(Last updated: 11 May 2011)

Visas

Australian passport holders travelling to Luxembourg don’t need a visa for up to three months stay.

Further information is available from:

Consulate of Luxembourg
4/111 Harrington St
The Rocks NSW 2000
Tel: +61 2 9880 8002
Fax: +61 2 8920 2720

Office hours:
10.00am - 4.00pm weekdays (by appointment only)

Climate

The climate is temperate. The weather is warm from May to September; snow is likely in winter. The north (Ardennes) tends to be wetter and colder than the south. Keep an umbrella on hand, year round. The summers are generally cool and the temperature average for around 17°C. In winter, the temperature is rarely severely cold with an average temperature of 0°C.

For weather details in Luxembourg, please visit the World Meteorological Organization.

Airports

Luxembourg’s airport, Findel, is well serviced by major airlines and there are direct flights connecting to destinations throughout Europe, the UK and North Africa.

Information on flights and airport services is available from Luxair.

Ground transport

The national railways, Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL), is fully integrated with the bus network. Reductions are offered for weekend and holiday return tickets. CFL rail services and CFL/CRL buses in Luxembourg are covered by the Benelux Tourrail rail pass which covers Belgium, the Netherlands and Luxembourg. This gives unlimited travel on any five days within a 30-day period throughout the year. The Luxembourg Card, valid for one-three days, allows unlimited travel on public transport. Single day tickets are also available.

The network of roads and highways in Luxembourg is excellent. Cars drive on the right. The wearing of seat belts is compulsory and drink/driving is heavily penalised. All major car rental companies are found in Luxembourg.

Taxis cannot be hailed in the street. There is a minimum charge and a 10 per cent surcharge is applied from 10.00pm-6.00am. Luxembourg City has an efficient public bus system.

For the moment there is no underground railway or tram service. A 'short distance' ticket is valid for one hour (or for a maximum of 10km). Cross-country buses are punctual and operate between all major towns. For further details, contact the Automobile Club du Grand-Duché de Luxembourg.

Hotels

A range of hotel accommodation is available throughout Luxembourg with prices reflecting hotel standards and location. Expect daily tariffs in Luxembourg of around €80 for a good three-star hotel and €110 for four-star/five-star hotels.

Security and health

The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade (DFAT) provides advice for business travellers and tourists going to Luxembourg. This is regularly updated, and should be checked before planning travel.

The crime rate in Luxembourg is low. Pick-pockets, however, can be a problem in busy airport and train terminals.

Health

No vaccinations are required.

It is not advised to use tap water in Luxembourg. Only 5 out of 10 water plants meet the European Legislation and accordingly, restaurants will serve mineral mater when dining out in Luxembourg.

In case of emergency in Luxembourg, dial 112 or 113.

It is strongly recommended that Australian travellers to Luxembourg take out comprehensive travel insurance that will cover any overseas medical costs, before their departure. They should confirm that their insurance covers them for the whole time they will be away and check what circumstances and activities are not included in their policy.

It is also recommended for Australian travelers to register, before travelling, on the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade website, in case of an emergency.

Tipping

Bills generally include service; however, diners usually round off the total. If service has been particularly good, a tip of around 10 per cent is appropriate. Taxi drivers expect a 10 per cent tip on top of the amount on the meter.

Time zones and time differences

Luxembourg is 10 hours behind Australian Eastern Standard Time.

To find out the current time in Luxembourg, view the World Clock.

Dialling codes

Luxembourg's country code is 352.

For calls to Luxembourg from Australia dial: 0011 + 352 + area code + telephone number.

For calls from Luxembourg to Australia dial: 00 + 61 + area code + telephone number.

For further information (eg. area codes) please visit the White Pages - international dialling codes.

Business hours

Government offices are open between 8.00am-12.30pm, and 1.30pm-5.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Banks are open between 9.00am-4.30pm, Monday to Friday. Some smaller branches may close from noon to 2.00pm.

Private companies are open 8.00am-6.00pm, Monday to Friday.

Shops are open between 9.00am-6.00pm,Tuesday to Saturday and Monday afternoon only. Small shops may close from noon to 2.00pm for lunch.

Public holidays

May 1 – May Day
May 31 – Whit Monday
June 23 – National Day
August 15 – Assumption
September 1 – Luxembourg City Kermesse
November 1 – All Saints' Day
December 25 – Christmas Day
December 26 – St Stephen's Day

Currency

Oanda currency converter

Luxembourg is part of the European Union and of the Euro zone. The euro is now the official currency for all transactions. Both Euro notes and coins can be used in any country in the Euro zone, including Austria, Belgium, Finland, Germany, Greece, Ireland, Italy, Netherlands, Portugal and Spain.

Major credit cards are widely accepted throughout Luxembourg; however, many retailers set a minimum sales amount.

Electricity and water

Luxembourg’s power supply is 220 volts, 50Hz. The round two-pin plugs are the most common.

Dining

Luxembourg’s French, German and Belgian neighbours have influenced its cuisine and, in recent times, Portuguese and Italian immigrants have added to the mix. Specialities include: thuringer (small spicy sausages), gromper keeschelche (potato pancakes) and kach keis (cooked cheese).

Tourist attractions

Luxembourg has a rich history due to its geographically strategic location during the early to late middle ages. For more information, visit the Luxembourg City Tourist Office website.