Although we would love to eventually retire in Italy, after annual month long stays in Tuscany over the past 7 years, we have an oppostunity to stay with Italian friends for 9 - 10 months starting next fall. We are semi-retired, plan to keep our house and connections to the U.S. paying U.S. taxes, etc. We also plan to come home twice duing that time for doctor appts, to visit family, etc. We thought doing this would be relatively straightforward (if not easy) but after reading thru this forum we now have concerns:
1) visas - is it true you can stay as a "tourist" for 90 days - return home - then come back to Italy for 90 more days "legally"?
2) vehicle - I have read thru other forum questions re: leasing vs buying a used car. We want to do this the most cost effective way - but understand the restrictions re: need to register the car, etc. Sounds like we may have to impose on our friends to sign for the car? register it? suggestions?
3) Access to cash - ATM fees are high and daily withdrawal amounts restricted. We will do most business online thru our U.S. Bank - but what is less costly way to access our cash for Italian expenses? How difficult is it for a U.S. citizen to open a bank acct in Italy? Or is using an ATM, as we do when we travel, the best solution since we won't be purchasing large items like furniture, etc.
Thanks in advance for your advice.
1) visas - is it true you can stay as a "tourist" for 90 days - return home - then come back to Italy for 90 more days "legally"?
2) vehicle - I have read thru other forum questions re: leasing vs buying a used car. We want to do this the most cost effective way - but understand the restrictions re: need to register the car, etc. Sounds like we may have to impose on our friends to sign for the car? register it? suggestions?
3) Access to cash - ATM fees are high and daily withdrawal amounts restricted. We will do most business online thru our U.S. Bank - but what is less costly way to access our cash for Italian expenses? How difficult is it for a U.S. citizen to open a bank acct in Italy? Or is using an ATM, as we do when we travel, the best solution since we won't be purchasing large items like furniture, etc.
Thanks in advance for your advice.