Discovering Luxembourg

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A Resource Guide for Daily Living

Discovering Luxembourg A Resource Guide for Daily Living

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The information contained in this publication is provided by Dwellworks, LLC and its affiliated entities (the “Company”) as a service to relocating employees and should be used for general informational purposes only. While the Company undertakes measures to ensure the accuracy and completeness of the information in this publication, the Company cannot assure its accuracy or completeness and does not commit that it maintains updated information. This publication, in its entirety, is the sole copyrighted property of the Company and may not be modified, reproduced, sold, or otherwise distributed without the express written consent of the Company.

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Discovering Luxembourg

Discovering Luxembourg Wëllkommen zu Lëtzebuerg! Welcome to Luxembourg! Whether you are a veteran or a novice, relocation can be both an exciting and challenging experience. This Dwellworks resource guide is intended to provide important information to consider as you relocate to Luxembourg. Your assigned Destination Services Consultant (DSC) will assist you as you transition into your new community. Additionally, your Dwellworks Consultant will expand on the topics covered in this guide according to the guidelines of your authorised program.

On behalf of the Dwellworks team, we welcome you to Luxembourg and hope you will find this information helpful.

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Contents

Facts About Luxembourg........................................................................4

General Information ................................................................................4

Geographic Overview .............................................................................7

People and Culture .................................................................................7

Registrations...........................................................................................9

Money and Banking ..............................................................................15

Safety and Security...............................................................................16

Communication and Media ...................................................................17

Driving ..................................................................................................19

Travel....................................................................................................22

Shopping ..............................................................................................23

Dining and Nightlife...............................................................................24

Arts and Culture....................................................................................25

Recreation and Outdoors......................................................................27

Health ...................................................................................................28

Education..............................................................................................30

Pets ......................................................................................................33

Housing ................................................................................................34

Utilities ..................................................................................................35

Informative Websites ............................................................................36

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Facts About Luxembourg

 Official Country Name: Grand Duchy of Luxembourg

Capital City: Luxembourg City



 Official Language: Luxembourgish, French, German

 Official Religion: Luxembourg is a secular state; Christianity is predominant, with Judaism, Greek Orthodox, Anglican, Russian Orthodox, Lutheran, Mennonite, and Islam also practiced

Currency: Euro €



 Weights and Measurements: Metric System

 Electricity/Voltage: Standard is 220 Volts

General Information

Business Hours It’s important to become familiar with the hours of each individual business. Hours may vary based on industry, location, or time of the year. Time is often expressed in the 24-hour clock and 12-hour clock.  Typical Office Work Hours: Monday to Friday, 8:00/9:00 to 17:00/18:00  Shopping Malls: Monday, 9:00/12:00 to 17:00/21:00; Tuesday to Saturday, 9:00 to 17:00/21:00; Shopping malls offer extended hours during the holiday season  Post Offices: Monday through Friday, 8:30-11:30 and 12:30-16:30; Saturday 8:30 to 10:30 Government Luxembourg is a parliamentary democracy headed by a constitutional monarch. Executive power is exercised by the Grand Duke and the cabinet, which consists of several other ministers. Legislative power is vested in the Chamber of Deputies, a unicameral legislature of 60 members who are directly elected to five-year terms from four constituencies. A second body, the Council of State (Conseil d'État), is composed of 21 ordinary citizens appointed by the Grand Duke. The Council of State advises the Chamber of Deputies in the drafting of legislation. The Grand Duchy has three lower tribunals (Justices de paix; in Esch-sur-Alzette, the city of Luxembourg, and Diekirch), two district tribunals (Luxembourg and Diekirch), and a Superior Court of Justice (Luxembourg), which includes the Court of Appeal and the Court of Cassation. Luxembourg is divided into three districts (Diekirch, Grevenmacher, and Luxembourg), which are further divided into 12 cantons and then 106 communes. Twelve communes have city status, of which the city of Luxembourg is the largest.  Banks: Monday to Thursday, 8:00 to 17:00; Saturday 8:00 to 18:00

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Economy Luxembourg's stable and high-income market economy features moderate growth, low inflation, a high level of innovation, and relatively low unemployment. According to the IMF, Luxembourg was the second richest country in the world in 2011. The industrial sector, which was dominated by steel until the 1960’s, has since diversified to include chemicals, rubber, and a financial sector. Banking and finance account for the majority of economic output. The favorable corporate tax climate has attracted several, large tech companies to continue increased growth in Luxembourg.

Public Holidays

Holiday

Date

New Year’s Day

1 January

Good Friday

Friday before Easter

Easter Monday

Monday following Easter

Ascension

40 days after Easter

Whit Monday

7th Monday after Easter

Labour Day 1 May Luxembourg National Holiday 23 June (unless the 23rd is a Sunday, then its moved to the 24th) Assumption 15 August All-Saint’s Day 1 November Christmas Eve 24 December Christmas Day 25 December St. Stephen’s Day/Boxing Day 26 December

Time Zone Local Time Zone Luxembourg coincides with the Central European Time Zone (GMT +1). Luxembourg observes Daylight Savings Time.

