Utilities in Italy

1. The documents you need

Italian suppliers will almost always ask for your codice fiscale (Italian tax code). It's free, and from the US you can apply through the Italian consulate that covers your state. Get it early: without it, most contracts simply won't start.

You'll also need a valid ID (your passport is fine), the property address, and a document showing your right to use the property, such as the purchase deed (rogito) or the rental agreement. Suppliers also ask for a euro bank account (an IBAN) for direct debit: a US checking account usually won't do, so plan on an Italian or EU account.

2. Electricity and gas: voltura, subentro and new connections

Every electricity supply has a POD code and every gas supply a PDR code. Think of them as the meter's ID number. You'll find them on a previous bill for the property. Ask the seller, landlord or agent for one.

If the meter is still active, you'll do a voltura: the contract just moves into your name. If the meter has been switched off, it's a subentro: it needs to be reactivated. A brand-new or heavily renovated property may need a new connection (nuovo allaccio), which takes longer.

Good news: you choose your supplier. The previous occupant's supplier isn't automatically yours.

Heads-up for Americans: Italy runs on 230 V and 50 Hz, with type F and L plugs, so US appliances need a converter unless they're dual-voltage. And most homes have a contracted power limit of about 3 kW: run the oven, the dryer and the AC together and the meter trips. You can ask for a higher limit.

3. Home internet and cell phone

Home internet depends heavily on the address. Some places have full fiber to the home, others mixed fiber and copper, others rely on wireless or satellite. Check coverage for the exact address before you choose.

Activation can take a few weeks, so start before you move. Look at contract length, activation fees and router costs, not just the monthly price.

For your cell phone, an Italian SIM is usually cheap and quick to get. You'll need ID and your codice fiscale. Check that your US phone is unlocked first.

4. Water and local providers

Water isn't a free market in Italy: it's managed by a local provider assigned to your area, so there's nothing to compare. You just need to transfer or open the contract with the right one.

In some apartment buildings (condomini) water is billed through the building's shared expenses. Ask the building administrator (amministratore di condominio) how it works.

5. Your checklist before leaving the US

Get your codice fiscale. Collect a recent bill for the property with POD and PDR codes. Have your deed or rental agreement ready. Check internet coverage and book early. Open a euro bank account. Decide whether Italy will be your main residence, as it can affect some tariffs and taxes.

Then breathe. That's most of it, and you don't have to do it alone.