PCS orders in hand and dreams of la dolce vita swirling in your head? Before you pack your passport and start googling “best gelato in Italy,” slow down.

Moving to Vicenza is exciting—but it’s also a major adjustment.

And trust me, there’s a lot the welcome brief won’t tell you. This post breaks it down clearly: no fluff, no fantasy—just real, lived advice from someone who’s been through it.

Preface: Missione Visa

Make sure you obtain your No-Fee Passport and get your mission visa. Apply for this as soon as possible.

Get your documents in order. You do not want to be the one showing up without the right paperwork. Italy is not the place to try winging it through immigration—trust me on this one.

Plus, why would you want to pay for a whole ticket to Italy out of your pocket?

Before we dive in—want my free PCS to Italy Checklist? Grab it below to start your move organized, confident, and just a little less stressed.

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    1. You Can’t Lock Down Housing Until You Arrive

    Let’s just say it again louder for the people in the back: you cannot choose your home before you land in Italy.

    Statue of Andrea Palladio, in the city center of Vicenza, Italy
    The man, the myth, the legend…Palladio.

    Caserma Ederle is working on new housing towers, but until then, you’ll live off base using the housing office’s approved database.

    What this means:

    • You’ll stay in temporary lodging (usually on base)
    • You can’t start viewing houses until you check in with the housing office
    • Expect to move into the local community—this is normal

    Pro Tip: Don’t panic. Treat your first few weeks like a house-hunting mission. Make lists. Take notes. Bring snacks.

    9+ Daytrips from Vicenza

    Click on this box to learn about your new duty station in Vicenza! Stephanie over at Poppin’ Smoke has a plethora of information!

    2. Vicenza Neighborhoods: What’s What

    Here’s a cheat sheet of where military families often live, I cant actually embed a google map but I recommend to google these neighborhoods.

    • San Pio X: Close to base, walkable, family-friendly
    • Camisano Vicentino: Suburban, with big homes and a weekly market
    • Centro Storico: Heart of Vicenza—walkable, charming, Italian!
    • Bertesinella: Quiet, green, and residential
    • Caldogno: Family-friendly with more space
    • Rural areas like Nanto or Ponte di Mossano: Ideal if you want space and views, but don’t mind driving

    Each has pros and cons. Commuting distance depends on which base you’re assigned to—Ederle, Del Din, or Miotto—so wait to finalize your lease.

    Aerial view of Vicenza, Italy showcasing architecture with mountains in the background.
    A charming rustic villa set in a peaceful Tuscan countryside, showcasing classic architecture and lush greenery.
    Not my house, I wish it was.

    3. Transportation: Yes, You’ll Probably Need a Car

    Buses run well in Vicenza, and the SVT app helps a lot—but only in town. If you’re living farther out, especially in rural areas, you’ll need a car.

    Things to know:

    • Italian cars are expensive (seriously—budget more than you think) It’s actually criminal how much money they cost. I feel spoiled coming from Korea.
    • There are yearly road taxes, inspections, and insurance costs
    • Check Your Driver’s license before you leave the states, is it expiring? Best get that squared away ASAP.
    • Want to get buying a car, registering it and all that jazz squared away without your servicemember? HAHAHAHA. You literally cannot with your servicemember.

    Oh, and one more thing: you will get a ding or a scratch on your car. It’s a rite of passage.

    Ederle Inn

    During your transition, you’ll be staying at the Inn on Caserma Ederle. You’ll want to make reservations as soon as possible. Otherwise, you might be staying at a hotel just off base. No worrie,s though, the base is super close.

    4. You’ll Need to Budget—Hard

    Italy is more expensive than you might think, especially if you’re coming from Korea or a low-cost-of-living area.

    Here’s what surprised us:

    • Rent gets inflated the moment landlords know you’re in the military
    • Used cars cost way more than you expect
    • Jobs for spouses are hard to find (more on that below)
    • Random fees like car registration, and bank wiring fees add up fast

    Action Step: Start a PCS savings fund—aim for at least $400/month leading up to your move.

    5. Employment & SOFA Realities

    Don’t count on landing a job immediately—or at all.

    Italy’s Status of Forces Agreement (SOFA) prioritizes local national hiring. Many on-base jobs go to Italian citizens, and off-base employment is limited by law.

    That doesn’t mean you’re stuck. Use this as an opportunity to:

    • Volunteer with ACS or Red Cross
    • Start that blog, project, or business you’ve been dreaming of
    • Apply for remote work (just make sure it’s SOFA-compliant)
    • When in doubt go to JAG and ask all the questions.

