forum, the Colosseum, Spanish Steps, Vatican, Churches... it's endless, especially if you travel outside the city as well.
8. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Shoes, clothes, marble, wine... way too many things to list.
9. Can you save money?
Not if you travel, eat out, and enjoy yourself!
Words of Wisdom:
1. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
No, but I would visit a lot!
2. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Big stroller, big car, and strong opinions.
3. But don't forget your:
Beach gear, baby carrier (backpacks, etc.), and your flexible 'Mediterranean' attitude.
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:
7. Do you have any other comments?
Maybe I would enjoy it with older kids, but it's difficult with more than one child, especially when they're little. They love children here, which is lovely, but it doesn't really make up for how difficult Rome is with children!
