The book and movie “Under the Tuscan Sun” have made many people from the UK and the US fall in love with the idea of living in Italy, showing a beautiful and relaxing life in the sunny countryside. This story has encouraged many to imagine leaving their busy lives for the simple beauty of Tuscany. But what is it really like to move and live there? I’ve asked the experts and here is what they have to say!
While “Under the Tuscan Sun” shows a perfect and easy life in Italy, I instantly wondered, is this the experience that one would actually have when making the decision to move to Italy? What I have learned is, living in Italy involves a lot more than just staying there on a vacation. A permanent move involves a lot of paperwork among other challenges. In this article, we will go over some obstacles that one may experience when making the decision to move to Italy, straight from those who have done it.
Legalities
When planning to move to Tuscany, you first need to sort out the necessary legal paperwork to live in Italy. Different visas are required based on how long you plan to stay and what you’ll be doing there. Keep in mind, getting a visa can take a while because you need to show you have enough money, a place to live, and no serious criminal history.
“If you’re from the UK, then it’s also a good idea to look into global health insurance for UK citizens. This insurance makes sure you can get medical care without paying too much. Although Italy has a public health system, it can take a few months to become eligible. Having private health insurance also means you can get additional services that aren’t covered by the public system.” – Expat Living in Italy
Once you have the right to live in Italy, the next step is to find a place to stay. Whether buying or renting, it helps to work with a real estate agent familiar with helping people from other countries. The idea behind the book and movie was about buying a run-down farmhouse and renovating it. This looks great in a movie but I can imagine it is a huge challenge in real life.
Integrating
While I absolutely love the Tuscan culture, getting used to a culture in which they don’t speak your launguage can be tough.
“The language barrier is one of the biggest challenges expats face as it affects daily life and making friends.” – Expat Living in Italy
Taking Italian lessons before and after you move can help a lot. Many places offer courses designed to teach expats how to speak Italian quickly for everyday use.
Another important part of settling into life in Tuscany is making local friends. I would suggest joining community events and local festivals. I would also recommend attending market days, cultural events, and public celebrations. You could even try talking more with your neighbors and the people who run shops in your area. This would help you feel more at home and accepted in the community.
Embrace the culture
As with moving to any foreign country, to really enjoy living in Tuscany, it’s important to dive into the local food and wine culture. Apart from the beauty of the area, this was our favorite thing about Tuscany. This area is known for its focus on fresh and local ingredients. Joining cooking classes or going to wine tastings can help you understand this important part of Tuscan life and how you can enjoy it every day.
Tuscany is also great for outdoor activities. You can hike, bike, or visit the many vineyards and olive groves scattered across the countryside. Visiting local museums and historic sites is another way to connect with the area’s rich history and art.
If you’re curious about what’s beyond your local area, Tuscany’s location makes it easy to travel. Short trips to cities like Florence, Siena, and Pisa can show you more of the region’s famous buildings and culture. Rome isn’t even that far off being only an 2 hour drive to some Tuscan villages. Each city offers something different to discover.
Overcome challenges
“Adjusting to life in Tuscany can bring some challenges, especially when dealing with the infamous Italian bureaucracy. Things like signing up for healthcare, getting a driver’s license, and setting up utilities can involve a lot of paperwork and waiting.” – Expat Living in Italy
It helps to ask for advice from locals or expats who have gone through these processes before. Feeling homesick and experiencing cultural shock are common issues for those who choose to live in a new country. When I moved to England for 8 months, the homesick feeling set in around month three. It can be tough moving away from familiar places to a new culture. To deal with these feelings, it’s important to keep in touch with friends and family back home while also making new friends in Tuscany. Joining expat groups and going to social events can help build a supportive circle.
Be open-minded and patient as you get used to a new way of life and different cultural practices. Learning about and respecting local customs and traditions can make you feel more a part of the community
While Tuscany is surely charming, moving to any foregin country has its difficulties, but the benefits are truly rewarding. Following the information in this article and a willingness to dive into everything Tuscany has to offer, the dream of a Tuscan life can become a reality.
Please Note: I always strive to provide accurate and helpful information, but just a quick heads-up—I’m a blogger, not a doctor, lawyer, CPA, or any other kind of certified professional. I’m here to share my experiences and insights, but please make sure to use your own judgment and consult the right professionals when needed.
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