The Luxembourg FAQ:
(Frequently Asked Questions)
Over
the years that we have operated this web site, we have received (and answered)
thousands of questions about our small Grand Duchy. We have analysed the search
terms you have typed into our "search" box, (oh,
rest assured everyone remains completely anonymous) and have tried to
provide an answer here to the most common questions, listed in no particular
order.
If you have asked one of these questions by email, we hope you will forgive
us if we have briefly pointed you to this page ... it becomes such a bind to
keep typing the same answers ;-)
You may find it easier to use your browser's "Find" function (e.g. Ctrl [or
Alt] + F) to find your keywords on this page.
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- What
currency do you use in Luxembourg?
Luxembourg uses the Euro since 1st of January 2002.
Until 28th of February 2002 you could use both the Luxembourg and the Belgian
Francs in Luxembourg (they were both legal tender, and 1 Belgian Franc was
always 1 Luxembourg Franc). For historical interest £1.- was approx 65 Luxembourg
Francs (LUF or FLUX).
Are
credit cards / debit cards widely accepted?
- Yes the use
of plastic money is becoming ever more common, but many retailers require
a minimum sales amount (eg 10 / 25 Euro) before accepting credit/debit cards.
In other words, don't expect to pay a cup of coffee or a postcard with a credit
card.
I
am looking for a Bed & Breakfast (B & B) in Luxembourg.
- You don't find
them quite as frequently as in the U.K. but you can recognise them by: "Chambres
pour Touristes" and "Zimmer frei" signs.
Of course this presupposes that you are already in Luxembourg. If you are
planning your trip, small hotels can be
as affordable as "B & B". You may also find www.gites.lu
of interest.
How
do I get to Luxembourg?
- See: Getting
to Luxembourg from the UK
What
Price for Petrol or Diesel in Luxembourg? / Gas and Gasoline prices
Is leaded petrol available in Luxembourg?
- Current prices
for petrol/gas in Luxembourg:
(last update 30 June 2008)
SuperPlus leadfree (98 octane): 1.367 Euro / litre
Euro Super leadfree (95 octane): 1.322 Euro / litre
Diesel: 1.280 Euro / litre
Please note that petrol (/gasoline if you prefer) prices are the same across
the country, as they are fixed by government decree, and hence there's no
difference in cost whether you get your fuel at a tiny filling station in
the middle of nowhere, or on the motorway. Oh, incidentally: The world's largest
petrol station [in terms of fuel sold], is located in Luxembourg on the A3
motorway between Luxembourg-City and France and is called "Aire de Berchem".
You might also like to consider that petrol prices have consistenly been lower
in Luxembourg than in neighbouring countries for several decades at least.
(cf Evolution
of petrol prices in Luxembourg 1947 - 2008 )
Leaded petrol is no longer available at Luxembourg pumps, but an additive
may be purchased.
| LPG
Stations in Luxembourg |
| Address |
Telephone |
Opening
Hours |
Closed
on |
ARAL
Station
Luxembourg-France Motorway |
(+352)
52 25 52 |
24 hr |
--- |
BP
Station
Motorway Arlon-Luxembourg
(Capellen) |
(+352)
39 95 01 |
24 hr |
--- |
TEXACO
Station
Motorway Arlon-Luxembourg
(Capellen)
|
(+352)
39 90 02 |
24 hr |
--- |
|
SHELL
Station
Colmar-Pont
L-7738 Colmar-Berg
|
(+352)
83 51 61 |
07:00
- 22:30 |
Sundays |
|
ENERGUS
Rangwee 40
L-2412 Luxembourg
|
(+352)
40 83 80 |
06:30
- 23:00 |
Sundays |
- See also: Luxembourg
Automobile Club (ACL) petrol price page
and Q8 petrol
price evolution
What
is the official correct spelling of Luxembourg? It's spelt with an 'o' in our
dictionary, but a colleague claims that it is more correct to spell it 'Luxemburg'.
How do the people of the country spell it?!
The spelling
of the name of our country depends on which language you use: In French (and
in English) Luxembourg does take an "o", whereas in German,
the "o" is missing, making it Luxemburg. An just to add to
the general confusion, the people of Luxembourg have their own language,
in which the name is spelt "Lëtzebuerg".