Telling Time Luxembourg generally uses the 24-hour clock to tell time rather than the 12-hour clock.

Weather Luxembourg has a mild, humid, temperate climate with no dry season. Waterproof outerwear is advisable at all times of the year, as there is no discernible wet or dry season. The warm season has an average daily high temperature above 19°C (66 F). The cold season has an average daily high temperature below 7°C (44 F); snow is not uncommon.  Climate : Oceanic Climate; summer (June to September); winter (November to March)

 Natural Hazards: Storms and flooding

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Discovering Luxembourg

Comparative Size Charts Although most countries are trying to standardise clothing sizes, there is still a great deal of variation, often making shopping in a different country very difficult. Even with a size conversion chart, always try clothing on before purchasing it.

Clothes

Europe/ Costa Rica

U.S./Canada U.K.

Mexico

Brazil

0-2

22-24

32-34

3-4

26-28

34-36

5-6

30-32

36-38

Women’s Pants

7-8

34-36

38-40

9-10

40-42

XXL

11-12

42-44

71 (cm)

76 (cm)

Men’s Pants (waist)

81 (cm)

87 (cm)

92 (cm)

99 (cm)

Shoes

Europe/ Costa Rica

U.S./Canada U.K.

Mexico

Brazil

4.5

Women’s Shoes

6.5

7.5

8.5

Men’s Shoes

9.5

10.5

11.5

*Sizes may vary depending on manufacturer and country of origin

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Discovering Luxembourg

Geographic Overview Luxembourg, which sits in central Europe, borders Belgium to the northwest, Germany to the east, and France to the southwest. At 2,586 sq. km., Luxembourg is one of the smallest countries in Europe. The country is divided into three districts with Diekirch in the north, Luxembourg in the southwest, and Grevenmacher in the southeast. Most of northern Luxembourg is covered in forests and dominated by hills and small mountains as part of the Adrennes. Southern Luxembourg is more densely populated and sits on a large, sandstone plateau while western Luxembourg has uneven terrain and is part of the Moselle River Valley.

Major Cities Luxembourg City is the largest city in the country with nearly 100,000 people. Many of the surrounding suburbs have large populations such as Esch-sur-Alzette and Dudelange. In the district of Diekirch in the north, Ettelbruck and Diekirch are the largest cities with over 6,000 residents each.

People and Culture

Demographics Luxembourg has a population of approximately 562,000. The majority of Luxembourgers are of Luxembourgish heritage with an influx of immigrants moving to the country in the past century. Many residents of Luxembourg are of Belgian, Germany, French, or Portuguese heritage. There is also a growing number of immigrants from eastern Europe, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Serbia, and Montenegro. Today nearly 37% of the population is made of immigrants. Other minorities include those of Romani (nomadic people) and Jewish heritage. Language Luxembourg has three official languages: French, German, and Luxembourgish. Additionally, English is commonly spoken as a way of international communication. Luxembourgish is at the heart of all communication between residents and it is most commonly spoken in everyday life, but rarely written.

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Most written work, and all governmental work, is conducted in French while German is used for most media and by the church. The education system is trilingual and focuses on each language as well as English as a compulsory part of a child’s education.

Religion Luxembourg is a secular state and recognizes multiple religions as officially mandated. Religions falling into this category include Roman Catholicism, Judaism, Orthodox Christianity, Anglicanism, Lutheranism, Mennonitism, and Islam. As officially recognized religions, the government plays a part in religious administration. It is estimated the vast majority of Luxembourgers are Roman Catholic.

Etiquette Proper etiquette and social traditions are important in Luxembourg. Greetings are often formal and reserved. Typically, the French style of social protocol is followed

Greetings and Introductions 

Introductions: When meeting someone for the first time, a proper introduction is crucial. By general rule, the introduction is done by the mutual third party if applicable; otherwise, introduce yourself  Greetings: The most common greeting is a handshake; however, close friends typically kiss each other on the cheek three times, starting with the right and alternating between both checks Business Etiquette Protocol and hierarchy are very important in conducting business. Always be on time, cordial, and polite. When conducting business be prepared for processes to move slowly. Decisions are made at the top of an organization, and consider both the short-term and long- term effects. Making business contacts can be quite helpful. Food Typical cuisine in Luxembourg reflects its proximity to many countries and is a mix of both Germanic and Latin cuisine. Mostly influenced by Germany and France, dining has also added Italian and Portuguese elements to their dining for a more diverse taste. Ingredients and Typical Dishes Like many other Germanic nations, meat and potatoes are the basic staples of their cuisine, and French pastries are common for breakfast and dessert. While this section discusses traditional fare, the international population of Luxembourg has diversified cuisine greatly.  Judd mat Gaardebounen , the national dish of Luxembourg, consists of pork soaked in bean and then boiled with vegetables and spices. It is served in large portions with potatoes  Eisleker Ham, or Oesling ham , is another very popular dish made that is slowly marinated and served with chipped potatoes and salad

