Episode 54

Don't Lose Your Dream House Over a Wire Transfer

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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Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

APP Link

Sentire Media Website

About the Podcast

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A New Life in Italy
Live longer. Spend less. Smile more.

About your hosts

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Samantha Wilson

For those who know me and those whom I have had the honor to help move to Italy, you know that I am obsessed with taking complex things and boiling them down into small, actionable, easy-to-do steps.

I am a bit of a freak about it and can’t remember when I wasn’t the “problem solver – solution seeker” in the confused crowd.

My dad used to say I was just stubborn or unwilling to accept “you can’t do that” for an answer. Still, I always believed that if you can look at a problem from every angle, break it down, and have the support and knowledge to move through and over the barriers, anything is possible.

Now, in my new life in Italy, I use my obsession with planning and finding solutions to help people from all over the world successfully move to Italy, whether to live part-time or full-time, with less stress and mistakes.

I am considered one of the top relocation experts in Italy and am the founder and Chief Dream Maker at Smart Move Italy (www.smartmoveitaly.com) where my team of experts and I work tirelessly to help smooth the pathway to a new life in Italy- and I hope that we can help you too.
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London Niro

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Ali Frothingham