My Life After 1 Year in Italy as an Expat! I could have done MUCH Better!!

[@Montefranco]

Over the past 7 years we have lived in France, Spain, Portugal and now Italy. In France they ignore you, in Spain they do not know what is going on themselves, same goes for Portugal and in Italy it is a combo of all the above but.... this also goes for their own so you are not being treated any different than the next guy in line. Speaking the language helps, being humble and apologetic helps, a kind neighbor helps but most of all, doing the work helps. Go and do your homework, Google certain procedures, translate them, go to your local bar and make yourself known, try and be part of the village you live in, thank the people for doing nothing, compliment them on their non existent English and be patient for in most cases they do not have a clue what to do themselves and that is as frustrating to them as much as it is to you. We are Dutch and there for so used to everything being organized and dealt with almost immediately ( like in the US I gather ) but what living abroad taught us is that our country is one of the few exceptions in the world were things are handled that way. If you want " the Italian live" though, you have to pay in blood, sweat and tears, money and a bit of your sanity but it is worth it people! We have lived in a hilltop town in Umbria for 2 years now and if we do not show our faces in the bar enough, people will come and check on us. We have been invited to local weddings, christenings, birthdays and party's. One day the priest came and blessed our home ( no idea why for we are not church goers but it was the best our I ever spend), the major knows us by name and when our dog got ill a neighbor made the vet come make a house call. Just like you, the locals want a kind word, attention and compliments for they are proud of their country but at the same time it frustrates the sh*t out of them just as it does you. Be emotional, cry if you have to, do the whole Italian thing, gesture, shout but always with the utmost respect. From under an olive tree I can just see my husband coming up the path with fresh pastries to go with our morning cappuccino and that my friends just about makes everything worth the while. Oh, and my apologies for the bad English writing, I did my best 😉

[@reneelibby4885]

I'm curious about your experience in Portugal. I'm considering it. : )

[@Montefranco]

@@reneelibby4885 I guess it depends on what you are looking for. I can highly recommend Lisboa and the Porto region. The south and inland not so much but that is because that is not our thing. People are friendly, food is great but there are also very poor regions, the south is very hot in summer and touristy. Also the amount of stray animals broke my heart. But please take a long holiday there and make up your own mind. Good luck!

[@gonebananas1076]

Love your comments. We are leaving the US for Portugal in about 2 months, just waiting on our Visa approvals to arrive. We are moving some household goods, like photos, books, art, some kitchen things my husband doesn't want to part with or replace and a couple of pieces of furniture that we can't replace, plus our clothes, and our cat. It's been a long process,but I absolutely agree with your advice to meet locals, be humble and appreciative. We have been to Porto 4 times and have already made some friends that keep tabs on us, checking our progress as to when we will arrive. The kindness and joy we have experienced there is real. We decided to rent, maintaining a home in your home country is hard enough, doing it abroad without knowing who to call or what to do is another story. We are retiring and want to live a healthy relaxed life and not go broke with healthcare (if you can even call it that here in the US). Thanks for sharing your insight. 🙂

[@Montefranco]

@@gonebananas1076 Good for you! Do visit the West coast of Spain as you seem to live in the Porto region, it is stunning there. Happy retirement 😃

[@BradsWorld]

I say the same in my videos all the time. I studied really hard to be able to make myself understandable in Italian. Olivia my wife is doing even better, she can carry on a conversation at full speed now (it helps that she isn't deaf like me). Even with my hearing aids in I have trouble hearing the pronunciation of some words and it causes me grief. We are fully integrated into our community here. Only took about a year of full time living to get to know so many people. We love it. Thanks for the great comment and for subscribing. BRAD

[@neleig]

My wife and I retired to Portugal a year ago, and we love it. We are expat Texans and we hired an Immigration Firm to handle all the paperwork. I highly recommend doing this! The lifestyle here is laidback and easy, the people are warm and friendly, the food is delicious, but real estate prices are rising quickly: because of investments and immigration. Food is a little less expensive, overall. Energy is higher, but Portugal runs on about 85% renewable making it worth the extra cost. Petro is considerably higher but cars are more fuel efficient. No giant SUVs or Super Dutys here. We live in Lagos, which is a smallish tourist town, and have access to dozens of supermarkets with a huge range of fresh products! The shopping malls in Portugal and Europe are destinations. I ride a motorcycle for pleasure, and the Algarve is a top European spot. I have the coast and mountains to ride within, 30 minutes from each other. The roads are in excellent condition and drivers are very aware and respectful of two-wheelers. Driving to Spain and France is like driving between States in the USA, no border stations. Flights are inexpensive and frequent to anywhere in Europe. Healthcare is free once you get your Visa, but private insurance is available and many use it as well. We are in our 60s and pay €198/month for full coverage. You can pay more or less depending on your needs. Our health care experience is better here than in Texas. Facilities are modern, well equipped and staffed by highly educated professionals. And the biggest positive is the lack of crime!! No guns, no shootings, no aggression! No worries!

[@rickunknown7832]

Do you guys still pay for Medicare in the US?

[@lyndalongworth9205]

I am very surprised by your post, so many expats living in Portugal have left or want to leave because they find it extremely expensive, unfriendly, inefficient and the healthcare is dreadful!

[@frederickdvorak6502]

The point to add about private medical insurance is that it's a supplement to what the National health services provide, not a substitute. In the UK, for example, with private insurance, you may gain access to private clinics, where some of the consulting doctors also work for the national health service; certain procedures not covered by the National service are covered; the queues to see a specialist are shorter; you can have a private room in a clinic; etc. And, in some poorer European countries, having such an insurance gives you a far better service. Overall, the cost of that private medical insurance is far more affordable than in the USA. I also recommend including a dental plan, which is also affordable. Note that in some European countries, health services, medications, annual eye tests and dental care can be free for children. Pregnant women also have medical benefits (e.g. free consultations, medications and supplements) during their pregnancy and sometimes also for a period after they've delivered.

[@blah329]

You are immigrants, not expats. I know it's hard to say...

[@elxakiltse8773]

@@blah329since you can never stop paying US taxes all Anericans abroad are expats. It's VERY difficult and expensive to actually stop being a US citizen, which is why extremely few people do it.

[@lazios]

I don't want to be polemical, also because bureaucracy is a true problem (to be honest also in other European countries, one for example, is Germany, but in that case not many people talk about it), however it's something undeniable. Said that though, what's most difficult for me to accept (as Italian) is hearing that obtaining permanent residency is not easy (I suppose it really so, I've no reason to doubt it), I'll try to explain, with an example, why it's difficult: if an Italian want to go and live in the US (Texas for example), permanent residency it's something easy to have? It's so different in the US? From what I know it's not easy at all. So, why people (usually American people), think the process should be easy for them? It will take the time that Italian laws and the bureaucracy deem it necessary. What I'm trying, in my bad English, to explain? Just who the biggest problem is not the bureaucracy (or other stuff), but having to adapt to a different culture and this concerns any aspects of living, for this reason it's right to remember something that (maybe?) is not clear and it's the central point of anything: *it's not Italy that has to adapt to you, it's you who has to adapt to Italy.* This applies to any country, so it's better to think carefully and avoid making hasty decisions and, if a person doesn't have this clearly in mind, it would probably do better to stay in his country. Again, sorry for English, I hope people understand what I mean. 🍺

[@andreaheinrich2576]

German citizen here: like candy?? Wow, that is news to me!!!! What on earth is your source of information.​@@gnthr7992

[@anta3612]

Sono Americani ... credono che tutto gli sia dovuto.

[@Montefranco]

You are completely right. Whenever I go somewhere I always start with apologizing for my bad Italian and that I am new in the country and that I am still learning. Most of the time the people then apologize for not speaking any other language than Italian. I then explain that to me, out of respect for the country you have come to live in, it is most important that you should try and speak the language.

