The Real Life in Italy

What Dating in Italy Looks Like

In this episode of The Real Life in Italy, we’re taking a quick look at dating in Italy. And while I (that’s Evelyn, your host) have been out of the dating scene awhile, my good friend Sylvia is coming on to share experiences and thoughts, and tell me what all the kids are up to these days.
We chat cultural differences, personal dating experiences, stereotypes about dating Italian men, and the reality behind common myths. The episode covers in cultural dating habits, and practical advice for foreigners dating in Italy. And really we get into what ARE the apps that people are using in Italy (because who meets irl anymore?)
Big surprise though: we DO NOT discuss mammone or mothers ever. Crazy, but true. We’ll chat that another time.
Here’s the deets:
00:00 Introduction to Dating in Italy 01:58 Safety Tips for Dating in Italy 03:46 Meet Sylvia: An Expat's Perspective 04:46 Dating Expectations vs. Reality 11:00 Italian Relationship Dynamics 16:53 Stereotypes and Cultural Differences 25:49 Exploring Different Dating Apps 28:20 Italian Men and Dating Expectations 43:03 Ideal First Dates in Italy 47:12 Final Thoughts on Dating in Italy
Check Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all. Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Navigating Italy's Healthcare System as a Foreigner

In this episode of 'Real Life in Italy,' we’re taking a better look at Italy's healthcare system—an essential topic for expats in Italy. The episode explores the details of Italy's public healthcare system, and the Tessera Sanitaria: what’s included, how you can access it as a foreigner in Italy, and what’s it good for.
The episode includes an insightful interview with Nadia Neytcheva, CEO of Doctors in Italy, who shares her expertise on the differences between public and private healthcare, the challenges in the Italian healthcare system, and practical tips for expats. We’ll also discusses the role of general practitioners or medico di base and the options available for private healthcare.
 This episode will help newcomers navigate the healthcare landscape in Italy seamlessly. You can connect with Nadia here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nadia-neytcheva/
And check out Doctorsa, formerly Doctors in Italy. A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7. Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at
www.collineallemontagne.com
www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:
www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Navigating the Italian Driver's License as an Expat

In this episode of The Real Life in Italy we’re exploring the process of getting an Italian driver's license as a foreigner. We’ll cover an in-depth guide on when and why expats in Italy might need to get this license and how to get it done, with essential tips to prepare for the theory and practical exams.
Later, I’m joined by fellow American in Italy, Elizabeth Thacker Jones to discuss their shared experiences, challenges, and insights into driving in Italy.
For those living in Italy or planning on an extended stay, this episode is packed with valuable information and practical advice to help you hit the road legally and confidently.
You can connect with Elizabeth here: https://www.instagram.com/elizabethtjones/
TimeStamps: 01:41 When and Why You Need an Italian Driver's License 03:59 Steps to Get Your Italian Driver's License 05:00 Studying for the Theory Exam 12:38 Taking the Practical Exam 14:38 Interview with Elizabeth: Driving in Milan 18:20 Traveling in Italy: Renting a Car vs. Public Transport  21:06 Personal Experiences with Italian Driver's License 23:18 Navigating the Italian Driving Test 26:32 Challenges and Tips for Expats 43:06 Final Tips and Recommendations
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at  www.collineallemontagne.com www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Understanding Cosa Nostra - The Italian Mafia Series

In this episode of 'The Real Life in Italy,' we're following up our Understanding the Italian Mafia episode to specifically focus on Cosa Nostra.
 
Now, there's a LOT. This podcast episode is just giving you a basic understanding to put into context of your life as an expat in Italy. We'll cover a bit about  Cosa Nostra's history, organizational structure, and how it has managed to adapt and survive over the years.
 
Key historical events, such as the Maxi Trials in the 1980s and 1990s, are highlighted for their role in reshaping the mafia's operations. The episode also covers how the mafia influences today's Italy, including its impact on politics, business, and everyday life. I'll share a few antimafia movements you should be aware of, and details on how corruption happens today in Italy.I promised a lot of resources, so here are a few:
About the mafia in Italian food:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8hHVuK8cA04
To read: Midnight in Sicily by Peter Robb; The Day of the Owl by Leonardo Sciascia;
Sites to stay informed: AntimafiaduemillaAnd the list goes on, keep reading and learning about it as deep into as you'd like to know
 
