Delano Expat Guide

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Editorial

About

The American author and broadcaster Clifton Fadiman once warned travellers to “remember that a foreign country is not designed to make you comfortable.

It is designed to make its own people comfortable.” The adage also applies to the “expat” who moves abroad. Settling down in Luxembourg can often feel uncomfortable.

It needn’t be. Luxembourg has made great efforts to make moving here as smooth as possible, and though there are still frustrating aspects to living here--as there are in any country--with a little effort and open-mindedness, it is easy to start feeling comfortable quite soon after arriving. Welcome to the third edition of Delano’s Expat Guide. Written and compiled by an experienced team of locally based journalists, the guide aims to reflect the authentic experience of living in the grand duchy. The guide is, by necessity, subjective. The address listings are also selective and do not claim to be comprehensive.

We hope that the 2020-21 Expat Guide will help readers get to feel comfortable as quickly as possible and to make the most of their time in this great little country.

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 world and local 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 live on stage with people and on topics covered by Delano, but with a fresh perspective, followed by a networking cocktail.

Get comfortable

www.delano.lu

Delano Magazine

news@delano.lu

Delano Magazine

@DelanoMagazine

THE TEAM

Duncan Roberts Editor-in-chief

Jess Bauldry

Natalie Gerhardstein

Jess began her journalism career in the UK in 2005. Since 2010, she has been reporting in Luxembourg, where she enjoys covering human interest stories and exploring new storytelling tools.

She is originally from West Sussex.

A German-US dual national, Natalie has worked in the media and communications sector for over 16 years.

She has a passion for international development, business and travel. She holds an MBA and is currently learning Chinese.

JOURNALIST

JOURNALIST

@JessBauldry

@NGerhardstein

ILLUSTRATING DELANO Ana Gaman is a graphic designer by day and illustrator by night.

She finished her studies in the UK, but decided to settle in Luxembourg.

She has worked for UNDP and is currently an in-house designer at the European Investment Fund.

www.anagaman.com

Aaron Grunwald Aaron has 11 years’ experience as a journalist in Luxembourg. He likes the fact that journalists get to learn something new every day. He is originally from Berkeley, California.

DESK EDITOR

@aarongrunwald

Duncan Roberts EDITOR-IN-CHIEF

A journalist in Luxembourg for over 25 years, Duncan is familiar with the idiosyncrasies of local politics and the quirks of the culture scene--and enjoys being immersed in and reporting on both. @bezdonut63

PUB VIDE xxxx.

PREVIEW ONLY MORE THAN A STORY, A TIME MACHINE. Order today, escape tomorrow. www.ernster.com

Guest editorial

Back in 2006, as a family, we were looking to move abroad for a few years. Hong Kong and Shanghai were in the loop, but when I asked about the opportunities within the bank where I was working, they proposed Luxembourg. My Swedish friends were sceptical at the time, but it turns out, Luxembourg is a very dynamic place. It is perhaps less adventurous than Shanghai, but it is extremely international and definitely less dense. It is also one of the few places where you can have an interesting job while enjoying a high quality of life.

Luxembourg offers the advantages of a small city, but with all Photo ¨ Mike Zenari

the benefits of a European capital, including a rich cultural scene.

One of my favourite places is the Cinémathèque (pictured) where you can enjoy a great retrospective in an atmospheric environment.

TONIKA HIRDMAN After starting her career in her native Sweden at the Swedish Financial Supervisory Authority and then at the ministry of foreign affairs, Tonika Hirdman moved into banking. She arrived in Luxembourg in 2006 to take up the position of CEO at ABN Amro Bank (Luxembourg). In 2009 the Luxembourg government offered her the opportunity to establish and lead the Fondation de Luxembourg, which facilitates philanthropic engagement.

She has served as its director general ever since.

www.fdlux.lu

Almost half of Luxembourg residents are foreigners, which makes it feel highly cosmopolitan in spite of its small size. It is easy to get to know new people and you often find yourself with four different nationalities around the dinner table.

What I find so striking is how Luxembourg’s pragmatic political leadership has managed to create a highly productive economy combined with strong social protection.

Luxembourg has a long history of welcoming new people but also new businesses. Entrepreneurs will find that the administration is very helpful and supportive, red tape is minimal, and resources like Guichet.lu offer a plethora of useful information.

An enthusiastic city biker, I struggled with the hilly landscape when I first arrived. Fortunately, the City of Luxembourg has invested heavily in green infrastructure, there is free public transport, numerous bike lanes, and a large network of for-hire electric bikes for those uphill commutes.

