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Viaggio a Bruxelles

Practical Information: Bank, Sim, Grocery.

Bank Account

Opening a bank account in Italy is often necessary if you are working at the JRC or staying long term.

What you need

  • Codice Fiscale (Italian tax code)

  • Passport or EU ID card

  • Proof of address (rental contract or residence certificate)

Where to open

  • Traditional banks: Intesa Sanpaolo, UniCredit, Banco BPM (branches in Ispra and nearby towns)

  • Online banks: some accept EU documents, but still require a codice fiscale

 

Tip: If you are not officially resident yet, ask for a “conto corrente per non residenti”.

 

SIM Card

Getting an Italian SIM card makes life easier for mobile data, local calls, and online services.

What you need

  • Codice Fiscale (usually required)

  • Passport or EU ID card

Where to buy

  • Main providers: TIM, Vodafone, WindTre, Iliad

  • Shops available in Varese, Gallarate, or shopping centers nearby

  • Iliad also offers SIM vending machines in malls

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Tip: Prepaid SIMs (ricaricabile) are the easiest option.

 

Grocery Shopping

You will find many options for food shopping near Ispra.

Supermarkets

  • Esselunga (Gavirate) – large choice, including international products

  • Coop and Carrefour Express (nearby towns)

  • Lidl and Eurospin – budget-friendly chains

Local markets

  • Weekly street markets in towns like Gavirate and Sesto Calende, great for fresh produce and local specialties

Shops

  • Bakeries, butchers, and delicatessens in Ispra and surroundings

  • For wider international options, head to Varese

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