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About Delano #TheTeam
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The print edition of Delano, the English-language news magazine for Luxembourg’s international community, is available at newsstands across the grand duchy and by subscription. Delano publishes two newsletters weekdays: the “Breakfast briefing”, featuring local and world headlines to start the day informed, and the “Noon briefing”, covering the latest Luxembourg news and events. Plus, there are Delano Live events, which feature onstage interviews with people and on topics covered by Delano, but with a fresh perspective, followed by a networking cocktail.
Editor-in-chief A journalist in Luxembourg for over 25 years, Duncan has been the editor-in-chief of Delano since its launch in 2011. He likes to think he’s fluent in four languages (not bad for a Mancunian), closely follows politics and soaks up culture of any hue.
@bezdonut63
NATALIE GERHARDSTEIN
AARON GRUNWALD Desk editor Aaron has been a Delano journalist for more than 10 years. Even though it’s not a particularly pleasant odour, he likes the smell of the freshly printed magazine. Aaron is originally from Berkeley, California.
Journalist A German-US national, Natalie has 17 years’ experience in media & communications, starting at S&P Global. She has a passion for international development, business and travel. She holds an MBA and is currently learning Chinese.
JESS BAULDRY Journalist A graduate in French and theatre, Jess qualified as a journalist in 2005. The UK-Luxembourg national enjoys learning about new ways of connecting with audiences, such as audio storytelling. She is originally from West Sussex.
@ngerhardstein @jessbauldry
CORDULA SCHNUER @aarongrunwald
Photos
Maison Moderne
JEFF PALMS Journalist Jeff Palms joined Delano in 2021 with a background in writing, editing and teaching. He covers Luxembourg’s finance sector, but also has interests in culture and the arts. Originally from Michigan, USA, he has spent a third of his life in Europe.
Journalist Cordula started wor working as a journalist in 2011, returning to her native Luxembourg after graduating from university in the UK. She’s interested in politics and social issues. You’ll rarely find her without a book at hand.
ABIGAIL OKORODUS Journalist Passionate about media representation and minority rights, Abigail loves meeting people and is an avid researcher. She holds a bachelor’s degree in French and German and trained as a policy officer in European and international organisations. @abbierodus
www.delano.lu @CordulaSchnuer
news@delano.lu
Delano Magazine
Delano Magazine
@DelanoMagazine
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
DUNCAN ROBERTS
Place des Rotondes, L-2448 Luxembourg-Bonnevoie
A unique soul
MIRJAM BAMBERGER The CEO of AXA Luxembourg and CEO of AXA Wealth Europe was, until 2020, a member of the board at AXA Switzerland, the largest insurer on the market. She has assumed different board functions from customer experience, strategy, marketing, innovation and business development to human resources. Prior to this, Mirjam was appointed to international leadership roles in the financial services, high-tech and capital equipment industries. Her career has taken her to the USA, the UK, Latin America, China, as well as Germany and Switzerland. She holds an executive MBA from IMD in Lausanne and a master’s from the University of Cologne.
One Friday morning in Zurich, my phone rang: “… have you ever been to Luxembourg? We would like to discuss a vacancy with you.” The question came out of the blue. Blue as in the Pantone blue of the EU flag. I had always pictured Luxembourg as the epitome of the European soul: seat of the European Parliament, the European Commission and one of the largest hubs for financial wealth and cross-border fund distribution. In short, quality of life, stable economy and an appealing financial sector. And in my line of thinking, Léa Linster followed right after. Léa is a remarkable chef and the first woman to win the Bocuse d’Or. Her minimalist madeleines at the delicatessen shop in Luxembourg City are a taste of childhood and heaven. In one fell swoop, my relocation to Luxembourg was decided. Having worked and lived in eight countries--from Mexico to Frankfurt, Chicago to Hong Kong, London to Zurich--moving under covid restrictions felt rather different. And, as a CEO, navigating two companies through a crisis, in a place you do not know, is quite a challenge. Now it is time to demystify Luxembourg. Foreigners are no strangers--47% of the working population are international. Locals are language literate, they master multiple cultures. They deeply care about their country and serene lives. The only grand duchy on earth is blessed with a respected monarchy and Luxembourg politics will give you an authentic reflection of a representative democracy. So, once you have arrived, make friends with prime minister Xavier Bettel on LinkedIn and follow the popular health minister, Paulette Lenert. And if you need any kind of help, try Facebook. If you want to sell your bike, post on Facebook. If you buy a home, check on Facebook. If you start a business, use Facebook. When life treats you well (and you are not on Facebook), settle for a few hours in luscious green nature at Larochette or at the scenic castle of Schoenfels. Tranquillity is not your priority? Simply walk towards the city centre to watch bus drivers frantically cut the corners whilst the colourful tram peacefully floats by as if traffic does not exist--and yes, it does. Luxembourg is a pearl in Europe with a unique soul that you either adore or love. You will have no other choice.
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Guest editorial #DemystifyingLuxembourg
Digital account opening. Free of charge. Current account, cards & online banking. * Min. 12 months free of charge, for all new customers.
SPUERKEESS.LU/CHECK
Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat, Luxembourg, établissement public autonome 1, Place de Metz, L-2954 Luxembourg, R.C.S. Luxembourg B30775
Contents #ExpatGuide2021-22
Tips and advice
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Recommendations for newcomers and longer term international residents alike
AND FAMILY
Loïc Choquet Proud father
76 LEISURE TIME
12 SETTLING IN
Raha Razavi Ghashghai Filmmaking experience
Demilade Olowosuko First and second impressions
54 PROFESSIONAL LIFE
Carlos Córdoba Luxembourg work culture
28 DAILY LIFE Linda Lazzaroni See the funny side of expat life
Photos
Matic Zorman, Romain Gamba
66 PERSONAL FINANCE Sherry Sideris Getting into Luxembourg’s property market
94 Calendar
Plan out the year ahead
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
44 CHILDCARE
Reference map #Country
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
1
2
3
Liège 168km Maastricht 210km
4 Aachen
5
6
8
7 Railways
174km
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B
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E
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Köln
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F
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Namur 154km Brussels 213km
MERSCH
TRÈVES E44
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Trier 48km Frankfurt 233km
A1 B268
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PÉTANGE A4
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
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Franek Niczewski is seen at Findel airport
Overview #SettlingIn
The many faces of Luxembourg Misconceptions about a country will steal from your international experience. And thinking Luxembourg is a country for old people or families could stop you from really leveraging the full experience and options the country offers.
Take a second to think about the first three words that come to your mind when you think of Luxembourg. After you figure this out, you might want to take a second to think about where that thought originated. Was it from a personal experience? An isolated event? Or it was through word of mouth? My guess is the latter. When I arrived Luxembourg, I was surprised at how often people wanted to graciously share their experiences or thoughts about the grand duchy with me. Several times, I heard some wonderful views from people who then would genuinely share
Words ABIGAIL OKORODUS Photo MATIC ZORMAN
their feelings about what could be improved. But often, in these personal interactions, some misleading misconceptions surfaced providing a gloomy impression to firsttime residents who may not bother to do more research or go out to explore for themselves. After living in the country for a while now, I find myself in the same position--wanting to give my two cents on this beautiful country. Now don’t get me wrong, you should always share a realistic and honest view of what Luxembourg represents to you, but wrong notions about Luxembourg can spread like wildfire. Some of the first impressions I questioned were that Luxembourg was for families, old rich people or, even worse, boring! I get it. The average GDP per capita is quite impressive, and many people already have, or plan to start, families. But there’s so much more to the country’s fabric. Simple things like the nightlife, numerous cultural activities, breathtaking castles, cycling and hiking paths, exquisite cuisine and wineries, frequent concerts, dance shows, picnics, the bustle of the city centre or art exhibitions have
become an integral and symbolic representation of the country based on my own experiences. Armed with these experiences, I could confidently challenge the status quo I had been informed of on arrival. So, no, Luxembourg was not boring. And to be honest, much depends on the individual in question. Time and again, new residents would approach long-term residents for advice on what they think about the country. But as a new settler or visitor in Luxembourg, it helps to go the extra mile, go on a personal fact-finding mission and build your own perceptions--or even misconceptions--but really own it. But here’s the real challenge, the next time you talk to someone about the country, make an extra effort to reflect on positive realities that may not be at the forefront of discussions, and contribute to reshaping the parameters for the next set of newcomers. As for new residents, please give Luxembourg a chance to show you what it can offer before you jump to any conclusions.
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
13
Ristretto #SettlingIn
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
14
“You grow to fall in love with Luxembourg” After relocating twice to the grand duchy within the space of a year, Nigerian tech specialist Demilade Olowosuko shares his first and second impressions.
Can you recall your first day in Luxembourg and what that felt like? Yes! I remember the entire day in detail. I arrived on 14 January 2018 for a six-month internship. I remember getting off the train and taking a picture of the Luxembourg sign, it’s still saved on my phone. My very first impression was that it felt small, but cosy and homelike.
I began searching for an internship for the final six months. My initial target location was Belgium, France or Switzerland, because I wanted to improve my French at the time. But I did my research on Luxembourg and decided to come here. Following my internship, I went to the UK while job hunting. After four months, I accepted an offer from KPMG for a tech consulting role, and a day after signing the contract, I received another offer from France. I mean, I was really fixated on going to Paris, but you grow to fall in love with Luxembourg.
Is there anything you wish you knew before moving here that could have helped with your integration? I always knew Luxembourg ‘existed’, but it wasn’t until I arrived that I became fully aware of its dominance in finance and investment funds. I mean, I was prepared to speak French but maybe making an effort to learn Luxembourgish would have been nice. I am beginning Luxembourgish classes in August.
What were some things you did to help you settle in Luxembourg? As an intern, I connected with other interns. We would eat together at the cafeteria, go to the movies together and organise barbecues. I also joined a local church community. After I left and came back, all the interns I knew were gone, so I had to start over and that’s how I picked up some of my current hobbies. Most young people leave on weekends, but there are nice things to see and do in Luxembourg even if its proximity to other countries is an advantage. For example, after work gatherings, fun tourist attractions like Mullerthal or Vianden castle, are all easily accessible by car. In the weeks of the Schueberfouer [an annual fun fair in August], the city comes alive! Even the funicular lift that connects the lower city to the upper city deserves special attention. I don’t think I’ve seen that anywhere else. My knowledge of French also helped my integration.
What do you do to relax? I have picked up a few hobbies going rockclimbing or cycling, especially along the dedicated but easy-to-miss cycling paths in the Grund spanning several kilometres and passing cabins and horse ranches. I also enjoy riding along the cycling paths in Kirchberg and I would like to try riding in Clausen soon. I love playing football with friends that started out as strangers at the park in Bonnevoie. Were there any culture shocks? I wasn’t ready for the constant construction and stores closing so early. In the UK [where his family is based], there are corner shops within a 10-minute walk and big chain stores close really late. So that’s definitely something I felt. Compared to Nigeria, the diversity of the people here stands out to me. You can randomly meet people from Austria or even Macedonia! How did you find yourself coming to the grand duchy? Twice! Following my four-year BSC programme in international business in France and Scotland,
Demilade Olowosuko is a senior advisor technology consulting at KPMG Luxembourg
Any advice for new residents? Learn some French, German or even Luxem Luxembourgish as you’re likely to meet people who speak these languages, and this further helps your integration outside of the professional context. Interview ABIGAIL OKORODUS Photo MATIC ZORMAN
Summertime is always fun, but even more fun when you add a little friendly competition. Explore Luxembourg this summer. Soak up the atmosphere and hospitality, and discover something new along the way with LetzBingo — a fun summer game which is part of this year’s “Lëtzebuerg, dat ass Vakanz” campaign. A project of the Ministry of the Economy, General Directorate for Tourism, in collaboration with Luxembourg for Tourism.
Share pictures and videos of your adventures on social media with #letzbingo Find detailed information on www.letz.bingo
SHARE YOUR FAVOURITE VIEWPOINT Capture your holiday feeling
Taste
A LOCAL PRODUCT
Made in Luxembourg
Explore the
UNDERGROUND SECRETS of Luxembourg
GET ACTIVE
on and around the water FIND
THE HIGHEST POINT
IN THE COUNTRY
FIND THE NATION BRANDING LETTERS
Blast Furnace
Explore Luxembourg’s world of myths and legends
TAKE THE BUS, TRAIN OR TRAM TO
HIKE ONE OF OUR
CIRCULAR WALKS
ampersand.studio
HAVE A REFRESHMENT AFTER ONE OF YOUR ACTIVITIES
COOK OR BAKE
A LUXEMBOURGISH SPECIALITY
Try the
FOREST BATH Explore THE COUNTRY TRIANGLES of Luxembourg
#letzbingo www.letz.bingo
“WORMER KOEPPCHEN”
DO A DANCE
TAKE A WALK INTO THE SUNSET
on your favourite city or town square
Like/Follow Visit Luxembourg on social media
RECHARGE on the MEDITATION PATH in Luxembourg’s smallest village
PLAY
SHOW US AIRGUITAR TAKE US TO YOUR FAVOURITE YOUR BEST in front of PICNIC SPOT Rockhal or the CASTLE
Walk to the top of the
Grab your bike and take part in “Vëlosummer”
TAG YOUR FRIENDS and challenge them to play LETZ.BINGO!
SHOW US YOUR FAVOURITE GREEN PLACE
FIND THE FACES IN THE ROCKS IN MULLERTHAL
Visit a local producer or market
SHARE YOUR DISCOVERIES with your family and friends
Participate in a GUIDED TOUR
CATCH A RAINBOW
Share your best
STAYCATION GETAWAY in one of our accomodations
ITW #Investment
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
16
Managing a sustainable portfolio Sponsored content by DEGROOF PETERCAM LUXEMBOURG
Discretionary management allows you to delegate the management of your portfolio and it’s also a great way to invest sustainably. To find out more, we spoke to Jean-François Genicot, Head of Investments Management at Degroof Petercam, who guided his client towards this solution. What is discretionary management? Customers wanting to delegate the day-to-day management of their investment portfolio choose this solution. Discretionary management is when the client gives the bank a mandate for them to act on their behalf according to terms pre-defined in the contract. There are four types of contracts which, to a certain extent, correspond to four different levels of client involvement. First of all, there’s full delegation, as mentioned earlier. The second type corresponds to proactive management advice, whereby the client receives advice from the bank on a regular basis and remains in control of the final decision. With the third, the client intervenes occasionally via their portfolio manager. And finally, for the last we simply execute the client’s decisions. Whom discretionary management is intented for? It’s aimed at anyone who wishes to delegate the day-to-day management of their portfolio, be it due to a lack of time, interest or even solid experience in the matter. A client’s asset size is one factor that determines the level of management. The strategy for modest-sized portfolios may be exclusively through funds, whereas it may be through funds and direct investments for portfolios of more than one-and-a-half million euros, so as not to be impacted by tariff systems. Can you tell us more about your client’s situation? Our client is a young mother and architect by profession, who had inherited substantial financial assets. She came to us to delegate in a sustainable way her portfolio management so she could fully focus on her family and career. As a portfolio manager, what should you pay particular attention to? The bank and the client must carefully and clearly define the contract objectives. This enables us to
define the client’s risk profile, by asking specific questions related to their overall financial situation, investment horizon, potential risk aversion, as well as their knowledge of financial products. As for the bank, MiFID regulations impose full transparency and that the client has a perfect understanding of the risks involved. The transactions and investments that will be carried out must be fully detailed and in accordance with the defined mandate. Regular communication between the portfolio manager and the client is essential, in order to build a healthy, long-lasting relationship based on trust. It is not uncommon for this trust to span generations. Of course, this shows our ability to identify changing needs from generation to generation. What sustainable discretionary management services does Degroof Petercam offer? Degroof Petercam wanted to shift its offer to qualify for the sustainable discretionary management label and meet the criteria of Article 8 of the recent SFDR (Sustainable Finance Disclosure Regulation). We’re continuing in this direction so as to offer our clients an “Article 8+” or potentially an “Article 9” management approach. Both the portfolio manager and the client must be fully aware of the obligations that this entails. Performance is no longer the sole criteria, as the impact of investments on an ESG (Environmental, Social and Governance) level plays a more important role.
Jean-François Genicot enlightens us about sustainable discretionary management.
Photo SIMON VERJUS (MAISON MODERNE)
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icot@ jf.gen am.lu peterc f o o r deg
Lea received an inheritance. Her priorities? Her two sons and her career as an architect.
Jean-François operates the management of her portfolio.
How to #SettlingIn
18
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Register as a resident: different processes The information you provide serves as a reference point for government officials and must be updated when you change residence or leave the country. Administrative steps
precede the collection of the residence card. Deadline is now 31 December 2021.
Formalities depend on your visa status. Third-country nationals staying for more than 90 days must register at the municipality in person with key documents (i.e. passport/ visa, authorisation to stay and proof of address), undergo medical checkup, and request a residence permit at the Immigration Directorate with required documents sent by post in English, German or French.
Deadlines
Specific permits apply for employees, self-employed persons, students and interns, family members of EU citizens and other special statuses. Make sure to verify the list of documents required for each category.
Five ways to integrate 1
Use available resources A variety of resources are at your disposal. If you would like to pick up sewing and calligraphy at the Luxembourg Accueil association, register at the Luxembourg National Library, pick up Luxembourgish humour on Kulturgeschicht, or learn its history in various museums without charge, it’s entirely up to you!
2
3
Follow the right individuals on social media platforms to get a feel of the local context. Political figures, entertainers, influencers and media outlets frequently produce information that will get you up to speed on living in Luxembourg. 4
Go on a discovery ride Make use of the free public transport. Destination: nowhere! The idea is to see as much of the 2,586.4km2 country in a day.
Learn a language Multilingual competencies are valued in Luxembourg. Picking up language courses in Luxembourgish, French or German is a great way to expand your network in no time. Municipalities and several institutions are offering language courses. View listings.
Follow top shots
5
“Registering as a resident has been made relatively easy thanks to online portal guichet.lu”
Be polite Be polite and friendly with public administration staff. Most people will open up and provide you with the valuable information if you have the right approach.
Beverly Atkinson
Relocation expert
Salomé Jottreau - Photo
Residence cards
Post-Brexit, UK nationals can apply for permanent residence documents via an online application form to be sent along with documentation to the immigration directorate by post. Biometric screening will
Illustration
British nationals
Mike Zenari
Register at the municipality no later than eight days after your arrival. As a third-country national, this should be on or before the third working day. Residence permit applications must be sent within three months of arrival. It can take up to 6 months, so start early!
Fiber internet
from 50 Mbit/s to 1 Gbit/s from
29
€
/month
even after the first year
Conditions on orange.lu
How to #SettlingIn
Five banking tips
Decorate your brand-new space
Setting up a bank account requires documentation, another reason to get started early with administrative procedures for residents.
Moving home can be overwhelming, but several resources are at your disposal to make the process more relaxing. 1
Choosing a bank Some banks have more branches than others, some offer more attractive loans, insurance and mortgage options. Verify the monthly bank charges applicable to your account and if there is a minimum monthly threshold to maintain.
2
Mobile banking Most banks provide mobile apps to clients to manage and track their finances, but they also provide additional applications for quick transfers for bills or cross-border payments.
3
When renting an unfurnished apartment, usually the less expensive choice, getting furniture and home decor will require you know how to navigate the market. Most stores will ship items directly to you and whether or not you are buying brandnew or secondhand items, it is possible to have items pre-assembled on request.
Best deals Compare prices from different stores as this could vary by a large margin for the same item! Some stores in neighbouring countries, such as Ikea in Belgium, can also ship items to Luxembourg for a fee. Save time by searching online rather than making in-store visits for price comparisons. Targeting sale seasons will also help you save on costs.
Social media purchases Use the search term “furniture Luxembourg” on Facebook to view its marketplace and public groups featuring irresistible deals by
people leaving the country. You will also have to pay for shipping, so be alert and protect yourself from scams by choosing a safe payment strategy.
Banks offer Luxtrust tokens used to make secure payments via an automatically generated OTP code. The token validates your digital identity and can also be used for administrative procedures on myguichet.lu such as requesting your criminal record or filing tax returns. 4
FX exchanges are only made available to bank customers. However, 100% online banks such as Revolut and Bunq are gaining popularity and are accepted by ATMs in Luxembourg. This is particularly useful in the first days if you hold a foreign account.
Be trendy with plants Indoor plants are a good way to show off a chic lifestyle. If you have a garden, even better. You will find a rich variety of plants and seedlings in shops around Luxembourg.
Storage tips Maximise space by opting for multipurpose furniture. This helps avoid clutter and keeps your space airy especially in the warmer months.
Reuse and recycle Luxembourg City and other communes have recycling centres where residents can drop off clean and well-sorted waste. And don’t forget to pickup Valorlux’s free blue bags (for plastics, tins and cartons) from your commune and check the calendar they provide for pick up dates.
Mind your wallet
5
Stay connected Banks in Luxembourg require an appointment on most occasions. Be sure to book one online or call to schedule an appointment in advance.
