I was reading about Italian immigration to Argentina around the early 1900s, and I keep thinking about how difficult that decision must have been.

Imagine leaving your village, your family and everything familiar, crossing an ocean, and having to build a life somewhere you’ve never been before.

I find myself wondering what those first years were actually like for ordinary families. Not just the historical dates, but the everyday things: finding a place to live, getting work, learning to fit in.

If your family has Italian roots in Argentina, I’d love to hear your stories. What have you been told about your grandparents or great-grandparents?

Hi everyone,

Has anyone heard any recent news about converting Philippine driving licences to Italian licences, particularly those issued or renewed from 2024 onwards?

I understand the Philippines and Italy signed an updated agreement in August 2026, but the newer Philippine licence models (2024 onwards) are apparently not yet included.

My situation is slightly different:

• My Philippine licence was originally issued in 2021.
• It was renewed in April 2026.
• I'm currently obtaining official LTO records confirming my original 2021 issue date.

I'm particularly interested in whether anyone has successfully converted a newer licence that was originally issued before 2024.

Has anyone received recent information from the Philippine Embassy, Italian Motorizzazione, or their local conversion office?

Any updates, experiences or even credible rumours about when the newer licences might be accepted would be appreciated.

Thanks!

Does anyone have any recommendations for studying for B1 language exam. Any book, website, online course etc. I'm based in Rome and work and study and it's just hanging over my head that I need to get this sorted to start my czn app, but I need to do it productively with a plan instead of wasting a bunch of time like I usually do 😂

Hello guys. I am an international student in university of catania and looking for the part time jobs so that i can cover my expenses so if anyone have any references please do let me know it would be great help for me.

Thank you so much for advance

I've been thinking about starting an English-language improv and acting group in Rome and wanted to see if anyone would be interested in participating or collaborating with me.

I'm an English teacher with an advanced acting certificate, and some comedy-writing experience.

I've recently become particularly interested in improv (I love groups like Shoot From The Hip!) and really miss the acting exercises we used to do in acting classes.

The idea is to meet once a week for a couple of hours to play improv games, improvise or recreate scenes and practise acting together, all in English.

It could be a fun way to meet other internationals, practice English, rediscover a passion for acting, try improv for the first time or simply have fun with like-minded people without committing to formal acting classes.

Eventually, I'd love to build a regular improv or theatre group with people who want to take things further!

I'm also considering inviting an experienced improv coach so if you're an improv performer or coach interested in collaborating, let me know!

There would be a small participation fee to cover expenses.

For now, I'm just trying to see if there's enough interest to get started. I'd love to hear your thoughts! 😊

How often do you need to present the actual codice fiscale card rather than just providing the number?

Hello all from the Salento

Had some friends visiting last week and made the trip up to Matera for the first time. There have been enough Matera posts so I’ll focus my comments on Altamura.

Altamura has been in my short list to visit mostly because of Antico Forno Santa Catarina, which has been around since the 1300s. I knew very little about the city and its history and came away quite impressed.

It’s much larger and more vibrant than I expected, with a lovely historical centre, and impressive architectural gems and cathedrals. Well worth a visit and quite easy to get to - 30 min from Matera or autostrada directly from Bari.

As for the bakery, I was a bit skeptical going in because of all the hype on social media, which often leads to disappointment. In this case, quite the opposite. We were simply blown away by the quality and the experience. I always hate saying something is best ever, but I’d be hard pressed to say I’ve been to a better bakery anywhere.

I’ll leave everyone with some photos and a recommendation to visit the city and the bakery. Struck me as a very livable city as well for anyone searching, but can’t comment properly as I don’t live there. Just really an enjoyable day trip though.

(My bad about the previous post, for some reason I wrote west instead of east twice, corrected previous post follows)

Not sure if this is the right sub, apologies in advance if it's not, in that case please feel free to point me to the right one and delete this post.

