lagunacat
American expat in Italy
Forum posts
52
Contacts
5
About me
American
Lives in Venice, Veneto
Registration: 14 August 2009
Drivers test for non EU by Huckleberry2025
Hello all. I searched the previous posts but have a more specific question about the drivers license test. We still have our USA and International licenses. Italy does not reciprocate with the US so we must start from the beginning like a teenager. ...
@kathyje Genius! I really admire your creativity in obtaining your license. I, like you, have a learning disability when it comes to languages and still cannot understand Italian when spoken. This after many years of studying and living here.Bravo Read More
Evolution of banking services in Italy by Cheryl
Hello everyone, With rapid technological advancements, banking services are digitizing at lightning speed. Expats are thus propelled into a new era of options and payment methods, disrupting the traditional banking services of local ...
Hi,Italian banking has evolved quite a bit with online banking, apps, security, etc. over the last few years. However Italian banks are not foreigner friendly and it can be quite difficult to open an account. Especially if you are US born. ... Read More
Buy Home - Cinquefrondi by ixDavidxi
Hello, I am a German/American currently residing in Romania. It has come to my attention that the town of a Cinquefrondi is seeking investors to renovate homes and repopulate the town. I am interested in purchasing one of these homes. I understand ...
Those emails just bounce back. Read More
Italian citizenship by descent. by DanielAustralia
Hi, I've been looking at getting my Italian citizenship by descent if possible. So my great grandfather came from Italy in the 1930s to Australia. He never got Australian citizenship. My grandfather never claimed Italian citizenship. He is an ...
As Cynic stated, the onus is on you to find all the docs. Which will include birth, death, marriage, divorce, name change, etc., for all generations. Read More
Troubled and Confused by laststanding
Just wanting to get some opinions from people out there. So here is my situation and please feel free to express opinions. Ok here it is and see ! A year and a half ago I married my Vietnamese girlfriend of 4 years. Our relationship and experience ...
Wow, sounds like my ex, who was Chinese. In the year or so I was with her I think the most honest thing she said to me was (in an angry rage after telling a blatant lie) “I DONT SAY SORRY”!!! And she didn’t mean in that instance, ... Read More
Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam by gobot
Article of interest to expats. "Fleeing" is hyperbole, and only offers speculation about why banks are leaving/divesting. [url=http://www.atimes.com/article/foreign-banks-fleeing-vietnam/]Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam[/url]
Excellent, that will make Timo a viable solution. Thanks! The DL went pretty smoothly but I had a local doing all the interactions. About 15 mins at the translation office (very nice staff), to translate my CA dL, which was returned. 110,000d. Then ... Read More
Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam by gobot
Article of interest to expats. "Fleeing" is hyperbole, and only offers speculation about why banks are leaving/divesting. [url=http://www.atimes.com/article/foreign-banks-fleeing-vietnam/]Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam[/url]
Right, but I live in VT and just want to be able to make deposits when I want without having to travel to Saigon. I have no problem going there to set up the account. Just need to confirm my deposit/transfer options. I’ve actually got a signed ... Read More
Online banking - Timo presentation by dudumomo
Hi guys, Today I have just discovered Timo, an online bank from (or based on) VPBank, so I though I could share a bit about this bank. timo.vn/en So this morning, I've completed the online form (Quite simple) and few hours later they call me to ...
Can you transfer money FROM an overseas bank to your Timo accoun? I like the whole concept of a Timo but I live in a Vung Tau. I don’t want to travel to Saigon every time I want to make a deposit. I thought I would just open an account with VP ... Read More
Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam by gobot
Article of interest to expats. "Fleeing" is hyperbole, and only offers speculation about why banks are leaving/divesting. [url=http://www.atimes.com/article/foreign-banks-fleeing-vietnam/]Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam[/url]
As an after-thought, do you hold an American passport? I know financial institutions the world over will go to great lengths to avoid having Americans as clients, due to the onerous FATCA laws etc. This has caused many problems for people in Europe ... Read More
Blue card copy
Thanks for your reply. I figured I would just get my own insurance just to be safer. Read More
Blue card copy
A local is going to rent me a motor bike for a few months. Is it ok to only have a copy of the blue card on my possession? Read More
Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam by gobot
Article of interest to expats. "Fleeing" is hyperbole, and only offers speculation about why banks are leaving/divesting. [url=http://www.atimes.com/article/foreign-banks-fleeing-vietnam/]Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam[/url]
Yes Andy, I did my research beforehand and that is why I chose ACB and Technobank. I also wanted to go with Timo but they would not give me a straight answer as to whether they will sign a Vung Tau resident. Apparently they sign you up at a HCM ... Read More
Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam by gobot
Article of interest to expats. "Fleeing" is hyperbole, and only offers speculation about why banks are leaving/divesting. [url=http://www.atimes.com/article/foreign-banks-fleeing-vietnam/]Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam[/url]
Thanks for your reply. Yes it was branch/bank policy regarding the minimum 6 month visa (Techcombank downtown Vung Tau). They even put me on the phone with a fluent English speaker. He told me to come back when I have a longer visa. I was alone and ... Read More
Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam by gobot
Article of interest to expats. "Fleeing" is hyperbole, and only offers speculation about why banks are leaving/divesting. [url=http://www.atimes.com/article/foreign-banks-fleeing-vietnam/]Foreign Banks Fleeing Viet Nam[/url]
Only a passport and visa? I have both but the first two banks I visited today showed me the door. First because I didn’t have labor contract and the second because my visa was not longer than 6 months. Read More
New members of the Vietnam forum, introduce yourselves here - 2018 by Julien
Hi all, Newbie on the Vietnam forum? Dont know how to start? This thread is for you ;) We invite you to introduce yourself on this topic, to share with us your expat story if you are already living in the country, or to tell us more on ...
