Moving to Sicily? Things to Consider: Prices, Driving, Living

[@RobinProcetto]

Great info that seems can be trusted and that is hard to find. Grateful and appreciated. I will take one of your tours soon. You're authentic and knowledgeable.

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thank you!

[@JanosNemeth-y7n]

@@YouMeandSicilyDear Eszter! I will go to Budapest & I will pick up some cremes for you ! I hope you like cremes! I will send to you with a special delivery 📦 just for you! ❤

[@senbei509]

Good stuff...spot on. We have been to Sicily twice and loved it. Learn a little of the language, culture and history; indulge in the local cuisine; immerse yourself in the "neighborhood," and be as local as you can be. You will grow a deep, fond respect for Sicily and the Sicilians will respect you for it. And, you will enjoy Sicily that much more. As far as food prices, Sicily was so inexpensive compared to the exorbitant and inflated prices we pay in the USA. Will return. Thanks for what you do to bring Sicily to the world.

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@senbei509 grazie!!

[@marks.2613]

I do Duolingo daily. I subscribe to Cibor TV and listen to Italian radio stations. Also now taking virtual Italian classes through the consulate in NYC.

[@user-vd2nu9pf5z]

Hi. regarding "virtual Italian classes through the consulate in NYC", can you point me to a link or something for this? I could not find on their website. Thanks!

[@marks.2613]

@@user-vd2nu9pf5z IACE

[@nickrussolillo5414]

ill live in cantaina sicily not too far from those three saints!

[@lisaferraro4878]

This was a great and informative video! Appreciate your honesty and straight to the point attitude!!

[@jesse8629]

I just love watching you guys!!!✨ I am planning to be an expat to prepare and hope to eventually move to Sicily !!! 🌞🧡✨No looking back!

[@JanosNemeth-y7n]

Jesse Dear! I feel the same the way you feel like! I want to pack up one day but sooner is better & move to Sicily & never looking back I want to start a new life in Sicily… Aloha from Hawaii. ❤

[@Freddels1]

I plan to retire in Italy in about 6 or 7 yrs. (Dual U.S.-Italian citizen). I don't want to be where everyone is speaking English. I want to enjoy the differences in culture and stay away (as much as possible) from the expat communities. As far as language, I've been doing Duolingo for about 9 yrs, I also take classes in Boston and online. Speaking is still difficult but I know that once I immerse myself in Italy, I will be off and running.

[@thewebhorse]

I agree 100%, the best way to improve any language is to make conversation...... that's why when I meet Ezster she forces me to speak italian, although I'd like to speak english to improve my english speaking skill. Isn't it Ezster?😄😄😄

[@Janinebrunetti]

Exactly! Should learn the language for sure. I’m going to a tutor right now

[@13cicc]

For those of you who want to move to Sicily, I would strongly recommend to have a look at Marsala. Beautiful city centre, vibrant cultural life, unbelievable food and a lagoon with archaeological sites.

[@YouMeandSicily]

yes its beautiful there!

[@thewebhorse]

Hello, this is Silvio. As sicilian I can state it's so hard to make recomandations, cause, you know Sicily is so rich af place and every place is so different then another else wich is hard to advice one place and not another. For example: in Catania province (where I live) you can enjoy of beahes, sea, you can swim, doing scuba diving, and, after about on hour you can get up on Etna mount and breathing fresh and pure air, walking along the forest, searching mushrooms etc. Believe me, you can travel around the whole world and never find a place like this. Greetings.

[@randygulleyjr2180]

I love this video! Funny, honest and REAL! Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts and knowledge with us!

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@randygulleyjr2180 you are very welcome!

[@paulaevans5968]

So glad you saw the genius and talent concerning Krista's Italian!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Thinking of buying a home in Sicily watch this kzbin.info/www/bejne/n4CWi2yZqrJ3gKcsi=uwVCOTr-T_TUre7K

[@flocastro-wright6417]

I think you hit a series of topics. There is a a whole list of things to consider. I recommend a “starting out” segment. What short term rental options exist to make sure you have the experience of the areas you are interested in? (Airbnb vs what you should really use). And how to get around for a month or two while you explore options (car rental).

