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Luxembourg Basics |
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The Basics
Electricity: 220 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.
Money: The currency in Luxembourg is the Euro (EUR), which is divided
into 100 cents. Foreign currency and travellers cheques can be
exchanged at all Luxembourg banks and bureaux de change, as well as
the airport and post office Major hotels will also exchange cheques
and currency, though rates are high. Major credit cards are widely
accepted.
Currency Exchange Rates |
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| €1.00 = | US$ 1.27 | £ 0.83 | C$ 1.29 | A$ 1.23 | R 10.70 | € 1.00 | NZ$ 1.60 |
Language: The official language in Luxembourg is Letzeburgesch, a conglomerate German/French dialect. French and German are commonly used, and English is widely spoken.
Entry requirements for Americans: US citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for UK nationals: British citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Luxembourg. Passport exemptions apply to holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. A visa is not required for British passport holders endorsed British Citizen; nor for holders of identity cards issued by Gibraltar authories, and endorsed 'Validated for EU travel purposes under the authority of the United Kingdom'. No visa is required for stays of up to three months, for holders of passports endorsed British National (overseas), British Overseas Territories Citizen (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom), and British Subject (containing a Certificate of Entitlement to the Right of Abode issued by the United Kingdom).
Entry requirements for Canadians: Canadian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Australians: Australian citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for South Africans: South African citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. A visa is required. Note that entry will be refused to holders of Temporary South African passports.
Entry requirements for New Zealanders: New Zealand citizens must have a passport that is valid for at least three months beyond the period of intended stay in Luxembourg. No visa is required, for stays of up to three months.
Entry requirements for Irish nationals: Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Luxembourg. No visa is required.
Passport/Visa Note: The borderless region known as the Schengen Area includes the following countries: Austria, Belgium, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, The Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and Switzerland. All these countries issue a standard Schengen visa that has a multiple entry option, and which allows the holder to travel freely within the borders of all the aforementioned countries. Additionally, passengers not having visible means of support, and those who are suspected of being a danger to public security, tranquillity or order may be refused entry to Luxembourg. Moreover, it is advised that non-EEA passengers hold return or onward tickets, and the necessary travel documentation for their next destination, as refusal of entry upon arrival can lead to serious difficulties and costs for passengers and transporting airlines. NOTE: It is highly recommended that your passport has at least six months validity remaining after your intended date of departure from your travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Travel Health: No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg, and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. British citizens should carry a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), in order to qualify for free emergency medical treatment. Medical insurance is recommended.
Tipping: Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge in Luxembourg. Porters and doormen in smarter hotels appreciate a tip of €1 to €2 and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10%.
Safety Information: Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and trouble free. Take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft.
Local Customs: Luxembourg's motto is "Mir wëlle bleiwe, war mir sin" - which means, "We want to remain what we are." This idea gives potential visitors to Luxembourg a good idea of what to expect: a society with a proud and stable culture, closed off to foreign influences, and marked by formal (even ceremonial) social interactions. European visitors will find Luxembourg's social milieu to be very similar to that of France or Germany, although perhaps with a greater suspicion of spontaneity to boot. Be sure not to put your feet up on tables or chairs, or to point your finger when referring to someone, as this is considered rude. Body language is generally quite muted in Luxembourg, and it is considered impolite to inquire about someone's private affairs unless you know them well.
Business: Business in Luxembourg is usually conducted in French, though some German and English is also used. Translators are readily available, but some effort at speaking French will be appreciated. Business tends to be conducted formally, beginning with a handshake and an exchange of business cards. Punctuality is essential. Dress is formal, with a suit and tie the norm. Surnames and titles are usually used. Luxembourgers are polite and cautious, and it is important to build personal relationships. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, often closing for an hour at lunch.
Communications: The country code for Luxembourg is +352. The outgoing code is 00, which is followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City/area codes are not in use. The country is amply covered by GSM mobile phone networks and there are several Internet cafes in Luxembourg city.
Duty Free: Travellers over 17 years arriving from non-EU countries do not have to pay duty on 200 cigarettes, or 100 cigarillos, or 50 cigars, or 250g tobacco, or a proportional mix of these; 1 litre spirits with alcohol content higher than 22%, or 2 litres dessert wine not exceeding 22% and sparkling wine, and 2 litres table wine; perfume up to 50g or 250ml eau de toilette. Other goods include beer, gift items and souvenirs to the value of €175 per adult or €90 for children below 15 years. Providing goods are bought for personal use, there are no restrictions on carrying tobacco and alcohol between the 15 original countries of the EU (including the UK), with the exception of Finland, Denmark and Sweden.