Thanks for this post. I agree, there seems to be quite a bit of negative posts from expats regarding Vietnamese people. I don’t get it. Like the rest of the world is populated with angels? As with Matt’s comment “don’t trust ... Read More
how to open a bank account in Vietnamese by viktoriach
Help me please somebody can explain how to open a bank account in Vietnamese
Can you open a Timo account if you live in Vung Tau? I have emailed them three times and they will not give me a straight answer. I asked them 3 different ways but they will not say yes or no. They will only say they do not have a ... Read More
Owning a car in Italy without being resident. by Guest8732
Hi, does anyone know how to do the above - own a car in Italy without being resident? As far as I can see it's not possible. I was told at the vehicle registration office that the best thing to do is buy a car in France! That's terrible ...
That is so Italian! You can own a home here, pay heavy taxes on that home but cannot register a car. Read More
Can't deposit cash into my account? by treesahquiche
I was told by Vietcombank that I couldn't deposit cash into my account because I'm a foreigner, and I could only do account-to-account transfers. Apparently only my employer is allowed to deposit money into my account. I'm not really clear on the ...
This thread is about problems expats have depositing cash into Vietnam banks. Read More
Can't deposit cash into my account? by treesahquiche
I was told by Vietcombank that I couldn't deposit cash into my account because I'm a foreigner, and I could only do account-to-account transfers. Apparently only my employer is allowed to deposit money into my account. I'm not really clear on the ...
I tried to sign up with GlobalWebPay but it appears you need to be a UK resident. Great solution IF you are a UK resident. Read More
Our dream of living in Italy...shattered by mlbucine
It is a very long sad story but here is the summary....We took early retirement, took out our pensions and set out to live in Italy. We followed all the rules. Went through all the bureaucratic hoops in Italy. Put a deposit on a home. Bought a ...
@mlbucine you are wrong. You do not need to get a new passport when you change your address! The process is not convoluted. You can move to a new state, rent an apartment, get a drivers license, apply to the new Consolato all within two weeks. I ... Read More
Cost of living in Italy - 2017 by Priscilla
Hello, Before moving to Italy, it is important to investigate the cost of living in the country. As we did in 2015, we give you the opportunity to share your experience and tell us more about products and services average recorded prices in ...
There are very few of these questions I can answer because I do not buy gas, have a gym membership, kids, etc. I can say that my health care services are extremely low cost compared to the States. I am a citizen here so that might be part of the ... Read More
Permanent residency in Italy and Healthcover by Tekkytyke
Can anyone clear the fog for me.? The recent Referendum in the UK got me looking at the status of EU expats and I am more confued than ever. We retired (early retirement) and moved to Italy permanently in March 2013 (tax resident effectively ...
I can answer your first question. I just received my Carte d'Identita and the expiration is 2027. So maybe the laws have changed. Can't answer the permission question because I don't need one so have no idea of the process. Also just ... Read More
What am I missing? by lagunacat
Ok so my first few days in Spain (Málaga) I have found the Spainards to be very friendly and accommodating. One couple even invited me to join them at their table. However now I am in a small town up north for a week now and I have had a ...
Luisto, Thanks for the in depth response! Yes it helps me understand better. Though when I first wrote the post I had just arrived in Spain. I am no longer there but by the end of my six months in Spain I understood the 'habits'' of ... Read More
Ciao a tutti anyone living in Venice or near by?
Hello, I am in Mestre. Only for a few months now. Vincente Read More
Looking for house/pet sitting opportunity
Hello, I am an American with Italian citizenship looking for a house or pet sitting situation. Nothing short term. I have a lot of experience in both areas and can provide good references. I am trying to experience different areas of Italy without ... Read More
What you wish you had known beforehand!!! by Sarah WR
If you are now living in Spain or close to moving, what would be the most important piece of advice you would give to someone at the start of their journey?