[@YouMeandSicily]

Answering these and others next video

[@susanlombardo8444]

I have been using Duolingo for many months. I am excited for school to speak and understand people speaking!✅👍

[@Caesar-pj5kc]

You guys are great. Keep doing what you do. I love being Italian. ✝️🇮🇹🇺🇲✝️

[@acaviness7579]

Thank you, Eszter and Al. You provide excellent content and info. I now have all of my necessary docs for a 1948 case with the exception of my GGF’s birth record, which I only need if a judge decides I need it. But regardless, a priest has kindly located my GGF in the parish records of our ancestral comune (a small hill town in Basilicata) to which I plan to make a trip in the spring. If I were to move to Italy, it would largely be for spiritual, lifestyle, family heritage, and financial reasons-after completing care of my elderly parents (and now just my mom). Call me superstitious but I keep getting little affirmations that I am headed in the right direction-like directly after telling my mother about how sometime I would like to walk on The Way of St Francis, when we got out of the car for a walk and were passing a park bench, I spied a folded piece of paper on the ground and got the sense it held a message for me. I picked it up and unfolded the paper-in my hands was The Prayer of St Francis. What’s the likelihood/probability of that happening?! Anyway, I will try not to be one of those American idiots. Best wishes and grazie mille.

[@susanlombardo8444]

I have driven from Catania to Bronte, My Etnea, Taormina, Palermo, Ortigia, Comiso, Caccamo, Castlebuono Alfio, Nicolosi, Cefalu and more…. I NEVER had a problem.

[@YouMeandSicily]

That is GREAT !!!

[@jamesingram7203]

I've driven. Many roads in Sicily. There's super highways, city streets, country and winding mountain roads, and donkey trails. Driving in Italy is always an adventure!!!😂

[@thewebhorse]

Doubtless itsn't so esy driving on Sicily for foreignes (even of north Italy) but, you know it could be seem weird but in Sicily the percentual of crashs is lower then in other places. Can you guess why? Cause here all of us drive keeping eyes very open. I mean everyone of us expects other drivers doesn't respect street rules so preview issues

[@mad8298]

Important point on the work front. Unless you have a work visa (meaning a job in Italy that will sponsor you) or you are a dual citizen, you cannot legally work in Italy. That excludes those with a digital nomad visa. Thanks for doing this video for people. All things important to consider. 😊

[@susanlombardo8444]

Hi Eszter! Coming for 3 months. Going to school in Palermo to learn Italian. Will be moving around the island mostly on the weekends to explore more. It would be great if I could get dual citizenship. My grandparents left southern Sicily over 100 years ago. ❤❤❤❤

[@radclyffehall-g7z]

Hi just to ask..I am planning 2025 feb - April to study and still looking for a school wd u recommend a scholl??? I am doing the same exploring..but I am an eu citizen…just to ask ..thanks so much

[@thewebhorse]

@@radclyffehall-g7z Let's watch movies, TV, and search on youtube for italian teacher and, mostly, find a native italian partner for sharing language. I think it's the best way. Unfortunally italian isn't a easy language and to apply at some school couldn't be the fair solution. As native italian I advice you to realize how works the verbs. is the most difficult grammmar's topic and many many times teachers get learneres confused instead to clarify.

[@annettecinquemanifalbo17]

Great tips you two! Thanks a million. Ciao

[@YouMeandSicily]

Prego!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Prices in a Sicilian supermarket: kzbin.info/www/bejne/gZeYqZpjpdRsrbs

[@TRUMPWINS-m7r]

@@YouMeandSicily I think my food store and farmers market in Pennsylvania Mountains is cheaper for most items. If I drive to NYC it will be at least double. 😊

[@zornitzapetrova7339]

I plan to move ASAP exactly close to CATANIA.

[@MsWootywoo]

Love you guys ❤

[@janetlombardi2314]

Thanks, guys. Very interesting to know. I guess if it's affordable, it's doable. I always think it's good to rent for a while before making a permanent move. Much love 😊❤

[@YouMeandSicily]

Totally agree!!!

[@cynthiacredle3487]

We've spoken before looking to retire in 4 years 🎉 we'll be reaching out for help all around. Countdown for our youngest to graduate from high school. Luckily my husband speaks italian, and it's a work in progress for me I speak German which was helpful last year. Two more trips planned trying to figure out what region of Sicily we enjoy the most. Really researching our residency options. Sad that even though my husband grew up in Sicily until he was 10 he does not qualify for citizenship.

