What do I need to know before moving to Rome?
When we asked people what advice they would give someone preparing to move to Rome, they said...
"Rome is a vibrant and exciting city with a rich history and culture. It is important to be aware of the language barrier, as Italian is the official language of the city. Expats should also be aware of the cost of living in Rome, which is higher than in many other cities in Italy. Additionally, it is important to research the different neighborhoods in Rome and find one that best suits your needs. Public transportation is widely available and is a great way to get around the city. Finally, it is important to be aware of the local customs and etiquette in Rome, as it is a very traditional city," said another expat in Rome, Italy.
"The experience of living in the Eternal City can't be beat. The food is fantastic. Fresh pasta is divine. However, the Italian way of life is very different than that of the US way of life. At times, you will be frustrated and upset. For example, imagine going to the supermarket for days on end and there is no milk or fresh produce because there is a transportation strike going on. All notions of right and wrong do not exist here especially when driving. Italians will honk at you if you are going too slowly and they want to pass you or if you pause to wait for a pedestrian to cross the street you will be yelled at and honked at for not attempting to swerve around the pedestrian. My advice is to try to always remain calm and practice patience. If life gets too exasperating, go have a cappucino or better yet, get some good pizza and pasta and tackle your problem the next day. Another good tip, learn Italian. Make Italian friends who can help you overcome any difficulties," wrote a member who made the move to Rome, Italy.
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Italian For A WhileBecome ‘Italian for a While’ with IFA! Learn in Italy on a 1-week to 12-month program - open to students, young adults, graduates, digital nomads, professionals, groups, faculty-led programs, and more. Take courses at an accredited school while immersing yourself in the language, life, and culture among your international peers. Submit an inquiry with IFA to learn more.
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Other Questions:
- What should I pack when moving to Rome?
- Where should I setup a bank account in Rome?
- Will I be able to find a job in Rome?
- What is life like in Rome?
- What do expats in Rome appreciate most about the local culture?
- What do expats find most challenging?
- Is there a lot of crime in Rome?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Rome accepting of differences?
- What are the schools in Rome like?
- What are healthcare services like in Rome?
- What are medical services in Rome like?
- Are healthcare and health insurance expensive in Rome?
- What are emergency services like in Rome?
- Will I need to travel to see a specialist?
- Are common prescription medications available in Rome?
- How are local medical facilities in Rome?
- As a foreigner living in Rome, will I have access to public healthcare? What is it like?
- What have your experiences during the pandemic with the local healthcare system been like?
What do I need to know before moving to Rome?
If you live in Rome, newcomers to Rome would love to hear your answer to this question.

