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The Ultimate Checklist: What To Pack When Moving to Italy

Moving to Italy soon? Here’s what you need to take with you.

Moving from one place to another is certainly a divisive phase. It can either be the most anticipated action throughout the ordeal – a fresh start and a chance to order your possession in terms of importance chronologically – or simply frustrating and downright overwhelming.

Regardless, it’s a challenge, and when you’re moving to a new country like Italy, the last thing you want is to forget something important. While it’s no secret that every individual has their own set of essentials, there are a few key items you absolutely need to or should consider bringing.

Here’s what you need to add to your travel bags.

ID And Other Verifiable Documents

Identification documents are necessary in Italy whether you’re trying to buy properties, pay for utilities like water and electricity, or even set up a business. These documents are common restrictions for basic practices, so keeping them safely with you at all times is a must.

To keep things short, here are all the documents you’ll need:

  • Passport and/or former National Identity Card
  • Visa
  • Marriage and Birth Certificates
  • No Criminal Record Certificate
  • Qualifications and professional certifications
  • SSN’s
  • Driver’s License

These documents will be extremely important when you apply for credentials like Nulla Osta, the Italian Tax Code, and Codice Fiscale, all of which will enable you to obtain other important permits like a self-employment visa for freelancing.

Electronics: Small, Portable, And Manageable

While you take time to settle into everything, your electronic devices are going to be the most vital assets in your possession for appointments, bookings, registrations, and other formalities. This, of course, includes laptops, mobile phones, external peripherals like mice and keyboards, and everything else within handheld range.

3 white type l chargers.
A Type L Charger used in Italy (Image Source)

The only compatibility issue you’ll find is with electronic adapters — Italy uses Type L power plugs (three-pin configuration in a straight line) and sockets, which are unique to the country but have some similarities with other European standards.

Depending on where you’re coming from, the exact adapter type might not be an issue. However. considering that even most EU countries use Type C and Type F plugs, it’s better to research whether you have a Type L plug and, if not, to consider getting one.

Resources For Adopting Italian Culture

Regardless of your stay’s duration, separation is a common feeling when packing up and moving to a new place. Thankfully, though, with a few handy tips and the way technology’s generally evolved, it’s never been easier to keep up with the changes and adapt to new cultures and lifestyles.

For instance, most Italians either only know or prefer to speak their native language, especially outside urban areas and cities like Venice. As such, you can download language apps to practice daily conversations and avoid any major communication barriers.

Beautiful canal on a sunny day in Venice, Italy

Another thing to consider is payment options — Italy is becoming more card-friendly, with debit cards being the most popular payment method, but cash is still king in many small towns and local markets. Many smaller businesses, including coffee shops and convenience stores, may not accept cards for minimal transactions, so it’s best to carry coins or spare euros at all times.

For larger payments, you’re more than obliged to use contactless and mobile payments like Google Wallet or Apple Pay, especially in urban locations. Of course, relying solely on them might cause you to miss out on cash-only experiences, such as farmers’ markets or local donations at churches, which are highly appreciated in some areas.

Health And Wellness Essentials

Adjusting to the Italian healthcare system may take a little longer than it needs to, but it’s important to ensure that the delay doesn’t affect any medical needs you may have.

As a rule of thumb, bring a supply of any prescription medications you need, along with a copy of your prescriptions translated into Italian if possible. While Italian pharmacies are well-stocked, certain medications may require additional paperwork or approvals. Prescription aside, a basic first aid kit, including bandages, pain relievers, allergy medication, and others, is also nice to have.

Insurance is also a big deal, and it’s definitely worth having for staying long-term. If you’re not yet eligible for Italy’s public healthcare system (Servizio Sanitario Nazionale, or SSN), private insurance ensures you have access to care immediately upon arrival.

However, if you are eligible, you should consider registering for the SSN once settled, which offers comprehensive, affordable care, including hospital stays, doctor visits, and emergency services. It’s worth noting that EU citizens with an EHIC card may have temporary access to public healthcare even without an SSN.

Clothing To Adjust For The Style And Weather

As one of the few countries in Europe having all four vibrant seasons, it’s no surprise that Italy’s fashion sense is dynamic and focuses on attention to detail. While casual attire is fine for sightseeing, overly casual clothing (like flip-flops or gym wear) is your best bet to stand out.

Italians generally favour classic, understated colours like black, grey, navy, and beige, so it’s best to wear neutral yet classy colours. Extra accessories like a pair of sunglasses or a scarf can go a long way, too, if you have a spare lying around, put it in your luggage as soon as you can.

Moving onto the weather itself, it’s often fairly mild throughout the year — neither too hot nor too cold. Thus, you don’t have to worry about bringing a ton of jackets or warm clothing pieces; instead, stick to minimalist colours and professional outfits and opt for modest clothing if you plan to visit any churches.

That wraps up my extensive guide on all the items you should be packing when moving to Italy, ensuring you have a safe, hassle-free travel by including all the necessary luggage. There’s only so much you can take on a plane, after all, and it’s essential to prioritize what truly matters. By pinpointing and focusing on what matters most, you’ll set yourself up for a smoother transition into Italian life.

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Sara Alimehmeti

Sara embodies the definition of creativity in her role as a content creator on our team. As a native Albanian, she focuses on writing qualitative pieces, mostly well-researched articles and informative blog posts. She also plays a key role in creating engaging social media posts to build a like-minded community of Albanian lovers and keep them engaged. Her qualifications, among others, include a Reuters-accredited certificate in journalism, language certification, internship experience in Bucharest, and training in digital marketing. If Sara’s not on her desk creating content, you might find her reading a good book or penning her thoughts in her diary.

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