Naples, Italy Report of what it's like to live there - 10/15/18
Personal Experiences from Naples, Italy
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, I've also lived in Europe, the Caribbean, Asia, and the Pacific.
2. What is your home city/country? How long is the trip to post from there, with what connections? How easy/difficult is it to travel to this city/country?
California, USA. At least two connections from Naples, one in Europe and one in the US.
3. How long have you lived here?
Two years.
4. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Spouse's job.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Large apartment in the high-end area of the city. Beautiful view, not very well-serviced with public transport.
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Cheap and widely available. This is Europe: food is fantastic, and everything is available. Markets are great, mini-marts and supermarkets everywhere and for every pocket.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Nothing.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
Italian food is the best: from pizza to high-end gourmet cuisine, each area has its specialty. Take-out options are plentiful, and delivery works well, but mostly for lunch. Lots of food festival in and around Naples, too. Foreign food options are scarce, mostly Japanese (from worth to best) and kebab.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No, just the occasional mosquito.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
APO for the US. Local post office works well for Italy, for Europe delivery it is hit and miss. I've had letter take two to six weeks, and a package get lost at the custom, though it eventually arrived. Best to have a tracking number, even if it's a bit more expensive.
2. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
Depending of what level of service you require, it can vary from reasonable to very expensive.
3. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
You can use your card almost anywhere, and ATMs work fine and plenty in the large cities.
4. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
In order to socialize and work here, you'll need as much Italian as you can get. Start early or take lessons here, but learn. Otherwise, you could feel quite isolated.
5. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
It depends where; modern buildings have elevators, as well as public buildings. Most buildings are ancient, and a lot of roads are paved. No accommodation for visually impaired persons.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Taxi are a bit expensive and reliable. You can call the central, or flag one in the street. Unless there is a soccer match at the stadium: then most drivers are unavailable.
Buses and metro are ok, though you have to mind the pickpockets, and the schedules can be quite flexible. It is very affordable, especially if you buy a subscription.
2. What kind of car do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car do you advise not to bring?
The smaller the better for the inner cities. This is Europe: streets are narrow and parking scarce. Big cars are fine anywhere else. Avoid taking the car in the city center (use the public transport and taxis), you'll be better off.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Very good, reasonable price ($50 / month). Set up can take a while, though.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Unlocked cell-phone and pre-paid local SIM card.
Employment & Volunteer Opportunities:
1. What types of jobs do most expatriate spouses/partners have? Locally based or telecommuting? Full-time or part-time? Can you comment on local salary scales?
You must speak the language to have a chance of a job on the local economy. You also need a work permit, unless you benefit from a special government agreement or are a EU citizen.
2. What volunteer opportunities are available locally?
There are quite many NGOs, but you will have a better time if you speak the language. The American Women Club is very active.
3. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Business attire at work, casual outside. Italian do dress up when they go out, and at work.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Pickpockets and bag snatchers are in the touristic areas, around the train stations, in the trains, the airports, and the public transports. They seem to be aggressive and agile.
Car and motorcycle traffic: Italians seem to drive very aggressively and impatiently, with little regards to driving regulation. It seems they call or text on their cellphone while driving. It is easy to get into an accident.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
Overall, it's not bad for a city of this size. There is concern of the city water quality, and we have a filter on our sink. Air quality is usually good, except when there is an bush fire around the city (summer fire do happened regularly), and they are many people smoking everywhere.
Medical care is good to excellent, though the facilities are not always up to par. It can take time to have an appointment with a doctor if you depend on the local social security, but when you pay and get reimburse later by your insurance, you can get an appointment within a reasonable timeframe.
3. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
Italy caters to all needs/requirements.
4. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Hot, sunny, and humid year round. In winter, the temperatures are milder, with a chance of snow around the city (but not in the city), for about two weeks.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
Small and large at the same time: expats are here either on the short term (military bases) or residents.
2. What are some typical ways to socialize, either with local people or with other expatriates? Are there groups or clubs that you can recommend?
American Women Club is quite active. Otherwise, join any club that interests you, and you'll meet people. Italians are very friendly and open, but most do not speak a foreign language. A lot of options are available here. I did some horseback riding, bow shooting, gym, Krav Maga, and guitar. If you are interested in something, name it, good chance you'll find it.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
There is so much things to do / see in Naples, around it, in Italy at large and in Europe. This is a good travel point.
4. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
It seems Italians can be quite prejudiced against people of African or Asian origins.
5. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Food, travel, learning the language, history, etc... so many things to do here.
6. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Antics, art, designer's furniture, designer's clothes, and jewelry. Yes, shopping, most definitively.
7. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
The climate, the food, the people (unless they are driving), and the location.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
If you are not a confident driver (think New York, Hanoi, Paris or Manila), take professional defensive driving lessons before moving here.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
Hope of dieting.
4. But don't forget your:
Italian language class, zen.
5. Do you have any other comments?
While you will mostly not notice it as an expat, a lot of Italians lives seem to be impacted by the Camora (mafia) influence on business and lives. Read-up on it if you are interested, or watch one of the many movies.