    Psst—this blog started because I couldn’t work on base. Now it’s my career that I don’t get paid for. But you can donate money for a coffee, here (my husband says “thanks!)

    via GIPHY

    6. Healthcare: The Good, The Confusing, The Beautiful

    On-base care is handled by a PCM (Primary Care Manager). But for specialists, you’ll go off base—usually to:

    • San Bortolo (public hospital)
    • Villa Berica (private hospital with English-speaking staff)

    The experience is different. Villa Berica feels more like a spa than a hospital, while San Bortolo is bare-bones but gets the job done.

    You’ll be guided by English-speaking liaisons—but appointments take time to book. Be patient and advocate for yourself.

    7. Embrace Culture Shock (and Riposo!)

    Italy is magical, but living here isn’t the same as vacationing here.

    What to expect:

    • Processes are slow—banking, bureaucracy, car buying, everything
    • Riposo is real—many businesses close from ~12:30–3:30pm daily
    • Fettuccine Alfredo is not Italian (and asking for it will get you looks)
    • Driving is chaotic—roundabouts are trial by fire

    But once you slow down and lean into the rhythm, you’ll start to feel it—la bella vita.

    Two columns at the Piazza dei Signori in Vicenza italy, one with st. mark and one with the venetian lion

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      And don’t forget to follow me on Instagram for daily stories about life abroad, mistakes I’ve made, and how I’m building a life that feels like my own, even far from home.

      Common Questions About PCSing to Vicenza

      What is the first thing I should do when I arrive to Caserma Ederle? Check in with the Housing Office and schedule your temporary lodging. Make sure your sponsor knows your arrival date and can help orient you to the area.

      Can I bring my pet to Italy? Yes—but you’ll need a microchip, rabies certificate, and EU health form issued by a USDA-accredited vet. Start this process at least 60 days in advance.

      How do I get a car once I’m in Italy? You can buy from other service members, check local dealers, or use the VAT relief program on new vehicles. Don’t forget insurance and registration!

      What’s the job situation for military spouses? It’s limited. SOFA agreements make it hard to work off base. Consider remote work, volunteering, or building your own business.

      Is Italy safe for families? Absolutely. Vicenza is a family-oriented city, and Italians love kids. Just be prepared for slower processes and a more laid-back lifestyle.

      Can I travel easily from Vicenza? Yes! You’re a train ride away from Venice, Verona, Florence, and beyond. Vicenza’s train station is centrally located and easy to use.

      What’s Riposo? And how do I deal with it? Riposo is the Italian afternoon break. Many stores and restaurants close between 12:30 and 3:30. Plan your errands around it—or embrace the downtime like the locals.

      Travel Distances From Vicenza: Know Your Weekend Options

      Want to explore Italy while stationed in Vicenza? Here’s how far you are from some of the country’s most iconic spots:

      DestinationTravel Time (Train)Travel Time (Car)
      Venice~45 minutes~1 hour
      Verona~30 minutes~45 minutes
      Florence~2 hours~2 hours 30 mins
      Milan~2 hours 15 mins~2 hours 30 mins
      Lake Garda (Desenzano)~1 hour 15 mins~1 hour 30 mins
      Bologna~1 hour 45 mins~1 hour 45 mins
      Rome~3 hours 30 mins~5 hours 30 mins
      Dolomites (Cortina d’Ampezzo)N/A (train not direct)~2 hours 45 mins
      Cinque Terre~5 hours (train + transfers)~4 hours

      Pro Tip: Take advantage of Italy’s extensive train network—especially for Venice, Verona, and Florence. You’ll avoid traffic and parking headaches.

      Piazza Dei Signori in Vicenza, Italy

      Resources for Families PCSing to Italy

      Moving to Italy with the military? These official resources will help you stay informed, organized, and supported through the transition:

      Bookmark these now—future you will thank you.

      Final Thoughts + Free PCS Resource

      PCS to Vicenza isn’t just a move. It’s a mindset shift.

      You’ll grow, adjust, swear a little (okay, a lot), and come out stronger and more connected to the world.

      If you found this guide helpful, download my free PCS to Italy Checklist to stay ahead of the chaos.

      Want to learn more about your new duty station in Vicenza?

      Kimberly Kephart is a travel writer and content creator specializing in solo travel, hiking, and cultural experiences. With over 40 countries explored and years of living abroad as a military spouse, she brings firsthand knowledge and a global perspective to her work. Through her blog, she provides practical, experience-driven guides that inspire meaningful, immersive travel. Her writing is grounded in empathy, local insight, and a deep appreciation for slow, intentional journeys.

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