Moving to a new country in search of work and better opportunities? Relocating can be both exciting and scary, but being prepared for what to expect is a good way to get yourself grounded somewhere new. Rewire’s relocation guides are meant to help you with the essential information you’ll need to get started in a new country.
Italy: Quick Facts for Migrants from The Philippines
- Population: 17 million
- Capital: Rome
- Main language: Italian
- Emergency phone numbers: 113
- Electricity: 230 volts, 50Hz
- Currency: Euro
- Euro to Philippine Peso: 1 Euro = ~57 PHP
- Embassy: Viale delle Medaglie d’Oro, 114, Rome; https://romepe.dfa.gov.ph/
Finding an Apartment in Italy
Before you even land in Italy, it’s possible to begin your apartment search online ahead of time. This will help give you an idea of rental costs and neighborhoods. These are some websites you can use to begin your search:
In Italy, some of the rental contracts are for multiple years, such as 4 years with an option to extend for another 4. While you can find rentals for a shorter term or even ask for one, this is something to keep in mind while you’re looking.
If you’re unsure how much rent you’ll be able to afford, take a look at our budgeting for migrants series. You’ll get a clearer picture of how to manage money abroad while still saving enough to send money to The Philippines from Italy.
Finding Work in Italy
Some foreigners have found it to be a challenge to find work in Italy because of their language skills. Often, if you have good spoken English, you’ll be able to find work, otherwise, it’s recommended to pick up some basic Italian to help you overcome language barriers. Knowing some Italian will also help you in the job search process as a migrant since you’ll be able to read and respond to posted ads for work. Here are some websites you can use when searching for jobs in Italy.
Getting Around Italy
You’ll likely need to rely on public transit when you just arrive to find apartments and interview for jobs, so it’s worth gaining an understanding of how the system works before getting to Italy. The public transit system throughout Italy is quite good and reliable. There are high-speed trains to take you between cities as well as local trains that cover smaller areas. Aside from that, there are buses that run between cities and even to other European countries, such as Megabus and Flixbus. Within each city, you’ll also find city buses and local metro networks in larger cities like Rome and Milan.
Send Money to The Philippines from Italy
Sending money home is likely one of your priorities, so if you want to transfer money to The Philippines without stepping foot in a bank or transfer bureau, then consider using an online money transfer service. Rewire helps Filipinos around the world manage their money while living abroad. You can send money home through its app or website, pay your SSS online, get a debit card for easy spending in Europe, and much more.
Looking for other ways to manage your money? We’ve got some tips for migrants on managing their money in Italy.
To Wrap Up
As the home of some of our favorite foods, like pizza, pasta, and gelato, there’s no way you won’t enjoy the time you spend working in Italy. However, to ensure you have a smooth transition into a new lifestyle, make sure you have an idea of what to expect when you arrive.