[@kikibalser]

I agree with you. You captured the truth by saying "it's not Italy that has to adapt to you, it's you that must adapt to Italy." My husband and I want to move to Italy but I think we must learn the language first. At least the basic conversational parts. It is our dream though. Thank you for sharing your views as a person from Italy.

[@fatimahrahman6158]

I’m a child immigrant to the USA. When I saw what my parents went through, I understood about immigration. When I read what U.S. Americans and Canadians write about bureaucracy, I chuckle. Thanks for the reminder.

[@pleclerc1]

As a Canadian that lives in the USA and that went through the US immigration system for over 25 years, what you are describing is pretty dang quick tbh. My green card expired, they could not make the time to meet with me for 48 months, so I kept getting extensions until out of the blue they sent me my permanent card...the US immigration process is mess...I sold all I had in the US, moved back to Canada but Italy sounds lovely and probably my next step I think.

[@BradsWorld]

Yeah, I assume governments function the same pretty much everywhere. We know some people from Italy that had always wanted to move to the US and he won the visa lottery a couple years ago. They arrived and within three weeks they had their green cards in the mail. We have family members that have been waiting 20 years to qualify For the green cards in the US. They were all pretty pissed off at how fast these guys got their green cards.

[@dt2775]

I have family and speak italian. I have noticed there is some Americans that have settled in the town and immigrants from other countries. I have picked up from conversations that there is a sense of resentment towards these people. I heard them call them name and made fun of their lack of proper italian culture. To me i feel as everytime I go back that the italians don't seem very embracing towards foreigners (straineri) anymore. Maybe it's not that they are vacationers anymore, they/we are impostors and a threat to their culture and existence..🤷‍♂️

[@kindlydude]

People don't want to loose their culture ...but fear is an ugly emotion if it makes people feel alienated. An easy way to solve this is trying to embrace the culture you are trying to enter. @@dt2775

[@windhammer1237]

@@dt2775 I think that if you're going to live in another country then you have to embrace the culture. It takes a lot of effort to do this and with some Americans they tend to expect others to accept them as they are without even trying. But that works both ways because we have millions in the US who won't at least learn to speak English and expect their children to be taught in their native tongue. What hubris. I couldn't imagine making such demands of my gracious hosts were I to move to a foreign land.

[@user-vi7rj9co5j]

@@dt2775 Hmmm, didn't foreigners buy vacant houses and are helping Italian economy by living in Italy and being consumers? Very short-sighted behaviors on the part of Italians. I had a better opinion of them.

[@housemarche]

Hi Brad, we also moved our family to Italy from the Austin area. We've been here in the Le Marche region 11 years. My wife is native Italian so the process of getting residency was relatively easy. Within 6 months I had full benefits and now we all have citizenship. We still maintain two rental properties in Dallas. Its not easy managing them from afar. Also rising taxes/HOA eat up 60% of the rent. I doubt we'll keep them much longer. Especially since we absolutely love living in Italy. We found it's important to become fully adapted to the pros & cons and just enjoy life. I'm now renovating a medieval home in the province of Ancona. All DIY. There's so much to learn but I'm having fun and saving a ton 🙂 Check us out. Ciao!

[@dardaraveiga6512]

What about tax over your assets and rent in USA in Italy?

[@sebastians1770]

That’s great! I moved the opposite way and absolutely love it, but my wife is American and 10 months in I’m still waiting for my residency in the US….

[@shellywhite1929]

I just want to visit Italy. Been my number one bucket list for many years. I loved the honesty and informative nature of this video. Reality can be a beeotch when your learning as you go. Very kind for you to share!

[@BradsWorld]

No Problem. Don't make visiting Italy a life goal, just get up and do it! Easy to get around, airfare is under $1000 from US and a great place to just wander around for a week or two... See you in Italy 2025! (maybe 2026 cause 2025 is Jubilee and they are expecting 60 million visitors to Italy!)

[@StephenSmith-ge1qf]

I've been living in Italy for 10 years now. I've found the whole process of getting residency, healthcare etc. quite simple and straightforward, but obviously I started while the UK was still an EU member. Now the culmination of all the work is arriving as I have recently received notification that my citizenship application is approved and in the next couple of weeks I'll become an Italian citizen. I expect it all depends on where you live. Some regions are more difficult than others, but the rules are the same everywhere. You either need a residency visa before moving , or apply for citizenship beforehand.. If you can't get citizenship through family descent then the visa is your only option. Be prepared to fill in plenty of forms, arm yourself with photographs, learn how to make payments at the Post Office and you'll need some "marca da bollo" from the tobacconist too. And learn the language! I had to take an exam in Italian to get my citizenship!

[@celticwarrior777]

Congratulations. It took 10 years to get citizenship thats a long time

[@malachydonaldson9813]

Wondering did you have any grandparent who was IRISH, if so you would be sorted , just by default. Great you got your Citizenship sorted out.

[@StephenSmith-ge1qf]

@@celticwarrior777 Italy finally got its act together in 2016 to recognise civil unions between same sex partners. My comune got around to sorting out the paperwork for us to proceed with this in 2017. After which event I had to legally wait 2 years before applying for citizenship. Then came the pandemic. Seemingly my application got mislaid somewhere during the lockdown and I couldn't get a reply from the questura until early this year! Absolutely chaos but not particularly unusual.........

[@mrlaleather]

Not compared to the U S. it's not

[@Navy141.CaptainsVlog]

Another excellent take! I landed in Napoli with my family about two months ago. The move process itself is a series of bureaucratic hoops. I found that you just have to slow down and understand Italy works a lot slower. You nailed it that you need to work through others to achieve ends. It almost shows respect when you ask someone to help you out. For now I am here for work, but hope to move here full time to gain all the benefits you mention. All the best, Rob.

[@langheproperty]

Great video Brad! We've lived in Italy for 23 years now - from the UK. Remember that the process is not so easy, they don't want to make it easy and there's an obvious reason. And I know for us, any office visit or waiting is worth it as anything is better than living in the UK or the US. Just come to Italy, people!

[@BradsWorld]

Amen!! 🙏🤓

[@angelaberni8873]

You are so right. This guy makes it sounds a nightmare. For goodness sake,who cares how long it takes,plus I don't think it would be particularly easy to get documentation to live in USA. Go to Italy folks,i've NEVER met anyone who has regreted it. There is no place in the world quite like it. La dolce vita....says it all.❤

[@Serendipity-gj2me]

@langheproperty No thanks, I cannot deal with dishonesty or bureaucracy.

[@user-vi7rj9co5j]

Our friend went to Italy as a postdoc student in Physics. It took him and his wife 6 months to get a telephone landline. His supervisor university professor would not show up for scheduled meetings with no explanation. The professor's secretary had no idea where her boss was and why he was not at work. Do I have to say more?

[@ace1603]

@@user-vi7rj9co5j welcome to Italy ..lol...la dolce vita that everyone wants

[@rohans1789]

Glad to get a direct and honest explanation of the process and inefficiency of government in Italy. Most just gloss over it. If your home in Texas hasn’t sold in 14 months you need to change listing agents or be honest with yourself on the price.

[@ruisgallego3239]

American efficiency🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@vincenzolabarbera8964]

I live in Italy and USA for my past 58 years and in what this guy is explaining in this video is 100%true it has its up n down but for the buck I am retiring in Italy in definitely I have no doubts

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks for the confirmation!! Happy retirement and welcome to the Italy Party.

[@KS-ep1vr]

Loved watching Kona enjoying the view off the balcony. Good on ya taking your dogs. They are family! Thanks for such an informative video.

[@WoutervanTiel]

There's an old joke where in Heaven the cooks are French, the policemen are English, the mechanics are German, the lovers are Italian and the bankers are Swiss - whereas in Hell the cooks are English, the policemen are German, the mechanics are French, the lovers are Swiss and the bankers are Italian.