If you badly need to get around using neither Luxembourg nor
Luxemburg, you could always talk about "The Grand Duchy", as Luxembourg
is the only Grand Duchy on the world.
Is
Luxembourg a Tax-Free country?
- No. All Luxembourg
residents do pay tax, and there is VAT (and excise duty, where applicable)
on all items sold in Luxembourg.
Indirect taxes, however, (eg taxes on goods sold in shops) have in the past
tended to be lower than in neighbouring countries, which may have led to our
country acquiring the "tax-free" reputation.
What
language do you speak in Luxembourg?
- 'Lëtzebuergesch'
is the everyday spoken language of the people. This former Mosel-Frankish
dialect is recognised since 1984 as the national language, while both French
and German remain the official languages. Many people speak English.
More info sub: Languages in Luxembourg
How
big is Luxembourg?
- The country
covers a territory of 2586 square kilometres (999 square miles) approximately
52 miles (84 km) North-South and 32 miles (56 km) East-West. The capital city
(also called Luxembourg) has some 100,000 inhabitants, and is thus one of
the smallest capitals in the world.
See also: Luxembourg
(country) tourist map and/or: Luxembourg
(capital) Citymap
Is
Luxembourg just a city?
- No. The country
is called "Grand Duchy of Luxembourg" (often abbreviated to just "Luxembourg")
and the capital city is also called Luxembourg (sometimes referred to as Luxembourg-Ville,
or Luxembourg City to make the distinction).
See also the above answer re: How big is Luxembourg
Is
Luxembourg a "safe" destination?
- This is of course
a difficult question to answer, because, unless you take basic precautions,
no destination can reasonably be called "safe".
We do, however, believe that Luxembourg is rather better placed than some
in matters concerning your personal safety.
But don't just take our word for it: According to a world-wide quality of
life survey by Mercer Human
Resource Consulting (March 2005), "Luxembourg ranks as the world’s
top city for personal safety and security".
More recent research
under the name: "Smart
Cities" ranks Luxembourg as the top
small/medium-sized City in Europe.
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Are there any motorway tolls or other road tolls in Luxembourg?
- No, all public
roads are toll free.
You might also like to look up www.cita.lu
for up-to-the-minute motorway information showing dozens of cameras on Luxembourg's
roads.
What
does the Luxembourg national flag look like?
- The Luxembourg
flag is 3 horizontal bands of (top-down) Red, White, and light blue (as opposed
to the dark blue of the Dutch flag).
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People may well
confuse the Luxembourg flag with the Luxembourg ensign. The latter is also
known as "Roúde Léiw" which translates as "Red
Lion", and is often seen at e.g. sports events to support the national
team.-
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Tell
me something about the Grand-Duke of Luxembourg, and Luxembourg's Royal Family.
- His Royal Highness,
Grand-Duke Henri, is Luxembourg's Head of
State. As a constitutional monarch, He and a Cabinet of 12 ministers hold
executive power. On March 3, 1998, Grand-Duke Jean,
appointed His son Henri as His "Lieutenant-Représentant", that is as
His official deputy, and abdicated in His favour on September 28th, 2000.
See also: Luxembourg
Constitution, Luxembourg in a Nutshell
(re: political power);
and/or Luxembourg Sovereigns
since 963
Since June 2007, Luxembourg's Royal family presents itself at www.monarchie.lu,
(alas, the site is only available in French until the end of 2007)
Is
Kosher food available in Luxembourg ?
- There is a kosher
shop in Luxembourg City at 3-5 Rue de Reims in Luxembourg-City.
Contact: Mr Philippe Calon, Tel: (+352) 48 38 86 / Fax: (+352) 29 53 89.
Auchan Kirchberg: 5, rue Alphonse Weicker, L-2721 Luxembourg. Tel.: (+352)
43 77 43-1
Kosher products can be found in the frozen section, fish section and various
dry foods in the international section.