Salomé Jottreau
Feel at home
Digital identity
Illustration
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Polestar 2 — 100% electric polestar.com
0 L/100KM I CO2 : 0 G/KM Environmental information (RD 19/03/2004): polestar.com
Listings #SettlingIn
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EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Austria 3 rue des Bains L-1212, Luxembourg 47 11 88 luxembourg-ob@bmaa.gv.at www.bmeia.gv.at Aussenministerium mfa_austria E12
Belgium 4 rue des Girondins L-1626, Luxembourg 44 27 46 1 luxembourg@diplobel.org www.diplomatie.belgium.be G11
Cape Verde 9B boulevard Prince Henri L-1724, Luxembourg 26 48 09 48 ambcvlux@pt.lu E11
China 2 rue Antoine-François Van Der Meule L-2152, Luxembourg 43 69 91 ambchine@pt.lu lu.china-embassy.org B13
Czech Republic 2 rond-point Robert Schuman L-2525, Luxembourg 26 47 78 11 luxembourg@embassy.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz Ministerstvo zahrani_ních v_cí _eské republiky Ministry of Foreign Affairs of the Czech Republic mzvcr E11
France 8b boulevard Joseph II L-1840, Luxembourg 45 73 72 consulat.luxembourg-amba@diplomatie. gouv.fr www.lu.ambafrance.org France Diplomatie E11
Germany 21 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420, Luxembourg 45 34 45 1 info@luxemburg.diplo.de www.luxemburg.diplo.de Auswärtiges Amt auswaertigesamt E11
Greece
Romania
Bazar.lu
27 rue Marie-Adélaïde L-2128, Luxembourg 44 51 93 gremb.lux@mfa.gr www.mfa.gr Greek Ministry of Foreign Affairs F11
2 rue de Pulvermühl L-2356, Luxembourg 45 51 51 luxembourg@mae.ro www.mae.ro Ministerul Afacerilor Externe/ Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Romania mfaromania F14
Luxembourg bazar@bazar.lu www.bazar.lu Bazar.lu
Hungary 3 rue des Bains L-1212, Luxembourg 26 20 34 86 mission.lux@mfa.gov.hu brusszel.mfa.gov.hu Embassy of Hungary Brussels Magyarország Brüsszeli Nagykövetsége
Italy 5 rue Marie-Adélaïde L-2128, Luxembourg 44 36 44-1 abmbasciata.lussemburgo@esteri.it www.amblussemburgo.esteri.it Ambasciata d'Italia in Lussemburgo F11
Ireland 28 route d’Arlon L-1140, Luxembourg 45 06 10 ireland@pt.lu www.dfa.ie Irish Foreign Ministry E10
Japan 62 avenue de la Faïencerie L-1510, Luxembourg 46 41 51-1 embjapan@lx.mofa.go.jp www.lu.emb-japan.go.jp Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Japan D11
Netherlands 6 rue Sainte-Zithe L-2763, Luxembourg 22 75 70 embjapan@lx.mofa.go.jp www.netherlandsandyou.nl F11
Poland 24 rue Guillaume Schneider L-2522, Luxembourg 26 00 32 luksemburg.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl www.gov.pl/web/luksemburg/ambasada @PLinLuxembourg D11
Portugal 282 route de Longwy L-1940, Luxembourg 46 61 90-1 cgluxembourgo@mne.pt www.luxemburgo.embaixadaportugal. mne.pt F9
Russia 116 rue Cyprien Merjai L-2145, Luxembourg 42 23 33 ambruslu@pt.lu ambruslu.mid.ru Russian Foreign Ministry A12
Spain 4 boulevard Emmanuel Servais L-2535, Luxembourg 46 02 55 embesplu@pt.lu www.exteriores.gob.es Ministerio de Asuntos Exteriores, Unión Europea y Cooperación de España exteriores.maec D11
Turkey 49 rue Siggy Vu Lëtzebuerg L-1933, Luxembourg 44 32 81 180 ambassade.luxembourg@mfa.gov.tr www.luksemburg.be.mfa.gov.tr Türkiye Cumhuriyeti Lüksemburg Büyükelçili C10
United Kingdom 5 boulevard Joseph II L-1840, Luxembourg 22 98 64 britemb@internet.lu www.gov.uk F12
United States 2 boulevard Emmanuel Servais L-2335, Luxembourg 46 01 23 00 Luxembourgconsular@state.gov lu.usembassy.gov U.S. Embassy Luxembourg us.embassy.luxembourg D11
ONLINE REAL ESTATE Athome.lu 25 route d’Esch L-1470, Luxembourg 27 86 23 86 support@athome.eu www.athome.lu atHome.lu atHomeGroup
Habiter.lu 208, rue de Noertzange L-3671, Kayl 50 60 51 1 info@editus.lu www.habiter.lu Editus Editus Luxembourg
Immo.lu Luxembourg immo@immo.lu www.immo.lu Immo.lu
ImmoStar Luxembourg www.immostar.lu ImmoStar ImmoStar.lu
Immotop.lu Luxembourg support@immotop.lu www.immotop.lu Immotop.lu Annonces Immobilières Immotop.lu
Lux Immo Real Estate 23 rue Jean Wolter L-3544, Dudelange 28 77 37 10 agence@luximmobilier.lu www.luximmobilier.lu
Smartagent Luxembourg contact@smartagent.lu www.smartagent.lu
Wortimmo.lu Luxembourg info@wortimmo.lu www.wortimmo.lu Wortimmo.lu Wortimmo.lu wortimmo
REAL ESTATE Adequat Immobilier 31 rue Notre-Dame L-2240, Luxembourg 22 22 91 1 info@adequat-immobilier.lu www.adequat-immobilier.lu F11
Agence Real Estate Bereldange 14 route de Luxembourg L-7240, Bereldange 26 33 19 23 www.are.lu H4
Listings #SettlingIn
Laforêt
4 rue de Bridel L-7217, Bereldange 33 12 55 alpina@pt.lu www.alpina.lu H4
Zare Îlot Ouest L-4384, Ehlerange 26 17 66 11 laforet@laforet.lu www.laforet.lu Laforêt Immobilier Luxembourg Laforêt Luxembourg laforet_luxembourg I3
Bricks 2 place de Nancy L-2212, Hollerich 26 44 11 61 info@bricks.lu www.bricks.lu BRICKS Solutions Immobilières BRICKS Solutions Immobilières BRICKS Real Estate Luxembourg G10
Engel & Völkers
New Immo Belair 49 boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1331, Belair 26 44 11 11 info@newimmo.lu www.newimmo.lu New Immo F10
51 boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1331, Luxembourg 28 26 17 27 luxembourg@engelvoelkers.com www.engelvoelkers.lu Engel & Völkers Luxembourg Engel & Völkers Luxembourg engelvoelkerslux F11
Re/Max
Feltes
Unicorn
135 avenue du X Septembre L-2551, Luxembourg 248 488-1 feltes@feltes.lu www.feltes.lu H4
18 rue du Marché-aux-Herbes L-1728, Luxembourg 26 54 17 17 www.unicorn.lu Unicorn Real Estate F12
Fischbach
Weckbecker
298 avenue Gaston Diderich L-1420, Belair 457 130 1 immo.fischbach@fischbach.lu www.fischbach.lu FISCHBACH - Realtors & Developers immo_fischbach E9
6 avenue du X Septembre L-2550, Luxembourg 22 25 92 info@weckbecker.lu www.weckbecker.lu Agence Immobilière Weckbecker depuis 1929 H4
Hélène Grober
FURNITURE RENTAL
192 route d’Esch L-1471, Luxembourg 40 97 90 info@immo-grober.lu www.immo-grober.lu H10
Homexperts 55 rue de Luxembourg L-4391, Pontpierre 26 57 07 07 08 info@homexperts.lu www.homexperts.lu Homexperts.lu Homexperts.lu I3
Inowai 51-53 rue de Merl L-2146, Merl 25 03 39 info@inowai.com www.inowai-residential.lu Inowai Inowai inowai.luxembourg G9
14 rue des Capucins L-1313, Luxembourg 26 64 99 99 1 contact@remax.lu www.remax.lu RE/MAX Luxembourg E12
Lyght Living furniture leasing 22 Ferdinand-Porsche-Ring D-63110, Rodgau Germany 49 (0)6102 7969 003 www.furniture-leasing.net info@furniture-leasing.net
In-Lease 2 rue d’Arlon L-8399, Windhof 49 83 89 info@in-lease.com www.in-lease.com In-Lease - the furniture rental company In-Lease H3
REMOVALS Daleiden 18 rue Daniel Grün L–5315, Luxembourg 26 19 68 67 info@daleiden.lu www.daleiden.lu I5
Déménagements Faber 206 route de Differdange L-4438, Sanem 59 49 44 info@demenagements-faber.lu www.demenagements-faber.lu Déménagement Faber I3
International Removal Firms 9A rue de la Libération L-8245, Mamer 20 30 14 73 info@groupespiroux.com www.spirouxdemenagements.lu Spiroux Déménagements H3
Nadin 45 rue Charles Kieffer L-8389, Grass 39 80 48 info@nadin.eu www.nadin.eu G2
Streff 138 route d'arlon L-8008, Strassen 31 09 21 service@streff.lu www.streff.lu Streff Streff H4
TEMPORARY FURNISHED ACCOMMODATION Airbnb International www.airbnb.com airbnb airbnb
Apart2stay 34 place de la Gare L-2417, Luxembourg apart2stay.hotels-in-luxembourg.com G12
Cab Ap’Art 29 rue Philippe II L-2340, Luxembourg 621 672 679 cabaparts@gmail.com www.cabaparts.eu F12
Couchsurfing Short-term sofa accommodation for visitors or new arrivals. International www.couchsurfing.com Couchsurfing Couchsurfing International couchsurfing
FMI Immobilier 7 rue des Mérovingiens L-8070, Bertrange 24 83 24 8-1 info@fmi.lu www.fmi.lu FMI s.a.
Key Inn Appart-Hotels 42 rue Albert 1er L-1117, Luxembourg 27 61 61 1 info@key-inn.com www.key-inn.com
Luxembourg Youth Hostels 2 rue du Fort Olisy L-2261, Luxembourg 26 27 66 650 luxembourg@youthhostels.lu www.youthhostels.lu Youth Hostels Luxembourg NPO E13
SHS Suite Home Sweet 106 route d’Arlon L-8008, Strassen concierge@suite-home-sweet.com www.suite-home-sweet.com
Vistay apartments 37-39 rue de Beggen L-1221, Luxembourg 691 904 904 info@vistay.lu www.vistay.lu B12
FLAT & HOUSE SHARING Appartager Luxembourg www.appartager.lu
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Listings #SettlingIn
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Furnished.lu by Altea 149 Rue de Hollerich L-1741 , Luxembourg 20 60 80 info@altea.lu www.furnished.lu Colocation Luxembourg furnished_luxembourg H10
LuxFriends Luxembourg 26 47 84 47 info@luxfriends.eu www.luxfriends.eu LuxFriends
Vauban & Fort 12 route d’Esch L-1470, Luxembourg 69 14 55 551 info@vaubanfort.lu www.vaubanfort.lu Vauban&Fort - Coliving / RENT A ROOM Luxembourg F11
National Reception Office Public agency for reception and integration affairs. 5 rue Carlo Hemmer L-1734, Luxembourg 24 78 57 03 info@olai.public.lu www.ona.gouvernement.lu Gouvernement luxembourgeois B16
Just Arrived 4 rue Pierre de Coubertin L-1358, Luxembourg 691 307 043 contact@justarrived.lu www.justarrived.lu Just Arrived Luxembourg Just Arrived
Just Landed info@justlanded.com www.justlanded.com Just Landed
DECLUTTER- INTEGRATION ING SERVICES ASSOCIATION Katluxe Organizers
Luxembourg Accueil
154A rue de Treves L-2630, Luxembourg 621 454 756 Hello@Katluxe.lu www.katluxe.lu katluxe_organizers
10 Bisserwee L-1238, Luxembourg 24 17 17 lai@pt.lu www.luxembourgaccueil.lu Luxembourg Accueil Information luxembourgaccueil
Less 7 rue de la Forêt L-1534, Luxembourg 691 244 423 www.less.lu Less.lu less.luxembourg
PRACTICAL INFO FOR NEWCOMERS Welcome and integration contract (CAI) Citizenship training, orientation day and free language classes. Luxembourg 24 78 57 85 cai@olai.etat.lu forum-cai.lu
NATIONAL LIBRARY Bibliothèque nationale du Luxembourg 37D Avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 , Luxembourg 22 55 91 00 info@bnl.etat.lu www.bnl.public.lu Bibliothèque nationale du Luxembourg bnl.lux
PHONE/ INTERNET OPERATORS Eltrona 4-8 rue de l’Aciérie L-1112, Luxembourg 49 94 66 888 www.eltrona.lu G11
Luxembourg Online 3 avenue de la Porte-Neuve L-2227, Luxembourg 27 99 00 00 commercial@internet.lu www.internet.lu Luxembourg Online LUXEMBOURG ONLINE S.A. luxembourg.online E12
Orange Luxembourg 8 rue des Mérovingiens L-8070, Bertrange 800 61 606 clients@orangeluxembourg.lu www.orange.lu Orange orange_luxembourg H4
Post Luxembourg 1 rue Emile Bian L-2999, Luxembourg 80 02 80 04 contact.telecom@post.lu www.post.lu Post Luxembourg Post Luxembourg post_luxembourg
Tango Luxembourg 2 rue Jean Origer L-2269, Luxembourg 800 777 77 www.tango.lu Tango tangoluxembourg
SOCIAL SECURITY Caisse Nationale de Santé The National Health Fund is the main private sector health insurer. 125 route d’Esch L-1471, Luxembourg 27 57 1 cns@secu.lu www.cns.public.lu Caisse nationale de santé - CNS Caisse nationale de santé Caisse nationale de sante H10
Caisse pour l’Avenir des Enfants The national fund for family allowances is responsible for the payment and management of family benefits. 34 avenue de la Porte-Neuve L-2227, Luxembourg 47 71 53 1 www.cae.public.lu E11
Centre Commun de la Sécurité Sociale 125 route d’Esch L-1112, Luxembourg 40 14 11 ccss@secu.lu www.ccss.lu H10
Contrôle Médical de la Sécurité Sociale 125 route d’Esch L-2976, Luxembourg 26 19 13 1 www.mss.public.lu Gouvernement luxembourgeois H10
Inspection Générale de la Sécurité Sociale 26 rue Sainte-Zithe L-2763, Luxembourg 24 78 63 26 igss@igss.etat.lu www.mss.public.lu Gouvernement luxembourgeois G10
TOP-UP HEALTH INSURANCE Caisse MédicoComplémentaire Mutualiste Umbrella group of mutual health insurers that provide supplementary coverage and services. 49 rue de Strasbourg L-2561, Luxembourg 49 94 45 1 prestations@cmcm.lu www.cmcm.lu CMCM CMCM - Caisse Médico-Complémentaire Mutualiste cmcm_lu G11
MINISTRY OF HEALTH Ministère de la Santé Allée Marconi L-2120, Luxembourg 24 78 55 05 www.ms.public.lu Ministère de la Santé Luxembourg F10
Listings #SettlingIn
Creos
Sebes L-9650, Esch-sur-Sûre 83 95 91-1 www.sebes.lu E3
L-2084, Luxembourg 26 24 26 24 info@creos.net www.creos-net.lu Creos Luxembourg Creos Luxembourg creosluxembourg
Steinergy
Eida
Sudgaz
6 Jos Seylerstrooss L-8522, Beckerich 26 47 47 info@eida.lu www.eida.lu Eida G2
150 rue Jean-Pierre Michels L-4243, Esch-sur-Alzette 55 66 55-1 contact@sudgaz.lu www.sudgaz.lu SUDenergie sudenergie J3
Electris 25 rue Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-7501, Mersch 80 02 80 32 info@electris.lu www.electris.lu Electris Electris Luxembourg F4
Enovos 2 domaine du Schlassgoard L-4327, Esch-sur-Alzette 27 37-1 serviceline@enovos.eu www.enovos.lu Enovos Enovos Luxembourg J3
Home heating fuel Luxembourg Search for “Mazout” on www.editus.lu
Luxembourg City Water Service 338 rue de Rollingergrund L-2442, Luxembourg 47 96 25 68 lecture@vdl.lu www.vdl.lu Ville de Luxembourg villedeluxembourg C10
Luxembourg Energy Office 9 boulevard Roosevelt L-2450, Luxembourg 26 39 48 48 serviceline@leoenergy.lu www.leoenergy.lu Enovos Enovos Luxembourg F12
Nordenergie BP 22 L-2010, Luxembourg 27 62 328-0 mail@nordenergie.lu www.nordenergie.lu Enovos Enovos Luxembourg
BP 401 L-2014Luxembourg 27 62 07 40-0 mail@steinergy.lu www.steinergy.lu
Sudstroum 11 rue de Luxembourg L-4220, Esch-sur-Alzette 26 783 787-01 mail@sudstroum.lu www.sudstroum.lu Sudstroum J3
Union Luxembourgeoise des Consommateurs Consumer protection union. 55 rue des Bruyères L-1274, Howald 49 60 22-1 www.ulc.lu ULC nouvelle asbl I4
USEFUL WEBSITES Editus.lu
2A rue Kalchesbruck L-1852, Findel 26 84 64-1 info@cecluxembourg.lu cecluxembourg.lu CEC Luxembourg CEC Luxembourg GIE cecluxembourg H5
Ombudsman
42 42 20 00 www.bgl.lu BGL BNP Paribas BGL BNP Paribas bglbnpparibas
44 99 1 www.ing.lu ING Luxembourg ING Luxembourg ingluxembourg
Guichet.lu
8002 8004 www.post.lu POST Luxembourg POST Luxembourg post_luxembourg
Portal with section dedicated to administrative steps for citizens.
TRANSLATION SERVICES
Assistance in cross-border disputes.
BGL BNP Paribas
ING
Checkmynet
European Consumer Centre Luxembourg
24 59 54 00 www.bil.com Banque Internationale à Luxembourg - BIL Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL)
208 rue de Noertzange L-3670, Kayl 49 60 51 1 info@editus.lu www.editus.lu Editus Editus Luxembourg
11 Rue Notre Dame L- 2240 , Luxembourg 24 78 20 00 www.guichet.public.lu de Guichet Guichet.lu
www.checkmynet.lu
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
Directory of professional and private contacts in Luxembourg.
CONSUMER RIGHTS Check if your internet access is as good as your provider says it is.
BANKING
Directory of sworn translators and interpreters www.mj.public.lu
Eurotraduc Luxembourg 86 rue de Luxembourg L-4221, Esch-sur-Alzette 47 46 76 info@eurotraduc.lu www.eurotraduc.lu J3
Mediator for complaints against state bodies.
Traducta
36 rue du Marché-aux-Herbes L-1728, Luxembourg 26 27 01 01 info@ombudsman.lu www.ombudsman.lu F12
30 boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1330, Luxembourg 45 31 53 traducta@vo.lu www.traducta.lu F11
Post Luxembourg
Raiffeisen 24 50 21 00 www.raiffeisen.lu Raiffeisen Banque Raiffeisen raiffeisen.lu
Spuerkeess (state savings bank) 40 15 39 02 www.bcee.lu Spuerkeess Spuerkeess
INSURANCE Allianz 14 boulevard F. D. Roosevelt L-2450, Luxembourg 47 23 46 1 www.allianz.lu F12
Axa 1 place de l’Étoile L-1479, Luxembourg 42 24 24 1 info@axa.lu www.axa.lu AXA Assurances Luxembourg axa_luxembourg E11
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Listings #SettlingIn
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Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg 23 Rue du puits Romain L- 8070, Bertrange 290 190 177 info@baloise.lu www.baloise.lu Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg baloiseluxembourg
DKV Luxembourg 11-13 rue Jean Fischbach L-3372, Leudelange 42 64 64 1 info@dkv.lu www.dkv.lu DKV Luxembourg dkv_lux I4
Foyer 12 rue Léon Laval L-3372, Leudelange 43 74 34 4 www.foyer.lu Foyer Foyer Group Foyer.assurances I4
Lalux Insurance Company 10 44 96 1 groupell@lalux.lu www.lalux.lu LALUX Assurances LALUX Assurances
DRIVING Automobile Club Luxembourg Breakdown cover, vehicle check prior to roadworthiness test, vehicle and accessories rental, travel planning and purchasing vignettes. 54 route de Longwy L-8080, Bertrange 45 00 45-1 acl@acl.lu www.acl.lu ACL - Automobile Club du Luxembourg ACL Automobile Club du Luxembourg autoclub_lux H4
Customs and Excise Agency 22 rue de Bitbourg L-1273, Luxembourg 28 18 28 18 douanes@do.etat.lu douanes.public.lu
Dekra Roadworthiness tests for vehicles. 4 rue du Puits Romain L-8070, Bertrange 27 40 07 91 dekra-automotive.lu H4
Guichet.lu Request a disabled parking permit, residence parking permit or pay road tax. 11 rue Notre-Dame L-2240, Luxembourg 24 78 20 00 www.guichet.lu de Guichet Guichet.lu Administrative G F12
Luxembourg department of transport Place de l’Europe L-1499, Kirchberg 247-84400 info@mt.public.lu transports.public.lu D13
Route Information Luxembourg
VEHICLE LEASING
CARPOOLING Blablacar
ALD Automotive 270 route d'arlon L-8010, Strassen 31 05 36 1 contact@aldautomotive.com www.aldautomotive.lu ALD Automotive Luxembourg ALD Automotive Luxembourg
Arval 2 rue Nicolas Bové L-1253, Luxembourg 44 91 801 www.arval.lu Arval Luxembourg Arval BNP Paribas Group
www.blablacar.com BlaBlaCar BlaBlaCar
CoPilote contact@klaxit.com www.copilote.lu MDDI: Ministère du Développement durable et des Infrastructures
Ride2Go 54 route de Longwy L-8080, Bertrange 450045-1 acl@acl.lu www.acl.lu/ride2go ACL - Automobile Club du Luxembourg ACL Automobile Club du Luxembourg autoclub_lux
Information on parking spaces, motorway traffic and police speed controls.
Easy Lease
auto.luxweb.lu
68 avenue de la Liberté L-1930, Luxembourg 27 12 66 33 contact@easylease.lu www.easylease.lu
RECYCLING
Registration of vehicles and driver licences.
KBC Autolease
SuperDrecksKëscht
11 Rue de Luxembourg L-5230, Sandweiler 26626-400 info@snca.lu snca.public.lu
89B rue Pafebruch L-8308, Capellen 310 103-1 luxembourg@kbcautolease.lu www.kbclease.lu
Société Nationale de Contrôle Technique
LeasePlan
A label tasked by the Luxembourg state in the field of resource management. It teaches waste prevention and also develops action plans for the reuse, recycling and any other recovery (e.g., energy recovery) and disposal of waste.
Société Nationale de Circulation Automobile
Roadworthiness tests for vehicles. 12 Rue de Luxembourg L-5231, Sandweiler 26 15 62-500 info@snct.lu www.snct.lu
Chargy Network of electric vehicle charging stations. Phone number for technical problems. 80 06 20 20 info@chargy.lu www.chargy.lu Chargy
Ville de Luxembourg Comprehensive list of car parks in Luxembourg City and application for residence parking permit. www.vdl.lu Ville de Luxembourg villedeluxembourg
7 rue Nicolas Brosius L-3372, Leudelange 40 44 11-1 www.leaseplan.com LeasePlan LeasePlan
CARSHARING Carloh Lease a car for a few hours from Luxembourg City. 16A avenue Emile Reuter L-2420, Luxembourg 20 60 20 01 info@carloh.lu www.carloh.lu CARLOH | Carsharing Luxembourg SA
Flex carsharing Lease a car for a few hours from CFL train stations. 28 83 38 82 info@flex.lu www.flex.lu Flex Carsharing Flex Carsharing flexcarsharing
Luxembourg www.sdk.lu sdk.superdreckskescht
Valorlux 1 boulevard du Jazz L-4370, Esch-sur-Alzette 37 00 06 1 www.valorlux.lu Valorlux asbl J3
You are the reason we made it to 40. Thank you!
It’s great to build, especially when we have the satisfaction of putting a smile on your face. Driven by passion and enthusiasm, #TeamCLK stays on top of the trends and innovates continuously for you to have the best construction experience possible. Over 2000 clients have already trusted us. Now it’s your turn!
Visit CLK.lu and follow us on social networks to discover the world of CLK Constructions.
Anna Fox takes in a view of Pfaffenthal
Overview #DailyLife
Mastering the everyday After a year in semi-lockdown, it feels as though “daily life” tips for living and thriving in Luxembourg have never been so important.
When I first arrived in Luxembourg in 2010, I would have quizzed colleagues and friends for many of the common issues that arise. Thanks to the widespread use of teleworking, homeschool and restrictions on gatherings, some of us may have lost that habit, and perhaps have yet to physically meet their colleagues. Despite being a tiny grand duchy, transport needs should not be overlooked, which is why we have a dedicated how-to on keeping your car roadworthy, taking advantage of the country’s electric vehicle subsidies and parking.
Words JESS BAULDRY Photo ROMAIN GAMBA
As a reminder, the Luxembourg government encourages a multimodal approach to transport, combining private cars with public transport and other soft mobility means like cycling. Public transport offers a free alternative (for second-class travel only), assuming you live on a decent bus, train or tram line. The country’s size also means that apartments make up a big chunk of the accommodation here. That can be a shock if you are accustomed to living in a house with a private garden. But apartment life does not mean deprivation. There are countless public parks, woods and playgrounds for people to enjoy. And for green-fingered residents, there are a handful of initiatives, making gardening accessible for people who don’t have their own private space. Living anywhere, we have to expect that things won’t go right all of the time. That’s life and it’s why we wanted to share information on specialist organisations that might be able to help empower you. From the consumer’s union to the tenants’ rights association, most of these organisations have probably seen it all before.
The key is to know that you are not alone. As for our listings section, this snapshot includes a number of digital services that I wish existed when I first arrived. Among my favourites is Doctena, an app and website helping people find and book an appointment with any kind of doctor or health professional based on their location and languages spoken. There are also new support services emerging in English for people in need, like the parent and child helpline Kanner-Jugendtelefon. If you cannot find what you are looking for here, join any of the Facebook groups listed, where you will almost certainly find someone who can answer your questions. And who knows, maybe in a short time, it will be you dishing out the advice.
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Ristretto #DailyLife
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“You’re not going to get everything right” After moving to Luxembourg in 2017, Linda Lazzaroni is always discovering new things about the place. She recommends doing a trip to the national library, taking evening classes and seeing the funny side of expat life. What brought you to Luxembourg? My partner, Andrea, was already living and working in Luxembourg. I had only lived in London and I wanted to live in another country. We agreed I would come to Luxembourg.
Degree. I wasn’t great at upholstery but had a wonderful teacher who helped a lot with my chair. Currently I’m doing a public speaking course. There’s a lot you can find on Linkedin as well. Is there a product or service that is missing from Luxembourg, or less developed to what you were used to? In London, I was using next-day delivery a lot. I found that things took longer here, coming from Germany or France. Since Brexit, it’s very tricky, and there are import taxes added to things. I don’t order a lot online now. I ordered vitamins from a doctor I go to in London. The package went between London and Luxembourg three times. There was no reason why. Now, I’ve stopped ordering from the UK. I would recommend people using the expat shops and supporting the local businesses first off.