I have a very small apartment in a beautiful small town at the mountains EAST of Rome (2-2.5 hours by car, ~3 by bus, no train) and would be considering long term rent or sale to anyone really interested. Gorgeous and peaceful place in a protected regional park, plenty of hiking opportunities, delicious food and highly diuretic natural water from the local source (never had to bring there my blood pressure medicines). Mobile Internet service works. The downsides are that as in many small towns almost nobody speaks English and there's no night life except a couple pubs at a bigger town ~1 hour away. More details plus photos if confirmed this is the right place for rent/sales posts.

PM me if interested.

Anyone interested in an international aperitivo in Monferrato?
Hi everyone! My partner and I live in Monferrato, Piedmont, and we’re thinking of organising a regular, relaxed aperitivo for internationals and local Italians to meet, chat and make friends.
We’re just checking interest before choosing a venue or date. If you live nearby or visit regularly, would you join us? Which town would work best for you?
All nationalities welcome, whether you come alone or with friends!

I am looking for some advice on short term renting in Rome. My partner is going to be in Rome for 6 months next year as part of his studies and is looking for a flat. We thought that an airbnb might be easier (all bills included, no contracts, etc.). However, he was quoted €1,800 a month for a one-bedroom apartment in Monteverde. This sounds very expensive in comparison to normal rental flats there. But do people think it might be worth considering as it is hassle free? Is it challenging to find a flat in Rome at the moment?

Hi everyone!

I'm from India and currently pursuing my bachelor's degree in Psychology. I'm considering pursuing my Master's in Psychology in Italy, preferably in an English-taught programme.

Before making this decision, I want to understand the actual situation for international students, especially regarding language barriers, part-time jobs, and career opportunities after graduation.

I'd really appreciate honest advice from Indian students, international students, graduates, or anyone currently living and working in Italy.

1. Language barrier

- If I study at an English-taught university, can I manage my daily life in Italy using English alone?

- Can I find part-time jobs using only English, or is knowing Italian almost essential?

- For jobs in cafés, restaurants, supermarkets, retail stores, and other student-friendly sectors, do employers generally require Italian?

- If I start learning Italian before moving, what level should I aim for to improve my chances of finding a job?

- Is it possible to learn Italian while completing a demanding Master's degree?

1. Part-time jobs and living expenses

- How difficult is it for an international student who doesn't speak Italian to find a part-time job?

- How long might it take to find a job after arriving in Italy?

- Can students realistically cover their rent, food, transportation, and other monthly living expenses entirely through part-time work?

- What are the typical monthly earnings from student jobs, and how much can students realistically save after expenses?

- Is finding work easier in cities such as Milan or Bologna, or are living costs too high there?

1. Career opportunities after a Psychology Master's

- What are the realistic job opportunities for international graduates with a Master's in Psychology?

- Are jobs in research, HR, mental health support, or other psychology-related fields accessible to graduates who are not fluent in Italian?

- Is Italian essential for most Psychology-related jobs?

- How difficult is it to find full-time employment and remain in Italy after graduation?

- Are salaries sufficient to cover living expenses and repay an education loan?

1. Financial considerations

I'm planning to finance my tuition fees through an education loan, but I hope to manage my living expenses through part-time work rather than borrowing additional money for them.

Would you consider Italy a realistic option for someone in my situation, particularly if I don't know Italian when I arrive?

I'd genuinely appreciate hearing about the challenges, disadvantages, and realities that education consultants might not mention.

Thank you so much for your help!

I am looking for leads or tips to find amateur music gatherings. I'm opening the request to all of Italy in case it's something I would be able to get to by train.

I currently live in a US city which has many amateur orchestras, chamber groups, choirs, open jams, and gatherings for musicians. Sadly, many of them aren't searchable online and you more or less have to know the groups exist to find them.

We have our shortlist of Italian cities; knowing that there are existing musical communities on the other side matters to me.

I found a few chamber groups in Milan, Rome, and Bologna online. I also found some vacation/destination groups, but not local or recurring. No results for jams or orchestras, yet. Are there any weekly community orchestras or some other regularly gathering where non-professionals can get together and make music outside of Sunday church services? I read a bit about Banda Communale, but it doesn't look like a stringed instrument situation from what I've seen so far.