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Besides Eisleker Ham and Judd mat Gaardebounen, typically include freshwater fish from the rivers as well as a variety of pastries, potato dishes and many dishes include Riesling wine as a key ingredient. Luxembourg wine is produced in the southeastern part of the country in the Vallée de la Moselle and is strictly regulated. Luxembourg mainly produces dry white wines and sparkling wine called Crémant . Dining Customs In general, people only eat one hot meal a day. Soups are popular and the potato is considered a staple in the Luxembourgish diet.  Breakfast in Luxembourg is generally a light affair, often consisting of a croissant or other baked good, a boiled egg, or cereals and coffee

 Lunch is larger and often eaten in a restaurant or at work

 Dinner is typically a large meal that follows the Germanic style of large hearty meals

Registrations

Social Security Card The social security card ( Carte de Sécurité Sociale ) indicates the name and identification number ( numéro matricule ) and is valid for all medical treatment and prescriptions within Luxembourg. When visiting a new doctor, the social security card will be requested.  Your employer will register you at “Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale” (CCSS) and you will receive a confirmation letter with your identification number ( matricule ) from CCSS within 2 weeks  Once you’ve received your matricule, you can order your Social Security Card at: www.ccss.lu/certificats/assures/carte-europeenne-de-securite-sociale  It will typically take another 2 weeks to receive your card  If you have family members, you will need to register your family members at CCSS. You will need to submit the following documents: - Application form - Marriage certificate - Birth certificates for children - Certificate of residence from the local commune  Once your family member(s) have received the confirmation letter from CCSS they can order their social security cards online at: www.ccss.lu/certificats/assures/carte- europeenne-de-securite-sociale  It typically takes up-to 2 weeks to receive the card(s)

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Tax Card “fiche de retenue d'impôt” If you are on Luxembourg payroll, you will receive a tax card. Once your tax card has been received, your rate will be adjusted and you will be reimbursed for on income that was overtaxed, if applicable.  Your tax card will be issued and mailed to you by the relevant tax administration after your employer has completed your CCSS registration and you’ve declared your arrival at the commune  Your DSC will help you complete the 164-R form and submit it to the tax administration on your behalf  It can take up-to 6 months to receive your tax card  Tax card will be sent every year and must be submitted to your employer. If you have not received your card by March, you will need to notify the tax administration, “Administration des Contributions Directes”  Every year, you must prove your marital status to obtain a new tax card for the current year. You will receive a letter in January asking you to send in documentary evidence of your status  For office locations and further information, please visit: www.impotsdirects.public.lu/profil/organigramme/rts Application process if you reside outside of Luxembourg: Submit a completed application form for non-residents (Form 164 NR)  Employees residing in Belgium: An extract of the population census / a household composition certificate is required Employees residing in France: - If single without children in the household: legible photocopy of the national ID card or passport - If married, separated, divorced, widowed or unmarried with child(ren) in the household: legible and full copy of the family record, certified true by the employee  The certification is carried out by writing “Certifié conforme à l'original” followed by the date of certification and the employee's signature on the photocopy.  Employees residing in Germany: The request must include a “ Haushalts -, Melde -“ or “ Lebensbescheinigung ” Driving License Registration and Exchange For driving licenses issued by an EEE member state (E.U + Norway, Island, Liechtenstein), there are two options available: registration or exchange of an EEE license. Although registration is generally not required for EU issued licenses, it will minimize administrative formalities in case your license is stolen or lost. It may make sense to exchange it for a Luxembourgish license if your EU license is due to expire within the one year of your move. 

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Registration of an EEE license  Filled in and signed “demande en obtention” signed with a black pencil in the upper left corner, without touching or passing the border; please tick the box “enregistrement d’un permis établi par un état membre EEE” - Click for a copy in French , or German  Readable certified copy of both sides of your actual driving license, stamped with the remark "copie conforme au document original or certified copy" established by an authorized institute, such as: - Administration having established the original document

- Luxemburgish Police - Your local commune - Notary established in Luxembourg - SNCA if you present the original document

