Rome, Italy Report of what it's like to live there - 09/10/25
Personal Experiences from Rome, Italy
Background:
1. Was this post your first expatriate experience? If not, what other cities have you lived in as an expat?
No, also lived in Pakistan for a year.
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?
East coast USA, direct and easy flight from NYC/Boston/DC
3. How long have you lived here?
Almost three years.
4. What years did you live here?
2022-2024.
5. What brought you to this city (e.g. diplomatic mission, business, NGO, military, teaching, retirement, etc.)?
Diplomatic Mission.
Housing, Groceries & Food:
1. What is your housing like? What are typical housing sizes, locations, and commute times for expatriates?
Our housing was huge for our family of three. We had four full bathrooms, three bedrooms, and large common areas. The kitchen was a small, galley kitchen, as you would expect in a city apartment. We were walking distance to the embassy (under 30 minutes if you walk fast) although it was considered zone 2. Zone 1 lived as close as a literal stones throw to the embassy, and some zone 3 had longer commutes, but were very close to the schools (AOSR, Marymount).
2. How would you describe the availability and cost of groceries and household supplies relative to your home country?
Groceries were cheaper than the USA, and generally much better quality, especially produce. I truly wanted to do a reverse consumables shipment because everything from dry goods to cleaning supplies etc was better there.
3. What household or grocery items do you wish you had shipped to post?
Certain specific spices/sauces for particular cuisines, however I did end up finding just about everything I needed in specialty markets closer to Termini.
4. What typical restaurants, food delivery services, and/or takeout options are popular among expatriates?
It was difficult to find certain specific cuisines if you had a very particular craving, and the international food was generally quite bland. However, there are restaurants or markets that specialize in almost anything if you know where to look. Italian food does get old after a while.
5. Are there any unusual problems with insects or other infestations in housing?
No.
Daily Life:
1. How do you send and receive your letters and package mail? Are local postal facilities adequate?
DPO/Pouch.
2. What is the availability and cost of household help, and what types of help are typically employed by expatriates?
Most people had housekeepers, and the expected rate was 10 euro an hour. Italy takes their employment laws very seriously, so housekeepers are expected to have holiday/sick time/etc.
3. What kinds of gyms or other sports/workout facilities are available? Are they expensive?
We joined a local pool for our kids, but other than that used the embassy gym (adequate) and home gym.
4. Do you feel that it is safe to walk, run or hike outside? Are there areas where bike riding is possible? What is the availability and safety of outdoor space for exercising? Are these easily accessible?
Yes. Absolutely safe where we lived (parioli) any time of night. There was definitely petty crime, especially in heavy tourist areas, but nothing unexpected for a major city.
5. Are credit cards widely accepted and safe to use locally? Are ATMs common and do you recommend using them? Are they safe to use?
Yes credit cards. There was an ATM at the embassy that was fine but ATMs throughout the city were somewhat suspect. You will likely want an Italian bank account (you can do this through the embassy) and the paperwork was somewhat of a hassle for that.
6. How much of the local language do you need for daily living? Are local language classes/tutors available and affordable?
You could get by with none, especially in tourist areas. However, knowing a few small phrases will get you a long way in the smaller neighborhoods. If you plan to travel outside of Rome, especially to more remote areas, more Italian is recommended.
7. Would someone with physical disabilities have difficulties living in this city?
Extremely difficult. Rome is NOT friendly for someone with physical disabilities. Getting around the city with a stroller was difficult enough. Sidewalks are poorly maintained, bumpy, cars are parked everywhere, randomly blocking access. The buildings are old and many don't have elevators.
Even the buildings with elevators, the doors were too small to accommodate even small strollers. I would not even recommend someone with a physical disability to visit Rome, unless they had the money to hire a private driver to take them everywhere and wait directly outside.
Transportation:
1. Are local buses, trams, trains or taxis safe and affordable?
Yes. Somewhat difficult to figure out at first, but safe and cheap. Taxis are also relatively inexpensive although sometimes there aren't enough taxis for the demand. All forms of transport frequently go on strike.
2. What kind of vehicle(s) including electric ones do you recommend bringing to post, given the terrain, infrastructure, availability of parts, burglary/carjacking risks, etc.? What kind of car or vehicles do you advise not to bring?
I wouldn't bring anything you don't mind getting dinged up. We had a larger sedan that we purchased at post, and private off street garage parking. Highly recommend having a vehicle for weekend travel.
Phone & Internet:
1. Is high-speed home Internet access available? How long does it typically take to install it after arrival?
Yes, it was there upon arrival. I believe we paid an extra month up front to ensure it was installed in time.
