Electricity

The standard voltage is 230 volts, 50Hz. European-style two-pin plugs are used.

Language

The official languages in Luxembourg are Luxembourgish, which is a Germanic language with German roots and French influences, as well as French and German. English is widely spoken.

Money

The currency in Luxembourg is the euro (EUR), which is divided into 100 cents. Foreign currency can be exchanged at all Luxembourg banks and bureaux de change, as well as the airport and post office. Major hotels will also exchange currency, though rates are high. Major credit cards are widely accepted; mobile payment systems such as Google Pay and Apple Pay are supported.

Tipping

Hotel and restaurant bills generally include a service charge in Luxembourg. Porters and doormen in upmarket hotels appreciate small tips and taxi drivers expect a tip of around 10 percent.

Health

No vaccination certificates are required for entry to Luxembourg and there are no health risks associated with travel to the country. Medical facilities are of a high standard in cities but may be limited outside of urban areas.

Travellers should get a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before visiting, or a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) if they're UK residents, so that they're covered for necessary state healthcare while there. Dental care and repatriation costs aren't included in this, so it's a smart move to get travel insurance as well.

If travellers require certain medication during their trip, it's best to bring it in its original packaging with a signed and dated letter from a doctor detailing what the medication is and why it's needed.

Safety

Travel to and around Luxembourg is very safe and the country has low crime rates. Visitors should take normal precautions against pick-pockets and petty theft, but trips are likely to be trouble free.

Local customs

Luxembourg is a proud and stable country, with a culture surprisingly closed off to foreign influences and marked by formal social interactions. European visitors will find Luxembourg's social environment to be very similar to that of France or Germany, although perhaps slightly more conservative.

Visitors should avoid putting their feet up on tables or chairs, or pointing their finger when referring to someone as this is rude. Body language is quite muted in Luxembourg and it's considered impolite to inquire about a stranger's private affairs.

Doing business

French is the language of business in Luxembourg, though some German and English is also used. Translators are readily available but some effort at speaking French will be appreciated. Business exchanges are quite formal, beginning with a handshake and an exchange of business cards.

Punctuality is essential and dress is formal, with a suit and tie the norm. Surnames and titles are usually used. Luxembourgers are polite and cautious, and it's important to build personal relationships. Business hours are usually 8.30am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday, often closing for an hour at lunch.

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 percent, 2 litres of spirits with alcohol content below 22 percent, 4 litres of wine, 16 litres of beer or a proportional mix of these. Other goods allowed include gift items and souvenirs to the value of €430 per adult travelling by sea or air, €300 per adult travelling overland, and €175 for children below 15 years.

Communications

The country code for Luxembourg is +352. Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones or use eSIMs if their cellular providers support it on their networks. Free WiFi is widely available at hotels, cafes and restaurants in tourist areas.

Passport & Visa

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's 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.

It's highly recommended that travellers' passport have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.

Entry requirements

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 90 days within a 180 day period.

UK 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 90 days within a 180 day period.

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 90 days within a 180 day period.

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 90 days within a 180 day period.

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.

Irish citizens must have a passport that is valid upon their arrival in Luxembourg. No visa is required.

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 90 days within a 180 day period.

Useful contacts

Luxembourg Tourism Website: www.ont.lu

113 (Police) and 112 (Emergency service)