 Readable copy of your ID-card or passport  Recent certificate of residence (less than 1 month old), established by the Administration of the town you are living and informing about the date you came into the country Exchange of an EEA license For the exchange of an EEE license, you need to be officially registered in Luxembourg and you have to wait for 185 days to introduce your application for an exchange. Documents to include in the application for exchange:  Filled in and signed “demande en obtention”, use the documents provided by your Dwellworks Consultant, please tick the box “échange d’un permis établi par un état membre EEE” - Click for a copy in French , or German  One recent photo, compliant with the ISO norm, dimension 45 x 35 mm  Recent certificate (less than 3 months old) relating your criminal record of Luxembourg, www.guichet.public.lu/citoyens/fr/citoyennete/certificat-casier- judiciaire/casier-judiciaire/extrait-casier-judiciaire (ask for the bulletin N°2)  Tax stamp of 12€ (is available at SNCA or the “Administration de l’Enregistrement” ) www.aed.public.lu/functions/contact/points.html  Readable copy of both sides of your actual driving license  Readable copy of your identification card or passport  Recent certificate of residence (less than 1 month old), established by the Administration of the town you are living and informing about the date you came into the country Driving License Exchange of non-EEA For the transcription of a non-EEE driving license, you need to be officially registered in Luxembourg and wait 185 days to introduce your application for a transcription of your driving license. After that you have 365 days to conclude the exchange.

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Required documents for the application:  Filled in and signed “demande en obtention”, use the documents provided by your Dwellworks Consultant, please tick the box “transcription d’un permis étranger” - Click for a copy in French , or German  One recent photo, compliant with the ISO norm, dimension 45 x 35 mm  A recent medical certificate (less than 3 months old), filled out by a doctor on a defined sheet  Recent certificate (less than 3 months old) relating your criminal record of the country you lived in for the last 5 years, in German, French or English  Recent certificate (less than 3 months old) relating your criminal record of Luxembourg. Request a criminal record from their country of provenance. www.guichet.public.lu/citoyens/fr/citoyennete/certificat-casier-judiciaire/casier- judiciaire/extrait-casier-judiciaire (ask for the bulletin N°2)  Tax stamp of 30€ (available at SNCA or the “Administration de l’Enregistrement” ) www.aed.public.lu/functions/contact/points.html . If purchased at the SNCA, there will be an additional 3€ charge  Readable certified copy of both sides of your actual driving license stamped with the remark "copie conforme au document original or certified copy" established by an authorized institute, for example: - Administration having established the original document - Commune the town you will be living in - Notary established in Luxembourg - SNCA if you show the original document  Readable copy of your identification card or passport  Recent certificate of residence (less than 1 month old), established by the Administration of the town you are living and informing about the date you came into the country The applications can be sent by post (register mails are more secured), or can be submitted at the SNCA. When a new driving license is issued (exchange or transcription), the requester has to come and hand-over the original driving license, when picking up the new Luxemburgish license. Helpful Hint: For the exchange of all 3 license types, you must have all the certificates of residence since your arrival in Luxembourg, so if you already moved from one town to another you will have to get the certificates from each town. (Ex. if you changed your residence 3 times = 3 certificates.) Local Registration Process for EU Nationals Once you arrive in Luxembourg, you have eight days to visit your local administrative office (commune) to declare your arrival and register in-person. The Bierger Center is the central administration office of Luxembourg City, located at 26a Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg City. Business hours are from Monday through Friday from 8:00-17:00.

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Typical required documents to bring (as applicable):  Passport  Employment contract  Marriage and/or divorce certificate  Birth certificates for children  If you are moving within Luxembourg, declaration of departure issued by the former commune of residence Steps:  You will receive a registration card, “Attestation D’Enregistrement” to keep on your person  You will receive a “Changement de Residence” document to keep at your residence  You will be asked to sign the “Déclaration d’enregistrement”, which will be sent directly to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs by the commune  You may request parking stickers at the commune, which permits parking within specific zones. The first permit is free, but a fee is charged for additional permits  You may request a “certificate of residence” for 2€ per copy either in-person at time of registration or at www.vdl.lu . It is typically valid for 3 months Additional considerations:  All documents in a language other than German, French or English must be translated by a certified translator  The registration process can take between 1-2 hours, depending on wait times  Children over the age of 10 will need to complete the same registration requirements as their parents. The same is for children below the age of 10 years, except they do not have to visit offices in-person. Children under 10 who are not EU citizens will only need to be present to pick up their residence permit at the Ministry  It is recommended that you also register with your local consulate or embassy in order to renew your passport, national identity card, etc. while in Luxembourg  In addition to the registration, all individuals working in Luxembourg must undergo an immigration-specific medical exam Every commune in Luxembourg is autonomous so registration procedures may vary. Your Dwellworks Consultant will advise on commune-specific requirements outside of Luxembourg City, if applicable. Please visit www.vdl.lu for information on Luxembourg City administration. Local Registration for non-EU Relatives of EU National (husband/wife, registered partner, or child) Once you arrive in Luxembourg, you have three days to visit your local administrative office (commune) to declare your arrival and register in-person. The Bierger Center is the central administration office of Luxembourg City, located at 26a Boulevard Royal, L-2449 Luxembourg City. Business hours are Monday through Friday from 8:00-17:00.