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

Apparently the first bankers were Italians, as can still be seen from bank vocabulary. And German police officers are much more professional than English and US ones....

[@BradsWorld]

He was reciting a joke... Might you be German?!?

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

@@BradsWorld Yes, this is an old joke that needs updating, at least in part.

[@harbard642]

Hell yea you must be german😂😂

[@ApriliaRacer14]

@@BradsWorldGerman humor is no laughing matter.

[@maunlio]

Ciao, i am an italian living in Umbria. Many americans live here and they love it. Certainly Italy is not perfect, bureaucracy is a pain like all over Europe but if you don't live in a big city everything is much easier and less expensive. See you!

[@BradsWorld]

I live small town!!💪🏼🇮🇹🥳

[@maunlio]

I see, very good! The quality of life there is much higher! 😊

[@GH-zy2dh]

Honest, Clear and to the point.... the best video you made so far to tell things the way they are and not sugar coat things....Thank you

[@BradsWorld]

My friend used to tell me "OK, now tell us what you really think!" 🤣🤣

[@barbaraemanuelson1014]

Wow, thank you for the candid words. It’s always good to go in with eyes wide open. Thank you, Brad.

[@jamesbarr2357]

Brad, thank you. That is the most honest talk I have heard on the reality of moving to Italy. Many others shrug their shoulders when talking about the administrative headaches and pass it off as part of the 'romantic quirkiness' of la dolce vita. I've experienced bureaucracy in France, Spain and Siam. Italy is at another level. I have done a lot of research, and right now I'm 'on the fence'. Your terrace is magnificent. What a glorious backdrop. I love your property tours 😎. Grazie mille.

[@BradsWorld]

Your welcome. And make sure that this is your main take away: “it’s worth it, but be prepared!”

[@Myhappyplace65]

Brad & Olivia. THANK YOU for what you do on your channel. You are my go to team for when I make my move to purchase in your area. You are blessing us with your information and I just joined you on La Dolce Vita but will move up to Palazzo soon. 🤩

[@BradsWorld]

Awesome! Thank you! Let me know if you need any help. -BRAD

[@RoseBornagain]

It is also very stressful for Italians moving to the US. Actually is a nightmare, even as investor.

[@TheOrangeGunner]

I love your honesty. I have been wanting to buy and live in Italy for 49% of my time. After many failed attempts I have decided that renting is the way forward. Not that there are many rental properties in Italy outside the big cities. So you have to be flexible about the region. We live now in Tuscany near Arezzo and I am super happy with the house I have rented and a lot of bureaucracy I have avoided. The only problem is having an Italian car here, impossible without residency. Keep up the good work and who knows we might be bumping into each other.

[@BradsWorld]

We bought our car here more than two years before residency. We formed a simple SRL. The insurance was a bit more but not horrific and when we got hit by a storm in Venice last summer, it paid off everything cancel. Insurance policy paid. For renting I recommend using idealista. They have a great draw feature. There’s actually a lot of things for rent all over Italy. If you’re coming for 90 days or less, I recommend just using airBnB and coming sometime other than July and August. Then you can find nice properties and get a huge discount sometimes up to 75%. I was just looking this morning for somebody and found a two bedroom apartment in Pula For $700 a month and it’s furnished and it’s near the beach. Of course that was for December January February.

[@osteosandy5826]

hello what is a simple SRL?

[@earling22]

@@osteosandy5826It's a 'legal corporate entity' in Italy, but that’s all I can tell you

[@giorgiotommasini6828]

​@@osteosandy5826limited liability society, like an Ltd

[@ddmmalibu]

How may I reach you? I also want to rent now. David in Cape Town.

[@Antsir12]

I love the way you “dumbed down “ the whole process. Coming from someone who actually went through the difficult steps is very helpful for those considering a move.

[@BradsWorld]

I’m an expert in dumbing down! Had my own company with 30+ employees for a couple decades.

[@snowbirdlady7221]

Very interesting Brad. Thanks for sharing the details of actually moving to Italy. I love Italy and will be doing my 5th trip in March. As much as I love the country and people, I have never considered moving there full time for many many reasons.

[@alessandrom7181]

We Will sleep anyway. Stay in USA.

[@snowbirdlady7221]

@@alessandrom7181 Wow! You misunderstood my comment. I would love to live in Italy. However, it makes no sense for me. Age, family, financial all factor in. If I could I would live part time, really learn the language, make a home, hopefully make friends and become part of a community.

[@celticwarrior777]

​@@alessandrom7181thats not nice

[@suen5006]

Your balcony is just breathtaking!!

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks! It sold us on the place.

[@janegherardi]

Interesting. I too moved to Italy from Texas. It’s the best thing we ever did.

[@janegherardi]

You really need a “fixer” to help navigate the bureaucracy. I am lucky that I have dual EU/US citizenship and I am married to an Italia. It was still quite a process to get all the paperwork done.

[@markfleming3230]

Where would you recommend to live? I lived in Dallas for almost 29 years.

[@BradsWorld]

Central to North for me. 100KM south of Rome all the way up to the Alps. Southern has no interest for me. Too hot, too much graffiti and trash... IMHO

[@janegherardi]

@@markfleming3230 I was born in Dallas, as were my parents. I agree with Brad, but it depends on your budget. Abruzzo and Umbria give classic Italian vibes, but are cheaper overall than Tuscany. It also depends on the kind of life you want. City life with lots going on? More rural and quaint? Again, Brad is correct. If you can, visit a few times and stay for two or three months getting a feel for a region.

[@annaharpster5664]

Thanks so much for sharing your experiences with us Brad. That's a brave thing to do to point out the not-so-fun aspects of moving overseas full time and to Italy in particular. You're absolutely correct about the difficulties you discuss. We experienced much of the same bureaucracy when we retired to Costa Rica. In fact, 2 years and thousands of dollars later, we're still waiting for our Costa Rican retiree visas. Since we both have Italian grandparents, we've decided to get our dual Italian citizenship and are in the process of gathering all the necessary documents, apostilles and translations. Once we have all that, we will move to Italy and establish in a commune where we can submit our applications (much shorter process than thru the Italian embassy). Like you suggest, tying up loose ends in the States or wherever you're moving from and "traveling light" is the way to go. After all, we're all looking to live as stress-free as possible. Our compliments on all your videos and the useful information and connections you and Olivia share. Grazie mille

[@BradsWorld]

Hey you are welcome and I hope I didn't come across as ungrateful in my video. We love all the aspects of living here, except for the bureaucracy. And I think all of our Italian friends would feel the same way. It affects them too. Everything seems to be a catch 22. But I'm glad to hear that you had issues too, because misery loves company! We will see you guys when you make it to Italy! Enjoy Costa Rica in the meantime it's a special place to (but maybe a little too humid for me).

[@alessandrom7181]

The heck has to do Porto Rico with Italy? 🤦

[@annaharpster5664]

Yes, it doesn't matter where - moving to another country presents challenges, whether it's Costa Rica, Italy, the U.S. or somewhere else ​@alessandrom7181. There's always an unexpected caveat you have to deal with which is too often overlooked by video content creators who just present the expat life thru rose-colored lenses. It's great that Brad gives us a realistic picture of what to expect. That’s why we value his content.

[@annaharpster5664]

​@@BradsWorldI hear you. We're in Florida right now visiting our family and it feels like Arizona compared to the humidity in Costa Rica.😅 The wet weather is part of what makes CR such lush, wild and wonderful landscapes. We'll definitely get in touch with you and Olivia when we get to Italy and share a glass of vino. ❤

[@kleetus88]

Wow this video really resonated with me. I'm 51 and I have savings, but I worry that I won't be able to retain our standard of living in the US, over time. We have a paid off house, but paying the essentials like taxes, insurance, maintenance and energy are killing me. My property taxes are over $9k/year and insurance is also very expensive. So, without a mortgage, I am well over $1500/month just in base charges. Plus food prices are sky high and the food quality is so poor that I am convinced it is making us sicker. We want to move to a region where we can get good value and healthy living.

