| LeeRyan, who recently immigrated to Italy as an Elective Residency Visa holder, shares her personal experience about preparing for and adjusting to life in Italy. Follow her story on Dolce Blog’s Lifestyle section. |
You’re not in Kansas, anymore, Dorothy.
Things are definitely different when it comes to utilities in Italy. First, I would recommend that you have your bank set up automatic payments to your utility companies in Italy. This covers TARI (waste/garbage tax), gas, water, electricity, and Internet/TV. It’s SO much easier! Otherwise, you need to go to the post office or pay online, which means trying to figure out an Italian website, or pay at the utility business location.
Keep in mind that there is an accepted average regarding the amount of utilities in Italy they feel you should use. If you go way over, you could receive a surprising bill with added fees. The Italians learned to economize and conserve energy long before it became popular.
There are also times, depending on the area in which you live, that the city will turn off the water. In Chieti, my water goes off from 10pm to 6am every night. But because my home came equipped with a special pump, I am able to have water whenever I want. However, I am careful not to abuse the convenience. Typically, there are restrictions for a reason – a shortage of the utility. I want to be a part of the community, not the entitled American that gets what she wants and when she wants it.
Most of the older homes, and most of them are old, have gas heated water-filled radiators. They do a nice job in heating the homes and the water heater is checked once a year by the company that installed it. It’s actually a requirement to have it checked and maintained so that it’s working correctly and not using too much gas or electricity.
There are energy efficiency ratings in Italy of homes and appliances–‘A’ being the best, then it goes down to the worst efficiency at a ‘G.’ I believe that there are plans for all homes and appliances to be at a ‘D’ or better by 2025. Of course, creating laws and enforcing them are sometimes impossible. Very few of the old ancient buildings are above an ‘F,’ so it may be a difficult task for both the lawmakers and homeowners, unless they plan on imposing fines.
The point is to be sure and check what your potential new home’s energy efficiency rating is before you buy. If you’re in love with the place, ask what can be done to improve its energy efficiency rating in Italy. This could be done through insulation, etc.
What I have found in Italy is that most of the businesses and workers do take pride in what they produce and the care of their customers. Perhaps it has to do with the fact that their grandparents took care of your grandparents. So, if you’re new in the community and have no prior relationship, it will serve you well to get to know people, create relationships, be patient and kind, and always, ALWAYS keep the moka pot on the ready. It’s not a rule that you make the workers an espresso, but it goes a long way in showing that you understand the importance of their beloved caffè, as well as an appreciation for their services.
Ciao for now,
Lee
