What Surprised Me When Moving from the UK to Italy

May 13, 2025 by Anne Baker

Two years ago, I packed up my flat in Bristol and moved to a quiet town in southern Italy. It wasn’t a spur-of-the-moment decision—my partner and I had been dreaming of it for years. But still, moving from the UK to Italy came with surprises I hadn’t expected.This post is a mix of my personal reflections and conversations I've had with others who made the move—friends, neighbors, and some now-familiar faces from the market or language exchange group.

The Pace of Life is (Really) Slower

I’d heard it a thousand times before moving: “Life in Italy moves slower.” But I didn’t truly understand it until I was waiting three weeks to open a bank account.One neighbor, Marta—a retired nurse from Sussex—told me over coffee, “I thought I’d be able to sort everything in a week. I learned quickly that ‘domani’ doesn’t always mean tomorrow.” We laughed, but I could tell she had been through the same adjustment.

Bureaucracy Was a Wake-Up Call

Back home, I took for granted how straightforward paperwork could be. In Italy, I found myself navigating layers of forms, stamps, and appointments (often in Italian).A tip: make copies of everything. And don’t expect English translations. My friend Tom, originally from Manchester, joked that he’s now on first-name terms with the woman at the town hall—and not because they’re friends.

Speaking Italian Opens Doors

Before moving, I had basic Italian. But ordering lunch is different from opening a bank account or setting up utilities.That’s why I’m so passionate about building language skills tied to real-life scenarios. Practicing “How do I get to the nearest doctor?” or “Can you fix the water heater?” became much more useful than memorizing fruit names.Yesterday, my my best friend Daniela, reminded me, “Italians love when you try. Even if it’s broken, they appreciate the effort.” And she’s right—every small step helped me feel more at home.

Buying a Home Can Be a Maze

I was tempted to buy right away, but thankfully we decided to rent first. That decision saved us from settling in the wrong area. Prices, pace, and even microclimates vary wildly across Italy.Some friends who rushed into buying have since moved again. Everyone I’ve met here agrees: take your time.

It’s Not Cheaper—It’s Simpler

Yes, groceries are more affordable, and property taxes are reasonable. But the real value is in the quality of life.Evenings are for walking and chatting. Food is local. Community matters. It’s a change, but a welcome one.

Moving to Italy? Here’s What I’d Say

Learn the language early, especially practical, scenario-based phrases.
Don’t rush into buying property.
Expect paperwork delays and plan accordingly.
Join local communities and embrace small talk.

One Last Thing…

If you’re seriously thinking about moving from the UK to Italy, use Bella Retirement unique language learning platform for people who wants to retire in Italy.👉 Try the Free Starter Kit

Written by a British expat who finally found home under the Italian sun.