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Typical required documents to bring (as applicable):  Passport  Two biometric photographs  Employment contract  Residence card of the EU national that you are related to  Marriage and/or divorce certificate  Birth certificates for children  If you are moving within Luxembourg, declaration of departure issued by the former commune of residence Steps:  Once you are registered, you will sign an application for a “Carte de séjour de membre de famile” and will receive a copy of the application for your records  You will be able to request a parking permit immediately at the commune, based on the address of your current residence. The first permit is free, but a fee is charged for additional stickers  The application will be sent to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, which will issue the residence card within 6 months  The fee is 50€ per residence card application. The funds must be transferred to the account of the Ministry of Foreign affairs via bank transfer  Once the residence card has been issued, you will receive a letter requesting pick-up  Once the residence permit is processed, you may request a certificate of residence Additional considerations:  All documents in a language other than German, French or English must be translated by a certified translator  Two visits are required to complete the registration, if all necessary documentation is received: one to register at the commune, and another to pick-up the residence card  At the last two months before the expiration of the residence permit, you must apply for a renewal by sending application to the Immigration Directorate of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at address B.P. 752, L-2017 Luxembourg  Children over the age of 10 will need to complete the same registration requirements as their parents. The same is for children below the age of 10 years, except they do not have to visit offices in-person. Children under 10 who are not EU citizens will only need to be present to pick up their residence permit at the Ministry  It is recommended that you also register with your local consulate or embassy in order to renew passport, national identity card, etc. while in Luxembourg  Note that in addition to the registration, all individuals working in Luxembourg must undergo an immigration-specific medical exam Every commune in Luxembourg is autonomous, so registration procedures may vary. Your Dwellworks Consultant will advise on commune-specific requirements outside of Luxembourg City, if applicable. Please visit www.vdl.lu for information on Luxembourg City administration.

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Money and Banking

Banks Banks may charge for the products and services that they offer and fees vary between banks. Personal accounts may be more expensive in Luxembourg than in other countries, for example the U.K. or U.S., as banks charge separately for each service offered (such as debit and credit cards and internet banking facilities). Most banks operate their own network of ATM/cash dispensers. The Luxembourg debit card system, known as Bancomat, allows card holders to make cash withdrawals. The majority of banking transactions can be carried out at an ATM machine or through internet banking. Your Dwellworks Consultant can provide information on banks that offer special deals. Bank Accounts In Luxembourg some banks will allow customers to open an account online, but the relevant documents will need to be sent by post to the bank (please note, opening a bank account online may reduce your options and there may be limitations on corporate packages). Be sure to note a Luxembourgish bank account will be required to facilitate initial rental payments and entering into local service contracts (mobile phone, utilities, etc.). Typical required documents:  Passport  Employment contract  Certificate of residence (some exceptions may apply)  Further requirements may be needed based on your banking needs and nationality Exchange As a member of the European Union, Luxembourg uses the Euro as currency. As one of the strongest currencies in the world, it is important to consider if keeping your money in Euros or another currency is the best option. This decision should take into consideration exchange rates between currencies and market volatility. Payment Methods Credit Cards Credit cards are an option for payment in many establishments with most accepting cards issued by banks.

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Safety and Security

When moving to a new location it is important to consider safety in your everyday life.

At home To keep your family and belongings safe, consider following the safe practices described below:  Avoid giving information by telephone to people you do not know, and be sure that your household employee behaves the same way  Instruct your household not to give any sort of information on the family to strangers  Never tell strangers about household routines  Never accept orders or packages you have not asked for  Keep at hand a list with all of the emergency telephone numbers  Do not leave large boxes of new purchases or bags in plain sight on the side of the street or in the garbage On The Streets As one of the safest countries in the world, Luxembourg is very safe during the day and night, but like in any city, remain aware of your surroundings and use common sense. The largest offenses are typically pickpocketing and petty theft so keep your purse and wallets close and out of reach. In the Car Make sure to keep your doors and windows locked when you are in your car or have parked your car on the street. Also refrain from leaving valuables in the car or move them into the trunk.

Emergency Numbers  Medical Help, Ambulance, Fire, Vet, Doctors – Tel: 112  Fire Brigade, City of Luxembourg – Tel: 44 22 44  Police – Tel: 113

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Communication and Media

Telephone, Mobile Phone, and Internet Services To be connected to a landline network, an initial subscription must be taken with P&T Luxembourg, the national Luxembourg telecommunications company. Once a contract has been signed with P&T, the customer is free to choose services from another provider. Packages are available for internet and mobile telephone, as well as landline services, and some companies provide packages incorporating all three. Providers include:  P&T Luxembourg: Landline and Mobile

 Tango: Landline, Mobile, Internet  Orange: Landline, Mobile, Internet  Post: Landline, Mobile, Internet

To set-up an account, you will need to appear in-person at the telecom provider and submit the following documents: passport, proof of address (a utility bill or property rental contract), bank account details for direct debit, and an employment contract.

