‘I felt very uncomfortable’: Expat shares the dangers of living in Italy and what to be wary of
2 min readWhile moving abroad is an exciting prospect for many, no place is perfect, and it is not unusual for expats to face difficulties settling into a new country.
Before relocating, it’s important to be aware of specific safety concerns in your chosen location; being well-informed is key to enjoying your expat experience.
An expat in Milan shared her most significant concerns about living in the Italian metropolis. Vlada, who has been in Italy for six years, noted that “Milan is mostly safe, but like any major city, there are certain things to be cautious about”.
On her YouTube channel, Ciao Vlada, the expat spoke about the time her “bike was stolen in front of [her] University”.
Milan is a popular destination amongst tourists and expats alike
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She said: “I came in the morning and locked up my bicycle, but when I returned, it was gone. I am not the only one; many of my friends have also had their’s stolen.”
Bike theft is “very common” in Milan, the expat claimed, so she advised purchasing a “cheaper bicycle”.
If you’re taking the bus, be “very careful” as pickpocketing is common, particularly if the bus is busy.
Vlada explained: “Pickpockets love it when buses are crammed, so if you are carrying a bag, keep it in front of you with all of the pockets zipped. Once, my friend fell asleep on a bus, and his phone was stolen from his pocket.”
The expat also advised people to “never go outside with your luggage at the main train station” in Milan, as it is one of “the sketchiest places after dark”.
She advised: “Stay inside the station. I have heard so many stories, and I felt very uncomfortable there.”
The Metro system, though, is very “well-connected”, and “you do not get this fear of stepping into the Metro like busy New York”.
The YouTuber explained: “Metro stations are close to each other, so if something happens, you can walk.
“Some Metro lines even cover the nearby municipalities, so you can live outside Milan but still have great access to the city.”
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The expat advised those in Milan to make use of the excellent Metro system
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For those considering living outside of Milan and commuting into the city, Vlada recommended looking at towns “at the end of the green line”.
“You can have the best of both,” she stated. “Nature and fewer crowds, and still direct access to the city.”
Another expat in Italy warned that there are several problems you could incur if you decide to move there.
Gregor Brown, who has lived in Italy for 20 years, said on YouTube: “It’s not all wine and sunsets. Italy is great. The slow life, the food, the culture – but there are plenty of differences from your home country that could cause headaches.”