Timstamps:
00:00 Introduction to Cosa Nostra
02:18 The Structure of Cosa Nostra
03:20 Cosa Nostra's Influence on Society
06:51 Initiation and Rules of Cosa Nostra
10:03 Historical Evolution of Cosa Nostra
12:34 Modern-Day Operations and Financials
15:02 The Infamous Pizzo and Anti-Mafia Movements
17:07 The Maxi Trials: A Turning Point
18:47 Legal Reforms Post-Maxi Trials
24:25 Modern-Day Mafia Operations
29:48 Conclusion: Living in Italy Today
 
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn atwww.collineallemontagne.comwww.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:www.buymeacoffee.com/colline
 

The Expat Files: Damien O’Farrell on Navigating Life and Work in Italy

In our first episode of the monthly series “The Expat Files” here on The Real Life in Italy, Evelyn interviews Damien O'Farrell, an expert on global mobility who has lived in Italy for over 36 years.
Damien shares his journey from moving to Italy to assist a friend, to running a teaching business, and eventually starting a global mobility agency.
We also get into just how important it is to show Italy not only as a place to retire but as a place to create a life and work. Damien also offers insights into the most promising industries and skills for a lucrative career in Italy, underscoring the necessity of hard work and continuous learning.
Essentially: Figure out if Italy is right for you. Be Decisive. Do the Work.
Time Stamps:
00:56 Meet Damien O'Farrell: A Global Mobility Expert in Italy01:48 Damien's Journey to Italy03:43 From Teaching to Global Mobility05:54 Adapting to Change: Business and Technology08:53 Challenges and Opportunities in Italy15:26 Deciding to Stay in Italy20:00 Navigating Bureaucratic Hurdles21:57 Cultural Quirks and Public Administration24:55 Daily Life and Work Realities29:49 Economic Challenges and Work Opportunities38:16 Advice for Long-Term Living in Italy
Damien O’Farrell a Global Mobility Expert and Expat Coach with over thirty years of experience in Italy. He specializes in facilitating smooth transitions for individual and corporate clients adapting to Italian life. His services include immigration, relocation, citizenship, and expat coaching programs
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/damien.ofarrellWebsite: https://damienofarrell.comBlog: https://damien65.medium.com/Ultimate Italy Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2yMCNfK
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn atwww.collineallemontagne.comwww.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it: www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Maternity Leave in Italy (and parental Leave options!)

In this episode of 'The Real Life in Italy,' I’m taking you for another technical, bureaucratic journey to understand maternity leave in Italy, but not only. I’ll also cover paternity leave, and the options for parental leave in Italy.
Italy has both “obligatory” leave for parents, and optional extended maternity and paternity that can still be paid leave. As expats in Italy, I think it is so important to understand the benefits we have access to under our Italian social security, and it’s important to understand how to access them. I hope this episode will help you make your life in Italy, as a soon-to-be mom, a little easier.
I cover who is eligible for maternity benefits, how to apply for and use these benefits, and the financial aspects of both maternity and paternity leave.
I’m covering rights for contract employees, freelancers in Italy, adoptive parents, and single parents within the Italian system. This episode aims to provide a comprehensive guide to navigating the bureaucratic landscape of parental leave in Italy.
As I mentioned in the episode, the CAF and Patronato may be your friend when applying for leave, here’s a blog explaining those more in depth.
https://collineallemontagne.com/what-is-a-patronato-or-a-caf-in-italy/
TimeStamps: 02:40 Eligibility for Maternity Leave 04:23 Maternity Leave for Contracted Employees 08:39 Maternity Leave for Freelancers 11:37 Applying for Maternity Leave 15:30 Paternity Leave and Parental Leave 21:01 Single Parents and Conclusion
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This Episode of The Real Life in Italy was sponsored by Doctorsa.com A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7.Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife______
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at
www.collineallemontagne.com
www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:
www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Being a Mom in Italy: Challenges and Joys