Television Most Luxembourg households are connected to cable television, with more than 80 television and 40 radio channels available in French, German, English, Italian, Portuguese, and other languages. English-language TV channels include BBC World, CNBC, and Eurosport. The major cable companies in Luxembourg are:  Eltrona, www.eltrona.lu  Numericable, www.numericable.lu  Post, www.tele.lu  Orange, www.orange.lu Newspapers Luxembourg has a wide variety of daily and weekly newspapers that cover topics such as business, politics, social events and shopping. Newspapers are printed in both German and French. Postal Service Stamps are sold by the unit or in books of 10 or 20 at post offices and news agents. Visit www.post.lu and select your town to find the nearest letter box and pick-up time. Specific rates apply for sending mail within Luxembourg, to the EU and Switzerland, and for the rest of the world, depending on the weight and size of the letter. Refer to the English-language guide to send parcels from Luxembourg. Restrictions exist on some items (such as alcohol and tobacco) and vary significantly depending on whether the goods are sent from an EU or non-EU country. Mail forwarding services require proof of identity, proof of the old address, and details of the new address.

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To address a letter (no more than six lines)  Line 1: Full name and title of addressee (optionally write the surname in capital letters)  Line 2: Company name (if applicable)  Line 3: Building name and number (optional)

 Line 4: Street number followed by a comma, then the street name  Line 5: Postal code and town or city name (in capital letters)

Luxembourg City Post Offices Luxembourg-Centre Open: Monday to Friday from 07:00- 19:00, Saturday from 07:00- 17:00 Address: 25 rue Aldringen, L-2019 Luxembourg Telephone: 47 65 44 51 Luxembourg-Gare (main railway station) Open: Monday to Friday from 06:00-19:00, Saturday from 06:00- 12:00 Address: 38 place de la Gare, L-1015 Luxembourg Telephone: 40 88 76 10

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Driving

Rules and Regulations  The official driving age is 18 years-old  Vehicles drive on the right, and pass on the left  Mobile phones may only be used hands-free while driving and seatbelts must be worn in the front and back seats by all passengers  Children under 12 years-old or shorter than 1.5 meters in height are required to travel in the back seat of the vehicle at all times unless using a child seat appropriate to their size in the front  If the vehicle is not registered in your name, carry a letter from the registered owner giving you permission to drive  If stopped by the police, the officer may request: driving license, vehicle registration document, and certificate of motor insurance

Traffic Offenses Police impose on-the-spot fines, known as “taxed warnings”, varying from 24€ for minor offences up to 145€ for major offences. There are also traffic cameras in use around the country. Ensure an official receipt is issued by the officer collecting the fine.

Roads Roads in Luxembourg are well taken care of and have expanded in the past 30 years to make travel easier. Travel between neighboring countries has greatly improved as well.

Fuel Fuel or gas in Luxembourg is also referred to as petrol for unleaded gasoline or diesel. Petrol stations are easy to find and the option to pay using credit or debit cards is available.

Insurance and Assistance Vehicle Insurance

In Luxembourg, it is the car and not the driver that is insured. All Luxembourg registered cars must have at least third party liability auto insurance. The original insurance certificate must be carried in the vehicle at all times. Luxembourg insurers provide a Green Card which extends normal insurance to other European countries and must be kept in the car at all times when driving abroad. There are three main types of insurance in Luxembourg:  Third Party Liability Insurance ( Responsabilité Civile or RC) provides coverage against damage to third party property resulting from an accident  Part Comprehensive ( Tiers Personnes ) provides third party fire and theft coverage  Fully Comprehensive ( Tous Risques or Casco) policy covers virtually everything

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Insurance Costs The cost of vehicle insurance varies by provider and can be impacted by:  Make and model of the vehicle  The vehicle’s engine power  The vehicle’s age  Occasionally, vehicle color  Whether the car is parked off-street or in a private garage  Driving history and age of the driver(s); some companies have differing premiums according to gender and place of residence of the driver Luxembourg car insurance has a system of no-claims bonuses, known as the Bonus-Malus system. Annual rates increase if a claim is made when an accident is the driver's fault; if the driver has no accidents the rates will decrease. All new drivers start at a premium level with a certain number of points that correspond to a full price premium. Each year the cost of will be adjusted. In the event of a claim, the level increases by three points. If there are no claims made in the year, the level will decrease by one point. Therefore, after any claim, it takes three years to return to the initial level. The maximum amount of no-claims bonus is 55 percent. A no claims bonus accumulated abroad can be transferred to a Luxembourg insurance company. You will need to obtain a certificate from your current insurance company stating the amount of no-claims bonus you have. Cancelling/Transferring a Car Insurance Contract Insurance contracts are automatically renewed at expiration date unless three months’ written notice of cancellation is provided. It is possible to have a cancellation clause included in the contract in the event you relocated due to employment. Accidents All insurers provide drivers with an Accident Report Form ( constat amiable d'accident ), available in French, German, and English. In case of a minor accident, both parties must sign this form. If two cars were involved, use either drivers' constat amiable d'accident. If more than two cars are involved, a separate accident report form should be completed by each party. If a driver refuses to sign the form, call the police, make a note of the registration number and take the details of any witnesses. If there have been injuries or fatalities, then you must call the police (113) and ambulance (012) service. Do not move vehicles until after the police have arrived. The accident report sheet will need to be sent to the insurance company within five to eight days, depending on the insurance company’s policy. If you need immediate assistance with your vehicle, contact Automobile Club de Luxembourg (ACL) at +352 26000 or www.acl.lu . ACL offers annual membership, allowing you to use free assistance twice per year.

