Episode 35

From Clickbait to Reality: Spotting Fake News About Moving to Italy

In this episode of A New Life in Italy, I’m tackling a topic that’s more relevant than ever: fake news and misleading information about moving to Italy. Let’s face it—when you’re navigating the overwhelming amount of advice online, it can be hard to know what’s true and what’s not. That’s why I’m here to help you separate fact from fiction, especially when it comes to something as life-changing as relocating to a new country.

We’ll start by looking at how misinformation creeps into our lives—not just in politics, but in health advice, travel tips, and, yes, all the details about moving to Italy. Acting on half-truths or sensationalized claims can lead to costly mistakes and big disappointments, and I don’t want that for you.

In this episode, I’ll break down some of the most common myths about moving to Italy:

  • Tax Benefits for Expats: You’ve probably heard that Italy offers massive tax breaks for foreigners, but the reality is more nuanced. I share the story of a couple who got into serious trouble by not properly declaring their worldwide income, proving why it’s so important to understand tax obligations and work with a qualified professional.
  • Visa Misconceptions: Think you can get an investor visa by buying property? Or that the elective residency visa is as straightforward as it sounds? I’ll debunk those myths and explain the truth behind these popular visa options.
  • One Euro Homes: Those €1 homes everyone talks about? They’re real, but there’s way more to the story—like extensive renovations and strict timelines. I’ll help you see the full picture so you don’t get caught up in the hype.

I’ll also share tips to help you navigate the noise and find reliable information. Whether it’s checking sources, consulting professionals, or recognizing when something is too good to be true, these strategies will empower you to make smarter, more confident decisions about your move.

By the end of this episode, you’ll have a clearer understanding of how to avoid the traps of fake news and misinformation—and how to focus on the facts that will help make your Italian dream a reality. Tune in and let’s get started!

Resources:

Smart Move Italy

Long Term Rentals Citreon

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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! 

Until next time! 

Ci vediamo!

Mentioned in this episode:

Sentire Media Website

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