What was your weekend routine at the start, and how has that changed? I think it was very much about getting out and about. I started a mini photography project for myself. It got me talking to people who were curious about what I was doing. I want to revisit it because there are so many new places popping up. I’ve seen a notable change in the number of things available since I arrived. There’s always a lot to do in Luxembourg. You need to look for it. Now, I’ve probably got into more of a routine of meeting friends and having lunches and dinners together. What useful services or products for daily life do you wish someone had told you about earlier? I hadn’t been using the library much in London. I didn’t know of it as a resource. When I started studying counselling, someone mentioned the national library in Kirchberg. It’s a wonderful place to go. It’s so peaceful to sit and read there. And don’t underestimate the power of Linkedin. You will very much use that in Luxembourg. I posted an article about crisis communication during the first wave of covid to help people figure things out for their companies. A lady replied, who had just arrived the previous year. We ended up having a Zoom coffee. Coincidentally, she lives in my road, and now, we co-work together. We work together at her or my kitchen table. Another thing is vocational training, which can be a done in the evenings, and it’s really reasonably priced. I did courses in Bollywood dancing and furniture upholstery with Second
Linda Lazzaroni founded and is CEO of PR consultancy and counselling firm Human Kind
What would you say is the most challenging part of daily life to get to grips with in Luxembourg? I think that coming from the UK, I found a couple of times, when I was waiting for the bus, I was on the wrong side of the road. I would say needing to brush up on basic French for going to the supermarket, and maybe allowing extra time, especially if you’re used to being busy, as I was in London. Here, you need time to familiarise yourself. My winter coat wasn’t warm enough. We’ve been quite lucky with winters in recent years but still my warmest London winter coat felt like a summer coat the first year. I had to buy a much warmer winter coat. I was also really mispronouncing French words, much to my husband’s delight. You just have to laugh at it. You’re not going to get everything right when you arrive. You’re going to struggle, depending on your languages and experience. Try to find the funny side. Interview JESS BAULDRY Photo MATIC ZORMAN
Cédric Weisse, Head of Retail, Affluent and Private Banking, Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
Accessibility and expertise in private banking Today the ingredients of a successful client relationship lie in the balance between trust, expertise, and availability. The level of expertise required is constantly increasing and multi-channel accessibility has become an imperative. Faced with a constantly changing world and clients who expect a high level of service, we must be able to constantly acquire new knowledge and broaden our range of skills. The situations to be managed are increasingly varied and the subjects to be dealt with more and more specific. To offer the greatest peace of mind to our clients, we take care to deploy the necessary efforts to guarantee compliance with ever more demanding regulations, whilst remaining reactive and capable of providing the expected solutions quickly. Gaining the trust of our clients is essential. This is one of the reasons why we remain in constant contact with our clients, what-
ever the situation. During the crisis, we completely adapted to guarantee our availability, moving from a relationship based almost entirely on face-to-face contact to a hybrid relationship where all communication channels are used according to our clients’ needs. Using these new communication channels allows us to be more responsive to the latest news and to our clients’ needs. We guarantee the necessary availability to ensure optimal management with personalised advice. We accompany our clients on a long-term basis. Their success is our objective. We distribute as much relevant financial
content as possible (e.g. via our website my-life.lu and bilinvestmentinsights.com), and have also extended the scope of our Private Bankers. They are surrounded by international experts and specialists in the fields of asset management, investment solutions, and credit, amongst others. The digital solutions made available to our clients allow them to be autonomous in the daily management of their accounts and ensures the necessary security guarantees, in terms of both confidentiality and health. All of these commitments combined allow us to establish a privileged relationship with our clients and to set up solutions tailored to their personal situations and projects.
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg SA 69 route d’Esch, L-2953 Luxembourg pblux@bil.com or (+352) 2459-5900 www.bil.com/private-banking
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Out-of-hours healthcare
Not everything will run tickety-boo when you move to Luxembourg. Here are some places you can go to for help.
Because emergencies never happen during business hours...
1
Ambulance In Luxembourg, you can call an ambulance on 112.
2
A&E Luxembourg has four hospitals with drop-in accident and emergency services. Find your nearest and check that it is open by visiting www.sante.public.lu, under “Urgences et gardes” and “Services d’urgence des hôpitaux de garde”.
3
Dental emergencies Contact the above or try the Centre Medico Dentaire, which is open seven days a week from 9:30a.m. to 10p.m. (+352 49 57 99), with or without appointment. centremedicodentairedeluxembourg.lu
4
Education
When something goes wrong with a product or service, it’s always handy to know that there’s an official body that has your back. The ULC should be your first port of call. You have to be a member to benefit from their services.
If you have issues in relation to public education services and staff in Luxembourg, the mediation body could help.
www.ulc.lu ULConsommateurs
Renting Mieterschutz is a recently established rights platform specialised in defending tenants in Luxembourg. It is membershipbased and helps with mediation, while serving an awareness raising and lobbying role to strengthen tenant rights when it comes to legislation. www.mieterschutz.lu Mieterschutz LU/Défense des locataires LU
Health Patiente Vertriedung, or patient representation, is a small outfit with a big ambition to ensure patients get the care they deserve for a fair price. They have resources in English, including a checklist with translations for when visiting the doctor, and an advice helpline. www.patientevertriedung.lu Patiente Vertriedung asbl
The CHL Kannerklinik Luxembourg-Belair (+352 4411 6148) is open 24/7 and the Clinique Bohler in Luxembourg-Kirchberg (+352 2468 5540) is open daily from 8a.m. to 8p.m.
+352 247-65280 www.mediationscolaire.lu
Public bodies Complaints related to a Luxembourg administration can be directed to the country’s ombudsman, a type of mediator who seeks to find amicable solutions to problems before resorting to legal proceedings. info@ombudsman.lu www.ombudsman.lu
Letter writing This platform was developed by a Luxembourg lawyer while studying at the University of Luxembourg. It helps people compose letters in different languages to renegotiate deals and contracts, for instance with a landlord. +352 661 595 652 www.viralhelp.online
Children’s health
5
After-hours pharmacies On-duty chemists can be found by going to www.pharmacie.lu and clicking on “Service de garde”.
6
Out-of-hours medical centres For non-urgent treatment after business hours, there are three maisons médicales de garde in Luxembourg-Gare, Esch-surAlzette and Ettelbruck. They are open on weekdays from 8p.m. to midnight and at weekends and on holidays from 8a.m. to midnight, by appointment only. Call +352 20 333 111. For medical emergencies after midnight, call 112. www.sante.lu/mm
Salomé Jottreau
Consumer rights union
Illustration
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Defend your rights
How to #DailyLife
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Hit the road Vehicle inspection
Low-emission incentives
All cars, motorcycles and trailers registered in the grand duchy need to be checked by an authorised technical inspection body on a regular basis. Cars and motorcycles need to be checked four years after they first hit the road, then two years later and then annually. Trailers and vans need to be inspected annually. Owners can take their vehicle for the check eight weeks before the current technical inspection certificate expires. The National Vehicle Testing Centre (SNCT) has three locations and Dekra, a private outfit, has one location in Luxembourg.
Luxembourg offers a €2,500 cash subsidy on the purchase of a new hybrid plugin car or van (with emissions below 50g/km) and up to €8,000 on a fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle.
If you live in the capital, you can apply for a residential parking permit, enabling you to park on-street in your neighbourhood free of charge (and in other neighbourhoods for up to two hours). Similar schemes are run in other bigger communes.
Breakdown cover Roadside assistance for breakdowns is not always included in standard insurance packages. The gold standard for breakdown assistance in the grand duchy is the Automobile Club of Luxembourg. www.acl.lu
Gardening without a garden You don’t necessarily have to live in a house to have a garden. Here’s how.
1
Community garden Several communes have established community gardens as part of the Transition movement. All work and harvest in these types of gardens are shared.
Luxembourg, organising trips and meetings in English. www.greenfingersclub.lu
4
2
Allotments The Ligue Luxembourgeoise du Coin de Terre et du Foyer (Luxembourg Land and Home League) manages the cités jardinières, allotted pieces of land around the country that residents can lease in order to grow plants. To join the waiting list in the capital, send an email to liguectf@pt.lu. www.gaartanheem.lu
3
Join a gardening group Greenfingers Club is the most well-known international gardening association in
Balcony gardening You would be surprised by what you can grow on a well-positioned balcony. Plant potatoes in a trash can, seed carrots in a circular pot or make a floral window box that you can suspend on the balcony rail.
www.cell.lu
5
“It’s not just the flowers that smell wonderful, but the food, fresh breads, spices. It’s great for the senses.”
Tree officer programme If you live in the capital, you may be able to plant and tend for an area surrounding a tree in your street under the “tree officer programme”. The programme is aimed at people who don’t have a garden or balcony. To take part, phone or email the parks department, indicating your address and which tree you would like to adopt. www.vdl.lu
Wendy Casey describing the open-air market in Luxembourg City every Saturday morning
Matic Zorman (archives)
Parking permits
It is compulsory to fit winter tyres on all cars driven in Luxembourg (regardless of country of registration) when there is “ice, packed snow, slush, black ice or frost” or face a €74 police fine. Winter tyres are marked with the letters M and S or have a symbol of a mountain and a snowflake on them.
Salomé Jottreau - Photo
www. rdv.snct.lu www.dekra-automotive.lu
Winter tyres
Illustration
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Five things you should know when driving in Luxembourg.
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
EXPAT GOODS
SUPERMARKETS
ORGANIC AND NATURAL PRODUCTS
Aldi
Italian specialties.
The German discount chain with several locations in Luxembourg.
Alter Coop
www.aldi.lu
www.altercoop.lu
Alima
BioLux Organic Products
Local supermarket chain with 4 locations.
www.biolux.lu
Asia Market Products from Asian countries. Asia Market
Au Gourmet Grec Greek delicacies.
www.alima.lu
Auchan
Alavita www.bio-mullebutz.lu
www.augourmetgrec.com
Naturata
Enoteca Italiana
www.auchan.lu
Organic market with 11 locations.
Authentic Italian produce.
Cactus
Home from Home Products from Australia, Canada, Ireland, New Zealand, South Africa, UK and US. www.homefromhome.lu
Largest (and locally owned) chain: 43 stores. www.cactus.lu
Colruyt 4 locations.
La Bacanie
www.colruyt.lu
Products from Romania.
Cora
La Bacanie
La Rioja Spanish food & wine. www.larioja.lu
Lakri-Lux Sweets shop carries Finnish & Icelandic liquorice and Swedish chocolates. Lakri-Lux
Two very large locations at the City Concorde shopping centre and in Foetz. Cora Concorde or Cora Foetz
Delhaize Several supermarkets and mini-markets. www.delhaize.lu
Lidl 10 locations.
Luxcaddy.lu
www.lidl.lu
Click on “Britannia shop”.
Massen
www.luxcaddy.lu
Open on Sundays.
Poissonnerie Arctic
www.massen.lu
Fishmongers feature fresh Icelandic fish.
Match
www.poissonneriearctic.lu
28 locations.
HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR Abitare Living www.abitare-living.lu
Art Rooms
Nature Elements
Collective studio space for several artists and craftsmen.
Organic and sustainable grocery store.
ARTROOMS
www.naturelements.lu
Niessen organic butchers www.niessen.lu
Terra Coop for locally-grown organic produce. www.terra-coop.lu
Ouni Packaging free shop in Luxembourg City and Dudelange. OUNI
PRODUCE AND MEAL DELIVERY
Bonn Mobilier www.bonn.lu
Brakonier Custom-built interiors and furniture. www.nbr.lu
Carrerouge www.carrerouge.lu
Conforama www.conforama.lu
Hema www.hema.lu
Ikea The nearest Ikea stores are in Arlon, Belgium (25km from Luxembourg City), Metz, France (58km) and Saarlouis, Germany (80km). www.ikea.com
Biobus Organic produce delivery.
www.supermarche-match.lu
www.biobus.de
Scandinavian specialties.
Monoprix
Bofrost
4 locations.
Les Paniers de Sandrine
www.naturata.lu
Scan Shop www.scanshop.lu
www.lechatbiotte.lu
www.lespaniersdesandrine.lu
9 locations, including online shopping pickup points.
Enoteca Italiana
Organic produce baskets.
Farm fresh produce.
Aldo Bei & Fils www.aldobei.lu
Le Chat Biotté
Home delivery frozen goods store.
Kichechef Country's largest home furnishing store. 69 Parc d’Activités Mamer-Capellen L-8308, Capellen www.kichechef.lu H3
Tandoori Market
Monoprix Luxembourg
www.bofrost.lu
Big selection of Indian products; delivers.
Pall Center
Lucien Schweizter
Co-labor
16A avenue de la Liberté L-1930, Luxembourg www.lucienschweitzer.lu F11
Tandoori Market
5 locations.
Vicente & Fils
www.pallcenter.lu
Spanish staples.
Provencale
www.vinosvicente.lu
Vinoteca Wine from 30 countries. vinoteca.lu
Wholesale grocery store with drive in collection options. www.provencale.lu
Locally grown fruits, vegetables, plants and flowers. www.co-labor.lu
Happ Organic & seasonal food packages. www.happ.lu
Hello Fresh Recipe based grocery packages. www.hellofresh.lu
Maisons du Monde www.maisonsdumonde.com
plan K
a security pack and 3d visualization
offered * * valid until July 30 2021
With our designer doors, your home will shine. OUR MASTER JOINER WITH HIS 40 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AS WELL AS OUR TEAM ARE AT YOUR DISPOSAL TO HELP YOU CUSTOMISE YOUR FUTURE FRONT DOOR ACCORDING TO YOUR DESIRES.
183, Rue de Luxembourg L-8077 Bertrange T. 27 75 86 65 www.luxurydoors.lu
OFFICIAL DISTRIBUTOR
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
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Miwwelhaus Koeune
Leroy Merlin
CMCM
Centre Médical Merl
www.koeune.eu
www.leroymerlin.fr
Möbel Martin
Maroldt
49 94 45 1 www.cmcm.lu
The German chain has nearby locations in Ensdorf, Konz, Saarbrücken and Zweibrücken.
www.maroldt.lu
189 route de Longwy L-1941, Luxembourg 26 02 86 1 www.centremedicalmerl.lu F9
www.moebel-martin.de
Mobilier Jardin
HOUSEHOLD SERVICES
www.mobilierjardin.lu
Nei Aarbecht Secondhand furniture & décor. Nei Aarbecht Shop
Okkasiouns buttik Upcycled furniture. Okkasiounsbuttik
Peinture Phillipps 7 rue de Godbrange L-6118, Junglinster www.phillipps.lu G5
Reed & Simon Locations in Betrange and Luxembourg-Hamm. www.reedandsimon.com
Troc Secondhand furniture & décor. www.troc.com
Welt Buttek 7 shops selling fair trade gifts and fashion. www.weltbutteker.lu
DIY/HOME IMPROVEMENT
Adomus www.adomus.lu
Appilux Cleaning and maintenance services. www.appilux.lu
Batmaid Cleaning services. www.batmaid.lu
Extra Time Housekeeping and handyman services. www.extratime.lu
Fairy Cleaning Services Homeluxy www.homeluxy.com
Immaculate Cleaning Services Luxembourg House cleaning services. www.immaculatecleaningservices luxembourg.lu
Privilege Services Recuitment agency for household staff, cleaning services and personal assistants. www.privilege-services.lu
Batic C
www.spicandspan.lu
www.bati-c.com
Wedo.lu
Batiself
www.wedo.lu
Bauhaus
Mutual top-up health insurer. 47 45 93 www.cgp-mutuelle.lu
DKV Private supplementary health insurance.
INSURANCE
www.brico.be
Gardencenter+ www.gardencenter.lu
Hornbach www.hornbach.lu
Leon Streffes www.leonsteffes.lu
National Health Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé) Most expats will be covered by this public health insurer and will be enrolled via employers. 125 route d’Esch L-1471, Luxembourg 27 57 1 cns.public.lu H11
3 beim Schlass L-8055, Bertrange 31 16 53 delvigne.serge@pt.lu H4
Dr Nathalie Smets
Luxembourg Air Rescue
3 beim Schlass L-8055, Bertrange 27 39 29 nathsmets@yahoo.fr H4
Emergency medical air rescue and repatriation services. info@lar.lu www.lar.lu Luxembourg Air Rescue A.s.b.l.
BOOK A DOCTOR’S APPOINTMENTS
AFTERHOURS DOCTOR Maison Médicale Centre 59 rue Michel Welter L-2730, Luxembourg 20 333 111 G11
Doctena
Maison Médicale Esch
Online appointment service.
70 rue Émile Mayrisch L-4240, Esch-Alzette 20 333 111 J3
en.doctena.lu
FIND A DOCTOR Medical Board (Collège médical) A list of all licensed physicians are listed on its website, in French, under the rubrique “Prof. Inscrits”. www.collegemedical.lu
PRIMARY CARE PHYSICIANS
www.bauhaus.lu
Brico
Dr Serge Delvigne
www.dkv.lu
www.fairycleaningservices.lu
Spic and Span
www.batiself.lu
Caisse Générale de Prévoyance
Centre Médical Luxembourg 30 rue Frantz Seimetz L-2531, Luxembourg 27 85 28 1 www.cmilux.lu D11
Centre Médical Mercure 41 avenue de la Gare L-1611, Luxembourg 28 37 27 1 www.cmm.lu G12
Maison Médicale Ettelbruck 110 avenue Lucien Salentiny L-9080, Ettelbruck 20 333 111 E4
ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT Centre Hospitalier de Luxembourg 4 rue Ernest Barblé L-1210, Luxembourg 44 11 11 www.chl.lu H4
Centre Hospitalier du Nord 120 avenue Salentiny L-9080, Ettelbruck 81 66 1 www.chdn.lu E4
As Luxembourg’s main energy supplier, Enovos provides electricity, natural gas and renewable energy to a wide range of private households and businesses. naturstroum, our standard green electricity, is produced from 100% renewable energy sources and by using my.enovos.lu, you can save money by conveniently managing your energy transactions online. Energy for today. Caring for tomorrow.
enovos.lu
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch Rue Emile Mayrisch L-4240, Esch-Alzette 57 11 1 www.chem.lu J3
Hôpital Kirchberg 9 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 24 68 55 55 www.hkb.lu B16
PAEDIATRIC CARE Children’s Hospital (Kannerklinik) A&E and drop-in urgent care. 4 rue Ernest Barblé L-1210, Luxembourg 44 11 31 33 kannerklinik.chl.lu H4
Clinique Bohler’s Paediatric Polyclinic Drop-in urgent care. 5 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 24 68 65 20 www.cbk.lu B16
Centre de pédiatrie du Val-Ste-Croix
Zitha Klinik 36 rue Sainte. Zithe L-2763, Luxembourg 28 88 1 www.zithaklinik.lu G12
MATERNITY HOSPITALS Clinique Bohler Pregnancy care, child birth and emergencies. 5 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 26 33 39 11 0 www.cbk.lu B16
Maternité GrandeDuchesse Charlotte Pregnancy care, child birth and emergencies. 2 rue Pierre Federspiel L-1512, Luxembourg 44 11 11 maternite.chl.lu H4
PSYCHIATRIC HOSPITAL Centre Hospitalier Neuro-Psychiatrique
DENTAL EMERGENCIES Centre Hospitalier du Luxembourg Emergency dentist on duty Saturday 2pm-6pm and Sunday 10am-6pm. 4 rue Ernest Barblé L-1210, Luxembourg 44 11 31 33 www.chl.lu H4
Centre Medico Dentaire Bertrange Takes emergency dental appointments Monday through Saturday. 61 route de Longwy L-8080, Bertrange 27 75 05 50 www.centremedicodentairebertrange.lu H4
Dental Center Luxembourg Esch Open 7 days a week. Takes emergency appointments. 11 rue Helen Buchholtz L-4048, Esch-Alzette 28 80 45 55 www.centredentaireluxembourg.lu J3
Dental Center Luxembourg Strassen Open 7 days a week. Takes emergency appointments.
17 avenue des Alliés L-9012, Ettelbruck 26 82 1 www.chnp.lu E4
132 route d’Arlon L-8008, Strassen 27 39 71 42 www.centredentaireluxembourg.lu H4
GENERAL HOSPITALS
FAMILY PLANNING CENTRES
BOOK A DENTAL APPOINTMENT ONLINE
Clinique Saint-Joseph
Planning Familial
Primary care physicians. 4 Allée Léopold Goebel L-1635, Luxembourg secretariat@centredepediatrie.lu www.centredepediatrie.lu E10
10 rue Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-9515, Wiltz 81 66 1 www.chdn.lu D3
Hôpital Intercommunal de Steinfort 1 rue de l’Hôpital L-8423, Steinfort 39 94 91 1 www.his.lu H3
Family planning and sexual health services at clinics in Luxembourg, EschBelval and Ettelbruck.
Doctena
www.planningfamilial.lu
en.doctena.lu
Book an appointment with a dentist
DENTISTS Integra Medical Group 2-2A rue Joseph Leydenbach L-1947, Luxembourg 20 21 10 70 Integra Medical Group C16
Centre médico-Dentaire Luxembourg 7A rue de Bonnevoie L-1260, Luxembourg 49 57 99 Centre médico-Dentaire Luxembourg G12
Centre Médico-Dentaire Porte-Neuve 17 rue des Bains L-1212, Luxembourg 46 20 20 www.cmdpn.lu E12
Dr Jean-Philippe Becker 37 blvd Pierre Dupong L-1430, Luxembourg 26 68 11 30 0 info@orthodontiste.lu G10
Dr Hans Henrik Mortensen 20 avenue Guillaume L-1650, Luxembourg 44 97 44 info@moridu.lu F10
VETERINARIANS Emergency vet on duty www.lak.lu/fr/lak/emergency-contacts
SOS Vet 24/7 housecalls in the Centre, East and South districts. 27 510 112 www.sosvet.lu SOS VET
Vetolib Book a vet appointment online. vetolib.fr
Wild animal care centre (Centre de soins pour la faune sauvage) 47 rue de la Forêt L-3471, Dudelange 26 51 39 90 Centre De Soins De La faune Dudelange J4
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
PUBLIC TRANSPORT Mobility Centre (Mobilitétszentral) Central information point for all public transport options in the grand duchy. Central train station (Gare centrale) L-1616, Luxembourg www.mobiliteit.lu G12
Mobiregio
BICYCLE, BICYCLE, BICYCLE! Vel’oh The bike sharing scheme for Luxembourg City, Bertrange, Hesperange, Leudelange and Strassen. www.veloh.lu
Vël’OK
Network of public transport providers across the Greater Region.
Bike sharing scheme for Esch-Alzette, Bettembourg, Differdange, Dudelange, Kayl, Sanem and Schifflange.
www.mobiregio.net
www.velok.lu
Autobus de la ville de Luxembourg (AVL)
Mamer Vélo
The capital’s bus system.
www.mamer.lu/environnementmobilite/ mobilite/velo/
www.vdl.lu
Rentabike Miselerland
Call-a-Bus
www.entente-moselle.lu
The City of Luxembourg’s bookable shuttle service. Limited to locations in the capital, except for persons with reduced mobility.
Rentabike
47 96 47 97 www.vdl.lu
www.rentabike.lu
City Bus Local bus service in several communes. www.mobiliteit.lu
Luxembourg National Railway Company (CFL) www.cfl.lu
Luxtram Capital area’s tram system. www.luxtram.lu
Night Bus Late night service connecting several neighborhoods and communes with the city centre. www.mobiliteit.lu
Night Rider Bookable night time transport.
ENGLISHLANGUAGE BOOKSHOPS & NEWSAGENTS
Leisure bike rental in the north of Luxembourg.
Cycle paths Shows country's network of cycle paths. www.pistescyclables.lu
TAXIS
Alinéa www.alinea.lu
Ars Libri Children’s books & educational toys. www.arslibri.lu
Ernster All English Bookstore www.ernster.com
FNAC www.fr.fnac.be/luxembourg
K Kiosk This chain of newsagents and tobacconist has varying supplies of English-language books, magazines and newspapers.
www.pharmacie.lu/service-de-garde/
Poison centre 80 02 55 00
Other emergency telephone numbers Click on “Urgences et garde”. Listed in French. 112.public.lu
NEED TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE?
www.libo.lu
Librairie ABC
www.librairiedeslycees.lu
Little English Bookworm Pop-up children’s bookshop. www.littleenglishbookworm.com
URGENT SITUATIONS
Problem?
RGTR
For non-emergency matters, telephone 244 244 244 or visit police.public.lu.
www.tice.lu
The on duty pharmacist is listed (in French) on this website. In case of emergency, telephone 112.
Libo
24 77 44 44 reclamation@infotaxi.lu
Bus network in the South region.
After hours pharmacy
www.infocrise.lu
Police
TICE
112
www.diderich.lu
File a complaint against a taxi driver or firm with the transport ministry.
www.mobiliteit.lu
Medical emergencies
“GouvAlert” publishes public safety alerts on its website and via Apple and Android apps.
www.nightrider.lu
National bus network.
For non-emergency matters, telephone 49 77 11 or email info@112.public.lu.
Librairie Diderich
Librairie des Lycées
27 51 5 www.webtaxi.lu
Fire and rescue brigade
Emergency information
48 22 33 www.colux.lu
Webtaxi
www.fed.lu
www.kkiosk.lu
Colux
621 693 014 www.mytaxiluxembourg.lu
Support for victims of domestic violence and single parent familes
112
www.librairie-abc.lu
My Taxi Luxembourg
Femmes en détresses
113
Caritas Emergency accommodation, pyschological support, subsidised clothing and groceries. www.caritas.lu
Kanner Jugend Telefon Online and telephone counselling for children, teens and parents. 11 61 11 www.kjt.lu
Luxembourg Red Cross Services for “families in distress”. www.croix-rouge.lu/en/famillesen-detresse/
SOS Détresse Anonymous online and phone help. 45 45 45 www.454545.lu
Befrienders Helplines listed for countries other than Luxembourg. International www.befrienders.org
moskito.lu
MIR SINN DO. FIR JIDDEREEN.
Everybody is welcome at CMCM, no matter their age or health condition. We don’t request a medical record, and additional family members are accepted without any extra costs. Want to become a CMCM member? More info at www.cmcm.lu cmcm_luxembourg
@cmcm_lu
CMCM Luxembourg
cmcm_lu
App
The capital’s Municipal Park is a popular spot for families
Overview #ChildcareAndFamily
The time is ripe Luxembourg has long been praised for the security and support it offers to families, and the challenging last year and a half proved no exception.