[@dgasmd1]

If you have enough saved or can have enough to live of without touching your retirement pot until you hit retirement age, liquidate tomorrow and get out. Plenty of countries that are safe, nice, good weather, and good quality of life Italy is one, but far from being the only one!!

[@BradsWorld]

We decided that even though we could have continued to “run out the clock” in the US, we were ready for something different. I went to the store here yesterday and got four bags of groceries for €68. And yes it is much better for you. It’s not perfect but we are happy!

[@TheArk12345]

Wonderfully transparent information. Thanks Brad

[@thestamper]

I like you brad you crack me up man! Fellow Texan here as well living in the Rio Grande Valley hoping to move the family to Italy as well! Thanks for being an inspiration.

[@BradsWorld]

You are welcome! We will keep the light on for you over here. In the meantime please send some Brisket and some queso please... We can't hardly even find fresh jalapeños or chili Gueros.

[@Edy1599]

Stay strong, thank you for sharing experience

[@queencafe777]

We do like to live in Italy part time 90 days at a time. We do not want to go all the hoops to get residency card. We are both retired and just want to recharge ourselves while in Italy. Still looking for a place but now we changed our place of interest in Puglia near the coast. Lucca is not in our plans anymore after we spoke. Thank you for all the advises and experiences you share to all of us. We learn a lot from you. 👍😎

[@BradsWorld]

I was just looking up some rental information for people and Pool Guy is where I picked to search just to get an idea. People should know that you can go on Airbnb and try to find a rental for 90 days or a couple different rentals because that's a big stretch of dates to find somebody that has something without any bookings, and it was very cheap. Of course I looked an off-season, but they were many many options under $1000 a month for a furnished apartment or home near the sea.

[@angier2289]

@@BradsWorldyou’re right Brad, towns close to the sea in Puglia ARE cheap or cheap’ ish in the off-season but, people need to aware that sea-side towns pretty much shut down when beach/holiday season is done so it maybe challenging to get an idea of the flavour of life in this type of place. I’m leaving just such a place in the Salento because it’s very challenging. Many restaurants close in the off-season so outings are that much more limited, many shops close because they’re geared to tourists so no need to be open in the off-season so the vibe goes from lively to tumbleweeds down the Main Street seemingly overnight. So yes, definitely need to come and check it out and figure out if Italy is a place you can live in, preferably before you sink a whole bunch of cash into it, because it’s not at all the Amalfi coast postcard-life everyone imagines after they come on vacation.

[@celticwarrior777]

​@@angier2289yeah ivr seen that on nicky positanos channel. Everything shuts down after summer inc many restaurants

[@mireillemancini9337]

@@angier2289 Hi, i live in Salento, come from Belgium, 2 years ago. I am agree with you about the seaside, is touristic an seasonal with shops and restaurants closed from october (end ) to April, but, when we choose another lifstyle, like italian dream, is not going to the restaurants, and be outiside everydays, as we are becoming residents, there is a life, in the other place, I live by the sea side, so the life ... the village is around, 3/5KM with all I need and where people live all the year This week, 09/18 the majority of tourists are gone, the beaches are less croweded, only fews couple, and nothing more is beautiful and relaxing that walking everydays to the beach, everydays, the sea changing color along the day,, if I want the countryside is less than 3KM . This place was not my first choice. Travelling all around the puglia in differents season help me to make the right decision, and taking acount that everybody is different, the heart and feeling must talking in this case fallowing thenm we know we are in the right place.

[@angier2289]

@@mireillemancini9337 I’m really happy for you that you found the right place for you, in the Salento. As you said, your heart has to feel it. The scenery and environment has to give you a feeling of joyfulness. I tried very hard to fall in love with the Salento but it just doesn’t ‘speak’ to my heart the way you described it does for you. I’m not giving up on all of Italy, just the Salento. Thank you for contributing to this conversation. We all benefit from listening to each other. 😊

[@toddtraube949]

Great video. I am in Texas, late 50’s, own my own business and you have said exactly what I have been thinking, it’s great while you are working, but it will be difficult to maintain my lifestyle when I retire. We also love Europe and have been considering at least a part time move

[@BradsWorld]

Right on... We are really happy overall. Just got my every three year peek-a-boo scheduled for next week. I decided to skip the line and go "Private". It is at the same hospital and same doc, but they do it on a saturday. It was €280! Can you imagine what a colonoscopy costs in the US out of pocket? Even with insurance it was so expensive because I only ever met my deductible once in 35 years of working.

[@PeteSalvo]

Excellent honest view thank you very much Brad. Great ideas. One life and live it to the fullest. Glad you and your wife are doing it and happy.

[@BradsWorld]

First year is always tough! But we love living here and we wouldn’t change it for the world. Literally…

[@kathleentrinity7367]

I'm retired on a small fixed pension in California. It was fine the first four or five years until 2016. That's when my property tax and home insurance started rising significantly. In 2024 the property tax and the insurance have continued to rise significantly, especially for fire insurance. Now groceries are easily twice what the were five to six years ago, along with car expenses. The only thing that holds me back is I'd lose Medicare, which has been pretty good. Good show and what a beautiful house and terrace!

[@BradsWorld]

My friend just moved here at 75 years old, and she’s loving life. You can get supplemental insurance here until your national healthcare comes through if you’re a resident. You pay taxes here, and you actually get medical care regardless of your age. It seems like everybody in the town I live in is at least 80 years old, and the healthcare is good. And you save so much money on all the rest of the aspect of living like food and cell phone etc.

[@gonebananas1076]

I am 57 and my husband is 71. We are 2 months away from getting our Visa approvals and moving to Portugal. The healthcare is excellent and very affordable, no matter your age. The food is healthier, the crime is minimal. You can leave the US and live an amazing life with a lot less money and stress. Family? Yes, we have two daughters in their mid and late 20's and they couldn't be happier for us. They will visit, and we will make new great memories in Europe together. Don't stay stuck, there is a Big world out there, sell your house, take your money and go live an adventure 😉

[@LaraSierra28]

@@somebodyhastosayitsoIwill If I can find a lifestyle better than my ranch in the Sierra foothills with pool, horse barn, year round creek, greenhouse and vegetable garden, in a mild climate, I'll go there. For now, I'll just enjoy the holiday weekend on one of my decks overlooking my forest, with a glass of our gorgeous local chardonnay in hand. Cheers!

[@kathleentrinity7367]

​@@BradsWorldThank you for the information.

[@kindlydude]

It's a shame property taxes are so sinfully high ...almost calculated to force the retired/or elderly citizens to vacate their hard-earned homes where they have raised their children & made so many memories ...not having property taxes in Italy sounds like REAL freedom to me. You buy your home & it's actually YOURS & not the state ...or the banks before you pay off your mortgage. That would make life so much more secure & simple ...especially for the elderly & vulnerable not to have to pay property taxes!!!! No tax on tips seems to have been embraced by both pol. parties ....no tax on homes would be infinitely BETTER ...especially for the elderly!!! It's hard to have community without the wisdom of the elderly ...& it's hard to have a healthy & vibrant elderly without homes!!!

[@sw6233]

I have lived here for about 2 yrs, and intend to move here after retirement. The bureaucracy has been challenging. Things get done, but no urgency. Can’t wait to retire here, but realize the struggle. Thank you for your informative videos. You’re a huge help!

[@BradsWorld]

Yeah I figure we will have our docs figured out about our 2 year mark! It is wonderful living here. I hope I didn't give any other impression in my video. Just wanted people to know it wasn't all fine wine and rainbows...