In the beginning we found the city rather quiet, especially on Sundays when all the shops were closed. But we soon realised that everyone was enjoying lunch in a restaurant with a glass of Moselle wine among friends and family. Luxembourg is also a very nice place for children to grow up in with a wide range of international schools and excellent facilities. So, what is missing? Well, for a Swede, I would say the sea and big lakes. But I am sure that the government will solve this as well, sooner or later...

Guest editorial

Highly cosmopolitan

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mobiliteit.lu

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mobiliteit.lu

mobile apps

© 06/2019 Verkéiersverbond

Find the fastest way across Luxembourg by bus, train, tram or on foot with our journey planner app!

Expat Guide SETTLING IN

PROFESSIONAL LIFE

Write to PO Box 728 L-2017 Luxembourg Offices 10 rue des Gaulois, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie ISSN 2220-5535 Web www.maisonmoderne.com Founder and chairman Mike Koedinger CEO Richard Karacian Administrative and financial director Etienne Velasti CONTENT Phone (+352) 20 70 70-150 Fax (+352) 29 66 19 E-mail news@delano.lu Publisher Mike Koedinger Editorial director Matthieu Croissandeau Editor-in-chief Duncan Roberts (duncan.roberts@maisonmoderne.com) Desk editor Aaron Grunwald (aaron.grunwald@maisonmoderne.com) Journalists Jess Bauldry (jessica.bauldry@maisonmoderne.com) Natalie Gerhardstein (natalie.gerhardstein@maisonmoderne.com) Contributor Stephen Evans Photography Romain Gamba, Jan Hanrion, Lala La Photo, Patricia Pitsch, Mike Zenari, Matic Zorman Proofreading Pauline Berg, Lisa Cacciatore, Sarah Lambolez, Manon Méral, Elena Sebastiani

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From administrative formalities via finding a home to taking an orientation course, here’s how to get yourself set up.

Want to move up the company ladder, build out your network or start up your own business? Here’s where to look.

DAILY LIFE

FUTURE PLANNING

DESIGN Phone (+352) 20 70 70-200 Fax (+352) 27 62 12 62-84 E-mail agency@maisonmoderne.com Agency director Mathieu Mathelin Head of production Stéphanie Poras-Schwickerath Creative director Jeremy Leslie Head of art direction Vinzenz Hölzl Art direction José Carsí, Oriane Pawlisiak Layout Sophie Melai (coordination), Monique Bernard, Elina Luzerne ILLUSTRATIONS Sofia Azcona, Julie Kotulski, Sascha Timplan, Ellen Withersova ADVERTISING Phone (+352) 20 70 70-300 Fax (+352) 26 29 66 20 E-mail regie@maisonmoderne.com Partner-director, advertising sales Francis Gasparotto (francis.gasparotto@maisonmoderne.com) SUBSCRIPTIONS For subscriptions, please visit www.delano.lu Luxembourg (shipping included) 1 year / 25 euros Europe (shipping included) 1 year / 31 euros

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From supermarkets and pet care to finding a doctor and recycling, here are some handy places to know about.

Insurance, retirement and preparing your taxes… you need to think ahead and consider the details. Here’s some help.

CHILDCARE AND FAMILY

LEISURE TIME

Printed by Imprimerie Centrale Distribution by Valora Services Luxembourg

In accordance with article 66 of the law of 08.06.2004 on the freedom of expression in the media: the company that publishes Delano is indirectly held, by a stake exceeding 25%, by Mike Koedinger, an independent editor registered in Luxembourg.

Richard Karacian is chartered with daily management.

Delano™ and Maison Moderne™ are trademarks used under licence by MM Publishing and Media S.A. © MM Publishing and Media S.A. (Luxembourg) NOTE TO OUR READERS Delano’s next print edition comes out 8 October.

For daily news updates, commentary and our weekly what’s on guide, visit www.delano.lu.

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Raising little ones in multicultural and multilingual Luxembourg?

Here’s practical advice for parents of kids of all ages.

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We couldn’t possibly list all the options on how to spend your free time in this guide. But here are a few top ways to make the most of your evenings and weekends.

Contents

PUBLISHER

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EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

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EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Settling in

See listings starting on page 24

TEXT PHOTO

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Settling in

Navigating Luxembourg and the idiosyncrasies of local bureaucracy when you first arrive can be tricky.