The grand duchy has often set the bar high when it comes to parent and child benefits, and in many ways the country continued to shine in this way over the past 18+ months. It would be an understatement to say that the last year and a half pushed parents to their limits--even if parents in Luxembourg had it much better than in a fair share of other countries. Now that the vaccination campaign is well underway, many are breathing a collective sigh of relief--even if they’re still dealing with rapid tests, occasional covid-19 cases in schools and determining the best course of action over summer holidays.
Words NATALIE A. GERHARDSTEIN Photo MIKE ZENARI
In numerous interviews I’ve conducted over the past year, many have praised the Luxembourg government’s quick response measures to aid parents, be they the extraordinary family leave measures or even resources like the Schouldoheem.lu homeschool channel--perhaps particularly useful for expat kids, who lost precious time getting up to speed in Luxembourgish and the other local languages. Expats often shoulder an additional, unique set of challenges when it comes to child-rearing. Not all of them have family nearby, so any extra support, even in the best of times, comes as welcome relief. Although all that extra time with our kids might have proven challenging--from the scary “what happens if...?” moments of reflection (or panic), to the extra filling out of forms, worrying about the toll the last year has had on our young ones--undoubtedly many will look back one day with some measure of bittersweet nostalgia, grateful for that extra time spent as a family unit, or that it brought us a bit closer to our children’s teachers and other local communities.
At the same time, systemic vulnerabilities have been highlighted. As law firm Arendt pointed out in a Delano essay earlier this year, the time is ripe for serious conversation around work-life balance. And while Luxembourg has made great strides in LGBTQ+ rights, there are still gains to be made, as J.P. Morgan executive director Loïc Choquet points out in this section’s main interview. Some companies within Luxembourg have also come up with unique programmes to harness the wonderful soft skills parents have gained not through formal training, but through mini bosses--their own children! Amongst the skills often cited as beneficial and already drilled into most parents are leadership and time management skills, problem-solving and decision-making, interpersonal skills and multitasking, to name just a few. We’ve all learned lessons from the pandemic.
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Ristretto #ChildcareAndFamily
“You just want to be with your kids” J.P. Morgan executive director Loïc Choquet shares his experience of being part of the LGBTQ+ community as a married father of three, and how he is championing equal rights. Could you describe your family situation? I’m married, we have three kids, a dog, a hamster and a fish--it’s a big family! The composition of my family is like patchwork, in a way. It’s different from the typical story, even for a same-sex couple. I have three kids: Louis-Victor, 9, who I got with my ex in 2012. My childhood friend helped us start our family. Eleonore and Charlotte [are] twins, age 2.5, whom I got with my current husband, Thomas, in 2019. We used a surrogacy process [in the US]. We’ve lived in Luxembourg for one year, but my eldest son knows Luxembourg very well because he was raised here for four years before moving to London with me. And the twins arrived here after [we were in] Switzerland, and they love it as well.
people. You can meet people very easily, from different backgrounds. It’s so international. Size is a strength for Luxembourg. Are there any areas in which Luxembourg could improve? Adoption is a good example. Second is also schools. The education of teachers sometimes needs to be improved. Local schools can be difficult because the teachers aren’t used to [teach]ing same-sex couples’ kids. International schools are different... if you look at the paperwork [at some] international schools, it says parent one, parent two. How are you involved in supporting the LGBTQ+ community in your own organisation? I was [previously] co-chair for EMEA of Pride [a business resource network] at J.P. Morgan. Now, I’m involved at the country [level]. I engage with HR, and J.P. Morgan Switzerland supported me by offering me 12 fully paid weeks of absence (same as what a mother would have) to be with my newborns as opposed to “just” the two weeks that the firm offers to every new father. This created a precedent, as no one did it or benefitted from that before. I’ve contributed to moving this forward, including in Luxembourg, to let same-sex parents have the same level as a straight couple when having a kid... We are aligning our policies around this. We’re not calling it parental leave, we are calling it special leave--which makes no difference, in a sense. At the end of the day, you just want to be with your kids.
You talk about surrogacy in the US. Was this process fairly simple? It was okay because the girls have American and French citizenship. When you have EU citizenship, it’s easier to move. Bear in mind, we were in Switzerland [then], and it was a little bit different there. We had to have a lawyer. In Luxembourg, it was really smooth--especially if you compare it to the time I had my firstborn in France while living in Luxembourg, then moving a family to Luxembourg. The administration, nine years ago, wasn’t used to [this]. It was quite surprising to them to have a same-sex couple with kids, whereas when I did the same exercise [returning to Luxembourg], it was so smooth. I see a real difference between nine years ago and today. What’s working well for you as an LGBTQ+ parent in Luxembourg? The support. Whether you have children or not, are straight or not, doesn’t make any difference in terms of administrative processes. That’s a good thing. If I take the example of France or Switzerland, it was a little more complex. The size of Luxembourg allows the country to move faster, in terms of mindset, [etc.]. The great thing about Luxembourg is also the connections between
Loïc Choquet champions equal rights through J.P. Morgan’s Pride network
Interview NATALIE A. GERHARDSTEIN Photo ROMAIN GAMBA
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How to #ChildcareAndFamily
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How to be a greener parent EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Being conscious about climate and waste not only helps the planet, but it can also lay a solid foundation for children to understand how they can be part of making a difference.
Reusable nappies
Better air
It’s estimated that until the age of 2, a child can go through up to 6,000 disposable nappies, the equivalent of about one tonne of waste. Reusable nappies help reduce waste and can be a fraction of the cost, especially considering some communes are subsidising them.
Babies especially spend much of their time indoors, and some plants can improve air quality. Of course, take care when selecting a safe plant--local florists and gardeners should be able to give you a few pointers, and many are even willing to share what they’ve cultivated.
www.nappilla.com
Gardening in Luxembourg
Green clean
Avoid plastics
Simple ingredients like lemon or vinegar can be used for DIY cleaning products. Several courses are available in the grand duchy to get you started.
Shop BPA-free when possible, try bamboo straws, and consider using a food processor or blender over store-bought jars when it comes to baby food. Help fight plastic waste by using wooden toys, even bought second hand if possible.
www.ouni.lu
Get recycling
www.smart-babyshop.com
Toddlers love sorting objects--take advantage of it to give them an early lesson in recycling (avoiding glass, of course). Older kids can also get involved in rubbish pickup events.
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National Natural History Museum The MNHN dazzles young explorers with its T-Rex head replica, fossils, digital games and more. Parents can enjoy a browse through the gift shop, with its range of nature and science books.
point at the Hoscheid church, then just follow the signs. www.visit-eislek.lu
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Graffiti artist Alain Welter made his hometown a bit cooler with a project he started in 2017. Kahler has several murals on building facades, brightening even the dreariest day. Kids will have fun spotting graffiti crows, horses and more, while parents can snap away taking photos throughout the walk.
www.mnhn.lu
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Henri Tudor Museum It’s electrifying! This Rosport-based museum provides plenty of opportunity for kids to play with light switches, while the English-style gardens and grounds are ideal for a stroll or picnic. www.musee-tudor.lu
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Klangwee Hoscheid This 6.5km circular, sonorous trail is best for kids aged 8+, but they’ll enjoy banging on wood, chiming bells and more. Starting
Kahler
www.makekolerkooler.com
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Butterfly Garden Nestled in Grevenmacher is the Butterfly Garden, where kids will enjoy chasing cobalt butterflies. After the visit, pop into the site’s café for a tea or cake, or take a walk on the path along the Moselle. www.papillons.lu
“There are days when your family will take priority and days when your work will take priority. Take it as it comes.”
Rani Roloff Telstar Scouts leader’s tips for work-life balance
Salomé Jottreau - Photo
Here are a few excursion ideas to keep kids and older generations interested.
Illustration
5 family-friendly outings
Mike Zenari (archives)
Pickitup Luxembourg
Listings #ChildcareAndFamily
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EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
AU PAIR
CRÈCHE
Alpha Omega
Babouille
Au pair agency.
18b rue de la Chapelle L-8017, Strassen 26 31 19 09 www.babouille.lu H4
691 504 380 www.ao-aupair.lu
Greataupair.com This platform allows people to find jobs and hire nannies, au pairs, personal assistants, tutors, senior caregivers, babysitters, housekeepers and petsitters, with a lager au pair community. The website also offers background and references checks, and online interviews. www.greataupair.com
LuxAuPair The official partner of Luxembourg's National Youth Service (SNJ). Silversquare Liberté, 21 rue Glesener L-1631, Luxembourg 621 480 849 www.luxaupair.com G12
www.accueil-aupair.lu Information on au pair rules in Luxembourg. www.accueil-aupair.lu
CHILD MINDING Service Krank Kanner Doheem Provides emergency home care for children who are sick and not allowed to attend crèche or school. 95 rue de Bonnevoie L-1260, Luxembourg 48 07 79 skkd@fed.lu fed.lu/wp/services/skkd/ H13
BabyHome 202A rue de Hamm L-1713, Luxembourg 691 506 733 contact@babyhome.lu www.babyhome.lu E15
Bei de Raupen 11 rue du Pont L-3873, Schifflange 27 51 84 84 www.beidenraupen.lu I2
Butterfly Valley/ Caterpillar Haven Luxembourg 28 86 29 25, -30 info@butterflyvalley.lu www.butterflyvalley.lu
Internet safety for parents and kids.
33 avenue J-F Kennedy L-1855, Luxembourg 27 91 66 40 10 www.luciole.lu D14
Caritas
L’Enfant Roi Multiple locations 27 84 51 www.lenfant-roi.lu F10
OTR International School International preschool, primary & secondary. 7 rue Val Ste Croix L-1371, Luxembourg 26 09 45 42 www.otrinternationalschool.lu E10
Rock Kids Includes 16 crèches and daycare facilities; offers a Montessori pedagogy. Multiple locations 28 80 08 www.rockids.lu
Babilou Family Multiple locations 28 99 28 99 www.babilou-family.lu
Crèche with a Montessori approach, with locations in Findel, Bertrange, Hamm and Moutfort.
Crèche BioBébé The self-described "Montessori nest", with locations in and around Luxembourg City, Mamer and Munsbach. Multiple locations 27 69 42 67 www.biobebe.lu H4, H5, H11, H13
Crèche le Petit Prince
Adoméa Services Provides home assistance, including child sitting.
Crèche Tiramisù
6 rue Henri M. Schnadt L-2530, Luxembourg 27 36 53 83 www.adomea-services.lu I4
46 route de Diekirch L-7220, Helmsange 26 33 04 30 www.crechetiramisu.lu H4
Babysits.lu
CYK
en.babysits.lu/babysitting/luxembourg/
38 Cité Oricher-Hoehl L-8036, Strassen 28 77 55 00 www.cyk.lu H4
Nation-wide service run with the cooperation of communal services.
Bee Secure
French speaking crèches for children aged 2 months to 4 years and daycare for ages 4-12. Several locations.
Sunflower Montessori Crèche
119 rue de Luxembourg L-8077, Bertrange 31 93 09 contact@creche-petitprince.lu www.creche-petitprince.lu H4
Babysitting.lu
La Luciole
Multiple locations 26 15 93 1 www.sunflower.lu H5, I5, H4
Variety of family support services. 29 rue Michel Welter L-2730, Luxembourg 40 21 31 1 caritas@caritas.lu www.caritas.lu G11
Femmes en détresse Refuge for female victims of domestic violence. 49 08 77 – 1 organisation@fed.lu fed.lu
Kanner Jugend Telefon Online help desk in English for parents and children. contact@kjt.lu www.kjt.lu/en
Kannerschlass parent school Range of therapy and support for families in difficulty. 59 59 59-1 www.kannerschlass.lu
Kriibskrank Kanner Support association accompanying families of children with cancer. 31 31 70 contact@fondatioun.lu fondatioun.lu
La Leche League
FAMILY PLANNING
International breastfeeding counselling organisation.
Family Planning
Luxembourg Expats Parents
The family planning ensures access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for all. Two other centres are open in Esch-sur Alzette and Ettelbrück.
6A am Pratel L-5378, Uebersyren www.lalecheleague.lu H5
Luxembourg Expats Parents
Luxembourg Parents
Multiple locations 48 59 76 www.planningfamilial.lu J2, H4, E4
Luxembourg Parents
FAMILY SUPPORT
2755-2000 www.croix-rouge.lu
Arcus
www.babysitting.lu
Kids’ Ville
Supports children and families through a variety of services.
Petitweb.lu
57 & 75 rue de Beggen L-1221, Beggen 26 43 12 80 www.kidsville.lu B12
2 place de Strasbourg L-2562, Luxembourg 49 53 46 1 info@arcus.lu www.arcus.lu G12
www.petitweb.lu
www.bee-secure.lu
Luxembourg Red Cross Offers range of family-centred services.
Luxmama Club & ParentPrep Information and meetups related to parenting alternatives, birth rights and perinatal mental health in English. www.luxmamaclub.com
Midwife.lu Luxembourg midwife service. www.midwife.lu
Listings #ChildcareAndFamily
Passage is a parent support group and social network for parents and professionals related to the field of health, education and children’s social development in Luxembourg.
HOME SCHOOLING
International School of Luxembourg
St George’s International School
Private school offering IGCSE, high school and international baccalaureate diploma programmes, in Merl.
Private English language primary and secondary, in Hamm, offering IGCSE, AS- and A-levels programme.
36 boulevard Pierre Dupong L-1430, Luxembourg 26 04 40 www.islux.lu G10
11 rue des Peupliers L-2328, Luxembourg 42 32 24 www.st-georges.lu F15
239 Val des Bon Malades L-2121, Luxembourg info@passage.lu www.passage.lu C14
Luxembourg Association for Freedom of Instruction (ALLI)
Pro Familia Foundation
Association and information for homeschooling families.
Lënster Lycée
Support and training for parents.
www.alliasbl.lu
Public school with English sections at primary and secondary where the European Baccalaureate programme is taught.
www.profamilia.lu
Service Nationale de la Jeunesse Organises activities for children and young people. 24 78 64 65 secretariat@snj.lu www.snj.public.lu
The Luxembourg Daddy Group ASBL Social group for dads and their children. Luxembourg www.daddies.lu
Visavi Information and consulting service for women. 2 rue du Fort Wallis L-2714, Luxembourg 49 08 77-1 visavi@fed.lu
EDUCATION INFORMATION Cellule d’Acceuil Scolaire pour Elèves Nouveaux (Casna) Casna provides information about the Luxembourg post-primary education system, in Belair, by appointment only. 58 boulevard Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1330, Luxembourg 24 78 52 77 casna@men.lu www.men.public.lu E11
Education ministry 29 rue Aldringen L-1118, Luxembourg info@men.lu www.men.public.lu F11
ENGLISHLANGUAGE SCHOOLS Athénée de Luxembourg Public school offering International Baccalaureate programme in Merl. 24 boulevard Pierre Dupong L-1430, Luxembourg 44 02 49 1 www.al.lu G10
Differdange & Esch-sur-Alzette International School Public school offering European Baccalaureate programme. Differdange and Esch-sur-Alzette 28 85 72 1 www.eide.lu I2, J3
Ecole Internationale Edward Steichen Public school offering European Baccalaureate programme with English, German and French sections as well as English sections at primary. 1 rue Edward Steichen L-9707, Clervaux 206 007 1 www.lesc.lu C4
European School I Private school offering European Baccalaureate programme, in Kirchberg. 23 boulevard Konrad Adenauer L-1115, Luxembourg 43 20 82 1 www.euroschool.lu D13
European School II Private school offering European Baccalaureate programme. 6 rue Gaston Thorn L-8268, Bertrange 27 32 24 50 01 www.eel2.eu H4
UNIVERSITIES
2 rue Victor Ferrant L-6122, Junglinster 27 69 63 1 www.lensterlycee.lu G5
BBI Wiltz
Lycée des Arts et Métiers
35 Château de Wiltz L-9516, Wiltz 27 91 12 92 www.bbi-edu.eu D3
Public school offering English language BTS courses in video game programming and game design, game art and game design, and the Internet of Things. Limpertsberg and Dommeldange 46 76 16 1 www.ltam.lu D11
Lycée Privé Emile Metz Private, fee-free, school offering English-language vocational training in IT, mechanics, and smart technologies, and AML licence in aircraft maintenance. 50 rue de Beggen L-1220, Dommeldange 43 90 61 1 www.lpem.lu B12
Michel Lucius International School Public school with English sections at primary and secondary, offering IGCSE, AS- and A-levels programme, in Limpertsberg. 157 avenue Pasteur L-2311, Luxembourg 28 83 15 501 www.lml.lu C10
Mondorf-Les-Bains International School
Bachelor and master’s degrees in international hospitality and tourism management.
Lunex University Bachelor, master and foundation programmes in sports sciences. 50 avenue du Parc des Sports L-4671, Differdange 28 84 94 40 www.lunex-university.net I2
Miami University’s John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg European study centre for Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. 1 Impasse du Château L-4524, Differdange 58 22 22 1 www.miamioh.edu I2
Sacred Heart University Part-time MBA programme, MBA with internships and other executive programmes. 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi L-2981, Luxembourg 22 76 13 1 www.shu.lu D13
Public primary and secondary school offering European Baccalaureate programme in English.
United Business Institues Wiltz
2 route de Burmerange L-5659, Mondorf-les-Bains 281 288 1 www.eimlb.lu J5
Bachelor, MBA and DBA programmes.
OTR International School Private school offering education up to the age of 15, with International Baccalaureate middle years programme, in Belair. 7 rue Val Ste Croix L-1371, Luxembourg 26 09 45 42 www.otrinternationalschool.lu E10
Château de Wiltz L-9516, Wiltz 27 99 01 82 www.ubi.edu D3
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University of Luxembourg The University of Luxembourg is an international research university with a distinctly multilingual and interdisciplinary character. 2 avenue de l'Université L-4365, Esch-sur-Alzette 46 66 44 1 wwwen.uni.lu J3, D13
SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS Agence pour la transition vers une vie autonome
Centre pour le développement des apprentissages Grand-Duchesse Maria Teresa
Centre psycho-social et d’accompagnement scolaires (CePAS)
Centre for learners with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia.
29, rue Aldringen L-1118, Luxembourg 24 77 59 10 cepas.public.lu F11
2 rue Thomas Edison L-1445, Strassen 24 76 51 23 www.cc-cda.lu D9
Centre pour le développement des compétences relatives à la vue Specialist school for children with visual impairments.
Helps support young people and their parents in the new stages of their working lives.
17A route de Longwy L-8080, Bertrange 45 43 06 1 www.idv.lu H4
12-14 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420, Luxembourg 24 77 51 62 www.men.public.lu E11
Centre pour le développement intellectuel
Apemh
Centre regrouping all of the differentiated education sites in Luxembourg.
Structures for people of any age with special education needs. Multiple locations 37 91 91 1 www.apemh.lu
Asebs Voluntary association supporting children with learning difficulties in private schools in Luxembourg. 24 avenue Marie Thérèse L-2132, Luxembourg 621 610 261 www.asebs.lu F11
Centre de logopédie Specialist school for children with language and speech difficulties.
5 rue Thomas Edison L-1445, Strassen 24 75 57 00 www.cdi.lu D9
Centre pour le développement moteur Specialist school for development of motor skills. 1 place Thomas Edison L-1483, Strassen 44 65 65 1 info@cc-cdm.lu
Centre pour le développement socio-émotionnel
Psychological and therapeutic consultations for parents and young people and socio-educative support.
Dys-positiv Caritas service supporting young people with dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia and/or dyspraxia. 12 route de Luxembourg L-6130, Junglinster 26 43 24 38 www.dys-positiv.lu G5
Dyspraxie Luxembourg ASBL Informational website founded by mothers of children with learning difficulties. dyspraxieluxembourg@gmail.com www.dyspraxie.lu
Just Arrived Website listing family-friendly events and activities. www.justarrived.lu
EXTRACURRICULAR EDUCATIONAL ACTIVITIES Code Club Luxembourg Coding clubs aimed at young people aged 8-12. www.codeclub.lu
Kids Life Skills Programmes to teach young people aged 4-10 to code.
Mediation service to intervene in issues between families and schools.
Women in Digital Empowerment
138 blvd de la Pétrusse L-2330, Luxembourg 24 76 52 80 contact@mediationscolaire.lu www.mediationscolaire.lu F11
Scap Consultation and support service for attention deficit disorders, perception or psychomotor development disorders. 5 rue Thomas Edison L-1445, Strassen 26 44 48 1 www.scap.lu D9
FAMILY ACTIVITIES
Centre pour enfants et jeunes à haut potentiel
Centre pour enfants et jeunes présentant un trouble du spectre de l'autisme
Website listing family-friendly events and activities.
Specialist centre for young people with autism spectrum disorders.
Website listing family-friendly events and activities.
21 rue Léon Laval L-3372, Leudelange 24 75 59 55 info@cc-ctsa.lu I4
www.whatsonforkids.lu
21 Rue Léon Laval L-3372, Leudelange 24 76 51 40 www.men.public.lu I4
www.citysavvyluxembourg.com
www.kidslifeskills.org
Centre for learners with behavioural disorders.
School for gifted children.
Website listing family-friendly events and activities.
Mediation Scolaire
4 place Thomas Edison L-1483, Strassen 44 55 65 1 info@cc-cl.lu www.logopedie.lu D9
31 rue du Parc L-5374, Munsbach 24 76 51 17 info@cc-cdse.lu
City Savvy Luxembourg
Girls in digital section offers workshops, mentoring and other activities to encourage girls in tech. Luxembourg youth@women-digital.lu www.wide.lu/girlsindigital
Workshop4me Aimed at 7- to 16-year-olds, sessions cover introduction to computer science, apps, coding, etc. www.workshop4me.org
Bricks4kidz Programmes using Lego bricks to help children develop critical thinking, creativity, organisational skills, problem-solving and teamwork. www.bricks4kidz.lu
Bee Creative Supermiro www.supermiro.lu
What's on for kids
Visit Luxembourg Tourism website listing activities for families. www.visitluxembourg.com
Government-supported scheme to equip youngsters with digital literacy skills for the future. www.bee-creative.lu
Luxembourg Tech School Teaches 13-19-year-olds how to apply new technology to business. www.techschool.lu
© Gaël Hammer
Would you like to discover Luxembourg in a different way? #GuideForOneDay offers residents who have recently settled in Luxembourg and everyone interested, a series of tours which are original and above all authentic.
Following the success of the last four editions, a fifth edition will take place this summer, from June 26th to September 12th.
Book your tour now on www.guideforoneday.lu
An initiative of the General Directorate for Tourism
Planning your commute wisely can help maintain work-life balance
Overview #ProfessionalLife
A (work) place to call your own Luxembourg has a strange way of being two things at once. It’s an international finance hub, but a charming medieval duchy; it has ancient cultural roots, but is full (really, full) of outsiders; it’s local, but it’s global. For many, working here is the best of all these worlds.
There isn’t anything quite like Luxembourg’s work scene. Everyone knows, at a minimum, that the country is small. But without diminishing its neighbourly charms or national identity, Luxembourg’s borders become suspiciously porous when it comes to languages, cultures, commutes, and entrepreneurial sway.
Words JEFF PALMS Photo ROMAIN GAMBA
Indeed, while French and English dominate in private sector workplaces, you will hear flurries of other languages in break rooms and on weekday tram rides. With 75% of the workforce being other than Luxembourger, it’s a country that will test your communication skills on lingual and cultural levels. Many of those non-Luxembourger workers live within the country, but another 200,000 of them commute from the borderlands, a daily influx that adds an extra layer of pan-Europeanism to the private sector. Francophone managers might do things one way, Germanophones another, Anglophones a third, which puts a premium on multicultural awareness. Without much ado, however, such a diversity of backgrounds and cultures can also become a powerful business strength. Where, then, are the Luxembourgers? Many are in the public sector: the major-
ity of the country’s 34,000 trilingual civil servants are of local origins. Others work for the so-called “semi-state” employers (Post Luxembourg or the train service CFL). Some are indeed in the private sector, but not usually in majority numbers. Do make sure, however, to pick up (at least) a salutation or two in the local tongue--see page 58. For its multiculturalism and for plenty of other reasons too, Luxembourg is an amazing place to work. Explore the following pages for our tips on assimilating, commuting, weekday lunches, and more.
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Ristretto #ProfessionalLife
“It was Luxembourg that opened its door” Carlos Córdoba relocated to Luxembourg from Spain to grow his career in financial services. Six years later, he doesn’t regret a thing: “I really like my lifestyle in Luxembourg.” What brought you to Luxembourg? I moved to Luxembourg [from Madrid] in 2015 for a job at KPMG. At that time, I was 30 years old and was searching for an international career path in order to grow professionally. I wanted to work in English, in an international environment, so I was considering different important financial places in Europe like London, Amsterdam and Luxembourg, and, in the end, it was Luxembourg that opened its door. When I was offered the opportunity, I was also thinking: ‘Wow, it’s actually in the centre of Europe… I’ll be able to learn other languages. German and French, in this case.’
