Moving to Luxembourg

"We were fortunate that we had a professional transition specialist who spoke many languages. I still call her to order oil or to help out when I have trouble. Try to learn a little French before you come. The Luxembourgers are very polite. Always say merci, au revoir when you leave any place, including the grocery store. Say bon jour or bon soir whenever entering an establishment and make eye contact. A little of that and some apologetic English and everyone will try to help you out! Most of the expats I know are all at the same level as my husband. We all have access to these transition people which makes life easier all around. They are helpful when moving in and especially when we need to update our Visas and when paperwork has to be filed at the commune. I can't read the forms, nevermind fill them in. Ensure you ask for a neighborhood or at least town where more expats or school attendees go. The school can tell you where most of the students come from. I have 2 high schoolers so being local to their friends is key," remarked one expat in Bertrange, Luxembourg.

"Expats should be aware that Luxembourg is a multilingual country, with French, German, and Luxembourgish being the official languages. It is important to learn at least one of these languages before moving to Luxembourg. Expats should also be aware that Luxembourg has a high cost of living, so it is important to budget accordingly. Additionally, Luxembourg has a strong economy and a high standard of living, so expats should be prepared to pay higher taxes than they may be used to. Finally, expats should be aware that Luxembourg is a small country, so it is important to take advantage of the many cultural and recreational activities available," said one expat in Luxembourg.

"Finding a place to live in Luxembourg can be a daunting task. The best way to start is by researching the different neighborhoods and areas of the country to determine which one best suits your needs. You can also look into local real estate agents who specialize in helping expats find a place to live. Additionally, there are a number of websites and online forums dedicated to helping expats find a place to live in Luxembourg. These websites often have listings of available apartments and houses, as well as helpful advice from other expats who have gone through the process. Finally, you can also look into local newspapers and classifieds for listings of available properties," said one expat in Luxembourg.

"We have been here nearly 2 years. When my husband got the job offer to come over here, it was late August. The company flew us over in early September to look at housing. There was only one house in this town. After looking at houses that were 30 minutes from the school, we chose the first one. It's all about location, location, location. Our town has many expat families, so the carpooling opportunities are numerous. Besides, it is not our house, it is someone elses. Our time here is temporary. You don't want to spend weekends (Saturdays only as Sundays you can't use any power equipment!) worrying about the house. It's closer to school and a bit older, but conveniently located and serves the purpose," remarked one expat who made the move to Bertrange.

"We live in a single family 4 bedroom 2.5 bath brick house painted white. The whole neighborhood has painted white brick single family homes. It is European looking from the outside, but modern design on the inside. Most expats that I know in this small country live in similiar homes. Most of the homes here are duplexes with one mutual wall. In the city there are apartments of various sizes and row house style homes," said one expat who made the move to Bertrange.

"Expat homes and apartments in Luxembourg tend to be modern and well-equipped, with many featuring open-plan living areas and modern kitchens. Many expat homes and apartments also have access to balconies or terraces, providing stunning views of the city and countryside. Expats can also expect to find plenty of storage space, as well as high-speed internet and cable TV. In addition, many expat homes and apartments come with access to communal facilities such as swimming pools, gyms, and saunas," explained one expat living in Luxembourg.

"The average cost of housing in Luxembourg is relatively high compared to other countries in Europe. Renting an apartment in Luxembourg can cost anywhere from €800 to €2,000 per month, depending on the size and location. Buying a property in Luxembourg can be even more expensive, with prices ranging from €2,000 to €4,000 per square meter," remarked one expat in Luxembourg.

"Our rental is higher than our mortgage. The euro is about 1.5 times the dollar. The average similiar sized home rents for between 3500 and 4200 euro per month. We get paid in US dollars with a subsidy to equalize the cost of living here. Our home is rented in the US, so we contribute to our rent payment here. Then get an adjustment to cover the increased cost of fuel, electricity, food etc," said one expat in Bertrange.

"Buying a home in Luxembourg can be a great investment, as the country has a strong economy and a stable housing market. However, it is important to consider the cost of living in Luxembourg, as it is one of the most expensive countries in Europe. Renting a home in Luxembourg can be a more affordable option, as it allows you to enjoy the benefits of living in the country without the long-term commitment of buying a home. Additionally, renting a home in Luxembourg can provide more flexibility, as you can move to a different area or even a different country if your circumstances change. Ultimately, the decision to buy or rent a home in Luxembourg should be based on your individual needs and financial situation," said one expat in Luxembourg.

"When moving to Luxembourg, it is important to pack items that will help you feel comfortable in your new home. Consider bringing clothing for all seasons, as the weather can vary greatly throughout the year. It is also a good idea to bring any necessary documents, such as a passport, visa, and any other important paperwork. Additionally, it is helpful to bring items that will help you feel at home, such as pictures, books, and other personal items. Finally, it is important to bring any necessary electronics, such as a laptop, phone, and any other devices you may need," said one expat in Luxembourg.