Delhaize Bertrange: 15-17, Route de Longwy, L-8080 Bertrange Luxembourg. Tel:
(+352) 26 38 94 99
Kosher products in this store consist of wine, sabra salads, and chips.
The Hotel "Le Royal" will prepare kosher
food on request (advance notification necessary)
If you're asking this question, you might also be interested in finding the
Synagogue in Luxembourg, which is on square A2
of the citymap on our site.
See
also
See also: www.lubavitch.lu
What
about typical products from Luxembourg ?
- Luxembourg Moselle
wine, chocolates,
Villeroy & Boch porcelain
Where
can I get Luxembourg wines in the
UK ?
- Luxembourg
wines and sparkling wines may not be the best known tipple, but they are
quickly acquiring an enviable reputation abroad, now that they are being sold
outside of Luxembourg's borders as well. Thus the "Cuvée du Domaine
Kholl-Reuland" was recognised as "best sparkling wine" by the
"Concours mondial" held in Brussels in 2006 [following in the footsteps
of last year's winner: Bernard-Massard's "Cuvée de l'Écusson"],
while the "16ième Concours des Crémants de France
et du Luxembourg" held yearly in the french Jura, gave no less than 20
Gold medals and 9 Silver medals to Luxembourg sparkling wines, and the 52nd
International Wine and Spirit Competition, held in June 2006 in Ljubljana,
gave 4 silver medals for Luxembourg still and sparkling wines.
If you'd like to try some of these wines for yourself, here's a listing of
current UK suppliers of Luxembourg wines:
- The British Agent for "Vinsmoselle"
- the largest wine producer in Luxembourg - is:
Vine Associates (Wine Distributor)
Chairman: Mr John GM James
36 St Thomas Street
Lymington
Hampshire SO41 9NE
Tel: 01590 642 173
E-mail: john@vineassociatesuk.co.uk
- "Bernard-Massard" is
the largest private wine producer in Luxembourg.
Domain wines: Château de Schengen and Clos des Rochers. Branded wines: Cuvée
de l'Ecusson.
United Kingdom Distributors: WaverleyTBS
Ruth Holden - Manager Waverley Direct
2-4 Broadway Park
South Gyle Broadway
Edinburgh EH12 9PJ
Tel: 0131 528 1536
email: corporate-wines@waverley-group.co.uk
Local depots can be contacted via their website.
- - The British
Agent for "Caves Gales" wine producers
in Luxembourg is:
Kendrick Champagnes and Fine Wines
The Spinneys 37
Bromley
Kent BR1 2NT
Tel : 020 8467 7524
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- - Mathis
Bastian's wines are sold by:
"Les Caves de Pyrene"
Pew Corner, Old Portsmouth Road,
Artington, Guildford,
GU3 1LP
Tel: 01483 538820
- Domaine Alice Hartmann
wines are sold by:
Maison Liedberg
38, Nightingale Road
Rickmansworth Hertfordshire
WD3 7DF
Tel & Fax: +44 (0) 1923 710479
Mobile: +44 (0) 77 80 69 88 12
e-mail: maisonliedberg@aol.com
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The Luxembourg
Embassy in Denmark has an interesting listing of wine
books on Luxembourg
What
about famous people from Luxembourg ?
- Check our "Did
you know?" page.
See also: http://www.gouvernement.lu/tout_savoir/population_langues/personnes.html
(in French)
What
do you call someone from Luxembourg ?
This one should be easy to answer, but -alas- the subject
is brimming with problems, as opinions on what to call someone from Luxembourg
appear to differ. Lacking the "authority of the native speaker",
all we can do here is present the options open to you.
The "people of Luxembourg" [that's one way
of calling us], call themselves Lëtzebuerger in Lëtzebuergesch,
Luxembourg's own language. Since that's a bit tricky to pronounce for all
but the erudite, some
folks call us "Luxembourgeois". That being an "Englishized
French term", and French being one of our official languages, we suppose
these people believe it a sweet term to use, but -alas- French is a foreign
language for us and its use does not bring you closer to our hearts than if
you were to use any other foreign language. Also the term seems to imply that
we're "bourgeois", which may not always be a compliment.
Why not simply call us "Luxembourgers"?