[@mihaiturc9700]

I'm from Texas and in sad of what's happening their.

[@TraveltirementItaly]

Great video and important for people to know. Living in Italy is NOT a permanent vacation! You need serious motivation to get through the tough times.

[@BradsWorld]

So true! Hey, you should do a video on the 7% tax thing (I’m sure you already have). I don’t think a lot of people know that they still have to pay taxes in the US and their total savings might only be three or $4000 a year. In my book, that’s hardly worth it for having to go , live in a far village in southern Italy with limited resources and infrastructure. Or maybe I’m off base. Write me sometime at Brad world [e-mail]. Maybe we can do a joint video together. Congrats on the CNBC article! That’s golden!

[@fk5701]

Thanks for responding, Tommy. I really enjoy your channel and find your content tremendously helpful. Definitely recommended for helping people weigh the options with eyes wide open. Personally I am interested in learning more about the implications of the "tax reciprocity" arrangements between Italy and the U.S. that may allow a U.S. citizen to offset their Italian tax obligation (since we can't escape the long arm of the IRS regardless of where we reside overseas).

[@TraveltirementItaly]

@@BradsWorld I do have a video on the basic rules of the 7% Flat Tax regime. And YES I'll reach out about doing something joint. I'm very lucky with the CNBC article. Totally random. But I'll take it! Thanks Brad

[@TraveltirementItaly]

@@fk5701 Thanks for the kind words. I hope my content gives people the motivation to pursue their dreams, but also make it clear that living somewhere is not a permanent vacation. And thanks for the content idea. I do need to add more about the tax treaty between the US and Italy.... Thanks!

[@invivo9845]

I wish I would have heard this advice before registering in France, what a great advice to test long term living whilst leaving every 3 months

[@critogni]

Great video! We bought a house in Campania region in 2016. Retired in 2020. Moved fulltime to Italy 2021. My advice... learn Italian before you come as best you can, and start studying for your driver's license written test before you permanently relocate.

[@BradsWorld]

I’ve been telling people since I started Brad‘s world to study Italian. Mines passable now I can carry on a conversation on the phone which I think is a good benchmark. My wife Olivia is even better being that she’s fluent native Spanish and fluent in English, and I think within another couple months basically fluent in Italian. You had very good points. I hope everyone reads them.

[@chrisd.8694]

Good advice and thank you.. Currently an expat in Mexico and considering spending time in both Mexico and Italy. Diversity and a change of pace. Totally agree with reducing the stress of things in the USA. I haven't totally yet and it can really haunt you.

[@BradsWorld]

We are going to get our stuff there closed out soon... I can feel it. 🙏🏼

[@bogman192]

Great info - thanks for sharing. Truly.

[@tomaud]

My rent in Portugal is €0.00 and my property tax is also £0.00 while electric bill is on average €45/month. Unfortunately food cost is at least €300 per month for two. We live on about €500 to €600 per month if no travel and no posh purchases. No, no, it's more like €450 and that includes car fuel and all other expenses. As opposed to about $2000-$5000 in the United States.

[@stefanotripi5945]

I’m Italian, from Rome, and once retired, I ran away from Italy for the same problems that you left the States, I ran away to a neighboring country that for me is advantageous as Italy is for you, and it’s Tunisia, but without the tremendous problems of the Italian bureaucracy, I feel like I’m in heaven. Anyway, Tuscany is beautiful, but if you had gone to Sicily, you would have found the costs of everything a quarter of those in Tuscany, and life is even more beautiful, the cuisine is even better, the people even more hospitable, the landscapes even more beautiful, the sea is much cleaner.

[@BradsWorld]

There’s a place for everyone. I can’t imagine 1/4 of the price because it is so reasonable here. €1/liter milk, great produce for nothing… I couldn’t deal with temps over 35°C. I see that Sicily is 45+ now. I have to pass on that.

[@stefanotripi5945]

I was wrong, I meant half not a quarter,

[@ValerieBarris-wr5mv]

Lots of 💘 & Gods Blessings to your Family. Thank you so much for helping us fulfilling our dreams. Italy 🇮🇹. Is so Beautiful. And still is since 1973.

[@vladsavvat8295]

Great video. Straight to the point. Very helpful. Thanks

[@Haupialani]

I'm glad Italy makes it difficult for investors to purchase properties there.

[@bertibear1300]

Me too.Italy is for Italians.

[@ngp150]

And America is letting an invasion happen right now. Sad

[@WoutervanTiel]

I love how far the clouds move when you reset your video for the next clip. Well done info, I am so interested in Italy, I feel really at home there.

[@myitaliantherapyginafiore4414]

Great information Brad. Love your channel. After inquiring about everythng that has to do with moving to Italy to 7% tax talking to lawyers and relocation experts and tax people in ITaly. I decided to do my Residency through Portugal. Less income will be taxed and expected and even without the NHR 10 year tax break like italy has it will cost me less there. The process is similar is way less. I bought property in central portugal and a small apartment in abruzzo in italy and have my small property in Upstate NY. All paid for no bills but maintenance. So I wanted to bounce between all three. I am dealing with all of what you are speaking. So I left the process of italy behind it seemed too complex. buying my apartment in Italy was 10xs more complex than buying my land in Portugal. So I will see how it goes. It's not all easy but it's less complex. This is very important because all of this process cost stress and money and waiting and blah blah blah and is that not why we are leaving US to enjoy our lives more? 5 years becoming a citizen versus 10 years in italy. Also portugal has language classes that go toward your citizenship if you take them you do not have to take the citizenship test. Buying a car, getting a license etc. It's all very complex but eaiser in Portugal. I love italy and will spend time when I don't have to leave. THANx for your honest information. Hopefully it will help people know this before they begin this process. Everyone has been gone this month I begin my process again in September. GOOD LUCK with all you both have to do. It's not for the faint hearted is it? Gina in Upstate New York moving to Portugal/Italy. Good advice about staying for months to make sure people really like it being away from the US. it's a lot of work. you really have to have a passion. You know you got this....

[@janmiller3926]

Brad, thank you so much for your candor. This is exactly the insight we needed. We had come to the conclusion it makes more sense for us to rent for a year, spending 90 days in and 90 days out of 'Italy. We are here now to look at rentals.

[@alison797]

I started the process myself and realised I needed help because the embassy in the U.S. told me incorrect and incomplete information and even important information on their website I found out was wrong. They also were unaware of important details. So, I hired an Italian immigration attorney (based in Firenze where I was moving), and he told me everything I needed to do. All questions answered. Very affordable. Trying to find one’s own way without an immigration attorney … for what reason I don’t know… would be an incubo (nightmare). Also, yeah the process takes awhile but should we except otherwise? Also, if someone wants to move to Italy I have to assume, if they are actually serious, that they have been travelling there many times, learning the language seriously, and have a deep love for the culture.

[@Me-np8fb]

I just subscribed. I appreciate your honest advice about perhaps just enjoying a few months at a time in Italy renting and avoiding the hassle of moving there full time with the costs and nightmare government hoops that would cause me stress. Thanks

[@BradsWorld]

You are welcome. Swear to God if it wasn't for our furry kids we might be doing just that. For sure we would have tried it like that. Thanks for Subscriibng!

[@BarbVirginia]

Thank you so much Brad ! The rental idea could be very good. I hadnt thought about it. We live in Virginia and I am looking for a better safer life. And like you...for our beloved Dog kids. Life is too precious. Thank you for all the good advice.

[@paularnold-schutta9907]

Thanks "Uncle Brad" for your radical honesty, sharing your picturesque view and allowing us to see your adorable poodles - they're awesome.

[@BradsWorld]

You are welcome! Boys say Hi!