[@mnz145]

Driving is crazy all over the Mediterranean, not just in Sicily; garbage is disgustingly a southern Italian horror, this includes Rome too. Not condoning anything but being a realist. Thanks for your videos, you're great.

[@marshallsykes2966]

Can you do a video clip on coming to the east coast of Sicily for 2-3 months. Discuss places to stay for 2-3 months. I used to live in Aci Trezza so I know that area but am considering 6 weeks on the east coast and maybe 6 weeks on the south coast. What’s the best way to go about renting a place other than going on short term rental sites?

[@TRUMPWINS-m7r]

Lobster is cheap where I live on the east coast United States. At my food store 8oz Maine lobster tail $15. I have been eating a lot of snow crab legs $6.99 lb. Mmmmmm

[@anthonynork8868]

I have Italian heritage and I am entitled to obtain dual citizenship according to the law firm I hired, however, my mother will not cooperate ( long story) so I have to go the regular route but according to Italy's many requirements, especially their minimum financial requirements, 31K euro of passive income for a single person, 38k euro for a couple not savings or what you have in the bank account, it has to be passive income! I will be unable to relocate unless I have a divine intervention or a miracle happen, plus I am not nearly at a B1 level of Italian even after 2 years of study. Just to get into the Italian consulate is a pain, I am on a 4 year waiting list already!

[@Girasole5849]

Great video! How hard is it to find qualified handyman, electrician, plumber? Thank you.

[@YouMeandSicily]

There are plenty in Sicily !

[@TRUMPWINS-m7r]

Food is cheap in my area. Coffee $1 at my convenience stores and food store. Farmers Markets are super cheap.

[@DomenicoGatti]

Great videos, but you always tell us of where you live, near Catania, but at least in the videos I watched I could not figure out what is the name of the town.

[@YouMeandSicily]

The town is Acicatena next to Acitrezza / Aci Castello

[@nickrussolillo5414]

ill be moving to siclily for good for the winter ok

[@YouMeandSicily]

GREAT ! Where ?

[@jocelyneboutot5722]

Oh Al

[@Resmith18SR]

Hi, Im wondering if you know of or can provide information on renting a small studio or apartment there for about 90 days at a time?

[@YouMeandSicily]

Plenty of apartments available all over Sicily

[@TRUMPWINS-m7r]

Where i live in Pennsylvania Mountains its very cheap to live. Haircut $8

[@darrenmccarthy3346]

Have you been seeing a lot of Indian immigration in Sicily ? Here in Canada there is way too much. And hate to say it, but a lot of outdoor garbage we are seeing in the streets and parks and parking lots is from them.

[@EszterVajda]

Many from Bangledesh

[@darrenmccarthy3346]

@@EszterVajda , it seems like governing authorities everywhere are allowing this unlimited immigration to continue, to heck with the consequences in terms of housing and social services being stretched to the limit ! Which is why I admire the countries of Eastern Europe like Hungary , Slovakia and Poland that are saying no to all this madness.

[@micheled1832]

Forgive me if I missed this in your vlog. I also used the commune in my grandparents hometown to obtain their birth and marriage certificates. Which were certified to use for my dual citizenship.

[@YouMeandSicily]

We mentioned that

[@luisatiano1134]

This is great info. What are some of the costs for having a small dog. Vets costs, pet food/meds and grooming. I'll want to get a dog when I move.

[@YouMeandSicily]

We are not pet owners but will check for you!

[@Janinebrunetti]

To stay for 90 days, what type of healthcare can we get? I’m happy to research. Coming October 5 for a visit but looking to go every 90 days

[@YouMeandSicily]

Private health care

[@fredmeyer7163]

I am on a fixed income yet well above the 20k annual. I am half Sicilian. Would citizenship be a good idea? My children are here in the US. I can’t afford to live anywhere part time. Giving up my car has long been the plan. Need to live where I can walk or public transportation Marti Meyer Love your channel 💜

[@Janinebrunetti]

Also curious if we’re coming 90 days at a time, are you able to lease or what’s the recommended way to stay?