You were also working in the financial sector in Madrid, right? Did you experience any professional culture shock when you arrived here? That’s right. The two [professional cultures] aren’t that different. The core European values are basically the same. True, if you look at the different approaches to being five minutes late to a meeting, some people might feel a difference--we are supposed to be late, in Spain--but there are also many people in Spain who dislike it when you’re not punctual. So you cannot really see a big gap; you can’t say if it’s something cultural or not. But the perception could maybe be different. [In Luxembourg,] you accept and tolerate certain things that, in other contexts, people would almost take as an insult. This is the difference.
You mentioned London and Amsterdam. I often hear people regretting that they didn’t move to cities like these, saying that Luxembourg is too “boring”. I disagree with them! And I have my reasons. Having spent time in London and Madrid, big cities, I’m super happy about having got this opportunity in Luxembourg. It’s a blossoming city with more and more things to do, and even if the country has a small population, the percentage of people between 25 and 40 is huge, so you meet new people every day. And that’s lovely. That’s nice. What Luxembourg also has is access to nature. If you like outdoor sports, as I do, it’s the best place to be. So you have a good job, a nice job, an interesting job, opportunities for a professional career in an international environment, but just… surrounded by nature. Where else can you find that worldwide? How’s your commute? I live in Merl and I commute by vel’OH! [the city’s bike-share programme] or by walking, except maybe if it’s pouring rain or if I’m late. But I walk when I have time: it’s just 25 minutes. Crossing the park in the morning, you see the ducks playing in the water, the birds, all of nature in blossom… and crossing the Pont Adolphe, you see the valley on each side and this is just… majestic. Beautiful. Honestly, I like it.
What languages do you use at work? In both my current and previous positions [in Luxembourg], I’ve always worked in English. In my current position, French would be desirable as well. Even other languages could also be of value, in this case Italian or Russian. I’m learning French, myself. I’m doing a one-to-one class every week, which I do because I like it, first of all--and because professionally French is a good asset--but also to integrate myself better into the country. Luxembourgish is quite tough for me but, in the long term, I’d like to learn it. And finally… best place for a business lunch? Oh, I would say any of the restaurants on Boulevard Roosevelt by the Golden Lady--the Gëlle Fra--because of the astonishing views of the valley, the Pont Adolphe, the Spuerkeess. In the summer, on a terrace…
Carlos Córdoba is the back office director of Mikro Kapital, a management company in Luxembourg City
Interview JEFF PALMS Photo ROMAIN GAMBA
How to #ProfessionalLife
Email sign-offs in the local tongues
Embrace the multi-culti You’ve probably worked in multicultural environments before, but Luxembourg’s torrent of demographic anomalies makes it a working world like no other.
Just a few foreign words can make a difference: even if you don’t speak the country’s three official languages, finishing your email with a French, German or Luxembourgish greeting is a sign of friendliness and good faith.
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A mainstay of any international workplace is conflicting modes of email writing. Culturally Anglophone writers often prefer a casual, quick-and-dirty familiarity for intraoffice messages, while Franco- and Germanophone schools tend to take comparatively dry, formal tones. Be ready for some magnificent subtexts, be they intended or not.
Speaking in tongues Hearing strange noises is commonplace everywhere in Luxembourg, and you’ll swiftly learn to recognise French, German and Luxembourgish. English reigns in business circles, though French goes a long way too. Consider taking a language course: not only because everyone is doing it, but also as it could unlock professional doors and the class itself might even be a networking boon.
Strange workplace celebrations Multi-culti environments encourage the performance of individual national colours, so don’t be surprised when German women try to cut off their male coworkers’ ties on Carnival Thursday, Belgians bring the whole team pastries for breakfast, or Luxembourgers knock off early to go drinking on the eve of the
Grand Duke’s birthday. Your colleagues won’t say no to treats from your homeland…
In an email to a government official, you might want to sign off with “Mat beschte Gréiss” (with best regards), often abbreviated as “MbG” or “Bescht Gréiss”. Also formal would be “Mat engem schéine Bonjour” (with kind greetings-literally, “with a beautiful hello”). For a more familiar tone, try “Mat léiwe Gréiss” (with kind regards), which you can shorten to “Léif Gréiss”. Or: “E grousse Merci an all Guddes” (a big thank you and all the best). 2
For formal communications, you might want to end your email with “Sincères salutations” or “Salutations distinguées” (regards). For a less formal but still professional context, try “Cordialement” (sincerely) or “Bien à vous” (warm regards).
Borders? What borders? You’ve probably already met some of these famous frontaliers who commute across the border. Many come to the grand duchy for higher salaries, but others are here for unique or high-skill work opportunities. Either way, be ready to listen to their traffic complaints--or perhaps you’re considering joining their ranks.
Get help For managers and team leaders, or anyone interested, training sessions can show you the ropes of international working environments. The House of Training, for example, does classes in integrating yourself into a new team, conflict management in the workplace, and even the business environment of Luxembourg.
French
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German “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” (with friendly greetings) is a good one, which you might also find in contracted form: “MfG”. There is also “Mit besten Grüßen” (with kind regards).
www.houseoftraining.lu
That timeless Aretha-Franklinism Whether it’s a culturally indecipherable management style, an odd reason to call a meeting, a communication breakdown, or too much pressure to eat weird foreign stuff, always remember Aretha’s golden rule. (Don’t make me spell it out for you.)
Salomé Jottreau
Writing emails
Luxembourgish
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INDIVIDUALLY MANUFACTURED INTERIORS & FURNITURE
Showroom : 16A, rue Gabriel Lippmann L-1943 Luxembourg | +352 27 36 53 43 | info@nbr.lu | www.nbr.lu
How to #ProfessionalLife
Five weekday lunch tips
Ace your commute in Luxembourg The grand duchy is undoubtedly punching above its weight class in things like multilingualism and assets under management, but many people would add traffic woes to that list as well. It’s a lot of cars for a small(ish) town.
Arguably, the most important part of any workday is the midday meal. See our insider tips for how to do it right.
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Food trucks They’re here, they’re gone--don’t miss it! Food trucks are all the delicious rage in Luxembourg, from LëtzeBurger to Wok Me Up. (Try them all at once at the Eat It festival at the Rotondes.) Get more info via the Snack Track app or the Facebook page of the Luxembourg Food Truck Association.
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Foodzilla Foodzilla’s mission is to help you rampage your way through Luxembourg’s eateries. Expert tips, news and recs for where and what to eat. Access the blog on delano.lu.
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Car traffic is famously bad between the Minett (the south of Luxembourg) and the city during rush hour, as commuters from France, Esch and other places head to and from the capital. A 20-minute drive can turn into an hour, easy, so avoid it if you can. (Try the train, for example, or use flexible working hours if you have them.)
Homemade tram The Luxembourg tram, at the time of writing, runs from Kirchberg to the Gare. Current works are stretching it in both directions, i.e., to the airport (by 2023) and to the Cloche d’Or (by 2024), while a high-speed connection to Esch-Belval is additionally foreseen for 2028.
Very affordable In 2020, Luxembourg became the first country worldwide to remove all fees for public transport (unless you’ve opted for first class). Waltz onto any bus, tram or train traveling within the country, no questions asked.
Bikes and buses Unfortunately, cyclists have to share the road with motorists in many places, so it’s best to
map your route and judge its safety before you go too far down that road. If you do, consider looking into the city’s extensive bike share programme, vel’OH!. Buses are also a popular way to commute. Check vdl.lu or mobiliteit.lu for timetables and information.
Save time/effort by getting your food delivered to your workplace. Check out lunchtime.lu, foostix.com, foozo.lu, livrando.com, wedely.com and livraison.lu. 4
RestoDays is a multiweek culinary event in which gourmet restaurants offer menus at walletfriendly prices. Great opportunity to try out fancy restaurants outside of your routine and to schmooze with your clients. If you’re serious about it, however, you’ll want to plan on a long lunch break and--expert level--shift your afternoon meetings to the following day.
Short-term rental If you need a car on an exceptional basis, several operators offer “carsharing” schemes, i.e., ultra-short-term rentals where you pay per hour. Flex, for instance, has 47 pick-up and drop-off points at train stations in Luxembourg. In Luxembourg City, Carloh is the big name. www.carloh.lu www.flex.lu
Skip it altogether The least painful commute, of course, is the intrahouse walk from kitchen to home office. Many companies, especially postpandemic, have flexible working options. For the cross-border crowd, however, please take note of tax issues: employees remain taxable in Luxembourg (and not elsewhere) if they work from home no more than 19 days (Germany), 24 days (Belgium) or 29 days (France). Find more guidance on uel.lu.
Class it up
www.restodays.lu
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Fight plastic It’s hard to remain ecologically neutral in this takeout culture of ours, which is where Ecobox comes in. In a bid to help eateries avoid single-use packaging, the company offers reusable containers and cutlery on a return/deposit scheme. Participating restaurants will advertise the logo, a big green circle that says “Ecobox”.
Salomé Jottreau
Homemade jam
Order in
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ADULT EDUCATION Aviation Academy Luxembourg The aviation school offers training in logistics, aviation, travel and tourism. Classes are exclusively in English, and a three-month internship in Luxembourg or abroad is mandatory. 24 56 94 91 www.aalu.lu
Ecole d'Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg The school offers full-time courses in hospitality and tourism. 80 87 91 www.ehtl.lu
House of Training The organisation provides vocational training in a wide range of professional domains, from commerce and accounting to human resources and real estate. 46 50 16 - 1 www.houseoftraining.lu
Lifelong-learning.lu The training centre offers continuing education programmes in English, French, German, Luxembourgish and Portuguese. Choose from a wide range of seminars, classes and specialised professional training/certifications. 46 96 12 - 1 www.lifelong-learning.lu
Luxembourg Flight Training Academy The academy provides courses via classroom instruction and flight simulator for private, commercial and air transport pilot licences. 43 29 20 www.lfta.lu
Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Centre The professional chamber offers evening classes, seminars, university courses, specialised training and professional certifications. It organises vocational training in technical secondary education. 27 49 46 00 www.lllc.lu
Luxembourg School of Business The LSB's weekend MBA is a 24-month programme for experienced professionals who want to study without halting their careers. Classes meet on alternating weekends. 26 25 89 80 www.luxsb.lu
Luxembourg School of Religion & Society The theological institution develops offers of initial training, lifelong learning and adult education for religious communities and others. The school offers masterclasses plus lectures and conferences. 43 60 51 www.lsrs.lu
The Second Degree ASBL The adult education programme offers courses taught in English over an eightweek period, typically two hours per week. Courses range from baking and yoga to Bollywood dancing (and meet in Luxembourg, not Grevenmacher).
Columbia University Alumni Club of Luxembourg luxembourg@alumniclubs.columbia.edu
www.miamialum.org MUDEC Alumni Miami University Alumni Association Luxembourg Chapter
Duke Law School
Mount Holyoke College
greet.wilkenhuysen@nautadutilh.com
alumnae.mtholyoke.edu
Edinburgh University Luxembourg Alumni
Oxford University Society of Luxembourg
Edinburgh University Luxembourg Alumni
membership@oxford.lu www.oxford.lu
EM Strasbourg Business School
Sacred Heart University
EM Strasbourg Alumni - Luxembourg
enquiries@theseconddegree.lu www.theseconddegree.lu
ETH Zurich
University of Luxembourg Competence Centre
European University Business School
The institution, chartered by Luxembourg's ministry for higher education and research, offers continuous adult education and develops training programmes in collaboration with specialised partners.
lux-chapter@alumni.ethz.ch
www.alumni.euruni.edu
Haas School of Business jeanfrancois_leprince@yahoo.fr
26 15 92 17 www.competence.lu
Harvard Club of Luxembourg
Weecode
info@harvardclub.lu hcluxembourg.clubs.harvard.edu
The IT school offers intensive bootcamps in web development, data analytics and cyber security. www.weecode.co
ALUMNI Bocconi University arealussemburgo@alumnibocconi.it www.bocconialumni.it
Cambridge Society of Luxembourg info@cambridge.lu www.cambridge.lu
Chicago Booth Alumni Club of Luxembourg www.chicagobooth.edu
City University of London philippe.heisbourg@gmail.com www.city.ac.uk/alumni
College of Europe Alumni Luxembourg College of Europe Alumni - Luxembourg Regional Group
Miami University
HEC Management School
shulu.alumni@gmail.com www.shu.lu/alumni/ SHULU Alumni
Society of Luxembourg Students in Britain slsbritain@gmail.com www.acel.lu/cercles/slsb Society of Luxembourg Students in Britain (SLSB)
St Andrews University Alumni Club Luxembourg standrewsalumnilux@gmail.com University of St Andrews Alumni Club Luxembourg
Stanford Club of Luxembourg stanfordluxembourg@gmail.com
HEC Alumni Luxembourg
Trinity College Dublin
King's College London
gaspardjean@gmail.com
kcaaluxembourg@gmail.com King's College Alumni Association Luxembourg
London Buisness School www.london.edu
University College Dublin ddeurope@pt.lu
University of California at Davis
London School of Economics
www.alumni.ucdavis.edu
luxembourg@alumni.lse.ac.uk LSE Alumni Luxembourg LSE Alumni Association Luxembourg
halu@alumni.uni-heidelberg.de
Luxembourg Business Academy (University of Luxembourg) LBA Alumni
Luxembourg School of Finance (University of Luxembourg) wwwen.uni.lu/fdef/alumni
University of Heidelberg University of Luxembourg alumni@uni.lu wwwen.uni.lu/alumni Alumni - University of Luxembourg
University of Trier Alumni International Universität Trier
University of Warwick www.warwick.ac.uk/alumni
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Cercle Munster You need two sponsors to join the non-profit business club, which has private function rooms for up to 100 people, including a foyer, bar, library, restaurant, and brasserie with a terrace. The club also hosts a range of events. 5-7 rue Munster L-2160, Luxembourg 47 06 43 - 1 reservation@munster.lu www.munster.lu F12
House17 House17 is a private club home to contemporary cuisine, fine art, and leisurely as well as professional exchange. Members enjoy free room rental, valet service (including car wash up), access to club events, and event-hosting privileges (tailored by a planner). 17 rue du Nord L-2229, Luxembourg 20 10 17 info@house17.lu www.house17.lu E12
Hub Dot Luxembourg Hub Dot is a community where women connect and inspire through storytelling. Members choose from five categories: those who are established and willing to help others; have an idea and can help; are seeking inspiration; want to make connections; and want to tell a story. carlotta@hubdot.com www.hubdot.com
Inspiring Wo-Men Business Club Inspiring Wo-Men is an invitation-only business club for women and men. www.inspiringwo-men.eu
International Coach Federation - Luxembourg The global non-profit organisation promotes coaching in local communities by organising monthly meetings, presentations, and networking opportunities. info@coachfederation.lu www.coachfederation.lu
Luxembourg Business Angel Network The non-profit organisation aims to unlock the potential of private investors in Luxembourg through tools, events, trainings, investment opportunities, and networking. info@lban.lu www.lban.lu
Luxembourg Financial Markets Association The non-profit brings together national market participants and represents its members in industry debates. 621 521 240 secretariat@lfma.lu www.lfma.lu
Luxembourg Private Equity & Venture Capital Association The representative body of private equity and venture capital professionals in Luxembourg provides a platform for members to discuss, network and attend working meetings. 12 rue Erasme L-1468, Luxembourg 28 68 19 lpea-office@lpea.lu www.lpea.lu C14
Maison Breedewee The business club and meeting place has the goal of promoting exchanges between investors and entrepreneurs. 9 rue Large L-1917, Luxembourg 26 67 71 80 contact@maison-breedewee.com www.breedewee.com F12
Mumpreneurs Luxembourg The association is a network of women who share an entrepreneurial spirit. Attend events, workshops and coffee mornings where members meet to present their businesses. 8 op de Rousen L-8398, Roodt 691 540 164 info@mumpreneurs.lu Mumpreneurs Luxembourg G3
Paperjam + Delano Club The business club has more than 1,300 member companies. Members benefit from a variety of business-related events and workshops and are invited to Delano Live events: on-stage interviews followed by an open bar and networking. 20 70 70 - 400 club@paperjam.lu www.club.paperjam.lu
The Network The Network is an international professional non-profit organisation for women, promoting networking and personal/professional development. It is open to women of all nationalities within Luxembourg and its bordering communities. info@thenetwork.lu www.thenetwork.lu
COWORKING SPACES
Urban Office
Bamhaus
Multiple locations in Luxembourg 27 86 19 15 info@urbanoffice.lu www.urbanoffice.lu
The coworking space seeks to create an ecosystem for freelancers in creative industries. Located at a former industrial site in Dommeldange. 18A & 18D rue de la Cimenterie L-1337, Dommeldange 24 52 75 51 info@bamhaus.lu www.bamhaus.lu A12
Paladium Not far from the main train station, the chic space for creatives and entrepreneurs is one-of-a-kind, with meeting rooms named after famous business owners. Luxembourg-Bonnevoie & Bertrange 27 76 27 11 contact@paladium.lu www.paladium.lu
Silversquare Situated in the Gare district, the location offers flexible workspaces, meeting rooms and event spaces across five floors. 21 rue Glesener L-1631, Luxembourg 27 86 40 00 www.silversquare.lu G12
Spaces Fully serviced offices spanning seven floors right in front of the train station. 5 place de la Gare L-1616, Luxembourg 27 87 15 97 www.spacesworks.com G12
The Foundry The Foundry specialises in supporting established companies who want to test their products in a European subsidiary. 40 route d’Esch L-1470, Luxembourg 28 79 97 18 info@masonbower.lu www.masonbower.lu/foundry G11
The Office Luxembourg The Office Luxembourg has multiple sites in the capital where you can run a company, meet clients and hold events. 29 boulevard Prince Henri L-1724, Luxembourg 621 703 530 www.theoffice.lu E11
The company has some 4,580m2 of space across seven locations: one each in Luxembourg City (listed), Bettembourg and Wicker; two each in Windhof and Esch-Belval.
Wishbox Marketing and administrative support is provided for entrepreneurs in this space in Bereldange/Walferdange, ideally located for people approaching the capital from the north or west. 59 rue du X Octobre L-7243, Bereldange 621 328 420 alain@wishbox.lu or yves@wishbox.lu www.wishbox.lu H4
CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg Amcham is an international voluntary organisation of professionals committed to fostering business relations between the USA and Luxembourg. The chamber’s activities cover the full scope of expatriate issues through its various committees. 43 17 56 www.amcham.lu
Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg A platform and connection point for the Australian, New Zealand and Luxembourg business communities. hello@anzccl.lu www.anzccl.lu
British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg The BCC is an English-speaking forum for participants in Luxembourg's local and international business communities. Membership is open to any commercial enterprise or businessperson for whom the English language is an essential business tool. 46 54 66 www.bcc.lu
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China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce
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Chinalux is a non-profit organisation supporting bilateral trade and cultural ties between China and Luxembourg. info@china-lux.lu www.china-lux.lu
Indian Business Chamber of Luxembourg The business chamber promotes the development of trade, economic, financial, educational, legal, scientific and cultural relations between the Republic of India and the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg. 44 59 05 www.ibcl.lu
Ireland Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce The business association introduces individuals and businesses to each other in Luxembourg. A bilateral chamber, it also develops links with other Irish chambers, business groups, the international Irish corporate network, and relevant bodies in Ireland. info@ilcc.lu www.ilcc.lu
Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce The Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce assists with business creation and foreign trade questions, and offers workshops and training opportunities. 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi L-2981, Luxembourg www.cc.lu D14
Luxembourg-Poland Chamber of Commerce The business chamber fosters professional links between Luxembourg and Poland, providing an exchange platform for Polish- and Englishspeaking members of the local business community. info@lpcc.lu www.lpcc.lu
CREATING YOUR OWN COMPANY Deloitte Catalyst The department helps startups get a headstart in launching and growing their business both in Luxembourg and abroad. 45 14 51 palaurent@deloitte.lu
Luxinnovation Luxinnovation helps companies engaging in innovative activities in Luxembourg or aiming to expand their business internationally. 43 62 63 - 1 www.luxinnovation.lu
Luxembourg House of Financial Technology The Lhoft helps companies and entrepreneurs develop their business, provides networking opportunities, and offers a wealth of expertise in the world of fintech. 28 81 02 01 www.lhoft.com
House of Startups Powered by the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, the House of Startups offers innovation hubs, incubators, business accelerators and startup consulting services. 28 81 00 01 www.host.lu
House of Entrepreneurship The one-stop shop offers a range of consolidated services for entrepreneurs and established businesses alike. 42 39 39 - 330 www.houseofentrepreneurship.lu
Luxembourg Open Innovation Club The club helps foster relationships between large companies and innovative startups. www.loic.lu
My Guichet The government site has authoritative information on setting up a business, administrative procedures and other processes. www.myguichet.lu
Technoport The incubator supports the creation and development of technology-oriented companies. incubator@technoport.lu www.technoport.lu
Tomorrow Street A joint venture between Vodafone and Technoport, the incubator supports late-stage technology startups and entrepreuneurs. info@tomorrowstreet.co www.tomorrowstreet.co
COMMUNICATION SKILLS Luxembourg School of Contemporary Etiquette The school runs courses in corporate culture and communication. 661 155 477 www.luxetiquette.lu
Jobs.lu www.jobs.lu
KR Recruitment info@krrecruitment.com www.krrecruitment.com
LinkedIn www.linkedin.com
Monster www.monster.lu
Toastmasters
Moovijob
The global non-profit education organisation has several affiliated clubs in Luxembourg in French, English and Luxembourgish. It promotes communication, public speaking and leadership skills.
contact@moovijob.com www.moovijob.com
Randstad
www.toastmasters.org
info@randstad.lu www.randstad.lu
JOB HUNTING
Sofitex Talent Recruitment contact@sofitex-talent.lu www.sofitex-talent.lu
Adem 24 78 88 88 www.adem.public.lu
Adecco Group 48 25 51 - 1 www.adecco.lu
Anderson Wise 24 51 31 88 www.andersonwise.com
Badenoch & Clark 26 19 28 10 01 www.badenochandclark.lu
Delano Jobs
The Recruiter contact@therecruiter.lu www.therecruiter.lu
LANGUAGE SKILLS Audio-Lingua Audio-Lingua is a training institute and language school. It offers courses in English, French, German, Luxembourgish, Italian, Portuguese, Spanish, Russian and Chinese.
luxembourg.dressforsuccess.org
4B Duerfstrooss L-6858, Münschecker 26 27 07 30 info@audio-lingua.lu www.audio-lingua.lu G7
DO Recruitment
Berlitz
24 69 40 - 1 contact@dorecruit.com www.dorecruit.com
Berlitz provides language training for adults, children and teenagers, as well as intercultural and business solutions for corporate clients. It also organises language camps for children and teenagers.
jobs.delano.lu
Dress for Success
Go To Freedom 20 40 32 60 www.gotofreedom.eu
Greenfield 26 38 36 51 www.greenfield.lu
ICTJob www.ictjob.lu
JobFinder www.jobfinder.lu
Jobs in Luxembourg www.jobsinluxembourg.eu
89-93 Grand-Rue L-1661, Luxembourg 26 38 32 48 www.berlitz.lu E11
Cap Langues The language school provides presentational, phone, videoconferencing, e-learning and blended-learning classes. 219 route d'Esch L-1471, Luxembourg contact@caplangues.lu www.caplangues.lu H10
Listings #ProfessionalLife
The centre offers classes in Chinese as a foreign language. 45 rue de la Gare L-7590, Mersch info@clccl.lu www.clccl.lu F4
Course at Home Teachers come to your location, be it home or office, for private or group courses. Online courses as well as tutoring for children are also offered. 11 avenue de la Gare L-1611, Luxembourg contact@coursathome.lu www.coursathome.lu G12
Inlingua Located in Luxembourg City and Esch-sur-Alzette, this language school offers language training, translations, interpreting, linguistic stays, tests, preparation of diplomas and linguistic coaching. 5 rue de Hesperange L-1731, Luxembourg 40 35 47 www.inlingua.lu H12
Institut Français Luxembourg Private and group French lanugage courses for children through to adults. 47 avenue Monterey L-2163, Luxembourg 46 21 66 www.institut-francais-luxembourg.lu F11
Institut National des Langues The public administration is a centre for language learning, offering classes for adults in several languages. It also provides examinations and certifications. 21 boulevard de la Foire L-1528, Luxembourg 26 44 30 - 1 www.inll.lu E11
Languages.lu Languages.lu offers courses for companies and private individuals and language camps for children during school holidays. 29 boulevard Prince Henri L-1724, Luxembourg info@languages.lu www.languages.lu E11
Learn Luxembourgish Virtual interactive Luxembourgish lessons for English speakers, plus self-learning online audio exercises and flashcards. learnluxembourgish@gmail.com www.learnluxembourgish.com
Mastercraft Mastercraft provides linguistic training with a ten-hour-minimum formula in several languages, and tutoring sessions for children. 149 route d'Arlon L-8009, Strassen 26 84 50 65 www.mastercraft.lu H4
Moien ASBL The non-profit teaches Luxembourgish exclusively. Intensive summer, conversation and writing courses are on offer. 2 rue Batty Weber L-3493, Dudelange 621 677 257 www.moienasbl.lu J4
Prolingua The centre offers German, English, French, Luxembourgish, Spanish, Italian, Dutch, Portuguese, Russian and Polish courses. It uses a communicative and task-based approach. 45A avenue Monterey L-2163, Luxembourg 40 39 91 - 0 www.prolingua.lu F11
PROFES SIONAL ASSOCIATION Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry Alfi is the official representative body for the Luxembourg investment fund industry. 12 rue Erasme L-1468, Luxembourg 22 30 26 - 1 www.alfi.lu C14
Chamber of Trades (CDM) The Chamber of Trades is a professional chamber representing more than 150 trades in several categories, ranging from food and fashion to housing and multimedia. 2 Circuit de la Foire Internationale L-1347, Luxembourg contact@cdm.lu www.cdm.lu B15
Luxembourg Bankers’ Association (ABBL) ABBL is the professional association of the banking sector. It represents financial institutions, regulated financial intermediaries, and other professionals established in Luxembourg (including lawyers, consultants and auditors). 12 rue Erasme L-1468, Luxembourg 46 36 60 - 1 www.abbl.lu C14
WORKPLACE SAFETY
Hello Future Hello Future aims to encourage young people betweeb 14 and 30 to take up jobs in the logistics, automobile, digital and other sectors. It also offers school tours. www.hellofuture.lu
Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg JEL brings together representatives from the education sector and representatives from the business world to promote an entrepreneurial spirit in Luxembourg. www.jonk-entrepreneuren.lu
Jugendinfo.lu Search for jobs and advice on the government's youth site. www.jugendinfo.lu
Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM) The agency enforces the country's labour code, including workplace health and safety rules. 3 rue des Primeurs L-2361, Strassen 24 77 61 00 contact@itm.etat.lu www.itm.lu H4
Mobbing ASBL This is Luxembourg's association against workplace bullying, harrassment and stress. 64 avenue de la Liberté L-1930, Luxembourg 28 37 12 12 mobbingasbl@mobbingasbl.lu www.mobbingasbl.lu G12
SUPPORT FOR YOUNG JOBSEEKERS Anelo.lu The site (in French, German and Luxembourgish) is for job searches, training, placements and voluntary work. Anelo.lu also provides practical assistance on CVs, application letters, interview prep and more. beruffer.anelo.lu
Association of Luxembourg Student Groups (ACEL) The student union publishes an annual guide for future diploma holders. www.acel.lu
The Guidance Centre (Maison de l'Orientation) The centre brings together the admin and state services in the area of information and educational/vocational guidance. 80 02 81 81 info@maison-orientation.public.lu maison-orientation.public.lu/fr.html
Youth Guarantee The Youth Guarantee is aimed at 16- to 24-year-olds who have left school or lost their job. It endeavours to make sure that young people are not without a job offer, a training opportunity or work placement for more than four months. 24 77 59 59 jugendgarantie@men.lu www.jugendgarantie.lu
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Tax advisor Aude-Marie Breden is seen preparing financial documents
Opener #PersonalFinance
Get your house in order Living in another country means navigating a new system and most likely handling more paperwork--and having more to consider--than you did back home. This section aims to provide a useful primer.