[@Dr-Red-Duke]

Well done, Brad. We're expats in Asia and going to use our Italian property 90 days or so a year. Keeping it simple. Best wishes !

[@BradsWorld]

Best of luck!

[@michellespezialetti3122]

Wow! Thank you for honesty Brad. The video was extremely helpful in knowing the many challenges that one will potentially face. Love your channel❤!

[@meditate4me]

Super honest and helpful evaluation!!

[@alisadiez1954]

Thanks so much for your super informative content. I watch and like every video. I don't comment much because I watch on my wall tv. At your suggestion, I think my husband and I are going to try Italy for two months next spring. Again, thank you so much. I feel like I know you and Olivia. 💛 and very best wishes to you both!

[@stevenbrady440]

Brad, you crushed it with this video. Thank you very much!

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks! 🤓

[@blue27777]

Hey man, good video. Thanks for all the honesty!

[@andreab2114]

Italian bureaucracy is horrible, I know. That said, getting permanent residence is hard in all major countries, including the US. In Japan, you have to live (and work) in the country for 10 years (!!)

[@nightengale2123]

I love Italy and both my late maternal grandparents were born in Manfredonia which is in the Puglia region of Italy and I speak fairly fluent Italian. My husband's paternal grandparents were born in Brindinsi also in the Puglia region and he speaks very little Italian but can get by in a pinch. Both sets of grandparents immigrated as children to the US in the early 1900s to escape the impoverished lives their family lived in Italy, and they all felt very blessed that the US provided them the opportunity through hard work to escape poverty. Even as financially secure adults none of our grandparents had any desire to return to Italy even for a visit. My husband who still has relatives in Italy and I were fortunate to visit Italy several times which it is indeed a beautiful country top to bottom and coast to coast and we both are eligible to obtain dual citizenships. Maybe because we were influenced by the experiences of our grandparents we never had any desire to permanently relocate to Italy. We know the US is not perfect, but it is our home. And since we both inherited the work ethic of our late Italian grandparents we were able to afford to be able to retire in the US and have some extra left over to travel and monetarily gift our grandkids from time to time to help with their college expenses. I wish you and your family well as ex pats living in Italy, and although the US grass is presently not bright green it really isn't anywhere else either including Italy. And that assessment is per our Brindinsi relatives that several of their children had to relocate to Germany to obtain meaningful employment.

[@joannsands6840]

Thank you! Would you (or have you already) done a video about the process to obtain a driver’s license? I’m learning so much from your channel!

[@BradsWorld]

Nope. I am hoping that soon they will reverse the absolutely moronic decision to not allow English on drivers license exams even though they still offer German and French. I mean only 1.2 billion people understand English. Most of the signs here are visual not text.

[@tonytony1035]

@@BradsWorld Very ignorant response. Does the USA offer the drivers test in Italian? The only reason Italy even offers the drivers test in French and German is because of two small autonomous regions that Italy won in WW1. Italy graciously granted these two regions the right to continue using their French and German language. Thus, Italy offers the test in those two languages.

[@elisabethmiller8335]

Great advice! Thank you! I retired several years ago and moved to central Mexico. Bureaucracy was equally very frustrating. But now I am through it! I would love to live in Italy a few months out of each year!

[@BradsWorld]

25 years ago, it was our dream to buy a house on Lake Chapala. But when the time came five or six years ago to start planning, and after me being kidnapped in Mexico City in the late 90s, we just didn’t wanna deal with the hassles of having the extra security. It’s all good until something goes south. A friend of ours in Mexico City has been kidnapped twice, once for 15 days. He’s a highroller for sure, but still, I wouldn’t want live with me. I’m glad it’s working out for you! 🤓

[@enjoylife6969]

We did the same, left Texas (Fort Worth) and relocated to Italy. We have been here for over 2 years now and live in Lucca. My wife obtained her Italian citizenship (via blood). The number one issue is the bureaucracy and the lack of urgency by Italians in general. We love Italy but considering moving to another EU country in the north of Europe. We can relate to everything you are describing. We tell friends and family the same to stay here for a extended period of time before deciding to move permanently.

[@alessandrom7181]

Bye bye. 👋 The lesser the better. If you stayed in Murica would be even Better.

[@Kitiwake]

France is mind numbingly bureaucratic.

[@teddydavis2339]

So many Americans romanticize Europe. They tend to choose the countries with the most bureaucracy. I can't think of one thing that worked well in Italy. Your money would go much further in Latin America, and the people are a lot nicer. I lived in Europe. As a black person, I never felt comfortable. Good luck in Italy.

[@BradsWorld]

Gosh, my black American friend just moved here and she loves it. She loved it when she visited a bunch of times and she loves it living here now. I guess everybody’s experience is different. We were going to move to Latin America, but I’m just too worried about safety issues these days in Mexico. That’s where my wife from. I was kidnapped there in 1997 in Mexico City. I was lucky that they let me go. It just took the fun out of it.

[@Resmith18SR]

​@@BradsWorldKidnapped in Mexico City? What were you doing because I've lived here near Mexico City for decades and never been kidnapped.

[@stigblichfeldt4455]

Your Are Lucy not to be kidnap in Mexico

[@Resmith18SR]

@@stigblichfeldt4455 I'm Lucy or Lucky? People living here don't live there lives worrying about getting shot or kidnapped. Maybe you do though.

[@gertrudedelsinore4557]

Hello Brad and lovely Olivia! This is Andrea; I just ordered your book. Really appreciate your videos and your clarity on all matters relating to moving to Italy.

[@BradsWorld]

You are so welcome! Thanks for joining in memberships, it helps me keep the lights on!

[@JeffreySlough]

Thanks so much Brad. I really appreciate the straightforward way you explain the process. Please keep posting!

[@elizzy8754]

Thank you for this very frank and informative talk. It's extremely useful. (BTW, thank goodness your poodles have not had their tails docked - a beautiful duo).

[@BradsWorld]

They are something else!!

[@JohnQuinones-ni3uc]

What a spectacular view, absolutely gorgeous!

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks! View sold us on the place.

[@carolgarrett9479]

It makes sense and is understandable about " They don't want to make it easy for a reason✅️

[@Caocao8888]

Living in Rome was the best time of my life. After returning to the States, I told everyone how great it was, so several of my friends (at different times) decided to vacation there. And each one returned and said that they didn’t like Rome at all! I was shocked, and racked my brain to figure out why. Then it dawned on me that the only Italians they interacted with were hotel staff, tour guides, other tourists, etc. When I went to Italy for a long stay, the first thing I did was to say good morning to my English-speaking friends at the ‘pensione’ and leave for the day. As a Spanish speaker, I was able to speak conversational Italian fairly quickly. I could understand them more or less; they had a harder time understanding me, lol. But after a few months, I was doing O.K. There are different dialects across Italy, so occasionally I’d have to have one Italian translating for me into ‘standard’ Italian. But it was all great fun, and I got to meet people from all levels of Italian society. I also met up with fellow Americans who had been living in Italy for more than a year, but most could just barely converse with the locals. Back in the States now, I’m horrified that when I’m sometimes speaking Spanish with my friends in public places, people around us will look in disgust, or mutter nasty things. I get along great with internationals who have moved here to the U.S., or who are visiting. My Mandarin isn’t too bad either. I get great service at Chinese restaurants. I’ve even tried speaking Cantonese, but those extra tones…

[@BradsWorld]

My wife got yelped out a lot for speaking spanish in Texas even though she is fluent in English. But if her 70 YO mother was visiting for a week, they act like mom should learn to speak English fluently. So Stupid. I like to run around and yell at tourists here and say "We are in Italy... SPEAK ITALIAN!" hahahahahahaha

[@BlueCobalt]

Thanks for being so clear with everything Brad. I really appreciate all the great info you share, and dream about the palazzos! I plan on moving there as soon as I can in a year or two. Dreaming of getting a palazzo near an area with enough population I can hire people for my sustainable clothing business, and have plenty of room for my three cats to roam. Looking forward to having your help when the time comes!