[@YouMeandSicily]

Rent

[@alaindeshaies817]

HI, Thanks for all the advices. After 3 years of research on internet I know 3 or 4 agents who I will put my trust to buy a house or appart in Italy. You are one of them. My question is do you have in your town a RESTO DU COEUR (France) where peoples can eat free ? I worked as a cook in a place where you eat and stay for thoses who have difficulties with money at the end of the month? Here in Quebec, Canada, we have a system where big conard or IGA give food to an organism where they can transformed those products in a meal and distributed them for free. Thanks for the video. Love you and Sicily. 🧀🍅🍓🍒🌶🍞🥑🍆🥕🫑🫓

[@EszterVajda]

There are big ones in Catania

[@AuroraCardi-in9zt]

Is there a bus service from Siracusa to and from Solarino??? I found one online but then website does not translate to english. Thank you

[@YouMeandSicily]

There are many bus companies that operate in Sicily . Check Interbus and AST

[@Smoke-N-Shot]

Morning...😊

[@JenniferCHIARENZA]

❤

[@raybazzano3210]

North End Boston Cafe del Sport $2 expresso Across street Galareria Umberto $4.75 arrancino, $2.25 slice pizza

[@YouMeandSicily]

Great pricing. Why go to Starbucks I wonder..

[@Resmith18SR]

​@@YouMeandSicilyGreat pricing, except it's about $3,000 for a studio in Boston. 😂😂😂

[@TRUMPWINS-m7r]

Please don't paint the entire United States has being crime ridden. That would mostly be bad areas in some cities. There is no bus crime where i live. Most of the United States is very peaceful. I live in the Pennsylvania Mountains and there is practically no crime. I have the view of beautiful mountains and tons of wildlife 😊

[@ChristineF55]

I'm working on my citizenship at which time we would like to move to Sicily or Southern Italy. Is it better to rent or buy? Is it hard to get contractors to install kitchens etc? Is it hard to get around? How's the healthcare? We are in our 70's. Maybe crazy to move transatlantic at this age, but we are going to try. I have my codice fiscale, just waiting for the kids and grands to get theirs before our paperwork can finish. Do they understand Italian or do we need to speak Sicilian?

[@YouMeandSicily]

Learn Italian! Rent for sure !

[@WilliamStoneman-sw4wl]

I am researching the 7 per cent flat tax for pensioners in Italy, the rule being the comune must have < 20,000 people. I am from the uk and previously lived in Italy, speak Italian and have a codice fiscale. I am very interested in your thoughts….

[@YouMeandSicily]

@WilliamStoneman-sw4wl most comuni who do this are de- populated towns in the hinterlands. Not very desirable

[@rickgreenwood601]

i would like to know about health care and vet care

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@rickgreenwood601 next video !

[@AlexandraCerrito]

Can anyone add information about how to set up your SS and retirement pension so they transfer over from the US to Sicily? What steps do you have to take on the Italian side? How much do utilities cost per month?

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@AlexandraCerrito contact ss!

[@AlexandraCerrito]

@@YouMeandSicily - that's the obvious answer, but what I asked was what steps do you take on the "Italian" side. I mean, if you're sharing your experience about moving to Sicily, finances are a good topic to share.

[@JenniferCHIARENZA]

Buona domenica!

[@YouMeandSicily]

CIAO! I want to interview you!!!

[@Janinebrunetti]

Everything is more affordable than USA. Just have to work through the healthcare

[@TakeMeAtMyWord]

Buongiorno, flying out end of September to Sicily to apply for citizenship (JS) B'ezrat HaShem (with God’s help). I will first apply for residency; how difficult is that? Just coming with what documentsI have been able to accumulate in US. Can only rent at the moment. Plan on volunteering to teach Sicilian children English...writing a book, etc. Ciao

[@YouMeandSicily]

Amazing! Keep in touch and let us know if you are in the Catania area

[@greenboxdetox]

1) You want to live in someone else's country ? - learn the language. 2) Municipal services are linked to taxes. If theres an issue with the locals emigrating because of economics, then there's less in the coffers. So show some understanding and be patient. Ive been in some areas of the states where trash is literally flying around in the air. 3) Don't expect paradise in your adopted country, it doesn't exist. Like the perfect marriage doesn't exist. There are things that will annoy you about a partner. But overall, if theres love and respect - the marriage survives. It takes work. The same rules apply to relocating. Even if you have buckets of money to throw at your new home - that will alter a fixed mindset. A community minded person is what makes a society work. If you want a better quality of life: Food, civic beauty, History, art, schools, healthcare. Then the Mediterranean is definitely worth it. But don't expect American standards in Sicily. The US is a young country, Europe is ancient - it requires a different mindset. One that is open to exploration and different ways of existing.