Whether you live in the grand duchy for just a couple years or stay until retirement, the financial decisions you take now will have an impact on your future--and your family’s future. No one really looks forward to buying insurance, devising home improvement projects (well, some people do!), preparing your taxes, drafting a will, planning for retirement and moving house. But this is important stuff all the same.
Words AARON GRUNWALD Photo MATIC ZORMAN
There are a couple of nifty schemes in Luxembourg that I would strongly advise any current or prospective homeowner to check out. First, future homeowners can write off thousands of euros from their tax bill using a special scheme, called the home purchase savings plan, with the funds becoming available to purchase and rehabilitate a property that will serve as a primary residence. See details on page 70. Most homeowners want to reduce their carbon footprint and cut their energy bills. Luxembourg has a combination of national and local subsidies to help make it happen. Download the Myrenovation app, which consolidates national and local subsidy data, and spells out all the steps in the application and approval process. Some of the subsidies cover more than half of materials and installation costs, on projects ranging from insulating roofs and walls to the installation of renewable energy
kit such as solar heating and photovoltaic electricity systems. So be green and save some cash. If you live in the grand duchy, then Luxembourg law applies to all sorts of important matters. People who’ve moved from places with a different legal system might be perplexed by some of the rules on marriage, inheritance and tax. Some of these are outlined in this section, but only very, very briefly. It is a worthwhile investment of your time and money to speak with a professional advisor about the financial and estate planning issues that could impact your particular situation.
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“You can have a house up today and it’s gone by tonight” Canadian relocation expert Sherry Sideris, who moved to the grand duchy 17 years ago after living in the US and Germany, talks about getting into the Luxembourg property market. You told me earlier that you wouldn’t recommend a fresh arrival buy a home straight away. Not that I don’t recommend them to buy, but if they don’t know Luxembourg and they’re just coming [then it is too soon]. First of all, they have to know how long they’re staying. So if you’re talking about young people in their early 30s, late 20s, odds are they’re not going to stay put. A little older, possibly, if they know this is their last stop. But they also have probation on their work contracts. So the banks won’t loan to them anyway till their probation periods are over. What we always recommended in the past was to rent for at least a year to know if you like Luxembourg, you want to stay, get to know the areas. Because if you just pop up and buy a house and you really don’t know anything about Luxembourg, you could end up in a completely different area [where] you wouldn’t want to be. Now, that was what we used to say. Since the pandemic has hit, it’s hard to give this guidance anymore because the housing market is zero here.
Should you get a simulation from more than one bank? Go with who you have your accounts. If you don’t like the answers, then you can also turn around and shop it. What else is important to consider? I would say point of transport. If they’re going to go rural, they’re going to have to come in with a car, [so] where are they going to park? That’s something to think about... good public transport. Mind you, Luxembourg has been very good with their public transport. And it’s even extended across the borders. So it depends if you’re used to commuting to work or not. That’s another thing: people tend to say that it’s the young Luxembourgers that are going cross-border, but so do expats. They’re crossing the borders to buy also, because they realise they can get a much cheaper, bigger plot of land, with a bigger house. There’s been a lot of statements that expats can afford Luxembourg housing, that we’re the ones that can afford it. That’s not always true. [Just] because you’re an expat doesn’t mean you’re making zillions of dollars.
What is your advice then for someone who really wants to buy? The first step is to get in touch with one of the real estate agents... a larger one that really knows the market, and let them know what they’re looking for. And maybe not just one, they can actually ask two or three... as you know, properties don’t even sometimes hit the market. It’s word of mouth here in Luxembourg. Also, I would highly suggest that they know what they can afford. Because you can have a house up today and it’s gone by tonight. You mean do a mortgage simulation? What we call pre-approval in North America. It’s not a term here... but it is best, because of the market moving so fast, to know, roughly, what they would agree [to loan] you.
Sherry Sideris is head of the immigration and relocation division at the Wirtz law office
Do you see some big mistakes that people make over and over again when they’re looking for property? I think the biggest mistake they do is comparing to their home countries. That is one of the biggest things. And that’s true in buying and renting. From my own experience, my first relocation was the US and my attitude was it’s no different than home. But I was moved to the Deep South and I come from Montreal... I always say it was my hardest relocation, because I just expected everything to be the same. And it wasn’t; it was quite different. Interview AARON GRUNWALD Photo MATIC ZORMAN
A C Q U I S I T I O N S I S A L E S I R E N T A L S I V A L U AT I O N S I I N S U R A N C E I R E A L E S T AT E C O N S U LT I N G
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5 things to know about financial planning
Here are some handy ways to reduce what you owe the state and save up some cash in the process.
Luxembourg family and inheritance law can surprise people used to a different legal tradition.
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Marriage contracts There are three different types of marriage contracts in Luxembourg, with distinct consequences on inheritance and divorce. Speak with a legal advisor to understand the differences.
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Inheritance rights By law, children have first claim to certain assets and parents can only make bequests to others within legal limits.
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There are a number of investments that will reduce the amount of tax due in Luxembourg. These include authorised life insurance policies (a maximum of €672 for each person in a tax household per year), mortgage interest on a primary residence (up to €1,000-€2,000 per person, per year) and a pension plan (up to €3,200 for each adult signing a contract, per year). “In most cases, it means a tax saving of around 40% of the investment,” according to Aude-Marie Breden, founder of MyOwnTaxPractice. Due to the pandemic, Luxembourg Inland Revenue recently increased the deduction for home cleaning and childcare costs from €450 to €600 a month for people with a cleaner, she says.
Home savings plan Open a home purchase savings account, with the funds becoming available to acquire and renovate property. Savers sign a 10-year contract and those aged 18 to 41 can write off €1,344 from their tax bill annually for each member of their taxable household; the figure is €672 for those aged 42 and older. Savings in the account can be used to buy, build or renovate a primary residence. This includes acquiring land, fixing the roof and energy efficiency projects (see box on right).
Some expenses, such as kitchen refreshes, do not qualify. There are two authorised plans--BHW Bausparkasse and Wüstenrot Bausparkasse--which are available through many retail lenders, including BGL BNP Paribas, ING, Raiffeisen and Spuerkeess.
“In Luxembourg, there is no inheritance tax between parents and children,” when both live in the grand duchy, says Aude-Marie Breden of MyOwnTaxPractice. If a child lives abroad or if the parents have foreign real estate, things become more complicated. 4
Marriage myth “One of the biggest misconceptions about the Luxembourg tax system is that marriage is the best tax planning,” says Breden, “If only one spouse works, it is actually very interesting, but it is definitely not if both spouses work. Tax withheld from salaries usually gets lower when you get married, but generally, the difference is due at the end of the year when you submit your tax declaration. As the newlyweds were told that marriage was very tax efficient, the bill can be a very bad surprise.”
Tax filing errors Luxembourg residents must declare their worldwide income even if the foreign income is subject to tax in another country, Breden also says. The rules are different your first year here and the tax office now requires new arrivals to state in writing if they want their first year’s return to include foreign income (which usually, but not always, results in a refund).
Drafting your last testament There are two ways to write a will. You can simply write out your wishes in longhand, date and sign it, and register it with the Luxembourg Land Registration and Estates Department (www.aed.public.lu). Or work with a notary who will give advice and record your last wishes.
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Home renovation help Homeowners can access a combination of national and local subsidies to help pay for green upgrades. The Myrenovation app walks users through the entire process. The amounts on offer can be substantial. www.myenergy.lu
Salomé Jottreau
Tax deductions
Cross-border issues
Illustration
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Cut your tax bill
THE BANK THAT BELONGS TO ITS MEMBERS
Listings #PersonalFinance
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TAX FORMS EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Tax office Tax forms, instructions & FAQ. www.impotsdirects.public.lu
TAX ADVISORY Analie Tax & Consulting 20 rue du Village L-6188, Gonderange 27 87 37 87 enquiries@analietax.com www.analietax.com Analie Tax & Consulting Analie Tax G7
Andersen Tax 121 avenue de la Faïencerie L-1511, Luxembourg 26 63 22 info@andersentax.lu lu.andersen.com Andersen in Luxembourg D10
AssCoFisc 15 rue de l’Industrie L-8069, Bertrange 691 45 63 39 info@asscofisc.com www.asscofisc.com AssCofisc SARL H4
Baker Tilly 45 rue des Scillas L-2529, Howald 47 68 47 400 www.bakertilly.lu Baker Tilly Luxembourg bakertillyinternational I4
BDO 1 rue Jean Piret L-2350, Luxembourg 45 123 1 www.bdo.lu BDO Luxembourg BDO Luxembourg J10
Ecovis Luxembourg 56 rue Charles Martel L-2134, Luxembourg 26 47 60 1 luxembourg@ecovis.com www.ecovis.com/luxembourg/ G9
Fiduciaire Comptable Becker, Gales & Brunetti 296 rue de Neudorf L-2222, Luxembourg 24 69 49 1 info@bgb.lu www.bgb.lu D15
Fiduciaire Intérregionale
Taxx.lu
JLL
14 Haaptstrooss L-8720, Rippweiler 23 62 33 1 fiin@pt.lu www.fiduciaire-interregionale.lu Fiduciaire Interrégionale s.a. G3
153-155 rue du Kiem L-8030, Strassen help@taxx.lu www.taxx.lu Taxx.lu Taxx.lu Taxx_lu
Luxembourg 46 45 40 www.jllr.lu JLL Residential Luxembourg
Galux Tax Services
HOME PURCHASE SAVINGS PLAN
11 avenue de la Liberté L-1931, Luxembourg 27 76 29 80 gaetan.hertz@galux.lu www.galux.lu Galux GALUX S.à r.l. G12
Grant Thornton 13 rue de Bitbourg L-1273, Luxembourg 45 38 78 1 contact@lu.gt.com www.grantthornton.lu Grant Thornton Luxembourg E15
Mazars 5 rue Guillaume J. Kroll L-1882, Luxembourg 27 114 1 www.mazars.lu Mazars Mazars in Luxembourg J10
MyOwnTaxPractice 29 boulevard Prince Henri L-1724, Luxembourg 621 268 843 aude-marie@motp.lu www.motp.lu MOTP Aude-Marie Breden E11
Tax4Expats Luxembourg 33-39 rue du Puits Romain L-8070, Bertrange 621 596 944 grit.fischer@tax4expats-lux.com www.tax4expats-lux.com Grit Fischer H4
VGD Luxembourg 25 boulevard Prince Henri L-1724, Luxembourg 26 38 48 1 lut.laget@vgd.eu lu.vgd.eu E11
TAX FILING SERVICE Taksen 4 boulevard Jules Salentiny L-2511, Luxembourg 621 135 848 taksen.lu@gmail.com www.taksen.lu E14
Nexvia Luxembourg 27 63 00 12 www.nexvia.lu Nexvia
Property Hunter Luxembourg Luxembourg 28 99 99 18 www.property-hunter.lu Property Hunter Luxembourg
BHW Bausparkasse
Re/Max
16 rue Erasme L-1468, Luxembourg 44 88 44 1 info-lux@bhw.lu www.bhw.lu
Luxembourg 26 64 99 99 1 www.remax.lu RE/MAX Luxembourg
Wüstenrot Bausparkasse 33 rue Gabriel Lippmann L-5365, Munsbach 44 34 44 1 info@wuestenrot.lu www.wuestenrot.lu
ESTATE AGENTS CK House & Realty Luxembourg Luxembourg 691 747 579 www.houserealty.lu CK House & Realty Luxembourg
Engel & Völkers Luxembourg 28 26 17 27 www.engelvoelkers.com Engel & Völkers Luxembourg
Fare Luxembourg 26 897 897 www.fare.lu FARE SA
House Brokers Luxembourg 27 99 12 12 www.housebrokers.lu House Brokers
Inowai Luxembourg 25 03 39 www.inowai.com Inowai
Residence Luxembourg Luxembourg 28 66 55 1 www.myresidence.lu residence_real_estate_agency
Savills Luxembourg Luxembourg 20 60 65 www.savills.lu Savills
Weckbecker Luxembourg 22 25 92 www.weckbecker.lu Agence Immobilière Weckbecker
ESTATE AGENT SELECTION ADVISORS Homexperts Luxembourg 26 57 07 07 www.homexperts.lu Homexperts.lu Homexperts.lu
Listings #PersonalFinance
CLK 2 zone Industrielle L-9166, Mertzig 88 82 01 www.clk.lu CLK CLK Constructions
Axa
Foyer Assurances
Raiffeisen
Investment and pension products sold via 38 insurance agencies in Luxembourg.
Saving and pension products sold via 245 insurance agencies.
Cooperative bank with 37 branches.
Luxembourg 44 24 24 1 info@axa.lu www.axa.lu AXA Assurances Luxembourg
Luxembourg 437 437 www.foyer.lu Foyer Foyer Group foyer.assurances GroupeFoyer
Banque Degroof Petercam Luxembourg Private bank.
ING The bank has 15 branches in Luxembourg.
PROPERTY LISTINGS
12 rue Eugène Ruppert L-2453, Luxembourg 45 35 451 www.degroofpetercam.com Degroof Petercam Degroof Petercam degroofpetercam I10
Luxembourg 44 99 1 contactcenter@ing.lu www.ing.lu ING Luxembourg ING Luxembourg ingluxembourg INGLuxembourg
Athome
Banque de Luxembourg
www.athome.lu
Private bank.
Keytrade Bank
Immo.lu www.immo.lu
Immotop.lu www.immotop.lu
Vivi www.vivi.lu
PENSIONS National Pension Insurance Fund (CNAP) Private sector employee retirement and disability pensions are covered by the CNAP. Civil servants have separate systems. 1A boulevard Prince Henri L-1724, Luxembourg 22 41 41 1 www.cnap.lu E12
FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT ADVICE Arena Wealth Management 31 Grand-Rue L-1661, Luxembourg 20 60 50 60 www.awm.lu E12
Home to Luxembourg’s first robo-advisor.
14 boulevard Royal L-2449, Luxembourg 49 92 41 www.banquedeluxembourg.com Banque de Luxembourg Banque de Luxembourg BLnews E11
62 rue Charles Martel L-2134, Luxembourg 45 04 39 info@keytradebank.lu www.keytradebank.lu Keytrade Bank Keytrade Bank Luxembourg G9
Banque Havilland
Lombard International
Private banking and investment services. 35A avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855, Luxembourg 46 31 31 info@banquehavilland.com www.banquehavilland.com Banque Havilland S.A. C15
Banque Internationale à Luxembourg
Specialised in succession planning.
Luxembourg 24 50 1 www.raiffeisen.lu Raiffeisen Banque Raiffeisen
Spectrum IFA Group Retirement-oriented financial planning for expats. 11 avenue Guillaume L-1651, Luxembourg 621 187 867 david.evans@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com Financial Advice for Expats the Spectrum IFA Group SpectrumIFA F11
Spuerkeess The state savings bank has 51 branches. Luxembourg 40 15 1 sdi@spuerkeess.lu www.spuerkeess.lu Spuerkeess Spuerkeess Spuerkeess
Swissquote Bank Geared towards expat investors. Formerly called Internaxx Bank.
4 rue Lou Hemmer L-1748, Senningerberg 34 61 91 1 www.lombardinternational.com Lombard International Group Lombard International Group LombardInternat H5
2 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 26 03 20 03 clientservices@swissquote.lu www.swissquote.lu Swissquote Europe Swissquote Bank Europe swissquote_eu B16
Private Wealth Advisors
VP Bank
The bank has 33 branches.
Life insurance investment broker.
Private bank.
Luxembourg 45 90 50 00 contact@bil.com www.bil.lu Banque Internationale à Luxembourg - BIL Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL) Bil_Lux
5 rue Henri Kirpach L-8237, Mamer 691 124 530 info@pwalux.lu www.privatewealthadvisors.lu Private Wealth Advisors S.A. H5
BGL BNP Paribas
Professional Investment Consultants
2 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 404 770 1 info@vpbank.com lu.vpbank.com VP Bank AG vpbank B16
The bank has 33 branches. Luxembourg 42 42 20 00 info@bgl.lu www.bgl.lu BGL BNP Paribas BGL BNP Paribas BGLBNPParibas
East-West United Bank Private banking and brokerage. 10 boulevard Joseph II L-1840, Luxembourg 253 153 mail@ewub.lu www.ewub.lu East-West United Bank East-West United Bank S.A. (EWUB) E11
Financial planning for expats. 7 rue Pierre d’Aspelt L-1142, Luxembourg 28 26 12 33 luxembourg@pic-europe.com www.pic-europe.com Professional Investment Consultants Europe S.A F11
Quintet Private Bank Private banking and investment services. 43 boulevard Royal L-2955, Luxembourg 47 97 1 info@quintet.com www.quintet.com Quintet Private Bank foraricherlife bank_quintet E11
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LONG-TERM CARE INSURANCE Administration for Evaluation and Controls (AEC) Anyone covered by Luxembourg health insurance is automatically covered for long term care. The insurance can cover residential facilities and help at home, including home and car adaptations. Applications including doctor’s report should be made to the AEC, which will determine the level of benefits. 125 route d’Esch L-1471, Luxembourg 24 78 60 80 secretariat@ad.etat.lu www.assurance-dependance.lu G11
ESTATE PLANNING European Directory of Notaries This EU website lists ‘notaires’ in Luxembourg by languages spoken. www.notaries-directory.eu
Birden & Gilson law office 3 montée de Clausen L-1353, Luxembourg 46 35 63 birden@birden-gilson.lu Birden & Gilson E13
Blanche Moutrier notary office 32A rue Zénon Bernard L-4031, Esch-Alzette 53 04 41 blanche.moutrier@notaire-moutrier.lu www.notaire-moutrier.lu J3
Carlo Goedert notary office 61-63 avenue Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-3441, Dudelange 51 64 62 notaire@cgoedert.lu www.cgoedert.lu J4
Chevrier & Favari law office 1 place du Théâtre L-2613, Luxembourg 27 75 72 00 cfavari@cf-avocats.lu www.cf-avocats.lu
Deynecourt law office 5 rue du Fort Rheinsheim L-2419, Luxembourg 20 40 90 30 contact@deynecourt.com www.deynecourt.com F11
Dupong, Krieps, Du Bois & Dias Videira law office 9 rue des Trévires L-2628, Luxembourg 40 37 48 info@dkdb.lu www.dkdb.lu G12
Karine Reuter notary office 488 route de Longwy L-1940, Luxembourg 28 66 68 1 notaire@notaire-reuter.lu www.notaire-reuter.lu I4
Kronshagen law office 22 rue Marie-Adélaïde L-2128, Luxembourg 45 44 04 1 ak@kronshagen.lu www.kronshagen.lu F11
Lex Thielen & Associés law office 10 rue Willy Goergen L-1636, Luxembourg 26 26 02 02 question@lexthielen.com www.lexthielen.com Lex Thielen & Associés Lex Thielen & Associés E12
Thewes & Reuter law office 13 rue Large L-1917, Luxembourg 22 66 22 1 marc.thewes@thewes-reuter.lu www.thewes-reuter.lu F12
Wagener & Erpelding law office 101 avenue du Bois L-1250, Luxembourg 26 73 07 30 yves.wagener@w-e.lu www.w-e.lu D11
RELOCATION COMPANIES AB-Lux Luxembourg 26 18 76 46 info@ab-lux.com www.ab-lux.com AB-Lux Relocation Services
Active Relocation Luxembourg Luxembourg 27 04 85 00 info@arlux.lu www.arlux.lu arluximmo
Best Estate Services Luxembourg
Moving People 2 Luxembourg Luxembourg 26 31 03 93 benedicte@mp2lux.lu www.mp2lux.lu Moving People 2 Luxembourg
Sirva Luxembourg 44 22 52 www.sirva.com SIRVA Worldwide sirvaworldwide
Streff Luxembourg 31 09 21 service@streff.lu www.streff.lu StreffLuxembourg Streff
Tranelux
Luxembourg 621 294 966 info@bestservices.lu www.bestservices.lu
Luxembourg 34 16 26 1 info@tranelux.lu www.tranelux.lu
European Relocation Services
Wirtz law firm, immigration & relocation division
Luxembourg 26 64 99 22 info@erslux.lu www.europeanrelocationservices.lu European Relocation Services
LuxRelo Luxembourg 691 455 025 info@luxrelo.lu www.luxrelo.lu LuxRelo LuxRelo LuxRelo LuxRelo
Management Mobility Consulting Luxembourg 28 77 28 70 info@relocation-luxembourg.com www.relocation-luxembourg.com Management Mobility Consulting
Map Relocations Luxembourg 26 10 86 15 contact@map-relocations.com www.map-relocations.com Map Relocations Luxembourg
MoverManiac Luxembourg 27 03 37 78 info@movermaniac.lu www.movermaniac.lu MoverManiac
Luxembourg 27 47 81 55 relocation@wirtz.lu
Experienced or beginner trader invest 100% online €0 custodian fees From only €14.95 per transaction Open a free account on keytradebank.lu
keytradebank.lu Contact us on +352 45 04 39 Monday to Friday from 9.00 am to 5.30 pm
Steiler is housed in one of Luxembourg’s oldest buildings. The city’s bar and nightlife scene takes some navigating (see page 82), but making the effort brings its rewards.
Overview #LeisureTime
Get stuck in Whether you want to take an active role in the local culture scene, or prefer to enjoy art, concerts, theatre in a more passive capacity, the one thing you will require is curiosity and a willingness to get out there and explore the options.
If you arrive in Luxembourg and expect culture and exciting nightlife to be presented to you on a plate, you will be sorely disappointed. Like any city, Luxembourg requires some work in order to get the best out of life. Of course, the major culture institutions--the Rockhal, Philharmonie, Grand Théâtre--advertise extensively, but you will have to browse the internet, get on mailing lists and even rely on word of mouth (and, of course, information published on the Delano website) to find information from more obscure venues.
