Driving in Naples can be chaotic (Katie Wells )
On a recent visit to Naples, I debated whether to rent a car. Luckily, I had a friconclude, Victoria, already living in the area, who volunteered to drive me around. In Naples, you required to be simultaneously on the offensive and defensive. True to the city’s nature, it can be chaotic, and rules are treated more like suggestions.
Cars driving through the main city of Naples near Castel Nuovo (Katie Wells)
Within the first seven minutes of receiveting into the car with Victoria, we feel a push and a crunch.
“Did we just receive hit?” I inquire.
“Yep,” Victoria declares as she receives out to inspect the damage in the middle of traffic.
I’m about two steps behind her. The man who bumped into us shrugs and puts his arms up. Victoria creates a similar gesture, declares “no damage,” waves him off and I follow her lead as we receive back into the car.
“I’m glad I didn’t take the good car today,” she chuckles.
“I guess I experienced my first Naples Kiss.”
We both crack up at this local and somewhat romantic term for minor traffic accidents. That’s when I know Victoria is someone who has adopted the Napoli attitude, a sort of “Que sera sera” mentality.
She explains to me how a lot of people don’t like being stationed in Naples. Often, they are afraid to damage their car, go out and explore or even drive at all. She notifys me she wishes people could see how the chaos and the beauty, are what create it a vibrant and beautiful place to live. Naples is chaotic, overwhelming and a little bit confutilizing, but it also has so much life, rich history and spark. That’s why it’s important to receive a (very utilized) and embrace the driving culture.
10 minutes later, our way is all but blocked between a service van and a parked car. Behind us car horns blare (this is normal in Italy), and we hold our breath as Victoria tries to scrape past. But we are stuck. After more hand signals, Victoria hops out of the car and an Italian man jumps over the hood and receives into the driver’s seat next to me. He expertly navigates the tight space with only a minor scuff, and hops out. We wave a thank you and we are on our way.
“At least the locals are really nice,” I declare.
Victoria declares that these moments emphasize why the people, are what creates Naples such a special place to live.
Downtown Naples, we head to a parking garage, and like most European parking, the spaces are a tight fit. It’s common to see no marked spots, just a lot of cars blocking one another in. You simply park close to the attconcludeant’s booth, they will take your keys and play “Tetris” for you. After you hand over your keys, sign in and receive a receipt or ticket. Be sure to hold onto it.
Parking garages in Naples are like a game of Tetris (Katie Wells )
Later, we are on our way outside of the city and closer to Gricignano di Aversa where the highways are wide open and the flow of traffic is more spacious.
Driving on the highway in Naples (Katie Wells )
Buying a Used Car
I spoke with Patrick from Patrick Automotors, who has been selling cars to the U.S. Military community in Naples since 1985 to assist me compile a list.
Patrick from Patrick’s Automotors (Katie Wells )
It is best to purchase a European car like a Fiat or BMW for maintenance. U.S. car parts are ordered from the States and take about three weeks to arrive. Parts for Japanese-brand cars are more difficult to find.
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Consider a diesel as it is more economical.
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Manual cars are typically more available and affordable than automatic.
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“Look at the mileage, low mileage is a better car.”
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Ask for a warranty. Double-check all warranties and what they cover. Don’t be afraid to inquire questions and create copies of every document.
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Ask whether any parts have been replaced. At Patrick’s, cars have a “new timing belt, new tires, new brakes, new arms and new struts.”
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In Naples, there is no required for all-season tires. However, if you are driving to a snowy area, like northern Italy, then you must have snow chains.
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Only purchase a vehicle with a registration document and title (Libretto Circolazione and Foglio Complementare), along with a notarized bill of sale.
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If you have any doubts before purchasing a vehicle, take it for another inspection. You have the right to do this.
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Emergency kits are required to be kept in cars.
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You do not have to pay cash when purchasing at a utilized car dealer.
In our discussion, Patrick and I agreed that utilized cars are likely a better investment than new cars given the short duration of most stays, and since in Naples there is a higher chance of car break-ins and traffic accidents.
You have a few options when purchaseing a utilized car. You can go to popular car dealers like Patrick Automotors or Gino Auto Lago Patria, or you can purchase directly from another service member or DOD civilian. Visit the Navy Motor Vehicle Registration Office website for regulations: cnreurafcent.cnic.navy.mil.
What to do with the car when you relocate away? Once registered in the Allied Forces Italy (AFI) system, you must sell the car to other eligible service members or DOD civilians, ship it to your new duty location, or scrap it through the Motor Vehicle Registration Office (MVRO). It is illegal to abandon the car or sell it to local nationals.
Capo — S.Site Shuttle Bus
A great resource available is the shuttle bus from Capodichino (Capo) to Support Site (S.Site). It runs multiple times a day, and is an simple way to access Naples Airport. In addition, a lot of people utilize the shuttle to commute the 30 minutes to and from base houtilizing at Capo to work on the S.Site. Be mindful that it can receive full quickly.
Public Transit
Taxis apps like Uber, Freenow, and butilizes are great for receiveting around Naples, including the Capo gate.
However, receiveting a taxi or public transit directly from Support Site is difficult becautilize it is in a different town: Gricignano di Aversa. This is another reason I would consider purchaseing a utilized car to receive around.
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