[@robjus1601]

What a great idea! Thank you for sharing your experience.

[@MissRed92837]

Thanks for sharing your experiences with moving to Italy. Weekends, especially Sundays are holy in European countries. Nobody works on Sundays, except the police, hospitals, hotels and restaurants. 😉 I’m in the middle of organizing my move to Italy. I want to move to Sardegna, I just still have to figure out what city will be best for me.

[@heyitsTonya]

Thanks for keeping it real, Brad. Great advice!

[@sugarpienorman]

Excellent video. Also, I liked your explanation of the bureaucracy. I have heard how frustrating it is, but, didn’t quite understand what was the cause of the frustration. I understand now. I did go to the PO in Montepulciano (I was nervous as I had heard about how bad the PO is)……I had a great experience. I feel fortunate. Something to note, it was off season in Montepulciano, it was slow in there, I can speak some Italian and most of all….. the employee was nice, helpful and friendly.

[@BradsWorld]

Yeah they are tops at that office. We’ve never had an issue from that end. I think the most we’ve waited is 10 minutes in line and they have a Number system so you just sit on the benches.

[@amystarnes9385]

Thank you, that was truly helpful and informative!

[@BradsWorld]

Glad it was helpful!

[@ellenskorka9716]

Thanks for being so honest. We are loyal watchers of your channel and have loved every minute. I just received my Italian citizenship and we are definitely going to take your advice about renting for a few months to try it out.. Hope our paths will cross on our trip . GrazieMille

[@BradsWorld]

Stop into Tuscany!

[@claudermiller]

Dude!!!! Wait until you need to talk to social security! 😆 🤣 😂. I've spent hours pushing option 1,2,3,,,. I've literally driven 50 miles one way just to sit in a waiting room for 3 hours and have them tell me they're closing for the day. It took me 16 months to get my social security survivor's benefit and was unable to speak to anyone the entire time. The irs is just as bad.

[@BradsWorld]

Yeah... I know. I am hoping they just send me a check and I don't have to deal with them!

[@shawnboutilier8130]

Hi Brad You have a wonderful channel. I have enjoyed your content very much. I am traveling to South of France in the new year to explore the south of France , French and Italian Riviera and Piedmont area as my first scouting trip to pick a community to retire in 5 to 10 yrs. Do you recommend a relocation specialist or a real estate agent in the initial exploratory trips . I live in Toronto . The warmer climate and lower cost of living are attractive incentives as well as the history , art and architecture. I definitely want to try and keep four distinctive seasons .Also what resources did you use for bringing your dogs over. Wishing you continued success with your channel and business. Shawn from Toronto

[@BradsWorld]

If you’re 5 to 10 years off, there’s absolutely no reason you need to be talking to a relocation specialist or a real estate agent for sure. Come enjoy the areas and try to spend some time doing day-to-day stuff wherever you go. The market will have changed and the offerings will have changed and even the laws, etc. will have changed in the next 5 to 10 years. Don’t waste your time Trying to be too in depth, get a general overview. Watch my video on importing dogs to Italy. Just search dogs on my channel.

[@shawnboutilier8130]

Thank you very much. Definitely will explore and enjoy 😊

[@jroar123]

I lived in Rovigo, Italy and Padova for 2 years. I was working for ExxonMobil threw a contractor in Italy called Brunel. We designed, built, pre-commissioned, and commissioned an offshore re-gasification gravity based structure. I had my residence visa back then but it expired and now I have to go threw the whole process all over again. And, I fully agree with you on spending some time in Italy before you make the move. Some people just can't adapt to the Italian way of doing things. I'm in Houston right now and it's not a safe place. We had a girl who was raped and beaten to death buy a group of guys from south of the boarder if you know what I mean. They have them in custody but there are so many more around here, it's a scary place. We sleep with our guns so to speak. I found living in Italy to be very safe and affordable. It only gets costly when you are around touristic areas and in season. If you are out in the countryside, you are very safe. The only danger I found in Italy was flying that helicopter in from the platform with 60 MPH winds. The landing officer pushing me to get into the helicopter to act as ballest to keep it from taking off unexpectedly..

[@BradsWorld]

I wouldn’t get on a helicopter and 60 mile an hour winds or even any winds for any payroll. You must have steel cajones! Thanks for watching!

[@kindlydude]

How awful! God bless your daughter ...I pray you will see her again someday in Heaven ...in Jesus Holy Name!!

[@DoreenL-n9i]

Thanks, Brad! And Kona is the best guard dog! 😍

[@BradsWorld]

Yeah ever since the assassination attempt in the US a couple weeks ago he’s been on point!

[@brianc.612]

Thank you Brad. We'll see you in September. Brian and Amy

[@mtdavisusmc]

This is an excellent video, Brad. I appreciate the level of commitment and passion you have, in spite of the numerous obstacles you outlined. Please keep it up!

[@MarianneInmarsilia]

Try the bureaucracy in the US as a resident lol. I would never choose a country to live in for purely financial reasons. I chose where I live because I love the culture and people. I do understand leaving a god awful place like Texas

[@BradsWorld]

We choose Italy because we loved it. We could have choosen from another 40+ that would be nice too. But LEAVING a country (in our case the US)for financial reasons is an EXCELLENT reason to leave. Forget about the mass shootings, racism (even directed at my beautiful and sophisticated wife on a regular bases in Texas because she is (GASP) Mexican! I keep telling people too when you move to Italy don't base where you are going to live on the 7% tax deal. In the end for most people it might be €1-300 difference in income and just living in a faraway small town might eat that up versus living in an area with good infrastructure and more competition in stores.

[@TheChe_23.]

Love how the puppy is facing us ❤

[@BradsWorld]

My Security...!

[@dianebailey6330]

Quick question. How are you working and making money there when you’re on the ERV! I thought you couldn’t work at all.

[@wired2theworld]

I would also like to know this!

[@tonytony1035]

He should have a Partita Iva and be filing taxes on anything he earns. He will also have to report that income on his US taxes -- although he will get a 100% credit.

[@casapaterna8696]

@tonytony1035 Nope. You’re not supposed to work on an ER visa. It’s the visa for retirees.

[@anaanastasoglou9498]

Wow! Brad this will be the one video i wont ever show to my husband! I totally like your honesty and transparency in showing us not only the nice and beautiful part of italy but also the bad & the ugly . My husband as you might remember me mentioning has been totally against my idea of moving to Italy from the beginning and in all honesty has been making my life very difficult ever since i decided that i wanted to change my life and experiment another culture, specially cause i changed my mind about moving initially to his country ( greece). He tells me all the time that there is no need for us to move to another country when we have the privilege of traveling wherever, whenever i feel bored here and for free. He says that this is the country to be ! ( i totally disagree). He doesnt like italy for many reasons and specially after getting a whole bunch of traffic tickets ( €1,000 ) the last time we were there for supposedly " speeding" while everybody else were blowing their horns cause they felt he was driving too slow! So if i show him this video for sure he would be on my case and will be telling me " you see i told you that italy is not as nice as you think it is , or all this people in you tube it makes it look like" so forget it about me showing him this video brad ! . All that being said, i personality regardless of all the bureaucracy, hustle, BS, etc, etc , people have to put up there would not consider moving to italy part time..i have lived too many years in this country and is time to move on !!! ( and face another type of BS some place else ! 😂 ) but i do admire your honesty, you're are a person with integrity ! Talking about the residence process, i want to ask you something cause i already forgot what you said in one of your videos. Do you have to include a yearly lease " together " with your residence application? ( i am planning to submit all my documents in about 2 months ) thanks

[@johnsmith-eq1zc]

Hi Brad...how are you still able to drive there after one year since you can't convert your US drivers license?