Words DUNCAN ROBERTS Photo MIKE ZENARI
Because they are so popular, the best concerts and shows at the big venues often sell-out well in advance. This is even more true of the Grand Théâtre and the Philharmonie which sell season tickets. These are often well worth grabbing--the Grand Théâtre allows you to put together packages of anything between five and 20 shows at increasing discount, while the Phil gives fans the opportunity to pick a series of concerts from a similar genre. The Philharmonie also has a returns desk that opens every evening before the show, allowing fans to grab last-minute tickets. A limited number of festival passes are also available for things like the superb Congés Annulés series of indie gigs at Rotondes in August and for events like the prestigious Luxembourg City Film Festival. Some pop festivals, like Sonic Visions, also sell “early bird” tickets before announcing their line-up. If you enjoy the fine arts, then a vernissage is a fantastic way to get a preview of an exhibition. They are also great for networking, particularly in certain privately-owned galleries where Luxembourg society gathers, plus, you will almost cer-
tainly get free crémant (though you will soon learn that the free crémant flows like tap water in the grand duchy). To get an invite, simply get on the mailing list of the best galleries. But Luxembourg also provides plenty of opportunities to get actively involved in the arts and culture. Local film festivals like Cineast and the British and Irish Film Season, as well as the Lux City Film Fest, are always looking for volunteers to help out. The English-speaking theatre groups always welcome fresh talent, both on stage and backstage. There are several choirs and music groups as well as open mic opportunities for budding stand-up comedians. And if you want to start up your own cultural thing you will find Luxembourg audiences are eager for new experiences. As the sportswear manufacturer famously proclaims, just do it.
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“There is fantastic diversity of taste in cinema” Iranian director Raha Razavi Ghashghai has been mentored by such luminaries as Abbas Kiarostami and Asghar Farhadi. After years of working on documentary and experimental film, she is currently writing her first short fiction film. So, how did you arrive in Luxembourg and why? In July 2018 I came to France for a long summer of travel. I went to the Avignon performance festival and Rencontres d’Arles photography festival. I reached out to friends in groups to see if anyone was close by, I was in Paris at the time, and one said that they had just moved here and that it was just 2 hours and 45 minutes away. It was only when on the road that I saw the border signs and realised I was going to another country. I was shown the Grund, Mullerthal, Mudam… so many spots in just three days, and I just fell in love. It’s very strange for me. I have experienced Berlin, Paris, Prague, Milan… many European cities. But none of them had this combination of a rural canvas, with a fantastic lifestyle in addition to a dynamic business environment. I went back, and I told my husband that I had this feeling about this country. It’s really cool. We did more research and came back together at Christmas 2018. And he said, maybe try again during the Luxembourg City Film Festival [in March 2019], because at the end of the day my work was in film, to see if I could make a bond with this community. I met Alexis [Juncosa, LuxFilmFest artistic director] at a party and we talked about film and the Luxembourg situation. Then I met some other directors and producers, and I realised that things were possible, it went very smoothly. So, I decided to move and the best, fastest, way was by applying for university. Six months later, in September 2019, I was here. And then you were invited to join the festival’s artistic committee? I met Alexis again at some events, film premiers and this kind of things, and we spoke about cinema and our opinions, and we didn’t always agree, which was important, I think. So, then Alexis invited me to join the committee because we understood each other and also, we have diverse taste in film. I also had some experience on juries for photography and video projects. I am really grateful to Alexis for inviting me to be part of this vibrant experience.
So, from your experience, what do you think of the film industry here in Luxembourg? It is more interesting than I expected, honestly. At first, I thought it is a small country with lots of passion for culture and for art. But the more I investigated I saw that, no, this is a really serious industry, especially if you compare the number of people involved with the population of the country. And the other thing is that there is fantastic diversity of taste in cinema, because you have Italians, you have French cinema, you have a touch of Nordic, and, most surprising for me, even German impressionism. And that showed me that I can say what I want here, I can tell my stories and be myself. People are not locked into just one mindset or mentality. Is there anything you miss about Iran? The people and nature…we have this fantastic diversity of nature. In one hour, you can go from skiing to a summer-style beach, and from the desert to the jungle. And what advice would you have for anyone coming to settle in Luxembourg on how to get the most out of the country? I’m not sure I’m the best person to offer advice. But the most important thing for me is to align with this Luxembourg characteristic of being present in many places, being active, being open to other people and nationalities. Otherwise it’s difficult to, let’s say, get the happiness of this place.
Raha Razavi Ghashghai moved to Luxembourg in 2019 and is on the artistic committee of the Luxembourg City Film Festival
Interview DUNCAN ROBERTS Photo ROMAIN GAMBA
www.ebooks.lu
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Win friends and influence people
We’re not suggesting you follow all the advice in Dale Carnegie’s famous self-help book, but here are some tips that can help you get out of a mental rut and meet new people at the same time. Join a club
Follow your passion
There are numerous social clubs that are great ways to meet fellow-minded expats. The American Women’s Club, British Ladies Club and Irish Club of Luxembourg have provided invaluable support over the years and their activities are not exclusively limited to members from those countries. See listings.
If you are a keen singer, enjoy acting or other aspects of theatre, or have a passion for creative writing, then there are plenty of associations that can cater to your hobby and even help you develop your talent.
Want to really dive into the Luxembourg experience? Then check out these eateries that serve traditional local fare. 1
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Mousel’s Cantine
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Um Dierfgen
There’s only one choice when you head to this authentic restaurant--the crispy Schwéngshax (pork knuckle) with cabbage and sautéed potatoes. Washed down with the unfiltered Clausel “Gezwickelt” speciality beer, this is as good as it gets. Just bring a healthy appetite.
This city centre location is a great place to stop off when you’re in town. Enjoy Kniddelen mat Speck (dumplings with bacon) or sauerkraut with all the accompaniments--various sausages and meats and potatoes--or a fine version of Feierstengszalot (a delicious cold boiled beef salad).
46 montée de Clausen, Luxembourg-Clausen Brasserie Mousel’s Cantine
6 Côte d’Eich, Luxembourg-Centre www.umdierfgen.lu
Juegdschlass
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“Luxembourg seems to have a lot of things you would expect in a much bigger city.”
Beim Zeutzius
The perfect place to get lost in the woods, and even try some reindeer when it’s in season. Firm favourites on the à la carte menu include typical ham, Fritten an Zalot or a very good bouché à la reine. It also has a nice selection of Luxembourg wines and digestifs.
Cents famously is the capital city neighbourhood with the highest proportion of Luxembourg residents, and Beim Zeutzius may explain why. The menu includes a range of Kniddelen, Feierstengszalot and a very good Kachkéis schmeir (cooked cheese spread on bread). And they have Clausel beers.
400 rue des Sept-Arpents, Luxembourg-Beggen www.juegdschlass.eu
71 rue des Trèves, Luxembourg-Cents Beim Zeutzius
Mike Zenari
Where to eat like a local
Salomé Jottreau - Photo
A great way to stay fit, meet people and challenge yourself is to play a team sport. Several clubs play at quite a high level in leagues in Germany and Belgium. Rugby, cricket, hockey, Gaelic sports and ice hockey are among the most popular with adults in the international community, with touch rugby, ultimate frisbee and polo enjoyed by mixed genders.
Social media can attract unsavoury online bullying, but there are Facebook groups out there that are positive, informative and encourage community support--the Luxembourg Expats COVID Community and The Luxembourg Daddy Group spring to mind.
Illustration
Play sports
Get on social media
Michelle Cotton Head of artistic programmes, Mudam
How to #LeisureTime
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Become a local culture vulture
Luxembourg has an unwarranted reputation for being boring after work, but if you know where to look you can find a wide variety of bars and clubs and dining options.
Keen to find out more about Luxembourg history and how locals think? Visit these venues and soak in the culture.
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Lëtzebuerg City Museum The best place to start is this museum, opened in 1996, which houses “The Luxembourg Story” permanent exhibition, which illustrates the fascinating thousand-year history of the capital city. But its temporary exhibits can provide interesting insight into more modern social history and the Luxembourg psyche, and often include a touch of self-deprecating humour. 14 rue du St Esprit, Luxembourg-Centre www.citymuseum.lu
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The area surrounding the grand ducal palace is packed with hotspots from the trendy chic of Bazaar and Go Ten to the relaxed international vibe of Konrad and Urban, from the hip and happening Steiler and music venue De Gudde Wëllen, to craft beers and sports specialist The Tube and not forgetting wine bar Dipso. On a summer night, during non-covid restrictions, this area is a great place to bar hop and meet friends old and new.
The city’s film museum has a wonderful screening room in the heart of the upper town and is a great place to watch classics, old and new, on the big screen and chat in the foyer afterwards with like-minded cinéphiles.
unpretentious Bouneweger Stuff is another nice place to relax. G12, H12
Gare From trendy cocktail spot Paname and cool hangout Metropolitan on opposite sides of the Place de Paris, to snooker-pool-darts bar Oscar’s Diner and down to Ground and the other bars near premier music venue den Atelier, the Gare district is worth checking out.
17 place du Théâtre, Luxembourg-Centre www.cinematheque.lu
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Café des Artistes
E12
G11, G12
For a taste of authentic Luxembourg café atmosphere and culture, this venue in the Grund is hard to beat.
Grund
Rives de Clausen
22 montée du Grund, Luxembourg-Grund Café des Artistes Officiel
Head down in the lift and you get a choice of bars starting with Up Down next to the tunnel, young people’s hangout Scott’s and Karaoke hotspot Oscar’s across the bridge, quaint wine bar Vins Fins and the classic old-time sing-a-long Café des Artistes.
A former brewery converted into a complex of bars and restaurants, the Rives attracts everything from the after-work crowd to fine diners and wild party-goers at the weekend.
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Bonnevoie This neighbourhood is one of the most diverse and lively in the capital city. The Buvette at Rotondes is a great venue to hang out, especially in the summer on its enormous terrace, to hear cool music. If you are a beer fan, then Craft Corner has a fabulous range of specials on draught, and the cosy,
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Esch-sur-Alzette The nightlife scene in Luxembourg’s second city is spread far and wide, from the cool ambience of the Kulturfabrik venue to the cosy minimalism of the Escher Café and the evergreen Pitcher to the more ready-made bars in and around the Esch-Belval mall next to concert venue Rockhal. J4
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Centre National de l’Audiovisuel Created to preserve the grand duchy’s audiovisual heritage and provide access to Luxembourg photography, film and video archives, the CNA in Dudelange is a spectacular place that showcases exhibitions by local artists and on local subjects. It also has a Médiathèque lending library of cinema, television, photography and music. 1B rue du Centenaire, Dudelange www.cna.public.lu
Salomé Jottreau
The old town
Cinémathèque
Illustration
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PARKS, GARDENS & LAKES Echternach lake Hike around the lake or in the surrounding woods, have a picnic or take to the water in a paddle boat. Rue des Romains L-6578, Echternach www.visitechternach.lu F7
Escher Déierepark Houses an array of cute animals and a playground. rue du Stade L-4142, Esch-sur-Alzette 27 54 37 50 deierepark@villeesch.lu www.deierepark.lu J3
Haff Réimech nature reserve 5 Breicherwee L-5441, Remerschen 23 60 90 61-24 J6
Mediterranean Garden 89 route du Vin L-5447, Schwebsange 691 240 334 info@mediterraner-garten.lu www.mediterraner-garten.lu I6
Merl-Belair park Boulevard Pierre Dupong L-1430, Luxembourg F10
Mondorf-les-Bains Spa park Avenue des Bains L-5601, Mondorf-les-Bains 23 66 75 75 contact@mondorf.info www.mondorf.info I5
Municipal park Home to the Pirate Ship playground for kids and the Kinnekswiss meadow, where teenagers hang out in summer. 18 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420, Luxembourg E11, F11
Parc Merveilleux (Fairy tale park) A mini zoo with domestic and exotic animals and some great playground spaces for younger kids. Route de Mondorf L-3260, Bettembourg 51 10 48 1 www.parc-merveilleux.lu J4
Remerschen lakes
Little English Bookworm
Breicherwee L-5441, RemerschenLuxembourg J6
Offers a variety of workshops, tutorials and book recommendations to help support children's reading development.
Upper Sûre nature park & lake A favourite spot in the summer for swimming, BBQs and picnics, though you have to book a spot in high season. 15 route de Lultzhausen L-9650, Esch-sur-Sûre 89 93 31 1 info@naturpark-sure.lu www.naturpark-sure.lu D3
LIBRARIES Cité Bibliothèque A neat lending library with a good selection of books in English or both adults and chidren. 3 rue Genistre L-1623, Luxembourg 47 96 27 32 www.bimu.lu E12
Bibliothèque Nationale The national library is housed in an impressive building and has a vast reference collection that is also accessible digitally. 37 avenue J-F Kennedy L-1855, Luxembourg 22 97 55 1 www.bnl.public.lu F12
ENGLISHLANGUAGE BOOKSHOPS & NEWSAGENTS Alinea An extensive first-floor section dedicated to English literature. 5 rue Beaumont L-1219, Luxembourg 22 67 87 www.alinea.lu E12
Ernster Book store chain Ernster sells English language books in all its outlets, but also has a specialist All English Bookstore store in the centre of town. 4 rue de la Reine L-2418, Luxembourg 22 50 77 280 www.ernster.com F12
691 395 203 www.littleenglishbookworm.com
K Kiosk The newsagent chain stocks select English-language newspapers, magazines and some books. Multiple locations across Luxembourg www.kkiosk.lu
TOURIST OFFICES Luxembourg City Tourist Office 30 place Guillaume II L-1648, Luxembourg 22 28 09 touristinfo@lcto.lu www.lcto.lu F12
Moselle Tourist Office 52 route du Vin L-5405, Bech-Kleinmacher 26 75 78 74 info@visitmoselle.lu www.visitmoselle.lu I6
Mullerthal Tourist Office BP 152 L-6402, Echternach 72 04 57 1 info@mullerthal.lu www.mullerthal.lu F7
Éislek Tourist Office BP 12 L-9401, Vianden 26 95 05 66 info@eislek.lu www.visit-eislek.lu D5
Esch-sur-Alzette Tourist Office BP 145 L-4002, Esch-sur-Alzette 27 54 1 www.esch.lu J3
MUSEUMS Am Tunnel A vast collection of visual arts, especially photographs, housed underground. 16 rue Zithe L-2954, Luxembourg 40 15 24 50 r.kettel@bcee.lu www.bcee.lu F11
“The Bitter Years” Waassertuerm An exhibition of Great Depression photos that Luxembourg-born Edward Steichen curated for Moma in New York. The venue also showcases temporary photo exhibitions. 1B rue du Centenaire L-3475, Dudelange 52 24 24 1 pomhouse@cna.etat.lu www.steichencollections.lu J4
Blast Furnace Belval avenue du Rock’n’Roll L-4361, Esch-sur-Alzette 26 84 01 visite@fonds-belval.lu www.fonds-belval.lu J3
Casino Luxembourg Trendy city centre art space dedicated exclusively to contemporary creation. 41 rue Notre-Dame L-2240, Luxembourg 22 50 45 info@casino-luxembourg.lu www.casino-luxembourg.lu F11
Dräi Eechelen Museum A permanent exhibition illustrates various eras of the medieval casemates fortifications and Luxembourg’s history. 5 Parc Dräi Eechelen L-1499, Luxembourg 26 43 35 info@m3e.etat.lu www.m3e.lu E13
The Family of Man Clervaux castle is now the permanent home to this breathtaking exhibition of 503 photographs by 273 artists from 68 countries. Curated by Luxembourgborn Edward Steichen the exhibition toured the world to record audiences in the 1950s. Château L-9712, Clervaux 92 96 57 fom@cna.etat.lu www.steichencollections-cna.lu C4
Lëtzebuerg City Museum Museum focused on the history of the capital city, with a permanent collection and temporary themed exhibits. 14 rue du Saint-Esprit L-2090, Luxembourg 47 96 45 00 musee@vdl.lu www.citymuseum.lu F12
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Kulturfabrik
A diverse lineup of jazz, classical music and theatre, dance, cabaret, plus events for kids.
A former slaughterhouse turned into a live music and theatre venue, there’s a cinema attached too.
1-3 Driicht L-9764, Marnach 52 15 21 info@cube521.lu www.cube521.lu C4
116 rue de Luxembourg L-4221, Esch-sur-Alzette 55 44 93 1 info@kulturfabrik.lu www.kulturfabrik.lu J3
De Gudde Wëllen
Mierscher Kulturhaus
Small and intimate venue puts on gigs by up and coming artists.
A regional theatre with a variety of drama, dance and music.
17 rue du Saint-Esprit L-1475, Luxembourg www.deguddewellen.lu F12
53 rue Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-7520, Mersch www.kulturhaus.lu F4
Den Atelier
Neimënster
Tram and Bus Museum
A converted garage that hosts shows by international rock, indie, pop and soul and hip-hop artists.
63 rue de Bouillon L-1248, Luxembourg 47 96 23 85 tramsmusee@vdl.lu www.rail.lu/tramsmusee.html G10
54 rue de Hollerich L-1740, Luxembourg 49 54 85 1 info@atelier.lu www.atelier.lu G11
The abbey and former prison is now a public meeting place and a cultural centre. In a gorgeous location, neimënster hosts regular art exihibitions, concerts (including a jazz brunch on Sundays), theatre performance and conferences as well as a great open-air festival in the summer.
Villa Vauban
Escher Théâter
Houses a wonderful collection of Dutch painting from the Golden Age (17th century) and 19th-century French history and landscape painting as well as temporary exhibitions.
Stages shows by touring companies as well as its own productions.
National Museum of Natural History
Packed with interactive experiments and hosts shows and workshops.
Permanent exhibition shows the natural history of the grand duchy and greater region, while temporary exhibits showcase different aspects of the natural sciences.
Mudam (Musée d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean) Internationally renowned contemporary art museum with an impressive permanent collection of close to 700 works. It also houses temporary shows featuring important names from Luxembourg and abroad. 3 Parc Dräi Eechelen L-1499, Luxembourg 45 37 85 1 info@mudam.lu www.mudam.lu E13
Museum-Memorial of Deportation A tribute to the thousands of Luxembourgers who were sent to death camps or to enforced service in the German army during WWII. 3A rue de la Déportation L-1415, Luxembourg 24 78 81 91 secretariat@cdref.etat.lu www.secondeguerremondiale.public.lu G11
National Mining Museum A collection showcasing the exploitation of iron ore since the beginning of the 19th century, including tools, equipment and archives. Rue de la Bruyère L-3714, Rumelange 56 56 88 info@mnm.lu www.mnm.lu J3
National Museum of History and Art Archaeology and the fine arts compose the museum's collection, while it also hosts thematic exhibitions. Marché-aux-Poissons L-2345, Luxembourg 47 93 30 1 musee@mnha.etat.lu www.mnha.lu E12
National Museum of Military History Diekirch Houses life-size dioramas, military paraphernalia and photographic exhibits. 10 rue Bamertal L-9209, Diekirch 80 89 08 reception@mnhm.lu www.mnhm.lu E5
25 rue Münster L-2160, Luxembourg 46 22 33 1 musee-info@mnhn.lu www.mnhn.lu F12
Slate Museum Maison 3 L-8823, Haut-Martelange 23 64 01 41 info@ardoise.lu www.ardoise.lu F1
18 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420, Luxembourg 47 96 49 00 villavauban@2musees.vdl.lu www.villavauban.lu E11
PERFORMANCE ART VENUES Centre des Arts Pluriels Ed. Juncker Regional venue hosts music and dance and theatre.
120 rue de l’Alzette L-4010, Esch-sur-Alzette 27 54 50 10 or 27 54 50 20 theatre.esch.lu J3
Grand Théâtre A theatre of international repute that co-produces its own shows and hosts acclaimed international drama, musical theatre, dance and opera. 1 rond-point Schuman L-2525, Luxembourg 47 96 39 00 lestheatres@vdl.lu www.theatres.lu E11, E12
Kasemattentheater Theatre shows mostly in German or Luxembourgish.
Place Marie-Adélaïde L-9063, Ettelbruck www.cape.lu E4
12 rue du Puits L-2355, Luxembourg 29 12 81 ticket@kasemattentheater.lu www.kasemattentheater.lu H12
Cercle Cité
Kinneksbond
Hosts gala events in a magnificent ballroom, while its adjoining modern part has an auditorium above the city’s library.
The comfortable purpose-built venue puts on a wide variety of acclaimed dance performances, concerts, theatre, circus shows, exhibitions, seminars and workshops.
Place d’Armes L-2012, Luxembourg 47 96 51 33 info@cerclecite.lu www.cerclecite.lu E12
42, route d’Arlon L-8210, Mamer 26 39 51 00 info@kinneksbond.lu www.kinneksbond.lu H4
28 rue Münster L-2160, Luxembourg 26 20 52 1 contact@neimenster.lu www.neimenster.lu F12
Opderschmelz Multi-disciplinary arts centre that hosts jazz and pop concerts, dance and theatre. 1A rue du Centenaire L-3475, Dudelange www.opderschmelz.lu J4
Philharmonie Internationally renowned concert hall attracts prestigious classical, jazz and world music artists and orchestras. 1 place de l’Europe L-1499, Luxembourg 26 02 27 1 info@philharmonie.lu www.philharmonie.lu D13
Rocas A small upstairs space for concerts and theatre. 33 rue des Capucins L-1313, Luxembourg 27 47 86 20 www.rocas.lu E12
Rockhal 5 avenue du Rock’n’Roll L-4083, Esch-BelvalLuxembourg www.rockhal.lu J3
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Cube 521
Luxembourg Science Center 50 rue Emile Mark L-4620, Differdange 24 55 84 79 info@science-center.lu www.science-center.lu I2
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Rotondes
Clervaux Castle
Home to exhibitions, workshop programmes, theatre (especially for younger audiences) and some great concerts, including the excellent Congés Annulés summer festival.
Montée du Château L-9712, Clervaux 92 00 72 info@destination-clervaux.lu www.destination-clervaux.lu C4
Place des Rotondes L-2448, Luxembourg 26 62 20 07 info@rotondes.lu www.rotondes.lu G12
Sang a Klang Attracts some of the best blues artists on the international circuit. Rue Vauban/rue des Trois Glands L-2663, Luxembourg www.bluesclub.lu E12
Théâtre des Capucins A showcase theatre for local productions and smaller international shows. 9 place du Théâtre L-2613, Luxembourg 47 96 39 00 lestheatres@vdl.lu www.theatres.lu
Théâtre National du Luxembourg Experimental theatre, mostly in French and German, but with some Englishlanguage shows. 194 route de Longwy L-1940, Luxembourg www.tnl.lu F9
CASTLES Beaufort Castle rue du Château L-6313, Beaufort 83 66 01 contact@beaufortcastles.com www.beaufortcastles.com F6
Bourglinster Castle The castle now has three banqueting halls and the Michelin-starred “La Distillerie” restaurant. 8 rue du Château L-6162, BourglinsterLuxembourg 78 78 78 1 mail@bourglinster.lu www.bourglinster.lu G5
Bourscheid Castle 1 Schlasswee L-9140, Bourscheid 99 05 70 chateau.bourscheid@pt.lu www.bourscheid.lu D4
Grand Ducal Palace In its function as the city residence of the Grand Ducal family, it is situated right in the core of the Old Town. Formerly the first town hall of the city occupied the site of the present palace; destroyed by a gunpowder explosion (1554), the town hall was rebuilt 20 years later. Since 1890 the main building has been the Palace of the Grand Dukes. The palace is open to visitors from mid-July till end of August every year for guided visits. 17 rue du Marché-aux-Herbes L-1728, Luxembourg 22 28 09 touristinfo@lcto.lu www.lcto.lu F12
Larochette Castle Montée du Château L-7622, Larochette 83 74 97 chateaudelarochette@pt.lu www.larochette.eu F5
Vianden Castle Montée du Château L-9408, Vianden 84 92 91 info@castle-vianden.lu www.castle-vianden.lu D5
Valley of the Seven Castles Eischen-Gaichel www.visitluxembourg.com G3
Casemates du Bock The 17km long Unesco World Heritage galleries were built in the mid-18th century by Austrians. It is one of the top attractions to do in Luxembourg City and offers a unique view on the Rives de Clausen. It is recommended to bring a walking stick as it is physically challenging. Montée de Clausen, Luxembourg 22 67 53 touristinfo@lcto.lu www.luxembourg-city.com E12
CLUBS & GROUPS
InterNations An international community for people who live and work abroad, offering global networking opportunities, local events and expat information. www.internations.org
Actors Repertory Theatre Luxembourg An international company that produces occasional English-language theatrical productions. L-1337, Dommeldange info@actorsrep.lu www.actorsrep.lu
American Women’s Club of Luxembourg Hosts all sorts of activities for women and has its own clubhouse where members meet, socialise and offer language classes. 51 rue Marie-Adélaïde L-2128, Luxembourg 44 84 77 clubhouseawcl@gmail.com www.awcluxembourg.com
Anglican Church of Luxembourg Choir 5 avenue Marie-Thérèse L-2132, Luxembourg 43 95 93 ovidiubdragan@gmail.com www.anglican.lu F11
BGT theatre English-language theatre group that puts on small intimate shows, including a series that showcases young female talent. www.bgt.lu
British Ladies Club of Luxembourg Organises regular events, activities for children and raises funds for various good causes. Luxembourg info@blc.lu www.blc.lu
British-Luxembourg Society The association strives to deepen, maintain and develop bonds between the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg and Great Britain. info@b-l-s.lu www.b-l-s.lu
Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann
Irish Club of Luxembourg A focal point for Irish activities in the grand duchy. www.irishclub.lu
Meetup A platform allowing users to organise their own local group or find meetings to better pursue hobbies, advance causes, network with peers, get health support, or just arrange a friendly playgroup for their kids. www.meetup.com
New World Theatre Club Promotes Anglophone theatre by putting on shows, organising workshops and developing young talent. chair@nwtc.lu www.nwtc.lu
Pirate Productions English-speaking musical theatre group open to people of any age, nationality and level of experience. 621 249 376 chair@pirates.lu www.pirateproductions.lu
Science Fiction & Fantasy Society Luxembourg Organises the annual LuxCon festival for genre fans. info@sffs.lu SFFSLux
Voices International A community choir that performs a wide variety of musical styles in English and other languages. www.voicesinternational.lu
VOLUNTEERING Caritas 40 21 31 1 caritas@caritas.lu www.caritas.lu
Promotes Irish culture through music, dancing and singing and fosters the Irish language.
