donna de amusa's activity

Questions Asked

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas.

Mon, 12/26/2011 - 13:46

Hope everyone had a nice Christmas.

Mon, 12/26/2011 - 13:45

Interesting comment from "learning in error" about non-residents being able to own a car. Is it possible for someone to shed more light on this topic please?

Thu, 12/08/2011 - 17:14

Can anyone please enlighten me on the benefits or disadvantages of switching to LPG. Our development will shortly have the facility to offer this to the residents in place of bottled gas.

Mon, 11/21/2011 - 20:32

We have been using bottled gas for the past year but now have the opportunity of switching to natural gas. Has anyone else switched? If so are there any advantages / disadvantages ? Are costs higher or lower?All opinions welcome.

Sat, 11/19/2011 - 08:14

Can anyone help me with an idea of how much it might cost to heat a small 2 bed apt over the winter, and also whether it might be more economical to use the air con unit instead of halogen or fan heaters.     During January the air con unit was in

Sat, 02/26/2011 - 20:48

Has anyone used the ferry from Livorno to Palermo?   If so, how long did it take?   This seems to be the only information that is missing from the from the GNV website.   I know Genova to Palermo is 20 hours but I am hoping to arrive in Palermo no

Tue, 11/30/2010 - 10:33

Does anyone know whether it is possible to get a ferry crossing from Catania to Reggio Calabria?  I have done the crossing from Messina to Villa San Giovanni but I am looking for other alternatives without having to drive.   Also, is the train sta

Sat, 06/12/2010 - 21:21

We will be retiring to Calabria very shortly and looking for as much information/help/guidance on buying a new Fiat Punto.   Does anyone have any idea on the price range for a 1.4 litre engine?   Preferably automatic if possible. I was of the opin

Fri, 05/14/2010 - 22:35

We're retiring to the Ionian Coast in Calabria and would like to hear from anyone who has already done the same, or is about to take the huge leap into a new world!!   Any discussions on topics such as health, medical, taxation, banking and partic

Sun, 05/09/2010 - 20:11

Comments posted

Thu, 03/03/2011 - 18:27

Thanks to everyone for their suggestions.    The apt is part of a new development on the Ionian coast.   For the life of me I can't think why solar panels were not fitted especially as the Italian Govt is urging people to go green.   The floors are tiled, ideal for summer, freezing in the winter, and no, there is no insulation apart from double glazed doors to the balcony, no CH either. Realistically, I suppose living there in the winter will not be an option due to the potential for horrendous heating costs.   Thanks Donna

Mon, 02/28/2011 - 20:10

We're in Calabria and have bought in a new development.    However, in a small 2nd floor apt it's not really practical to have a wood burning stove.    Our only options are oil filled radiators, fan heaters or halogen heaters.   The estimated £3 per day running costs for 8 hours of heat seems reasonable, thanks for the advice. If anyone has particular views on the efficiency and costs of running oil filled radiators or halogen heaters I'd be pleased to hear them. Thanks Donna

Fri, 11/05/2010 - 19:18

Thank you Sprostoni, Ram & Penny for your input.     As I said earlier, all advice is welcomed.  We are still UK tax payers and will remain so for a while yet.   Does this mean that the private health insurance will not be necessary? Thanks

Thu, 11/04/2010 - 10:09

A question for the experts & ex-pats please. We have recently completed on our apartment and were intending to apply for residency.  However the cost of private health insurance is astronomical and is making us reconsider our decision, especially if the commune insist on it's renewal each year. As the property was a new build we only paid 4% tax.   If we do decide not to apply for residency how do we pay the difference?   As an option, if only one of us were to take up residency do we have to pay the additional tax, and would this affect re-selling in 5 years time. Your views welcomed.  Thanks.

Fri, 06/18/2010 - 17:04

Thanks very much for your invaluable help !!    Establishing the location of airports, stations and ports is essential when dragging suitcases from one to another. Donna

Wed, 05/26/2010 - 20:56

I agree with you Cilla!!  Calabria is wonderful and I can't wait until I am in the same position as you!!  Enjoy the peace tranquility and especially the abundance of the lovely and freshest fruit and veg !! Donna

Answer to: spammed in pms?
Tue, 05/18/2010 - 19:20

For future reference how do I report dodgy emails / spam.    I received the same email and blocked the millionairess from sending me anymore.

Answer to: BUYING A CAR
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 19:03

Thanks for the tip !!   Will follow it up and post my findings. If my last post seemed a bit weird it's because I got really excited thinking it was more useful advice from those who had already ran the marathon of car registration only to find that it was a nuisance/hoax message.

Answer to: BUYING A CAR
Mon, 05/17/2010 - 18:14

This is an open message to those inviting me to contact them and share in their "billionnaire"  lifestyles.  Please don't waste your time because I shall simply block you from sending me any further messages.    A pity that there isn't a spam filter or anywhere the nuisance PM can be sent to. 

Sun, 05/16/2010 - 21:35

New to this website and it's taken me some time to work my way round the topics & different threads.  However from reading your post you appear to be the only people who have actually suceeded in registering your UK plate car.    Your experience makes it seem pretty painless. Was yours a brand new car?  Would you say that the process is easier with a new car? We intend applying for our residency as soon as we complete on our apt.    Hopefully 6 months later will start the process of trying to get it registered.  In your experience do you think the process becomes simpler depending on where you live, i.e. town or friendly village and if profficient in the language? We intend to buy a new car with UK plates from a LHD dealer so any views on this topic will be much appreciated.