I am guessing this question might have been asked many times, but wanted to see if I could get a link or an answer that is better suited for my situation

Situation:

- In my mid 30s with a stable job making six figures (but i hate my job and want to leave)

- Have a house with mortgage, 401K, Roth IRA, Taxable Brokerage, Health Savings Account

- Married to an Italian, no kids yet but we want to have in the near future

- Marriage is already documented with the local comune (and I do have my codice fiscale, which i had to provide when I was getting married in Italy)

Question(s):

- What preparations have you done on your 401K, Roth IRA, and HSA? I did hear Charles Schwab International is one of the recommended brokerage for American Expats, so i plan on moving my taxable investment account there, but any thoughts on the 401k, Roth IRA, and HSA?

- Heard that many italian banks do not want to open up an account for Americans before of all the paperwork. So is it pretty much impossible for me to open up an account, so if i find a job i can't deposit my paycheck? I saw somewhere (maybe Quora) that Unicredit may be the best shot for an American opening up an account, but any other recommendations?

- do you guys have any accountant/lawyer that specializes in America/Italy moving situations, particulary around prepping up my investment accounts, and retirement accounts?

I’m an American filing my 2025 US taxes. I had a partita IVA that year and have been paying INPS contributions in Italy since July. Now I’ve been told I’m also subject to US self-employment tax. Has anyone been in this situation? Is there a way to pay only INPS and report it differently on the US side? I’m pretty worried. My income is modest and INPS already takes a big share, so paying both would be really tough. Any advice or experiences would be much appreciated. Thanks!

Hi everyone!

I'm trying to get the Ordinary ISEE, but I have a question about my living situation.

I still have my residence registered in Turin at my old apartment, where the lease has already ended. I'm currently living temporarily in another house as a guest, without a contract, and the owner isn't willing to let me register my residence there.

I checked, and my old address is still officially registered with both ANPR and the Revenue Agency.

**Can I still complete the DSU and obtain the Ordinary ISEE with my residence currently registered, even though I don't live there anymore?** How should I fill out the section related to housing?

Has anyone had a similar experience?

Thanks a lot!

Hi, i am a student in their final year of school and I'm planning to apply to a medical university in italy, specifically in bologna and milan. And I just wanted to know if brown individuals from etc sri lanka and India face a lot of racism.

It really is my dream to study in italy and I have no problem with learning Italian, I am just worried if I would face any discrimination. Additionaly it would be helpful if anyone could mention which cities in particular have a bad racism situation.

Thank you so mych

hey guys. I have 5 books that i want to ship to another city in italy. I have poste italiane open currently and opting for the home pick up option but i have a couple of questions:

How do i ensure that i get paid? Should i ask the person to pay before i ship it or after?

Should i tick the "insurance" box or not worth it?

There's an option to tick "cash on delivery". Does that mean the person that receives the package will have to pay and then i receive the money or is it something else?

Can i use a bag to ship them or do they have to be cardboard boxes, if boxes are needed where do i get one?

Hello. Which mobile operator doesn’t require codice fiscale for prepaid SIMs? I need eSIM and plan that I don’t need to pay every month.

I moved to the province of Frosinone (not Frosinone city). I know each commune probably has slightly different rules for rubbish disposal, but hoping for some overall advice.

My husband and I bought a large old house in the countryside/mountains. It belonged to some old people who passed away and we bought it from the son who inherited it. It is full of furniture and outside a lot of rubbish, mainly metal scraps, have been dumped. We have no idea how or where to get rid of it.

We asked the guy we bought it from and he was useless. He said just to take anything that burns and bring it out to the field and burn it and anything that doesn't burn, you just dump somewhere on the land. I could burn the burnable stuff, but there is A LOT and it would take a while, if I wanna keep the fire small and manageable. But dumping stuff is not an option. Some of the stuff I wanna get rid off are already something that was dumped on the land.

I've emailed the municipality for advice as well some time ago, but never heard back. I can't really call anyone, as no one seem to speak English and I don't speak Italian yet. So I'm coming to Reddit for help.

Can anyone tell me if there are recycling centres or something here? I have a van and can easily drive the stuff somewhere. It is things like sofas and other furniture, metals scraps, appliances and things like that.

Any advice would be very appreciated!

We are on a tight budget, so any free or cheaper options would be good 😊