Centre for Ecological Learning
comhaltas.lu@gmail.com www.comhaltas.lu
Provides an experimental space for thinking, researching, disseminating and practicing post-carbon lifestyles and regenerative culture. Beckerich info@cell.lu www.cell.lu
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Déierenasyl
Red Cross Luxembourg
The national animal shelter, in Gapserich, needs volunteers to take dogs out for a walk.
The NGO has an “international section” for English-speaking volunteers.
80 rue Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart 2166 Luxembourg 48 13 13 1 info@deierenasyl.lu www.deierenasyl.lu
Een Häerz fir kriibskrank Kanner This NGO helps families of children with cancer through psychological, palliative and practical support. Boevange-sur-Attert 51 46 29 1 www.kriibskrankkanner.lu
Fondation Autisme Luxembourg
Luxembourg 27 55 20 00 info@croix-rouge.lu www.croix-rouge.lu
Rotaract Luxembourg rotaractluxemburg@gmail.com www.rotaractluxembourg.com
Serve The City Helps homeless, asylum seekers, disabled, elderly, children in need, victims of abuse, and organises other projects aiming to improve the society such as park cleanups. Luxembourg hello@servethecity.lu www.servethecity.lu
Capellen 26 91 11 1 autisme@fal.lu www.fal.lu
SOS Détresse
Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner
Luxembourg 44 38 81 info@sosdetresse.lu www.454545.lu
Supports families of children with cancer and life-threatening diseases and supports cancer treatment research. Strassen 31 31 70 contact@fondatioun.lu www.fondatioun.lu
Kanner Wonsch Raises funds to grant wishes for children and teenagers with a critical medical condition. Bertrange 31 45 95 info@wonsch.lu www.wonsch.lu
Kanner-Jugendtelefon Provides help and support to children and adolescents in distress through an anonymous and confidential listening and counselling service. Hesperange contact@kjt.lu www.kjt.lu
Médecins du Monde Provides medical assistance to disadvantaged people in care centres in Bonnevoie and Esch, or the CHL hospital. Esch-sur-Alzette 621 373 550 www.medecinsdumonde.lu
Omega 90 Association for the promotion of palliative care and bereavement support. Luxembourg 29 77 89 1 info@omega90.lu www.omega90.lu
SOS Détresse provides anonymous help to people in acute crisis or complex life situations.
Sportunity Uses sports to boost Luxembourg youth from disadvantaged backgrounds. Luxembourg 691 717 101 team@sportunity.org www.sportunity.org
Stop Aids Now Focuses on Aids prevention activities in Luxembourg and on international sustainable development actions. 14 allée du Carmel L-1354, Luxembourg 621 373 550 info@sida.lu Stop Aids Now/Access
Unicef The foundation works in 190 countries and territories to protect children rights. Luxembourg 44 87 15 contact@unicef.lu www.unicef.lu
SPORTS Hockey Club Luxembourg Stade Boy Konen L-1321, Cessange 44 55 21 1580 www.hockey.lu H9
Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg
Luxembourg Football Association
Stade Michel Wagner L-2673, Weimerskirch Luxembourg GAA C13
Luxembourg 48 86 65 1 www.football.lu
Cricket Pierre Werner Cricket Ground L-7210, Walferdange www.optimists.cc H4
Ultimate frisbee Stade Henri Funck L-1316, Neudorf www.ultimatedelux.org C16
Polo 64 rue des Celtes L-1318, Luxembourg 691 208 881 www.polo.lu H4
Rugby Club Luxembourg Stade Boy Konen L-1321, Cessange www.rcl.lu H9
Luxembourg Rugby Federation www.rugby.lu
Touch rugby Stade Boy Konen and Stade Michel Wagner L-1321/L-2673, Cessange/Weimerskirch www.touch-luxembourg.lu H9, C13
Walferdange Rugby Rue de l’Alzette L-7210, Walferdange 691 240 756 www.walferdange-rugby.lu H4
Tornado Luxembourg (ice hockey for over 22s) 42 route de Bettembourg L-1899, Kockelscheuer aschneid@pt.lu www.tornadoluxembourg.com I4
Luxembourg Huskies (ice hockey for under 22s) 42 route de Bettembourg L-1899, Kockelscheuer mikelam42@hotmail.com www.icehockey-huskies.lu I4
Curling 42 route de Bettembourg L-1899, Kockelscheuer 621 768 182 www.curling.lu I4
Golf-Club Grand-Ducal 1 route de Trèves L-2633, Findel 34 00 90 www.gcgd.lu H5
Golf & Country Club Christnach Am Lahr L-7641, Christnach 87 83 83 www.golfclubchristnach.lu F5
Kikuoka Country Club Scheierhaff L-5412, Canach 35 61 35 www.kikuoka.lu H6
Golf de Preisch 1 rue du Vieux Moulin F-57570, Basse-Rentgen, France www.golf-de-preisch.com
Golf de Luxembourg Domaine de Belenhaff Junglinster 78 00 68-1 www.golfdeluxembourg.lu G5
Lux Golf Center 18, route de Bettembourg L-1899, Kockelscheuer 26 48 08 74 www.luxgolfcenter.com I4
Luxembourg Triathlon Federation www.fltri.lu
Luxembourg Handball Federation 48 54 74 www.flh.lu
Dudelange Steelers American Football Club Stade J-F Kennedy L-3502, Dudelange www.steelers.lu
Volleyball Federation 48 41 86 secretariat@flvb.lu www.flvb.lu
Skiing Federation www.fls.lu
Ice Skating Federation Luxembourg www.skating.lu
ONE PLACE
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DISCOVER THE WHOLE VARIETY OF OUR ACTIVITIES: • Aquatic Centre • Wellness Centre & massages • Gym & sports courses • Climbing wall • Sports and cultural events • Restaurants & snackbar
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www.coque.lu 2, rue Léon Hengen • L-1745 Luxembourg • Tél. +352 43 60 60 1 • info@coque.lu
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Lacrosse Federation
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Luxembourg 621 558 531 contact@lacrosse.lu www.lacrosse.lu
Basketball Federation Luxembourg 48 18 76-23 www.flbb.lu
Table Tennis Federation Luxembourg 48 37 83 www.fltt.lu
Tennis Federation Luxembourg 57 44 70 1 www.flt.lu
Athletics Federation Luxembourg 48 06 70 www.fla.lu
Cycling Federation Luxembourg 29 23 17 www.fscl.lu
Gymnastics Federation Luxembourg 24 93 97 4 www.flgym.lu
SWIMMING POOLS Les Thermes Rue des Thermes L-9018, Strassen 27 03 00 27 www.lesthermes.net H4
D’Coque 2 rue Léon Hengen L-1745, Luxembourg reservation_request@coque.lu www.coque.lu C14
Aquasud Differdange 1 rue Jeannot Kremer L-4671, Differdange 27 32 83 1 www.vert-marine.com/aquasuddifferdange-luxembourg/ I2
Centre Aquatique Krounebierg 14 rue de la Piscine L-7572, Mersch 32 88 23 1 www.krounebierg.lu F4
Mondorf Domaine Thermal 36 avenue des Bains L-5610, Mondorf-les-Bains 23 66 66 66 www.mondorf.lu J6
Pidal Spa Walferdange Rue des Prés L-7426, Walferdange 33 91 72 1 www.pidal.lu H4
Redange 28 rue de la Piscine L-8508, Redange 23 62 00 32 www.reidener-schwemm.lu F2
Esch-sur-Alzette 1 place des Sacrifiés L-1940, Esch-sur-Alzette 27 54 72 00 www.lesbainsduparc.lu J3
Bonnevoie swimming pool 30 rue Sigismond L-2537, Luxembourg 47 96 34 71 www.vdl.lu H13
Aquatic Relaxation Centre (Badanstalt) 12 rue des Bains L-1212, Luxembourg 47 96 25 50 www.vdl.lu E12
Syrdall Schwemm Routscheed L-6939, Niederanven 34 93 63 1 www.syrdall-schwemm.lu H5
Vianden outdoor swimming pool rue du Sanatorium L-9425, Vianden 83 45 32 www.vianden-info.lu D5
Bettembourg 10 rue James-Hillard Polk L-3275, Bettembourg 26 52 95 1 www.an-der-schwemm.lu J4
CINEMAS Cinémathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg Screens retrospectives and classic films alongside modern gems. 17 place du Théâtre L-2613, Luxembourg 47 96 26 44 www.vdl.lu E12
Kinepolis Kirchberg The largest cinema complex in Luxembourg, showing all the latest blockbusters. It has a 4D screening room now. 45 avenue J-F Kennedy L-1855, Luxembourg 42 95 11 80 www.kinepolis.lu B16
Ciné Scala 46 rue de l’Industrie L-9250, DiekirchLuxembourg 28 11 98 1 www.cinescala.lu E5
Kinepolis Belval 7 avenue du Rock’n’Roll L-4361, Esch-sur-Alzette 26 57 20 1 www.kinepolis.lu J3
Ciné Utopia Specialises in art house and independent films. 16 avenue de la Faïencerie L-1510, Luxembourg 22 46 11 www.kinepolis.lu D11
Ciné Le Paris 12 rue de la Gare L-3236, Bettembourg 52 02 49 www.kinepolis.lu J4
Ciné Orion 24 avenue de la Gare L-9906, Troisvierges 97 81 32 www.kinepolis.lu B3
Ciné Prabbeli 8 rue de la Montagne L-9538, Wiltz 95 92 05-1 www.kinepolis.lu D3
Ciné Starlight 1B rue du Centenaire L-3475, Dudelange 52 24 24 1 www.kinepolis.lu J4
Ciné Sura 18 rue de la Montagne L-6470, Echternach 72 88 78 www.kinepolis.lu F7
Kulturhuef Kino 54 route de Trèves L-6793, Grevenmacher 26 74 64-1 www.kinepolis.lu G7
Kinoler 38 rue Principale L-8376, Kahler www.kinepolis.lu H3
Ciné Waasserhaus Avenue des Bains L-5610, Mondorf-les-Bains 57 57 58 www.caramba.lu J6
Ciné Kursaal 8 rue des Martyrs L-3739, Rumelange 57 57 58 www.caramba.lu J3
RESTAURANTS Luxembourg has just 9 Michelin-starred restaurants (including the 2-star Ma Langue Sourit), but there are dozens and dozens of fine dining restaurants worth checking out and lots of great establishments serving local and international fare. The best guide is Explorator, which belongs to the same publishing house as Delano. www.explorator.lu
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Calendar #Autumn
94
From annual traditions to seasonal favourites, here's where people in Luxembourg will be headed and what they’ll be doing each month.(1)
AUTUMN September Wine festivals
November
October
Winter tyres Don’t forget to switch from summer tyres ahead of the change in weather; you can get fined for driving in the snow without them.
Vintners and towns across Luxembourg’s Moselle valley host several events around the grape harvest.
Braderie
Clear snow
Several streets in Luxembourg City are turned into an open-air market, usually the first Monday of September. Shops are open (with special sales) the Sunday afternoon before.
Residents are generally responsible for clearing snow from the pavement in front of their building.
Luxembourg Art Week Local and international contemporary artists and galleries exhibit.
Run in the Dark Late evening charity run in support of a paralysis research charity, usually mid-November.
Sonic Visions festival Night of the Museums Back to school The first day of class at Luxembourg state schools is typically around 15 September.
Steel-Run Differdange A 10km course through the former industrial town, usually mid-September.
British & Irish Film Season Films from the isles are featured at Luxembourg City cinemas.
Steampunk Convention Enter a Victorianesque world at the Minett Park Fond-de-Gras.(2)
Route du Vin Half-Marathon
Museums across the country are open till after midnight and feature special cultural programmes.
Cineast
Home & Living Expo
The Eastern and Central European film and culture festival.
If you’re thinking about renovating or redecorating, check out this autumn fair.(3)
Nut festival
BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open
Celebrate the nut harvest and all things nuts in Vianden. Family fun.
The international professional women’s tennis tournament is one of the largest sporting events held in the country.
The “Walfer Bicherdeeg” is Luxembourg’s biggest book festival, held on the third weekend of November or so.
The 4km “breast cancer run” raises money for the fight against breast cancer.
Red Rock Challenge Trail running, mountain biking and decathlon over three days in and around Belval.
Kropemannsfest
Mantelsonndeg Shops are open on “Coat Sunday”, traditionally when you’d pick up a new winter wardrobe, usually the third Sunday of October.
Bazar International de Luxembourg
Trauliicht Essentially Halloween, several groups organise children’s events.
(1) Based on information available at press time; public health measures could apply to future editions (2) 2021 edition cancelled, scheduled to resume in 2022 (3) Next edition was not confirmed at press time (4) 2022 edition was scheduled at press time
Walferdange book days
Broschtkriibslaf
Popular run along the scenic Moselle river, late September.
Folk festival in Redange celebrating “Kropemann” (a swampy boogeyman with a giant hook), last Sunday of September.
A three-day gathering at the Rockhal that attracts music industry experts for a conference and up-and-coming artists for two days of performances.
This international bazaar is “the” event for expats (and native Luxembourgers too!) in the grand duchy. Shop, eat, drink and chat with 60+ nationalities ahead of the holidays. Proceeds go to charity. Held at Luxexpo over a weekend in late November or early December.
Photos LaLa La Photo, Jessica Theis, Miguel Teirlinck/Unsplash, Lala La Photo
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Plan ahead
Calendar #Winter
95
WINTER Children carry torches and “beg” for goodies (traditionally they ask for bacon and peas, but today sweets are more appreciated) on Candlemas, 2 February. Keep an extra eye out for young pedestrians while driving that evening.
Valentine’s Day Cupid makes his annual stop in Luxembourg, 14 February. If you want to dine out with that special someone, book well ahead.
Carnivals There are Carnival cavalcades and accompanying street fairs in towns across the country, staggered over several weekends in February and March (dates vary widely each year).
Christmas markets Several communes hold outdoor Christmas markets, where you can browse for gifts and enjoy a mulled wine with new and old friends.
Holiday bazaars
Photos Jan Hanrion, Gwenael Piaser/Creative Commons, Luxembourg for Tourism, Matic Zorman, Mike Zenari
The Luxembourg Red Cross, Danish church and several other groups hold seasonal markets in the run up to Christmas (some held in November).
January Three Kings Day
February
On “Dräikinneksdag”, the person who finds the figurine hidden in an Epiphany cake is crowned king or queen for a day, 6 January.
Vakanz It’s already time to think about holidays and travel plans during the “vacation” fair at Luxexpo.(3)
St Nicholas Day Children receive sweets and presents from “de Kleeschen” (roughly, jolly old St Nick) on 6 December if they’ve been nice; if they’ve been naughty, then it’s a switch from “den Houseker”.
Christmas luncheons Many chambers of commerce (like the British chamber) and social clubs host holiday luncheons, which is a great way to meet their memberships.
Winter sales Retailers hold stock clearing sales starting the last weekend of December and running through the last weekend of January.
Autofestival Euro Meet One of the most competitive long-course swimming competitions in Europe is held at d’Coque, late January.
Car dealers roll out special deals, beginning late January and running into early February. Good time to take a test drive.
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
Liichtmëssdag
December
Calendar #Spring
96
March
April
Buergbrennen
Émaischen
“Buergen” (torches) are used to light bonfires which “burn away” winter in towns across the grand duchy. Organised by local councils and youth organisations under the supervision of the fire brigade. There’s something warm to eat and drink, too. Very good chance to meet your neighbours. Held the first Sunday after Carnival (sometimes falls in February).
May
Buy “Péckvillercher” (clay bird-shaped whistles) at the Easter Monday markets in Luxembourg City and Nospelt.
Luxembourg City Film Festival The capital rolls out the red carpet for the country’s premiere cinema event, which runs 11 days during the first half of March.
Easter egg hunt The British Ladies Club hosts an annual children’s activities event.
DKV-Urban Trail Several walks and runs (from 900m to 34km) through the heart of the capital.
LuxCon Migration festival Celebrates multicultural Luxembourg, with a spotlight on integration and NGOs.
Springbreak Luxembourg Commercial fair, featuring everything from food and drink to stuff for the house, at Luxexpo.(3)
Postlaf The 10km run around the capital’s southern area is usually the first big fun run of the year.
Relais pour la vie About 10,000 runners participate in the 24-hour relay race, a fundraiser for the Fondation Cancer. Check at work or with an association if you want to join a team.
Beam yourself up to (and may the force be with you during) the Science Fiction & Fantasy Society’s annual convention.
Vide-greniers The City of Luxembourg hosts a flea market on place Guillaume II or avenue de la Gare the first Sunday of the month between April and October. Many other communes and associations organise jumble sales; searching “Events” on Facebook is a good way to find them.
Oktav Pilgrimage (with a religiously themed market on the Knuedler) held over a fortnight in April and May.
Out of the Crowd Independent music festival held at the Kulturfabrik in Esch-sur-Alzette.(5)
Rose of Tralee Ball
Konscht am Gronn A monthly art fair in the Grund neighbourhood at which local artists set up stalls to sell their works. Between May and October, on the first Sunday of the month from 10 a.m. till 6 p.m.
Plan “bridge” weekends There are three public holidays in May (and another one in early June), so get your long holiday weekends sorted in advance.
BLC Car Boot Sale The British Ladies Club’s annual charity jumble sales is a chance to score a bargain and catch up with friends. Proceeds go to charity.(6)
Darkness Into Light A 5km walk starts just before dawn on a Saturday in May to raise awareness and funds for suicide prevention and mental health associations in Ireland and Luxembourg.
Rock Against Cancer
A charity fundraiser dinner-dance held in alternating years at which a jury selects a young woman to represent Luxembourg at the Rose of Tralee festival in Ireland.(4)
Big charity concerts held at the Rockhal in Esch-Belval.(6)
Our Lady Fatima Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, in Wiltz, popular with Luxembourg’s Portuguese community, Ascension Thursday.
VeloOccasiounsMaart Buy or sell during the annual “secondhand bike market” at the Belle Étoile shopping centre.
My Urban Piano Public pianos are set up around the capital that are free for anyone to play, late May to mid-June.
ING Night Marathon This is Luxembourg’s big race on the international circuit, held in late May or early June. The capital takes on a street festival atmosphere, as well-wishers cheer runners on and soak up live music. If you want to run, sign up when registration opens in September; it usually sells out fast.
Pretzel Sunday Traditionally on “Bretzelsonnden”, a man expresses his romantic interest by offering a sweet pretzel. If interested, she’ll give him eggs on Easter Sunday; if she’s not, she gives him a basket. Held the fourth Sunday in Lent (which can be in March or April).
Duck Race “Sponsor” a little yellow rubber duckie which will race down the Pétrusse river. It’s a fundraiser with tons of prizes (sometimes even a new car). Nice family day out.(5)
(5) 2021 edition rescheduled to October; set to return to April in 2022 (6) 2021 edition rescheduled to September; set to return to May in 2022 (7) 2021 edition rescheduled to September; set to return to June in 2022 (8) 2021 edition rescheduled to September; 2022 date not confirmed at press time
Photos Sven Becker, Steve Eastwood, Mike Zenari, Olivier Minaire/City of Luxembourg, Caroline Martin/City of Luxembourg
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
SPRING
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Calendar #Summer
98
SUMMER August
July
Congés annulés
EXPAT GUIDE 2021-22
June
The Rotondes hosts indie concerts, film screenings and special events throughout the month.
Tour de Luxembourg Annual professional road cycling stage race, which attracts top-notch local and international teams. Held in late May or early June.
Streeta(rt)nimation
Hopping procession
Acrobats, clowns, dancers, jugglers, musicians and stilt walkers take over Luxembourg city centre, early August.(2)
The “Sprangprëssessioun” pilgrimage in Echternach, recognised by Unesco as part of the world’s intangible cultural heritage, is held on Whit Tuesday (in May or June).
Moselle winemakers open their cellars during this festival held on the weekend of Pentecost (Whit Sunday).
Fête de la musique The streets of Luxembourg City and towns across the grand duchy are alive with music.
E-Lake Festival Free three-day outdoor music festival in Echternach, second weekend of August.
Luxembourg Pride (formerly Gaymat)
The country’s main LGBTIQ pride parade and festival is held in Esch-sur-Alzette, second Saturday of July. Some events also in Luxembourg City.
Festival de Wiltz The open-air music and performing arts festival in Wiltz attracts top-rate international acts during the month of July.
Bock op Outdoor music festival held at Neumünster Abbey during the months of July and August.
Visit palace Take a guided tour of the grand-ducal palace, mid-July through August. Book in advance with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office (and not at the palace).
Comic book fair The town of Contern gets animated during its annual comic book festival.(2)
Kinnekswiss loves Outdoor concerts held in the capital’s Municipal Park in early July.(2)
Agriculture fair
The Big Picnic
End-of-season party
A mass picnic in Kinnekswiss Park, mid-June.
National Day Eve & National Day Expats usually come out in force for the lively Duke’s Night celebrations in the capital (22 June); a parade and formal ceremony are held on National Day itself (23 June). The holiday marks the grand duke’s official birthday.
Meet Luxembourg farmers and learn about local produce in Ettelbruck, early July.
Rock um Knuedler
City Open Air Cinema
Bacchusfescht The Bacchus festival features Moselle region food and drink, held in Remich on Assumption (15 August).
“My city’s alive” at these neighbourhood mini-fun fairs in the capital, set up during the covid crisis, from mid-June to midSeptember.
Catch classic and contemporary movies under the stars for free, rain or shine, in the capital starting in late July and running through early August.
Medieval festival Head back to the Middle Ages, in Vianden, from late July to early August.
Outdoor yoga event, mid-month.
Siren’s Call
Schueberfouer
Music and arts festival organised by den Atelier and Neimënster at Neumünster Abbey and other venues in the Grund. Usually attracts big name headliners and up-and-coming artists.
Shops tout discounts and promotions from the last weekend of June to the last weekend of July.
Nuit des Merveilles Circus performers, mimes, musicians, puppeteers and street artists entertain at this “marvellous” event in Bettembourg.
International Yoga Day Luxembourg
Summer sales
Open-air world music festival held in Luxembourg city centre, mid-month.(2)
D’Stad lieft
The Philharmonie closes its season by “converting” from concert hall to nightclub, early to mid-July.(2)
Rock out at this open-air music festival held on place Guillaume II (better known as the Knuedler).(2)
MeYouZik
Kick Cancer Into Touch hosts this annual fundraiser, mid-month. All levels of sporting skills can enter, or turn up to enjoy the atmosphere and meet some of Luxembourg’s outstanding international residents.(8)
6km or 10km run or Nordic walking course through the capital, early July.(2) The Anglican Church of Luxembourg holds its annual family sport and fun day in the Central Park Kirchberg.
Three-day wine and crémant fair features food trucks, live music and family entertainment, mid-August.
Touch rugby tournament
J.P. Morgan City Jogging
Church fair
Picadilly festival
The annual Luxembourg City funfair, on the Glacis, mid-August to mid-September. You haven’t lived in Luxembourg till you’ve been.(2)
Blues’n’Jazz Rallye The outdoor music festival is one of the capital’s best-attended cultural events, mid- to late July.(2)
Photo Steve Eastwood, Steve Eastwood, Jim Hawk/Creative Commons, Steve Eastwood, Luxembourg for Tourism, LCTO, Nader Ghavami
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