Getting ready for a vacation is one thing; preparing to be out of house and home for three months is yet another!
Where do we begin??
As the official retirement date of 01/01/2025 approached, our light-hearted talks on living in Italy took on a more serious tone. The potential for reality was…well…becoming a reality! Exciting, oh absolutely, but also a bit daunting as we began a list of considerations. Some things are critical: up-to-date passport (that will not expire while out of the country), a current drivers license (both domestic and international…more on that later), managing prescriptions to not need refills while gone, etc. By the time December rolled around, it was time to get crackin’.
Do you need a VISA?
This question is important unless you really don’t care if you’re banned from a country! Finding your way to citizenship in Italy can be a convoluted process, but managing a 90-day or less stay is pretty simple. Just show up…but be sure you’re on a flight home before that three month time stamp arrives. Americans are classified as “non-residents” with origin from a non-Schengen country; Italian law states that a Declaration of Presence be obtained. But they’ve made it easy, thankfully. As soon as the disinterested customs officials slaps a barely legible stamp on your passport, you’re good to go.
If staying longer than 90 days, it is far more complicated. This site (https://it.usembassy.gov/u-s-citizen-services/local-resources-of-u-s-citizens/visiting-living/) explains the nitty gritty of the process, and anyone considering residency should read it over and over…multiple times. Italians are of the friendliest sort on the planet, but when it comes to rules and regs, don’t mess up or you’ll be back at square one in a Milan-minute.
Trains are great, but…
The train system in Italy, and throughout most of Europe, is pretty great. From the high speed Freccia Rossa to the slower, time-aged regionals, a train can get you many places in the Bel Paese. However, a rental car is a grand option for freedom and the ability to easily get to small villages, take that “where does this lead?” strada bianca (white gravel road), and have full control of your travels. Long term rentals come with great reductions in price, as well – win win! A couple of hints, though: become well versed with Italian road rules, get your International Drivers License, and be sure you know what a ZTL is!
Healthcare
I’m a Type 1 diabetic of almost 50 years now. Supplies for my insulin pump and continuous glucose monitor, insulin, etc. are pretty critical! Without going into boring detail, any long stay requires cautious planning on the medically related things that can make or break your day. If prescription meds won’t cover a full duration for an extended trip, many pharmacies will facilitate getting enough extra to keep you covered.
Insurance (we’re on Medicare now…whee) companies vary on coverage when out of the country. Be sure you know what yours offers. However, in previous years and from the experiences of friends, we feel certain that should an emergency arise, the Italian healthcare system will be our friend. Choosing a town with either a hospital or one nearby is an important consideration!
Kitty cat…and other beloved pets
To tell you the truth, this was our biggest concern, issue, obstacle! Our cat, Siena, is quite a beautiful diva – and she does not travel well! Many have asked, “Why can’t you just take her with you?” Well, the details of transporting a pet internationally are complex, expensive, and not free of real danger to your pet. Should we make a move for a period of years, we’d make all of that happen; however, three months is a different story! Fortunately, a special friend agreed to keep Siena; talk about a burden lifted!! Some opt for live-in pet sitters, others hire someone to come by daily. The solution is such an individual thing and we are so grateful we have one that allows us to carry on without worry.
What about mail?
Usually an easily done “hold mail” request suffices, but the USPS draws the line for anything over 30 days. That’s when you hope you have a kind neighbor…and we do!
Whew
There are many things to consider when planning an extended time away in another country! As we draw closer to departure, things like “How the heck do we pack?” and other things will arise. We’ll keep you posted!
Woohoo! Thank you for taking us on your journey! Kat
Thank you for following along!
Paula, we leave for Mexico every year for a month. There are things we don’t have to navigate that you had to, but packing for clothing, personal conveniences, and meds is always a month long process. And like you, our pet left in good hands is our no. 1 issue. We have found good solutions for us. But this time away is NOT like leaving for 10 days. I’m eager to follow your journey.
Hi Rhonda! Thanks so much for reading. You are so right…always a lengthy to-do list even if gone for a week! We are so grateful to have a pet solution that will allow us to travel worry-free. It would be impossible otherwise. We are now 30 days out from departure and it feels like the real countdown has begun! Thanks so much for following along – it’s appreciated!