I’m an American working remotely in Italy. I knew moving would be hard, but I never considered one stressful hidden cost.
In a candid reflection on her transition from the United States to Florence, Italy, freelancer Katie Carson shares the realities of living abroad that often remain hidden behind the romanticized notion of expatriate life. Leaving behind the comforts of home, Carson embarked on this journey with her dog, Archie, driven by a desire for adventure and a fresh start. After nearly a year of preparation, she arrived in Florence, excited to embrace its rich culture and history. However, the thrill of her new life quickly met an unexpected challenge: the volatility of currency exchange rates. As an American freelancer, Carson continues to receive payments in US dollars while managing expenses in euros, leading to significant financial strain when the dollar weakens against the euro. For instance, when she paid her July rent, the unfavorable exchange rate cost her nearly $300 more than the previous month, a stark reminder of the hidden costs of living abroad.
Carson’s experience underscores the complexities of budgeting across different currencies, particularly for freelancers who may not have a steady income stream in their new country. Despite the challenges, she has adopted a proactive approach to manage her finances, exploring creative solutions to mitigate the impact of currency fluctuations. From leveraging her skills in podcasting and seeking out affiliate income opportunities to opening her guest room to fellow travelers for shared expenses, Carson exemplifies resilience and resourcefulness. She also emphasizes the importance of building connections in her new environment, noting how social interactions, even those that come through casual dating, can alleviate feelings of isolation and help her integrate into the local culture.
Ultimately, Carson’s journey is a testament to the reality of expatriate life, where dreams of adventure are intertwined with practical challenges. While she navigates the complexities of living in a foreign country, she remains committed to building a self-sustaining life that aligns with her values and aspirations. Through her story, she invites others to consider the multifaceted nature of moving abroad—where the allure of new experiences coexists with the need for financial savvy and emotional resilience. As she continues to adapt to her new surroundings, Carson’s determination to thrive in Italy serves as an inspiring reminder of the strength required to chase one’s dreams, even amidst uncertainty.
I’m an American living in Italy, working as a freelancer in the same field I did back home. Before I moved, I didn’t consider one stressful hidden cost of keeping my clients in the US.
Katie Carson
I’m a freelancer who
moved abroad on my own
from the United States to Florence, Italy.
My clients still pay me in US dollars — a nightmare when the exchange rate isn’t in my favor.
I found ways to adjust my budget, but I still wish I’d known how big an issue this would be sooner.
Moving abroad is often painted as a romantic leap — a bold woman, a plane ticket, and an “Under the Tuscan Sun”-esque dream.
And sure, it can be that. But many not-so-glamorous spreadsheets, late-night money panics, and small acts of courage go into making that dream even remotely possible.
I’m a solo female freelancer who recently moved from the United States to Florence, Italy, with my 60-pound dog, Archie, in tow.
After nearly a year of research, I decided Italy was the most logistically and financially feasible choice for me … even though I’d never been to the country before.
The visa seemed accessible to me, the city was walkable, and Florence had the right mix of history, beauty, and a central location to help me figure out where I might want to land long term.
By April, I’d mapped out my move: I’d canceled my lease in the US, sorted my visa,
hired a pet mover
for Archie, and lined up client work. I arrived in Florence in mid-June, with my rent for the month already paid.
I knew I’d experience
culture shock
, loneliness, and logistical headaches, but I felt prepared … until July rolled around and I saw what the exchange rate had done to my rent.
Soon, I realized just how hard it would be to manage a budget across two currencies
I knew moving to a new country would come with challenges, but I didn’t predict all of them.
Katie Carson
Like many
American freelancers abroad
, I’m still paid by my clients in US dollars. However, I pay for my rent, utilities, groceries, and dog food in euros.
And when the dollar dips and the currency exchange rate isn’t in my favor, things can feel expensive, fast.
When I went to pay July’s rent, the dollar had dropped enough that I owed nearly $300 more than the month before.
Same apartment, same price in euros. However, thanks to the exchange rate, it hit my bank account completely differently.
No one and nothing had warned me about this — not the expat course I took or dozens of blogs I read and YouTube videos I binge-watched from others who moved abroad.
And yet here I was, staring at currency charts, trying to time the transfer just right. Eventually, I gave up. The rate didn’t bounce back, and I needed to pay my bills.
I converted the money, paid the rent, and reminded myself of something I’d said a dozen times during this move:
I’d figure it out. I always do.
Creative problem-solving — and dating — is now part of my job
Sometimes, I get work done from local restaurants and cafés.
Katie Carson
Living solo anywhere means you have to be your own safety net. There’s no second income to fall back on or partner to split the rent with.
I can’t control how the exchange rates between euros and US dollars fluctuate — especially now, as
economic uncertainty
makes the changes trickier than ever to predict.
Because I’m on a
digital-nomad visa
, I also have to keep my income tied to work outside of Italy. I’m not looking for European clients yet, but I’m preparing by learning the local language and easing into the culture with the hope of picking up EU-based work in the future.
I keep watching conversion rates — and crossing my fingers they may even be in my favor one day. Until then, I’m getting creative and taking control of what I can.
I’ve landed new podcast clients, followed up on old leads, and started exploring
affiliate income opportunities
. I’ve even considered monetizing my own podcast for the first time.
I moved some of my savings to an interest-bearing euro account. I’ve opened my guest room to fellow
solo female travelers
for short stays in exchange for help with groceries and utilities.
I began using apps like
Too Good To Go
— where I can buy extra food from cafés and restaurants at a discount — to save money, reduce food waste, and try new local spots.
And yes, dating helps too. A coffee or dinner invitation where someone else picks up the check doesn’t just ease the budget; it eases the loneliness.
Connection softens the isolation that can creep in when you’re half a world away from your people.
Even on hard days, I know I made the right move
I chose this life for me and my dog, and I love it.
Katie Carson
Being six to nine hours ahead of most of my friends and clients has its perks (hello, uninterrupted mornings), but it can also feel isolating.
I’m still practicing my Italian and figuring out
how to meet people
or even hold full conversations at the dog park.
Even when the dollar drops or I feel completely alone, though, I don’t regret this move for a second. I walk more, eat better, breathe deeper, and I’m no longer rushing all the time.
But the reality is that I’m figuring out a lot of things in real time, with no trust fund or Instagram-worthy villa behind me.
The dream is real … but so is the math. I can’t fully plan my way out of uncertainty, but I can continue to build a life that’s flexible, self-sustaining, and entirely my own.
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Business Insider
