Tony114's activity

Questions Asked

I've been trying to set up a direct debit on my Italian bank account to pay ENEL via the ENEL site but either it doesn't, 'take' or else it seems to work but checking later the direct debit has dropped out.

I usually drive to Italy with my old style UK paper drivers licence with no photo.  Back in early 2020 this was also good to show for car hire.  Have the rules changed since Brexit?  is an old style UK paper licence still valid for

Just in case it might help anyone not already aware.  My comune is discounting the costs of IMU by 37.5% for second home owners resident abroad who are in receipt of a recognized pension as proof of retired status.

Any recommendations on an Italian bank? I have used MPS for years and they are fine and I can manage stuff online but they seem expensive, I assume to pay for an extensive branch network.

 

Comments posted

Thank you both Babs and Ugo.  I will try Paypal if my latest attempt fails.  Up till now I have relied on a relative for admin but now I am retired/occasional contract work I want to take over that so I understand the detail.  Understanding IMU and TARI calculations is less interesting than just going for another cappuccino but most of the numbers don't seem to change from year to year, just the annual uplift factor that, I think, is locally set and determines the amount to be paid.  I understand that some Commune will even do the calculation for you, I haven't tried mine yet.  I do want to get motivated to write a little self guide as the process is just unfamiliar (even to locals) but is hardly rocket science.  I shall now wait to see if my latest attempt on a direct debit goes through this week.

Babs, many thanks. My place is in Tuscany. Weird that setting up a direct debit via the App with such major company should be so difficult with an Italian bank account. I might have to switch supplier or use PayPal. Once again thanks.

Public transport is pretty good year round and should be less crowded out of the main season. If using the train then download the trenitalia app which also has an English language version and makes planning and buying easy. With buses you need to check if you have to buy in advance (tabaccaio or tourist off) and then stamp it when boarding the bus.

My understanding is that an Italian citizen (including dual nationals) living outside Italy, say in the UK is RESIDENTE in the UK and DOMICILIATO in the Italian comune that is linked to their AIRE record. The place of domicile is determined by the place of last actual residence in Italy, or if never resident in Italy, then the place of the last residence of the relative that gave citizenship. So if your father emigrated from Rome to London where a son was born then the father and son are domiciled in Rome but resident in London.

For what it's worth...

It depends how often you will use it and the type of property. If a second home then I would consider bottled gas for main heating and hot water and a pellet burner as a supplementary for the main room. You are then not paying for an installation like solar from which you would get a limited return. Air source heat pumps are becoming popular because they also act as air coolers in summer. We run bottle gas and will likely swap the aircon unit to a heatpump as can use existing wiring and plumbing. Piemonte is colder so a pellet burner might be better as a secondary source.

 

You're always on the ball. Thanks for the reminder.

Cheers. I'll have to give it a go.

Alan, i've also been thinking of getting a tag. I was thinking of Telepass as the cost is the same, 4 euro for a month used but they will not ship to a UK address. Otherwise looks as good as other offers, linked to a credit card, and easy to change reg number.

A question with Bip&Go, can it be shared across different vehicles or is it linked to one reg? Never heard of this brand which seems cheaper than other offers if used in a single country, though month of use cost is hardly a deal breaker. Cheers.

I think you just need to find metal fencing you like and most builders merchants will deliver. I agree with asking neighbours if they know anyone who will lend a ladder, a good way to break the ice as most people are willing to help.

The internet is your friend. There are loads of guides. It depends on where you are in Tuscany, transport, weather and how far you want to walk or cycle. There are nice bits out of Lucca, San Gimignano and Monteriggione. Nice time of year to sample.