Five tips to move to Paris

Since I moved here to Paris there are many friends, acquaintances and web users who often ask me for advice on expatriate in France, particularly in Ville Lumière. Each experience is a case in itself, so there is certainly no perfect cocktail of advice to provide to a expat In the bud. Moving abroad It takes time, awareness and sacrifice, and despite all efforts it is not said that the integration process is among the easiest. But one of the goals of my blog has always been this: help those who want to emigrate abroad. So I present five tips today to facilitate your transfer to Paris.

1. Learn French

The first of my five tips concerns language: in Paris, it is vitally important to know French. Do not give in to the temptation of "I speak English at work". Whatever the destination of the expatriate, mastery of the local language is essential.

A great Frenchman will help you not only at work, but especially in everyday life: to open a bank account, shop, go to the cinema and communicate with locals. By interacting with native speakers you can also learn the slang French, understand irony, jokes and especially language nuances. Remember that poor integration often starts from poor communication: If we don't understand what he's telling us, anyone's going to seem unpleasant. So study the language well and trust the locals: they are discreet and reserved, but also very open and curious!

If you have the chance, take an accelerated course in Italy, so you can start already with some notions. To study French directly in Paris, I recommend the excellent municipal courses and those organized by theAlliance française.

2. If possible, look for work before you even look for home

If it was easy for me to find a job in Paris, I cannot say either. search for an apartment. Looking for a home is among the most difficult obstacles for those who dream of a life in Paris, both for high demand and for high property prices. To overcome it, one of the winning moves can be obtain an employment contract before even a lease.

Economic independence is an important selection element for the owner, who chooses the ideal tenant based on various parameters, including financial resources. With a good job you will already have an extra guarantee for your potential host.

Despite the crisis, Paris offers employment in various sectors. With a little sacrifice and a pinch of luck, you may get a promise of employment even before you move. However, the search for a job and a home in Paris deserves two separate articles!

3. Preparing to deal with bureaucracy

Along with property prices, French bureaucracy is another weakness of Parisian life. Although it is certainly efficient, it has the problem of being quite long, slow and complex. Despite the advent of digital, for some procedures are still required quintals of paper documents and photocopies that you will often find yourself printing and reprinting. And pray that your files will not be lost suddenly: it could happen, forcing you to start all over again!

A very useful strategy to adopt before your departure is that of prepare in advance a non-exhaustive list of scans and photocopies:

• passport and identity card;
• Act of international birth (translated into several languages);
• health card;
• vaccination certificates;
• any marriage certificates/PACS etc.;
• driving licence;
• tax residence certificate in Italy (if you still have residence in Italy).

Ideal is to scan multiple media, such as computers, USB pens, etc. and hard drive outside. And in case some documents are missing, do not hesitate to have it sent by relatives or friends from Italy.

4. Arming yourself with calm, courage and patience

Among my five recommendations, this applies to any expatriate, whether in Paris or anywhere else. The French capital is a complex metropolis, frenetic and not always hospitable to the maximum. You could take time to integrate, adapt to its rhythms, and understand its mechanisms. In that case, know that it is completely normal.

Life From expat is an obstacle path made of continuous highs and lows that even the luckiest among expats found themselves facing. Take with you a good dose of calm and patience, which will prepare you to cope with your difficult life change. You certainly do not lack the courage: if you have decided to expatriate, you have some to sell.

5. Remember that Paris is close to Italy... but it is not Italy!

The fact that Italy and France are neighbours and that the French are somewhat considered our "out of the blue cousins", does not make Paris a city similar to the Italian ones. Cultural differences exist, some milder and others more pronounced. There is another way to relate, the dynamics of friendships are different as well as those of bureaucracy and administration. Here again, it is normal to do so.

You are in a different country, with different traditions, customs and rules. The sooner you learn to know and respect these differences, the easier your integration will be. Do not panic and above all do not fall into the trap of stereotypes: only experience and knowledge will bring you back.

Good luck with your Parisian adventure!