Ciao friends — it’s Samantha, and in this episode of A New Life in Italy, we’re talking about something that no one tells you enough about when buying property in Italy: how to actually move your money… without losing your mind, your deal, or your savings.

You’ve probably been dreaming about that hilltop farmhouse or beachy little pied-à-terre. You find the one, make the offer… and boom. Things get real. Fast.

But here’s the thing: Italy isn’t going to sit around and wait while your bank tries to figure out how to send euros across the ocean. If you don’t plan ahead, you could miss out entirely. I’ve seen it happen—more than once.

In this episode, I sit down with my go-to currency expert Rachel Canalis from GC Partners. She’s helped tons of our clients transfer big sums securely, quickly, and—bonus—usually with a way better exchange rate than their bank.

We share some real-life stories, including one (ouch) where a couple lost their dream home in Umbria because their money didn’t land in time. Spoiler: their bank caused all the drama, and the backup buyer got the house.

Rachel and I talk about what to do instead—like opening a currency account early, locking in your exchange rate, and working with someone who actually knows the process inside and out. We also cover how to handle deposits if you don’t have an Italian bank account (hint: your notaio can help with that), and why compliance checks are no joke when sending large international transfers.

If you’re even thinking about buying property in Italy, this is the stuff that will save you time, stress, and possibly thousands of euros. I promise, it’s not just boring money talk—this is the behind-the-scenes stuff that makes or breaks your dream.

So grab your espresso, and let’s talk about how to avoid the currency traps and get those keys in your hand—with confidence.

Ciao for now! 🇮🇹✨

Resources

GC Partners Free Account

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If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Hey there, it’s Samantha!

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m digging into something that surprises a lot of people: why summer is actually one of the worst times to start your move to Italy—and what you should be doing instead.

I know, I know… sunshine, Aperol spritzes, the dream of strolling into your new Italian life with sunglasses and gelato in hand—it all sounds perfect. But trust me, summer is not the time to pack your bags and expect things to fall into place. It’s the time to prep, not pounce.

Let’s talk Ferragosto. It’s that magical (and maddening) stretch in August when Italy basically hits pause. Offices shut down, real estate agents disappear, and even the most basic bureaucratic tasks suddenly become impossible. In the episode, I share the story of a lovely Canadian family who learned this the hard way—they tried to move in August and ran straight into a wall of closed doors (literally and figuratively). It was chaos.

So, what should you do instead?

Summer is your secret weapon for getting organized. I walk you through three essential things to focus on right now:

1. Gather your documents
2. Decide which visa path is right for you
3. Set a realistic budget (because spoiler: Italy is dreamy, but it still comes with bills)

I also break down the 7 Key Decisions you’ll need to make to move to Italy successfully—things like where to live, whether to rent or buy, how to support yourself, and more. If you’re feeling stuck or overwhelmed, this episode is going to help you slow down and get strategic.

You’ll also hear me answer some great listener questions—about the timing of visa applications, whether summer scouting trips are worth it (they are!), and how to gear up for a September start when everything in Italy comes back to life.

If you’re dreaming of Italy, now’s the time to start planning—not panicking.

🎁 And don’t forget to grab your free guide:

The Seven Key Decisions to Plan Your Move to Italy

This checklist is your roadmap to turning “someday” into a real, doable plan.

So pour yourself a cold spritz, take a breath, and let’s get planning.

Ciao for now!

— Samantha

Resources:

Download the 7 Key Decisions Free Guidebook

Book a Tax Evaluation Call

Listen to Episode Save Money On Your Move to Italy

Numbeo Cost of Living Tool

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at

How Fast Can You Really Move to Italy? Let’s Talk Timing.

Hey there, it’s Samantha! If you’ve ever found yourself wondering how soon can I actually move to Italy?—this episode is for you.

I’m diving into what the timing really looks like depending on your situation. Whether you’re dreaming of moving in six months… or six days, I break down the fastest paths (and the not-so-fast ones), so you know what to expect.

If you’ve got Italian or EU citizenship, good news—you’re already ahead of the game. But even then, there are things to think about, especially if you’re moving with a non-EU spouse or partner. You’ll still need a home lined up and documents like the idoneità alloggitiva before you pack your bags.

For everyone else, I walk through visa options—like the Elective Residency Visa, which can be surprisingly quick if your finances are straightforward. I also explain why the Investor Visa might be a smart (and fast) alternative, especially since you don’t need to secure housing before applying.

Then, we shift gears and talk about the slower routes—like the Digital Nomad Visa or Student Visa—where bureaucracy can drag things out. I share what to avoid, what to prepare early, and why August and December might not be the best times to make your big move.

And of course, I answer your questions—about property, visas, documents, and all the nitty-gritty you’ve been asking me in emails, DMs, and calls.

So if Italy’s calling and you’re trying to figure out how soon you can answer, this episode will give you a clear roadmap. Grab a notebook and let’s walk through it together.

Ciao for now!

—Samantha

Rate, Review, & Follow

If you loved this episode and want to hear more, please consider rating and reviewing my show! This helps me support more people — just like you — to move toward their new life in Italy and live the life they deserve.

Tap to rate with five stars, and select “Write a Review.” Then be sure to let me know what you loved most about the episode!

Also, if you haven’t done so already, follow the podcast. I’m adding new episodes every week and, if you’re not following, there’s a good chance you’ll miss out. Follow now!

If you want to learn more about ways that my team and I can help you live your dream life in Italy, visit us at www.smartmoveitaly.com or send me an email!

Download the Smart Move Italy App available in iOS and Android.

Until next time!

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

Sentire Media Website

APP Link