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Child Safety Regulations  Children under the age of three should be seated in a proper car seat that corresponds to their weight and height  Children and adolescents who are 3 to 12 years-old and under 1.5 meters in height must be seated in an appropriate car seat in the back seat of the vehicle  Children over 1.5 meters tall are allowed to sit in either the front or back seat with secured by a seatbelt Expenses In addition to the normal expense of gasoline and maintenance, you will be faced with other vehicle expenses as well. Import Duties For new cars being imported into Luxembourg from the EU, or other countries outside of the EU, a VAT tax on the value of the car is created and must be paid before entry. The tax is typically 17% of the value of the vehicle. It is best to receive a quote from a Luxembourgish customs agency or a quote from the customs agency where the vehicle will be entering into the EU first. Vehicle Inspection All cars must be annually tested for roadworthiness and emissions safety by an official test center. New cars undergo their first test after four years on the road then again at six years on the road. Any cars that are six years or older must undergo a test each year. The vehicle roadworthiness test is administered by the Societe Nationale de Controle Technique (SNCT).

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Travel

Getting Around Due to the small size of the country and the fantastic public transportation system, getting around in Luxembourg is very convenient. It is not a necessity to have a car within the city, unless you plan to regularly travel to the far North or South of Luxembourg or bordering countries. Getting In By plane Luxembourg Findel Airport (LUX) is the country’s only international airport, as well as the only airport in the country with a paved runway. By Bus There are 25 bus lines that pass through the city center and 28 buses that cover surrounding communes. the public transportation system is reliable and efficient. Busses usually run from 6:00 to 24:00. To locate a bus stop or line, visit Mobiliteits Zentral to search for specific bus routes to and from your location. You can also go to Ville De Luxembourg to check all line hours and routes within the City Center. Buses in Luxembourg City run every 10-20 minutes. By Subway or Train Trains and railways in Luxembourg are managed by the CFL, a public company. Their website provides information on ticket pricing and an interactive map of train stations. There are 67 train stations (stops) country-wide, which all pass through the Gare central station in Luxembourg City. Biking with Veloh Veloh is a public bike system that allows you to ride wherever you would like, as long as the bike is returned to an official Veloh station. There are 72 stations throughout the city. Users insert 1€ into the kiosk to receive a unique code to unlock the bikes. You can simply return the bike to one of the many return-posts around the city and pay with cash or credit at the kiosk, or by online account using your mobile phone. Monthly and annual tickets are available for purchase at Gare Central Station offering travel options to fit any schedule.

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Shopping If you decide to go shopping in Luxembourg, remember the majority of privately owned shops are closed on Monday mornings and open only after lunchtime, i.e., normal opening time on Monday would be from 14:00 to 18:00. It is common practice to close shops at 18:00, unless it is a large shopping mall, which usually closes at 20:00. On Fridays and Saturdays shops may close a bit later. Shops are typically closed on Sundays, with a few exceptional openings before Christmas or during sale season. These dates will be widely advertised in the media. Luxembourgers often shop in Trier, Germany and Metz, France, where prices tend to be lower. If you go to a supermarket, don’t forget to take shopping bags with you. You can still ask for bags at the check-out counter but they will cost extra. In certain shops and supermarkets there may be ticket machines where you will need to pull a ticket number and wait in line in order to be served. What to Buy Luxembourg makes a wide variety of unique food products that range from fine meats and cheeses to wine. Each product has its own special flavor which sets it apart from any other region in Europe. The most iconic brand in Luxembourg is Villeroy and Boche. This high-end porcelain and glassware can be found all over Luxembourg and is a must for those that collect or enjoy entertaining. Shopping Centers Luxembourg has many shopping centers within the city as well as at least one in each region. Every mall has its own set of unique stores as well as popular brand names for shopping and dining. In Luxembourg City, La Belle Etoile in Bertrange is the largest shopping center with 105 stores and restaurants. Grand Rue is also a popular place for shopping with an array of places to visit or window shop along one of Luxembourg City’s largest streets. Markets Weekly markets exist all over Luxembourg with fresh produce, specialty foods and even fresh flowers. Typically, a neighborhood will have a market one day a week making it easy for residents to visit and shop . Grocery Depending on your preferences and budget, there are many options for grocery shopping in Luxembourg. Auchan, Cactus, Cora, and Match are some of the larger grocery stores chains with a wide variety of products. There are also smaller budget stores such as Delhaize, Alima, and Aldi as well as traditional neighborhood grocers selling a small selection of items for convenience and ease.

