Luxembourg | Europe

Luxembourg is a landlocked nation in Western Europe, bordered by Belgium to the west and north, Germany to the east, and France to the south. The country's economy is defined by its status as a global hub for investment banking and private wealth management, boasting one of the world's highest GDPs per capita; the capital city is Luxembourg City.

Visa & Entry Policy

Luxembourg is a member of the Schengen Area. Citizens of the US, UK, and EU do not require a visa for stays up to 90 days. Starting in late 2026, non-EU visa-exempt travelers must obtain an ETIAS (European Travel Information and Authorisation System) prior to arrival. Border entry requires a biometric passport valid for at least three months beyond the intended stay.

Language & Communication

The official languages are Luxembourgish, French, and German. English proficiency is high, particularly in the financial sector and urban hospitality. French is the primary language for legislation and is the dominant tongue in retail and restaurants, while German is the main language of the written press.

Currency & Payment Systems

The currency is the Euro (EUR). Digital payments and "tap-to-pay" are universal. While card acceptance is standard, Luxembourg retains a more active cash culture than neighboring Netherlands, with physical currency still preferred for small transactions in rural cafes. ATMs are widely available across all cantons.

National Transport Grid

Luxembourg is the first country in the world to offer free nationwide public transport; all second-class travel on buses, trains, and the tram is free for both residents and tourists. The national rail company, CFL, operates the train network connecting the capital to the northern Oesling and southern Minett regions. No domestic flights exist due to the country's small geographic footprint.

Digital Infrastructure

Primary mobile network providers are POST Luxembourg, Orange, and Proximus. 5G coverage is comprehensive in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette. 4G reliability is nearly 100% across the country, though minor signal drops may occur in the dense forests of the Mullerthal region.

Climate & Seasonality

The climate is modified continental with oceanic influences. The north (Oesling) is typically colder and more humid than the south (Gutland). Rainfall is evenly distributed throughout the year, with May and June being the wettest months. Snow is common in winter but typically melts within 24–48 hours in the capital.

Health & Safety

No mandatory vaccinations are required. Ticks in forested areas carry a risk of Lyme disease and encephalitis during summer months. The universal emergency number for Police, Ambulance, and Fire is 112. Specialist medical response (SAMU) can be requested via the same number.

Top 3 Major Regions & Cities

Luxembourg City & Surroundings: Primary hub is Luxembourg City.

The Red Lands (Minett): Primary hub is Esch-sur-Alzette.

The Ardennes (Oesling): Primary hub is Ettelbruck.

Local Cost Index

1L Water: €0.95 ($1.05 USD)

1 Domestic Beer: €5.50 ($6.05 USD)

1 Sim Card (Data Plan): €15.00 ($16.50 USD)

Facts & Legends

The "Melusina" legend states that the city’s founder, Count Siegfried, married a mysterious woman who vanished into the Alzette river after he discovered she was a mermaid. Folklore dictates that Melusina reappears every seven years as a serpent with a golden key in her mouth; according to the myth, if she ever finishes knitting a shirt she is working on while submerged, the city of Luxembourg will collapse into the Bock cliff.