2. Do you have any recommendations regarding mobile phones? Did you keep your home-country plan or use a local provider?
Home-country plan, but local provider would have been cheaper.
Pets:
1. Are qualified veterinarians and/or good kennel services available? Do animals need to be quarantined upon entry to the country? Are there other considerations regarding pets that are particular to this country?
I do not have any pets. Rome is extremely dog friendly.
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?
Many EFMs were employed at post.
2. What is the typical dress code at work and in public places? Is formal dress ever required?
Romans take their fashion very seriously. Fashion over function. It is always easy to spot an American amongst Romans. It is also a major faux pas to have wet hair in public.
Health & Safety:
1. Are there personal security concerns to be aware of at this post? Please describe.
Same as any large city.
2. Are there any particular health concerns? What is the quality of available medical care? What medical conditions typically require medical evacuation?
The medical care was excellent. I personally received better OB/GYN medical care in Rome than in the US. The health unit at the US Embassy is excellent and will assist you in coordinating local care.
3. What is the air quality like at post (good/moderate/bad)? Are there seasonal air quality issues? Does the air quality have an impact on health?
Seasonal allergies could be quite bad in Rome, but generally the air quality is very good.
4. What do people who suffer from environmental or food allergies need to know?
You will need to take your allergy medication for seasonal allergies.
Italy takes food allergies very seriously. Every restaurant is required to mention food allergies in every single dish. It would be surprisingly easy to be gluten-free in Rome.
5. Are there any particular mental health issues that tend to crop up at post, such as Seasonal Affective Disorder (winter blues)?
Not really. It does get quite hot in the summer, so you need to plan your outings accordingly so that you can be in shade during the hottest parts of the day.
6. What is the overall climate: is it extremely hot or cold, wet or dry, at any time of year, for example?
Rome has noticeable seasons. It gets quite hot in the summer.
Schools & Children:
1. What is the availability of international schools? What has been your general experience with them, if any?
There were a few schools to choose from, and everyone spoke highly of all of them. AOSR and Marymount seemed like the two main choices for middle school and high school, but there were others as well.
2. Are preschools available? Day care? Are these expensive? What has been your experience with them, if any? Do the schools provide before- and/or after-school care?
Day care is available and we paid about 700euro a month for one child, full time, 8am-6pm with all meals provided. It was Italian speaking only and wonderful (Nido La Luna Blu).
3. Are local sports classes and/or activities available for kids?
My child was too young for extracurriculars so I can't speak to this.
Expat Life:
1. What is the relative size of the expatriate community? How would you describe overall morale among expatriates?
There is an expatriate presence in Rome. People seem happy generally. Different expatriate social groups hosted different types of gatherings based on interest.
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?
I didn't really get involved in this, but these types of groups definitely exist in Rome.
3. Is this a good city for single people? For couples? For families? Why or why not?
I can't speak to being single, but it was a great post for a family with a young child. It probably would have been even better as a couple with no kids, as the travel/cuisine options were endless!
4. Is it easy to make friends with locals here? Are there any prejudices or any ethnic groups who might feel uncomfortable here?
Having a young kid, it was easy to meet other young parents at the playground, daycare etc. I personally noticed prejudice against Black people and Asian people.
5. Is this a good city for LGBT expatriates? Why or why not?
I believe so.
6. Are there problems with ethnic, race/racial minorities or religious prejudices? Gender equality?
Due to the number of African immigrants, Italians were very prejudiced against black people. I can't speak to religion.
7. What have been the highlights of your time in this country? Best trips or experiences?
Traveling around Tuscany & Sicily were my highlights, but we traveled as much as possible and it was all amazing.
8. What are some interesting/fun things to do in the area? Can you recommend any “hidden gems"?
There is so much history in Rome, you could visit a different museum every day and probably never repeat yourself.
9. Is this a "shopping post"? Are there interesting handicrafts, artwork, antiques, or other items that people typically buy there?
Hand blown Murano glass was my personal favorite but not cheap.
10. What are the particular advantages of living in this city?
Food. Groceries or restaurant food. The quality is better than anything you will get in the US.
Words of Wisdom:
1. What do you wish you had known about this particular city/country before moving there?
Possibly more of the language. I got by with what little I had, but I think I could have made friends more easily and assimilated more quickly with more Italian.
2. Knowing what you know now, would you still move to this city?
Yes, absolutely.
3. If you move here, you can leave behind your:
consumables.
4. But don't forget your:
dressy clothes.
5. Do you recommend any books or movies about this city/country for those who are interested in learning more?
Roman history books
6. Do you have any other comments?
I would move back tomorrow if I could.