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24-hour Services There is always one hospital and one pharmacy available for 24-hour care in Luxembourg. A list of on-duty hospitals open for emergencies is published every day on the last page of Tageblatt newspaper and this list is also available on the LuxWeb website ( http://sos.luxweb.lu/fr/hopitaux-de-garde ).

Dining and Nightlife

Eating Out With a plethora of highly-rated restaurants holding a combined 16 Michelin stars in total, Luxembourg has more than a few amazing restaurants. Even if a gourmet restaurant is not in the picture, the high standards for dining make almost any meal amazing. Needless to say, Luxembourgers eat well. The majority of cafes and restaurants serve lunch strictly between 12:00 and 14:00 and dinner between 18:00 and 22:00. Many restaurants are closed on Mondays but this is less applicable in the city. Local communes regularly organize outdoor and indoor grill parties on various occasions: Mother’s and Father’s Days, apple or potato harvest season, “young wine”, trout catch, open day for Luxembourg Scouts or local fire brigade, etc. This can be a great chance to meet the local community and try traditional Luxembourgish grilled specialties with a glass of schampes or local beer. Waiters in Luxembourg expect you to enjoy your meal in a relaxed tempo and typically offer a desert and a cup of coffee, which is why it can take time to get your bill. If you are in a hurry, it is appropriate to let the waiter know that you would like to have the bill immediately or pay at the counter.

Nightlife Both nightclubs and bars are popular in Luxembourg with several centered in downtown. Irish and Japanese inspired bars as well as EDM dance clubs are fun and easy to find.

Tipping 

Taxis : Drivers will expect about a 10% tip; you can usually just round up

 Hotels : Tipping is normally expected in hotels if the service is good: 1-2€ for the bell boy and 2-3€ a night for the maid staff  Restaurants : A 15% service is usually added to the bill, but if you receive very good service you should leave a few additional Euros  Bars : Like restaurants, a 15% service charge should be included, and if service was very good then you should leave a few extra Euros or round off the total

 Tax : The standard rate of value added tax (VAT) is currently 15%

 Hairdressers : Hairdressers typically have piggy banks on the counter with their names on them. If you are satisfied with the service, you can always tip a few Euros

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Helpful Hint: It is customary to tip rubbish truck employees once per year. Usually at the end of December, they ring the doorbell to wish you Merry Christmas and Happy New Year and expect a few euros in return.

Arts and Culture

Museums, Cultural Centers, and Art Luxembourg has a number of great museums including: 

Natural Museum of History and Art, Marche-Aux-Poissons , 2345 Luxembourg : The MNHA houses a large collection including archeological artifacts, fine arts, Luxembourgish arts and crafts as well as coins and medals  MUDAM , 3 Park Drai Eechelen L-1499 Luxembourg : The Grand Duke Jean Museum of Modern Art is home to Luxembourg’s collection of modern art. Mudam features traveling collections as well as its permanent exhibits  Luxembourg City History Museum , 14 Rue du St. Esprit, 2090 Luxembourg : Go back in time to learn the 1000-year history of Luxembourg City through model rooms as well as traveling exhibits on local culture and history  National Museum of National History , 25 Rue Munster, Luxembourg : Follow the progression of Luxembourg’s surrounding landscape and the people and animals that once lived there. The museum also features a wide variety of traveling exhibits from around the world  National Museum of Military History , 10 Bamertal, 9209 Dikrech, Luxembourg : NMMH houses an assortment of weaponry and military vehicles highlighting the history of Luxembourg’s military Theaters Live theater is an important form of entertainment in Luxembourg and illustrates the power of multilingualism. A wide variety of shows are performed, from classical plays to comedic performances and symphony performances. The themes often include romance, folklore, religion, and politics all performed in all three of Luxembourg’s national languages. As the importance of theater grows, so does the quality of performances as well as their number, appealing to audiences of all ages. Music The love of music and performance is an integral part of the culture of Luxembourg. The new Philharmonie Concert Hall has brought pride to the country and serves as an excellent venue. You will often find opera, rock, traditional folk, pop, and jazz in Luxembourg as well as a wide array of other genres. Many members of Luxembourg’s music scene are part of Union Grand-Duc Adolphe which is the national music federation or choral societies, brass bands, music schools and theater societies. This association has a nearly 17,000 members across the country and help promote music and theater arts in Luxembourg.

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