In this episode of The Real Life in Italy, host Evelyn Hill chats with Jasmine Mah of QuestaDolceVita , explore the experience of being a mom in Italy as a foreigner.
We look at the things we love, and the things we are not crazy about being a mom here in Italy. We talk about cultural differences, challenges, and joys of raising children in Italy.
Topics covered include what we really think of our pediatrician, or what they think of us; the dynamics of raising a bilingual kid, and the Italian approach to maternity leave and daycare. The episode also highlights specific cultural practices like weaning (svezzamento), attitudes towards cleanliness and weight, and the social dynamics of making mom friends.
So if you are a soon-to-be mom or current mom in Italy, tune in to hear shared experiences of expat parenting in Italy. We’d also love you to weigh in on your experience.
Share with us on Instagram, or e-mail at evelyn@collineallemontagne.com
You can find Jasmine here: https://www.instagram.com/questadolcevita/ And Evelyn: www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
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This Episode of The Real Life in Italy was sponsored by Doctorsa.com A network of English speaking doctors in Italy, and Europe, available for in-person or video call appointments 24/7.Find out more: https://bit.ly/DoctorsaRealLife__
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at
www.collineallemontagne.com
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:
www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Italy's Regional Differences: Misconceptions and Realities of North and South Italy

This week the Real Life in Italy explores the misconceptions and realities of Northern Italy vs Southern Italy. Your host, Evelyn is an american in Italy, located in Piedmont, Northern Italy, and this week I’m joined by Claire, a British expat living in Sicily. We each chose to share 5 stereotypes we hear about North Italy and South Italy, and share our own experiences with them.
Is it true Southern Italy has a lot of crime? Is it true that “everything works” in the North? Ehh, well time to listen and find out!
And of course, we share our daily life experiences as expats in Italy, and the unique charm that both regions of Italy offer. Join us as we explore what sets the North and South apart, debunking myths and revealing what life in these regions looks like.
You can find Claire here:
https://www.youtube.com/@MsBritaly
https://msbritaly.com
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If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at
www.collineallemontagne.com
www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:
www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

Navigating Freelance Life in Italy: Insights from Evelyn & Claudia (Part 2)

This week on The Real Life in Italy we are back again talking about freelancing in Italy, featuring a discussion with your host Evelyn, and Claudia. We’re sharing our journeys with the partita IVA in Italy, covering key topics like managing taxes, finding clients, and the choice between online platforms and traditional accounting. While our experiences may look different from yours, we hope we can provide other expats in Italy an overview of the challenges and opportunities faced by freelancers in Italy, including practical advice for navigating the Partita IVA, leveraging digital marketing skills, and making informed decisions to succeed in the freelance market.
This episode covers a more casual look at how the Partita IVA has touched our lives as foreigners in Italy, but if you’d like a little more technical idea of how it works, check out last weeks episode “ The Italian Partita IVA: What to know for being self-employed in Italy ”
The incredible online (and in English!) accounting software that Claudia mentions is here: https://www.xolo.io/it-en?ref=collinemontagne
And it looks like a lifesaver.
You can catch Claudia here:
https://www.ciaobellamedia.com
https://www.instagram.com/_ciaobellamedia/
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If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at
www.collineallemontagne.com
www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:
www.buymeacoffee.com/colline

The Italian Partita IVA: What to know for being self-employed in Italy (Part 1)

Ready for another, more practical, episode of The Real Life in Italy? We’re talking about the Partita IVA, what it is, when you need it, and how it all works.
If you as a foreigner living in Italy, ever had hopes of opening a small business or going freelance in Italy, then you’ll need to get real familiar with this code. The Partita IVA is your tax code that lets you do business in Italy.
We’ll explore the different options of the partita IVA in Italy, what taxes in Italy look like with this code, and a few pros and cons.
Ultimately if you are an expat in Italy looking to open a Partita IVA, or understand it better, the best thing you can do it find a commercialista - an Italian accountant.
As promised in the episode, here’s a resource list for you.If you are looking for an online Italian accounting service in English: https://www.xolo.io/it-en?ref=collinemontagne
I’ll be back soon with a fellow freelancer in Italy to tell you more about what it’s like working and living in Italy as a freelancer. In the meantime, enjoy.
If you enjoyed the episode, and show, please leave us a 5 ⭐️ rating, it means a lot!
Thanks for listening to the Real Life in Italy.
This podcast is for foreigners living in Italy, who are all just trying to make sense of it all.
Listen in to learn all about a side of living in Italy everyone else forgot to tell you about. But don’t expect us all to be better, I promise. Expect some good laughs, helpful tips and cultural explanations, and expat stories to remind you that you aren’t alone, and it’ll all work out.
Learn more about Evelyn at
www.collineallemontagne.com
www.instagram.com/collinemontagne
You can show your support by buying me a glass of wine, I always appreciate it:
www.buymeacoffee.com/colline