[@tonytony1035]

Another "detail" that most videos ignore, even Brad. Good luck passing the Italian driver test if you are not 100% fluent in Italian, French or German. It's an insanely difficult test.

[@teresamason5155]

I would like to know more about this as well.

[@ArthurDentZaphodBeeb]

Wow, what a great, realistic overview. Took my SO 7 years to get her Italian citizenship. So much bs. So many delays.

[@jeffmagers7182]

if you are sad in america and you go to italy, you will be sad in italy....

[@BradsWorld]

Very True. I wasn't sad anywhere...!

[@sigoumey6801]

Lol good one

[@beadnick6394]

The first thing to understand is that getting your Permesso di Soggiorno is not the same as obtaining Residency. Your Permesso di Soggiorno is your "permission to stay" in Italy. Once you have that card, then you have to apply for legal residency at the Commune's Anagrafe office in the town or city where you live. If you do not have the type of rental lease that allows residency, than you will have to get a written letter from your landlord giving you permission to obtain residency in that property. Until that process is complete, you do not have legal residency in Italy, and cannot do things like buy a car here, get health care coverage, etc. Plus, now all non-EU citizens have to pay around 2ooo euro per year for healthcare coverage, if they are not paying into INPS and paying Italian income tax. Plus the cost of any extra "tickets" (co-pays) along the way, so the healthcare system may be cheaper than in the US, but it is by no means free for non-citizens.

[@camiller4916]

Wow, 166.66 eu a month for health insurance, plus co pay! Sign me up!

[@GracieOpulanza1]

Survival Tips for Living in Italy So, how do you survive-and even thrive-amidst the madness of Italian bureaucracy? First and foremost, manage your expectations. This isn’t London, New York, or Paris. Things move at their own pace in Italy, and you’ll need to learn to move with them if you want to maintain your sanity. Patience isn’t just a virtue here; it’s a necessity. Secondly, consider renting before you buy property in Italy. The bureaucratic hurdles involved in buying a home are legendary, and renting gives you the flexibility to escape if things become unbearable. Trust me, nothing kills the joy of owning a picturesque Italian villa faster than months of wrangling with paperwork. Next, invest in some stress relief courses or techniques. Whether it’s yoga, meditation, or just deep breathing exercises, find something that helps you remain calm in the face of overwhelming frustration. You’ll need it when you’re dealing with everything from setting up utilities to renewing your visa. Finally, and perhaps most importantly, never give up. Italians may be experts at delay tactics, but persistence pays off. Whether you’re trying to get a package delivered, secure a doctor’s appointment, or simply receive decent customer service, you’ll need to keep pushing until you get what you need.

[@BradsWorld]

Thanks for the recap! BRAD

[@paula5440]

You’re an immigrant not an expat!

[@markmcdaniel3089]

We moved from the US to Italy about 2 1/2 yrs ago and experienced everything you did and my wife is an Italian citizen. Now my biggest challenge is getting a drivers lic. Italy doesn' t offer any help if you can' t speak and write italian. Even with having attended a tuiter 2 times a week for the last 2 yrs and countless hours watching tv and youtube all in Italian i'm very slow with conversations but getting better with reading and writing. Thanks for sharing your experiances.

[@BradsWorld]

No problem. I’m looking for ex-pats living here. They want to tell their story on my channel. It’s all about helping other people. Wherever you are, I’d be happy to come and see you and tell your story. Just get in touch with me at [e-mail].

[@maxmurphy7306]

Get an international driver license before you leave the states , you're allowed to drive for six months then after it expired you can drive for one year then you must get an Italian driver license unless you wanna come to the states and start the pro cess all over again to drive for 18 months. I have a class a cdl and motorcycle cycle endorsements and I do it all the time I have my bike and my car registered and insured to my girlfriend , I'm just an add on .although now I speak fluent Italian, I just got my motorcycle cycle license but I kept my cdl and my M endorsement., I hardly drive my car , I just let my girlfriend have fun with it since it's convertible. Ps once you reciprocate your driver license to the Italian one .don't let them keep it just explain to them that you wanna keep it so you can drive in the states. They're pretty cool about it. The dude that gave my motorcycle license after I passed my tests asked why I didn't get my driver license, I almost told him too many assholes on the road these days likely my Italian girlfriend was me and she pinched me to be quiet 😆 🤣.

[@everythingtraumaic5069]

thank you dear man for your reliving this experience...great learning for us all.

[@BradsWorld]

My pleasure

[@FabrizioIanni]

I am italian and I live here. And even though I don't see things from an expat point of view I find your conclusions so true!! Absolutely true!! Se live in this difficult envuronment where public offices don't reply you, public employees try to make things hardest as possible because the hardest it is for your the greatest the power they have; italian burocrats love to be bagged and prayed and thus.......the friend of the friend of the friend will give you the connection to make things easier and faster. And you live just of rent, if you tried to open a business you would go driven insane. Opening a shop or selling olive oil is like solving a differential equation of grade 7.

[@BradsWorld]

It’s what all my Italian friends say!

[@djtommykeys]

Nobody answers calls or emails here in the US either. Thanks for the video. Very helpful.

[@manofwisdumb]

Excellent content, as usual. I really appreciate your "leave it all on the table" honest assessment on how it's been thus far... Keep up the great work! Ciao, Benito (Los Angeles)

[@BradsWorld]

Hey Benito! Long time no Comments! Do be such a stranger! 🤓

[@manofwisdumb]

@@BradsWorld My apologies - - - having a mid-life crisis moment doing a deep dive into trading my LA lifestyle for a much more relaxed scene in North Carolina. Will step-up my "BradsWorld" game! 😜

[@tic-tacdrin-drinn1505]

There is a strange mentality among American expats: they have a fatalistic understanding of all the inconveniences of the USA while they live there... but when they come to Italy they become impatient, everything has to be done quickly, they want to do things by phone or email, for them the bureaucracy is terrible. As if everything goes smoothly for foreigners in the USA. Italy is neither Disneyland nor a supermarket where you put everything you want in the cart and then go to the checkout

[@BradsWorld]

And never said it was... I also didn't make a video about the difference between Italy and USA. I made a video that talked about how great it was living here, and how frustrating the lack of information is when dealing with the governement. And you if you think I am complaining, you should here my Italian friends go on and on and on and on and on... About how bad the bureaucracy is. They talk about it anytime the government comes up. I never said things had to be done to my schedule. I said I find it a bit insane that a card that is done takes three months to get into my hands. Considering that Italy is one of the top 10 economies in the world. That's all...

[@DMills-un1tl]

I totally get your concerns about maintaining a lifestyle in the US once retired. I’ll be 62 soon and was just laid off after 21 years with my employer, when the company was bought out. The job market is TERRIBLE right now and professionals, like me, are spending 6-18 months trying to find a similar job. I don’t have that much in savings. At my age, it may not be as wise to start anew with a job as it might be to expat. I’ve been thinking and researching Italy for 18 months. It is the bureaucracy (as well as my animals) that prevents me from simply selling my house and buying and doing the work to move there. This video is helpful, though I would probably hire an Italian attorney to process me through all the steps. It simply wouldn’t get completed if I attempted it alone. Thank you

[@BradsWorld]

We have tried to be diligent and yet it's still talk to make sure everything's done correctly. For some people a lawyer might be the best answer although they tend to charge a lot here. I've heard of people paying more than €10,000 to have someone do your paperwork.

[@messyhomestead7320]

Thanks for sharing these details. All these stories are better than any experience/timing/bureaucracy I experience in the US/TX so you're not losing out at all. Welcome to every day in the land of AI CRM and every day as a disabled person, or every day of any immigrant to the US that I've ever met

[@BradsWorld]

True!