Surviving As An Expatriate - In Rome Do As The Romans Do
I am writing this post in response to a lot of new arrivals. You are probably wondering, “How are people really living here?” or “Is it safe?”; “Can I do anything to avoid mistakes at the start?”; “What is the first thing I need to know before I even set out the door?”
That is what this post is all about – survival strategies for expatriates making their way in Rome. We'll look at tips that have been learned from locals, some of whom have lived abroad with their families for many years.
At the end of this post, you'll see a series of questions and answers on what to do in Rome. If you take the time to answer them, I can't promise that you'll agree with the answers I give. However, this information is what has worked for almost everyone else. It's based on two decades of living and working in Rome.
Apartmentfinding.com is a good site to begin your research before arriving in Italy (it's also useful if you are planning to rent). There are some great articles by American based expats who have lived here for years.
You'll also want to find a good place to live. My recommendations will be based on expats I know in Rome. If you find other sources that are more helpful, it's OK. But please do your research before coming to help make it easier for new arrivals.
Let's begin with these three questions:
1) How are people really living here?
The first thing is to realize that Romanians did not come here for a good life. Many of them came for the money and many others came because they wanted a change of pace; a chance to breathe fresh air, see exotic sights and hear new languages.
Rents are still very reasonable and the cost of living is far below other European cities. So, the challenge is not finding a place to live or even making ends meet. It's how you find a good balance between having fun, making new friends, keeping work in perspective and still paying the phone bill on time!
Also, Rome has a well deserved reputation for corruption; an old boy network that makes it almost impossible to compete on merit alone when trying to establish your business here or get a good job.
Unless you work at a multinational firm or represent a big company on your own, you will experience frustrations and obstacles at every turn. Getting permits can be a real nightmare. Plan on spending lots of money on bribes and fees. That's just the way it is in Italy!
2) Is it safe?
Yes, Rome is reasonably safe but just like any big city, you need to use common sense. Keep an eye on what's going on around you and don't walk the streets alone at night. Carry your cell phone with you when walking through parks or around deserted areas late at night.
I'm not saying that it isn't safe, but you need to be vigilant when walking late at night through dark alleys or trying to catch a taxi in front of the train station when you are alone.
3) What is the first thing I need to know before I even set out the door?
Rome has a unique urban landscape with almost every building constructed in ancient times and modified over time until they reached their final form. So, you can't plan on finding an American house or apartment. That is one of the biggest challenges for those moving here from other countries.
You need to be flexible, adapt to the changes and get used to living with the Romans.
If you are a legacy person, you will find many Roman houses in various states of repair. There are plenty of families that sell their dilapidated buildings as they cannot afford to live in them anymore. Some buildings will have tall fences and bars on the windows even though there is no crime going on inside.
These homes were once beautifully decorated and fully furnished but they have been sitting empty for many years now and are not worth trying to buy or rent right away. Most of the time, there is too much “shack-up” to make them more affordable to a first-time expatriate.
You would be best to spend some time on the outskirts until you find a home base in a neighborhood you like and can afford.
4) What should I buy?
In Rome, the rule of thumb is that if it's old or in good condition, it will be expensive; if it's new or slightly used, it will be cheap.
When you first arrive, you can expect to have lots of money left over because at first, everything is so cheap. That will change.
You should also plan on creating a new wardrobe as most of the clothes sold in department stores are made with synthetic materials and cheap fabrics. Fabric shops sell good quality goods but it can be hard to find the right styles for you.
Finally, you'll want to find a place that has a reliable, skilled tailor that can make you custom-made clothing at prices you can afford. Laundromats are plentiful and fairly inexpensive – not as in the U.S., but quite reasonable and easy to use.
5) How can I avoid making mistakes at the start?
The biggest mistake new arrivals make is not learning the local lifestyle and customs. There are obvious cultural differences that you must be aware of. For example, a Roman doesn't kill a fly with a fly swatter; this is considered very rude. Certain things are considered rude to do in public – or to be done in front of others: throwing your trash on the ground, urinating in an alleyway, riding cycles on highways (if you ride them anywhere at all).
These may seem like small details but they are very important when living here. After all, Rome is a very old city and most Romans were raised in homes that respect their families and neighbors.
If you want to fit in, learn how to use the public transportation properly. Learn to ride a bicycle properly. Learn how to behave in churches and museums. Learn the protocol at social events so that you won't embarrass yourself: showing up late, not knowing what to say or when not to speak up are big mistakes here; they show a lack of respect. Also, dress with modesty: no short skirts or tank tops except on the beach, where it gets extremely hot in summer.
Conclusion
Living in Rome can be a wonderful experience for a newcomer. It will not be easy but it is worth the effort to make it happen.
There are so many great things about living here and the people are just wonderful. The lifestyle is very relaxed, yet you should always be aware of your surroundings.
But most importantly, don't make your first impression last! Rome may seem daunting at first but soon enough you will enjoy the best of what her has to offer.
Roma by John Lounsbury Reprinted with permission from http://www.themagazine.