[@YouMeandSicily]

Amen to all! Well put!

[@marylydon9897]

Hello, bought house in.Caccamo have u been there ?

[@YouMeandSicily]

Not yet! We have been in the area!

[@marylydon9897]

Thank you ..

[@ncloutier2008]

Greetings to Al and Ester from Hamilton Ontario Canada, my wife and I have a question for you. Can two people do a 3 week tour of Sicily by train and bus to these main cities of Palermo, Catania, Syracuse and over to Agrigento my wife's home town back to Palermo. We will be doing little day trips from each city. What are you thoughts.

[@YouMeandSicily]

A week is too short to see all of those cities! Plus you will be losing lots of time with train /bus schedules travel and getting to and from the station. Are you sleeping in all those towns? We do tour consulting as well if you are interested.

[@ncloutier2008]

@@YouMeandSicily I forgot to put the amount of days and it is for 3 weeks.

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@ncloutier2008 the answer is yes but you will be limited in where you can go unless you hire a driver from those cities to see other areas.

[@michaelvenditte2010]

Have you both been to Carlentini or Lentini? My grandma's home town was Carlentini. She spoke the Sicilian language, the dialect of Carlentini. Al, do you speak Sicilian? I heard these days it's mostly the elderly that speak it. Just wandering.

[@YouMeandSicily]

Yes! Lentini has the famous religious festival of Sant Alfio

[@michaelvenditte2010]

I've got to visit there one day. Never been. Does Carlentini have the festival of Santa Lucia? They brought that here to my hometown in 1928!

[@YouMeandSicily]

Here is our video of Lentini kzbin.info/www/bejne/q5ypg5eBrKt6hJYsi=_i1S0XEnrPMcPEsq

[@JLeeRiddell]

Is learning & speaking Sicilian seen as an act of reclamation, like the Irish with Gaeilge and the Scottish with Gaelic?

[@YouMeandSicily]

Some in the hinterlands only speak that. City- dwellers integrate it informally in casual conversation but Italian is the language of business and education,although it seems to be a popular subject

[@paulgooderham]

Can you sign a three year apartment lease as a foreigner and then come visit the country and stay in your leased apartment for 89 days twice a year? Would it be cheaper than a hotel room? Is there a market for short term apt. rentals?

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@paulgooderham sure

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@paulgooderham yes

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@paulgooderham you will need a fiscal code

[@Gullvivas]

Hi, I follow to learn ;) Are you really willing to pay rent for 6 months when you dont use the apartment? and maybe pay for furnitures and utilities too? I am wondering and researching my self ;)

[@paulgooderham]

@@Gullvivas Yes, possibly, if it is cheaper. I'm looking at the money saved rather than the months wasted. Maybe a family member could stay there if I'm not there because of a visa limitation. I suspect normal short term rentals would only be available in cities and would be much more expensive. I was assuming a furnished place would be available, there are a lot of factors to consider.

[@micheled1832]

Btw. Ester. You look marvelous. 👌

[@YouMeandSicily]

How about me? - Alfredo. :)

[@Animalkisser]

22:35 Since getting a good job doesn´t seem like an option for most people, what about starting a business?

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@Animalkisser tough unless you have a specialized thing

[@francescozacca9898]

​@@YouMeandSicilyand what about starting B&B

[@Janinebrunetti]

$4.50 at a mom and pop for a coffee in USA

[@jamesingram7203]

This needs to be repeated at least twice a year. Maybe even have a realtor as a special guest.

[@hatcher7]

I’ve been reading about the large increase in illegal immigration to Sicily. Do you see the impact?

[@YouMeandSicily]

@@hatcher7 they don't stay here

[@ProvocateuAstrology2]

Where in Sicily can Americans be found?Because I would wanna have like minded like language around me

[@YouMeandSicily]

Lots of expats scattered all over Sicily

[@johnnyjones444]

lol 🙂

[@Janinebrunetti]

Everything is more affordable than USA. Just have to work through the healthcare