Although, to some, the latter might be a bit close for comfort to a certain
fast food item, but since we're not on the menu and since Wikipedia
has accepted this word, it strikes us as probably the best term to use (see
also: Being
a Luxembourger).
What
is the Flower of Luxembourg?
- The Rose is
Luxembourg's national flower.
Here's a picture (Photo © Jean NEIERTZ) of the rose "L'Indépendance
du Luxembourg", created in 1990 by Pépinières Louis Lens of Redinnestraat
11, 8460 Oudenburg, Belgium to celebrate Luxembourg's 150-year independence
in 1989.
This rose was created on the initiative of the association "Letzeburger Rousefrënn"
[Luxembourg Friends of the Rose].
Member of the World Federation of Rose Societies. President: Madame la Baronne
A. de Schorlemer
Secretariat: 1a, Titzebierg L-8525 CALMUS ( Tel: +352 23 63 93 80 e-mail:
claude.vion@sdscom.lu)
Incidentally, Mr Vion's garden is home to several roses created in Luxembourg
and he is most interested in re-introducing Luxembourg rose
heritage in the country. His "Gaard um
Titzebierg" may be visited on request.
Can
you provide an airport map?
- Oh, you won't
need one. The airport is "on a human scale", as some would say. Chances are
that you'll have left the departure lounge within 10 minutes of touchdown.
There's also an airport page on this web site,
or visit the official airport home
page. If you are visiting Luxembourg after the end of May 2008, you might
well arrive at the new airport terminal.
How
do I get from the Airport to the City
- Read our page:
Airport to City connections page.
Are
there any vegetarian restaurants in Luxembourg ?
- You'll find
vegetarian dishes at "Mesa Verde" at 11, Rue du St Esprit (cf city
map extract), just south of the Place Clairefontaine. Most any restaurant
will be happy to provide vegetarian dishes when requested.
What
are the shop opening hours in Luxembourg ?
- Pretty much
all shops are open in Luxembourg from Tuesday to Saturday 8 a.m. to noon and
2 p.m. to 6 p.m., plus in the afternoon on Mondays.
Many shops (especially in larger conurbations) are also open throughout lunch
time.
It is rare for shops to open on Sundays, although exceptions confirm this
rule (6 "Shopping Sundays" are allowed each year with special permission
from the City Council)
What
are bank opening hours in Luxembourg ?
- Alas -unlike
in the UK- there is no steadfast rule as to when banks are open. Generally
they tend to be open from Monday to Friday between 9 am and 12 noon and between
2 pm and 4 pm. Same as for shop opening hours, there are a number of banks
that are open over lunch, and some do not close until 6 pm. If you want/need
to deal with a particular bank, we would suggest you contact said bank independently.
A directory / listing of Luxembourg banks is on the web at: www.abbl.lu,
the site of the "Association des Banques et Banquiers" (Association of Banks
and Bankers of Luxembourg), or check out www.bank.lu
Note that there are also some "hole-in-the-wall" currency exchange machines
(eg near the Grand Ducal palace) that are open 24 hours.
Please
tell me how much income tax I have to pay on earnings in Luxembourg of USD x
per year. Or give me hints on how I can find out.
- Very sorry,
but we are a Tourist Office, not the Tax Administration, and we really haven't
got the foggiest .... Perhaps www.etat.lu,
the State homepage as it were, could give you other hints to enquire further
?
Our page of Living in / moving to Luxembourg has
some more useful pointers. See also: Luxembourg
Income Study
I
would appreciate some guidance on the cost of living so that I can put the salary
package into context against the cost of living in the UK.
- Unfortunately
the answer has to be: "How long is a piece of string ?" Overall, we would
estimate the cost of living in Luxembourg to be less than in the UK, certainly
as far as food, public transport, going out, etc is concerned. Then again,
you might be used to having caviar for breakfast, which is bound to be as
expensive (if not more so) in Luxembourg than in the UK.
Some articles, like cars, petrol, cigarettes, alcohol, and even perfume, etc
are a great deal cheaper in Luxembourg than in the UK, while -admittedly-
some other articles (like clothes, shoes) are more expensive in Luxembourg.