"Wish I brought a snow shovel, gardening stuff- (rakes, edger, lawn mower) and more plug adapters. Wish I left behind all the winter boots, gloves and clothes we haven't used," said one expat who made the move to Bertrange.

"It is important to be aware of the cultural norms in Luxembourg to avoid making any cultural faux pas. For example, it is considered impolite to be late for social engagements, so it is important to arrive on time. Additionally, it is important to dress appropriately for social occasions, as dressing too casually may be seen as disrespectful. It is also important to be aware of the local language, as many Luxembourgers speak multiple languages and may be offended if you do not make an effort to communicate in their language. Finally, it is important to be respectful of the local customs and traditions, as they are an important part of the culture," commented one expat who made the move to Luxembourg.

"I think the most humorous blunders for the whole family have been because of translation and mispronunciations issues. With 4 languages it can get quite confusing. We've had a few conversations where we thought we were talking about air and hair and the function of our radiator when it turned out to really be horses but the English mispronunciation back to us was "whores". Between the 4 languages, air, hair, horse and whores can all sound very similar and when ever so slightly used incorrectly can erupt a room into laughter. We can hardly talk about hair and horses anymore without busting up with laughter every time. On a recent visit to Germany I wanted to practice a couple phrases I learned, to order our favorite lunch. I got to the counter and successfully made the order but at the end one of my kids changed their minds but I hadn't practiced the new choice. I must have looked so lost because the lady spoke up, in English, and asked if she had heard my child correctly and this would be the final order. I was shocked, assuming she didn't know English and confirmed the order. When I asked about her English she said, "oh yes I speak a lot of English but I thought you wanted to practice your German so I just let you"!! *blush*," remarked one expat in Luxembourg City, Luxembourg.

"Luxembourg is an attractive destination for expats due to its high standard of living, excellent infrastructure, and strong economy. The country is also known for its low taxes, making it an attractive option for those looking to save money. Additionally, Luxembourg is a multilingual country, with French, German, and Luxembourgish all spoken, making it a great place for those looking to learn a new language. The country also offers a wide range of cultural activities, from museums and galleries to festivals and concerts, making it a great place to explore and experience new things. Finally, Luxembourg is a safe and secure country, with a low crime rate and a strong sense of community, making it an ideal place to live and work," wrote one expat living in Luxembourg.

"Luxembourg offers a comprehensive range of healthcare services, including primary care, specialist care, hospital care, and preventive care. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and is available to all citizens and foreign residents. The quality of public healthcare is generally high, with modern facilities and well-trained staff. Foreign residents have access to the public healthcare system, and expats in Luxembourg can use the public healthcare system by registering with the local commune and obtaining a health insurance card. Expats can also opt for private healthcare, which is more expensive but offers more choice and flexibility," wrote one expat living in Luxembourg.

"Purchase supplemental health insurance. You need your CNS card to do it and that usually takes a few weeks to arrive. As soon as it does, you can purchase the insurance which covers things like private rooms, whatever CNS doesn't cover and travel abroad. Go directly to the insurance company (there are many to choose from) and ask for a quote. Going to an independent agent can be much more expensive. I came from the US where we had international insurance until January when we went "local" and went onto Luxembourg's health insurance system (CNS) . I broke a tooth in February and we didn't have our CNS cards yet. But I mailed in all my expenses after the tooth extraction, stiches and post implanted (this was 2200 euro) . They paid zero. I have resubmitted my request after the implant was completed for an additional 1500 euro and still have not received anything from CNS. Also I find it very difficult with CNS because of the language barrier on my end. In the meantime we applied for supplemental insurance and was told I had to wait 8 months for dental coverage. I also travel to the US to see our children. I have a separate policy for that at a cost of 119 euro a year + 43 euros a month if I stay over 3 months. My daughter is employed, but we also had to purchase independent insurance for my college aged son at a cost of $1700/year. The supplemental insurance for my husband and me costs about 225 euro/month. If you don't go to the US for more than 4 weeks, you are set, but if you do, you may want to look into costs of coverage. CNS will only pay what they would pay in Luxembourg for coverage so you really do need something," commented one expat living in Luxembourg City.

"Luxembourg offers a comprehensive range of medical services, including both public and private healthcare. The public healthcare system is funded by the government and provides free or low-cost medical care to all citizens. Private healthcare is also available and is generally of a high standard. Luxembourg has a wide range of medical specialists, including general practitioners, specialists in internal medicine, paediatrics, obstetrics and gynaecology, and many more. The country also has a number of well-equipped hospitals and clinics, offering a range of treatments and services. Luxembourg also has a number of pharmacies, providing access to a wide range of medications," commented one expat living in Luxembourg.