Amen on the driving and talking! Read More
What am I missing? by lagunacat
Ok so my first few days in Spain (Málaga) I have found the Spainards to be very friendly and accommodating. One couple even invited me to join them at their table. However now I am in a small town up north for a week now and I have had a ...
Thanks for your input. I have noticed the thing about the cars. A local guy here I know saw me sitting at a sidewalk table and he parked in a marked crosswalk. Put his flashers on and sat and had a beer with me. Policia came by at one point and ... Read More
What am I missing? by lagunacat
Ok so my first few days in Spain (Málaga) I have found the Spainards to be very friendly and accommodating. One couple even invited me to join them at their table. However now I am in a small town up north for a week now and I have had a ...
One time is an incident. This happened 3 days in a row so I figured I needed to understand why. I had a local here tell me today it is not unusual and to just push your way through. Read More
What am I missing? by lagunacat
Ok so my first few days in Spain (Málaga) I have found the Spainards to be very friendly and accommodating. One couple even invited me to join them at their table. However now I am in a small town up north for a week now and I have had a ...
Ok, then it will be! I will assimilate! Thank you for both replies as it will help me understand and react. JB80 thank you for the "welcome/thank you" comment. I agree with you. I am an extremely polite person and have been even more so ... Read More
What am I missing?
Ok so my first few days in Spain (Málaga) I have found the Spainards to be very friendly and accommodating. One couple even invited me to join them at their table. However now I am in a small town up north for a week now and I have had a ... Read More
Rip-off's by Ex Compton
We have been in Spain for three months. Just after arrival we were warned, by a fellow Brit , that the people most likely to rip off a Brit was another Brit. I would like to here other ex pat points of view. We have been ripped off twice since that ...
Good to know. I am an American and just arrived in Spain. I have found the Spanairds very warm and extremely helpful. The reason this subject perked my interest is because before I arrived I had connected with a rental agency over the interwebs ... Read More
moving to italy - Is it possible ? by rattywye
hi everybody ,I'm paul and hopefully looking for advice about moving to Italy so 1st a bit about me ,, I'm 46 and sadly recently divorced and I am considering moving to Italy with a view of being there full time but wanted to hear if its ...
Hello Nieve, I came across your post and wanted to know if you know of anyone who rents places or do you just offer Workaway positions? Thanks, Vincente Read More
Moving to Verona- how to get a codice fiscale by meg2008
Hello, We are moving to Verona for a year's stay on 1 July 2015. Who knew moving a few household goods and books, etc would require such a list of documents. Does anyone have any idea how I get a Codice Fiscale prior to moving or do,you pack ...
Hi Meg, Do you know what the approx. rent would be for a studio apt. in Verona? Thanks, Vincente Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
Got the pics. So cute the 'jail' one. Didn't know you brought two of them over! I think you're right about Sassy. She sleeps in my bed all day, right where Simon slept. So strange considering Sassy had never been here before and now ... Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
I saw that priest on the news with David Muir! You're so right about Tom. The guy is so blessed that he tends to lose focus on that. He is the last person who should be pouting. Maybe Giselle wised him up! Not sure what the email issue is. I ... Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
Hi Susan, I totally understand so no worries! Holding off probably makes sense on your part. Definitely let me know if you want to work together in the future. Either way stay in touch, maybe we can meet up in Italy someday. Tom Terrific redeemed ... Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
Still no emails. Not sure what is going on. Still getting other emails. Vincente Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
No. Last one I received was Friday morning. I checked my spam box and nothing there. Try sending it again, if you can. Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
Hi Susan, Just wanted to check to see if you received my last email (Friday) and if you had anymore thoughts? Ciao, Vincente Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
So you live down by Foxboro? (Patriots are finished! Or I should say Tom Brady) I was born in Worcester and lived in Rockland/Hanover as a boy. Never heard of Sefro (yes send photos!) but sounds interesting. I have been to Ancona. So if it sounds ... Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
PS. I grew up on South Shore and lived in Boston for quite a few years! Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
Hi Susan, Where is your property located? I would consider living there part time. I have dual citizenship (US and Italian) so wouldn't have any visa issues. Currently living in CA but I do want to live in Italy part time to beef up my language ... Read More
Real Estate VAT tax by slh43
My husband and I were recently asked to pay 11500 euros because we were unable to reside in our Italian home 6 months/year for the past 2 years. We plan to return early spring 2015 It was our intention at the time we purchased to property to do that ...
Why don't you have someone live in your house while you are not there? Would this avoid the tax? Vincente Read More
Complicated driver license exchange by Carlazzomark
I am an American/Italian (two passports) who has a Michigan, USA, driver license and wish to exchange it for a French driver license under the reciprocity agreement. Am I able, with my Italian passport (and therefore no requirement for a carte de ...
From riviera.angloinfo.com/countries/france/exlicence.asp 'If the license was issued by any of the following states it may be exchanged in the same way as EU and EEA member licences provided application is made within nine months of being issued a ... Read More