But then again, you're getting higher quality on average [we would compare
Luxembourg shops more with Knightsbridge, than with the average British High
Street; the Luxembourg shopper is very "brand conscious"]
See also
Statec, the Luxembourg Statistics
Office, web site. (especially sub: Luxembourg
in figures)
How
much would a small flat cost to rent ? to buy ?
- In a nutshell,
it is extremely difficult to compare Luxembourg and the UK on this score.
For a start, the cost of accommodation is usually less than say London, with
the added advantage that the average standard of accommodation is so much
higher in Luxembourg than in the UK, eg you wouldn't find a mention of double
glazing in a Luxembourg "flat for sale" advert, that is assumed to be the
case; Flats are often sold on x square metres living space, rather than say
2 bedrooms.
Check out: Living in / moving to Luxembourg for
further pointers in this line of enquiry, or the links sub 'longer term accommodation'
on our wwweb links to Luxembourg page
How
difficult would it be for my partner to gain a work permit. She is a French
national.
- Since the "Free
movement of Goods and Services with the EU" Act, nationals from EU countries
do not need work permits do work in another EU country. However, after 3 months
stay in Luxembourg, you will need to obtain a "Carte de Séjour" -similar to
an identity card / residence permit - from the Ministry
of Justice in Luxembourg.
Will
I need a visa to enter Luxembourg? /
What documents and immunization do I need to visit Luxembourg?
- You won't need
any special immunization or innoculation to enter Luxembourg. If you are a
national from an EU member country, you certainly will not need a visa to
enter Luxembourg, a full valid passport (or national identity card) will be
sufficient.
To help you further on this point, we have made two separate pages (Requirements
to enter Luxembourg / Schengen Visa), but
we must stress that these can only serve as a guideline, since the rules may
change without us being informed. We would therefore urge any enquirers to
check with their closest Luxembourg Embassy for
any changes in the list of required documents to enter Luxembourg.
I
am looking for the "Stade Josy Barthel", there's a football match
/ an athletics event / a concert / ... ?
- The National
Sports Stadium (Stade Josy Barthel) is on route d'Arlon, the old roman road
which heads straight out west from the capital Luxembourg towards the Belgian
town of Arlon. Bad Luck has it that the arena is just outside of our City
Centre streetmap, but you can find it on our Hotels
in the Surrounds of the City page, in square 1B (follow the arrow out
of square 1A).
The "Park & Ride" car park opposite is -alas- very often full,
so don't rely on it being available, especially for larger events. In the
latter case (like an international football match), free buses are often laid
on to get people from the centre of town (or the railway station) to the arena
and back again. Please enquire at the City Tourist
Office on Place d'Armes, at the National Tourist
Office in the railway station, or in your hotel for any special travel
arrangements.
What
are the rules and regulation for taking my pet ( dog / cat ) to Luxembourg?
- EU rules state
that a dog should have a microchip implanted, be vaccinated against rabies
(this is valid for 12 months!) and needs a certificate of good health, in
order to import it into the EU (though -from our discussion with the Luxembourg
Customs authorities, and because of the absence of any frontier controls-
it appears that there is no control on these regulations).
It is worth pointing out that you will need to visit a vet in Luxembourg,
shortly before your departure, in order to be able to re-import your dog into
the UK. More information is available at: http://www.defra.gov.uk/animalh/quarantine/index.htm.
Alternatively, telephone (UK): 0870 241 1710 . [open 08:30 to 17:00 Monday
to Friday]
A list of vets in Luxembourg can be found on www.amvl.lu
(Association of Luxembourg Vets)
What
religions are practised in Luxembourg ?
Luxembourg is
to 97% Roman Catholic, 1.5% Jewish, and 1.5% other religions
See also www.cathol.lu / Chabad
Lubavitch / Inter-religious
dialogue
London
You may well
have found these pages from YAHOO, looking for London information. Although
we have asked Yahoo to remove us from said listing, they do want to keep us
in there, it seems. Sadly, we have no information on London to give you, but
you may find a useful web site at: www.visitlondon.com
last
update: June 30, 2008
