What I got wrong about living in Italy

Italy is a dream destination for many, with its stunning landscapes, rich history and delicious food, but living here is a completely different experience from visiting as a tourist. When I first moved to Italy, I had certain expectations that turned out to be far from reality. Here are some of the biggest things I got wrong about life in Italy—and what I’ve learnt along the way.

Adjusting to Life in Italy is Harder Than Expected

I assumed that adapting to life in Italy would be easy but the reality was much more challenging than I expected. Between cultural differences, bureaucratic hurdles and the language barrier, it took me nearly two years to feel truly settled. If you’re thinking of moving to Italy, be prepared for a steep adjustment period and give yourself time to adapt.

English is Not Enough

One of my biggest misconceptions was that I could get by with English. While English is more common in touristy areas, in everyday life—especially in the South—it’s not widely spoken. The language barrier made my first two years in Italy incredibly isolating. I quickly realized that learning Italian wasn’t just a nice-to-have but an essential skill for navigating daily life. If you’re considering a move, start learning Italian as early as possible!

Italy is Not Always Romantic and Dreamy

Italy’s beauty is undeniable, but living here is not the picture-perfect fantasy that many imagine. Beyond the postcard views, there are issues like neglected infrastructure, economic struggles and bureaucratic inefficiencies. Many areas, especially in the South, suffer from disorganization and poverty. If you’re moving here, it’s important to embrace both the beauty and the imperfections of Italian life.

Not Everyone is Warm and Friendly

Italy has a reputation for warm, welcoming people and while this is often true, not everyone fits this stereotype. Just like anywhere else, there are people who are flaky, unreliable or even untrustworthy. I learnt the hard way not to assume that everyone has good intentions. Building strong, genuine relationships takes time, just like in any other country.

Italians Are Critical of Their Own Country

Italians love their country, but they’re also its biggest critics. I was surprised by how often I heard Italians complain about low wages, government inefficiencies and the struggles of everyday life. Despite Italy’s global reputation for high-quality goods and luxury brands, many Italians feel that they don’t benefit from the country’s wealth. It’s a complicated love-hate relationship that newcomers should be aware of.

Italy is Not as Wealthy as It Seems

Italy is one of the largest economies in Europe, but that doesn’t mean wealth is evenly distributed. Economic struggles are especially evident in the South, where job opportunities are limited, wages are low and many families rely on small pensions to get by. The contrast between Italy’s image as a wealthy nation and the reality for many of its citizens was one of the biggest surprises for me.

Final Thoughts

Living in Italy has been an eye-opening experience, full of both incredible moments and unexpected challenges. If you’re thinking about making the move, it’s important to prepare for the realities of life here—not just the romanticised version. Understanding the language, adjusting your expectations and embracing the complexities of Italian life will make your transition much smoother.

Would I change my decision to move? Absolutely not, but I wish I had known these things before I arrived!