Moving to Italy is a thrilling adventure, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Having navigated the ins and outs of Italian life, I’ve discovered that the right tools can truly transform the experience. Whether you’re coming for just a few months or moving here permanently, I’ve found these tools and resources to be useful even after almost 3 years living in Italy. I still rely on almost every product mentioned in this post. Here’s my curated list of must-haves for anyone about to embark on their Italian journey.
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you use these links to buy something I may receive a commission. I will only recommend products and services that I would [or currently use] myself.
Digital Essentials for Staying Connected
VPN
One of the first things you’ll want to set up is a reliable VPN. Many online services, including streaming platforms, employer systems, and banking websites, may be restricted or offer different content than you’re used to back home. For example, HBO and Hulu are unavailable outside the U.S. without a VPN. I recommend ExpressVPN, which not only helps you access region-locked content but also provides secure access to banking and trading platforms available only in your home country. Get 30 days of ExpressVPN free with my referral link here.
Italian SIM Card
If you’re planning to stay in Italy for more than a month, getting an Italian SIM card is essential. Some services in Italy require you to use an Italian number, and while WhatsApp is the standard mode of communication, traditional phone calls are still used for certain services. I use Verymobile, a budget-friendly (i.e. bad customer service) carrier (more on that here), but there are other options available. Another reason you need an Italian SIM card is to have access to mobile data, especially when you need to connect to the internet on your PC using hotspot capabilities. For a more user-friendly SIM provider, ideal for shorter term Italy visits (a month or so), consider Airalo. You can get 15% off an eSIM with Airalo here.
An Active US Phone Number
During my first year in Italy, I realized the importance of keeping my US phone number active. Google Voice with my US number ported over worked okay, but not great (details here). For a more reliable solution, I use Google Fi for my US number, which I turn on when I need to receive a one-time-passcode from my bank, for example, or for making occasional work calls. My Google Pixel phone lets me have both eSIM cards active at the same time if needed. Google Fi costs about $25 per month, more if you use data and do a lot of calls.
On a related note, check out my other article Keeping Your US Phone Number While Moving to Italy
Noise-Cancelling Software
Living in Italy often means working in cafés, shared spaces, or simply noisy environments. Krisp (https://krisp.ai/) is a lifesaver for anyone who, like me, does a lot of video calls. When your hardware doesn’t quite cut it in terms of noise cancellation, Krisp steps in to clean up the audio input. It’s amazing how well it works, allowing the person on the other end to hear only your voice. Whether I’m in a loud café or at home with the windows open, Krisp ensures my calls are clear and professional. The tool is free for up to 60 minutes of calling per day, or $8 per month for unlimited.
Password Manager
When you’re juggling multiple accounts and platforms in a foreign country or even at home, having a secure way to manage your passwords is crucial. For years, like an idiot, I wrote all my passwords in a notebook. Not only did this cost my time every time I had to search for a password, it’s proven to be insecure. For a password manager, I use LastPass, which has been indispensable for me. It keeps all your passwords unique and secure, rather than reusing the same one everywhere—a practice that’s both risky and outdated.
Leave your SMS and iMessage habits at home. SMS is old tech, and only 30% of Italians use iOS devices. Everyone in Italy (and probably the better part of Europe) uses WhatsApp, which sends text messages over data/Wi-Fi, rather than using SMS technology. It’s also very common for Italian businesses to use WhatsApp for making restaurant reservations, hotel accommodations, renting Vespas, etc. Additionally, if you’re lucky enough to make friends traveling, when exchanging contact information, you will be asked if you have WhatsApp.
Financial Tools You Need in Italy
Wise
Managing money while living abroad can be tricky, especially when it comes to transferring funds between currencies. Wise is the best platform I’ve found for moving money between currencies when I need to make electronic payments in euros. It provides an IBAN, which is essential in Europe, and also offers debit cards (though I haven’t used that feature yet). I pretty much use Wise only for paying rent and some bills. Sign up with my referral link here to get zero fees on a transfer up to $600.
Travel-Friendly Debit Card
Italy still relies heavily on cash, so you’ll need a means of getting cash quickly and at minimal cost. The best way to get cash in Italy is from an ATM, but the downside is that if it’s an out-of-network ATM (i.e. every bank in Italy), you’ll have to pay a small commission to the ATM. What’s the solution? A debit card that reimburses you for all ATM fees. I’ve been using the Schwab Bank Visa Platinum Debit Card for almost 3 years now. More details about the debit card and getting cash in Italy on my other article here.
The Boring but Essential Items
Codice Fiscale
Codice what? The Codice Fiscale (fiscal code in English) is sort of the Italian equivalent of a social security number. You’ll need this for pretty much every formal process in Italy, from opening a bank account to signing a rental contract, and getting an Italian SIM card. Don’t worry, having a Codice Fiscale doesn’t mean you’ll be paying taxes in Italy—it’s just a unique identification number. The process to obtain one is straightforward and can be done through your local Italian consulate.
International Driving Permit (IDP)
An International Driving Permit (IDP) is essential alongside your driver’s license. While it’s rarely an enforced requirement at the time of car rental, it’s a simple yet crucial document that keeps you on the right side of the law, especially in the event of an incident. It will cost you $20 with AAA (more info here). Note: if you plan on buying a car or driving on a daily basis in Italy, you will need to get an Italian driver’s license.
Travel and Language Tools
Booking.com Account
When it comes to finding places to stay, Booking.com has been my go-to platform. While I don’t love the noisy interface, it offers everything from hotels to hostels to private apartments, often with lower fees than Airbnb. Plus, with Booking.com‘s Genius program, frequent travelers can unlock discounts, free room upgrades, and other perks. Whether I’m planning a 2-day trip or a longer stay, this is where I book most of my accommodations. I may not be a genius in real life, but I’m a Genius Level 3 with Booking.
Italian Lesson Platform
If you can’t speak Italian and live in Italy, your experience will be drastically handicapped. Live, one-on-one video lessons were an absolute game changer for me while learning Italian. I’m a big fan of italki (link). italki is simply a website/app where casual, amateur, and professional teachers can provide video lessons for an hourly rate determined by them. You can filter by language, level, qualification, and where the teacher is from.