With the addition of three official languages seemingly being thrown at you randomly, it can even be overawing. Things are probably done differently here to the way they were in your native country or the place you just left to move to the grand duchy. Your “to-do� list will include everything from registering your residency to setting up a bank account, finding a home and making sure you are connected to essential utilities. The advice we offer in this chapter will hopefully help you settle in smoothly. Take the challenges one step at a time, seek professional advice where possible, and remember that the rewards of making Luxembourg your home will be manifold for however long you stay.

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Beverley Atkinson, pictured here at the Luxembourg City Bierger-Center, says registering as a resident is relatively easy and recommends guichet.lu as an excellent resource

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21 INTERVIEW

Settling in

“Stick with it” A resident of Luxembourg for over 35 years, Beverley Atkinson uses her experience and knowledge to provide relocation advice.

WORDS

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Duncan Roberts

uch has changed since Beverley Atkinson moved to the grand duchy from Munich in 1983 after her husband landed a job at the European Parliament.

“There were no motorways to speak of,” says the British-born freelance relocation adviser. “The road and transport networks have significantly improved.

There are more cinemas, cultural venues and of course the shops have longer opening hours. And there are far more schooling options. Luxembourg really has made a lot of progress over the years.”

But the downside is that there seem to be constant, if necessary, roadworks, and she speaks from experience in saying that the improvement in public transport does not extend to the timetable outside

PHOTO

Mike Zenari

the capital city. “It’s still very uncoordinated.

As someone who’s always lived outside the city, the bus has never been any use to me at all.”

As for attitudes towards expats, Atkinson says that “Luxembourgers are incredibly realistic about where wealth comes from, and always have been. Not many places would peacefully accept 70% foreigners in their capital city and not being able to speak their local language in their own shops. But they do so with very good grace, I think.”

That growth in the non-Luxembourg population has spurred the government to open public international schools that follow curricula in English to complement the growth in demand experiences by pri-

vate English-language schools. Even so, they are generally oversubscribed, and Atkinson thinks schooling is one of the first things anyone with children considering moving to Luxembourg should think about.

Indeed, in her professional life as a relocation expert, Atkinson is constantly amazed by how many people sign work contracts committing themselves to Luxembourg without properly conducting research on the country. “Then they are shocked by the price of accommodation, for example.”

On the other hand, the process of registering as a resident has been made relatively easy thanks to online portal guichet.lu, which is “an excellent resource”. She is not in favour of adding English as a third administration language in the grand duchy, but points out that Luxembourg City has its website in English and increasingly many other communes have information available in English and staff who speak the language. “It has improved vastly over the last 5 years.” She would love to recommend learning Luxembourgish, but from a purely practical view says that it is best to learn French for newcomers who don’t speak any other language than English.

Meeting people is also easy thanks to a growing number of social, cultural and sports clubs and associations, and a welter of Facebook pages aimed at expats of different nationalities. As for Luxembourgers, Atkinson finds them very reserved but friendly. “Unless you give them a sign that you would like contact, they will leave you alone because they respect privacy.” In addition to joining a local club or team, she also recommends in smaller localities showing your face at every event you can attend.

“You may not make contact very quickly and you have to bite the bullet and expect it may take a year before you are totally in the social circle. But stick with it. Once a Luxembourger has decided he will be your × friend, he really will be your friend.”

New2lux@gmail.com

160 Years of banking 94% Customer satisfaction TNS Ilres 2019

of the safest banks AA+ One worldwide Standard & Poor’s Global Finance Magazine

More on: www.spuerkeess.lu/expats Banque et Caisse d’Epargne de l’Etat, Luxembourg, établissement public autonome 1, Place de Metz, L-2954 Luxembourg, R.C.S. Luxembourg B30775

5 ways to deal with bureaucracy

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Register as a resident

Dealing with civil servants may seem daunting, but it doesn’t have to be.

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Be prepared Try to find out in advance exactly what documents you require before you go to your appointment. There is nothing worse than leaving empty-handed and having to make a second rendezvous.

All new residents planning to stay in the grand duchy for three months or more must declare their presence at the office of the municipality where they intend to live.

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Time your visit Some local authority offices can get very busy at peak times.

If you can be the first person in the queue in the morning, all the better. Still, be prepared to wait-make sure you have something to drink and read.

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Certification

Third country extras

Third-country citizens who want to stay longer than 90 days can apply for a residence permit.

This will require a health certificate; proof of housing; certification of employment, self-employment or attendance at an educational institution; and a police record. It is recommended to bring more than one copy of the police record, as obtaining it once out of your last country of residence may be difficult.

If you are a citizen of a non-EU country, you must obtain a visa for the first three months of your stay before departure. You will also need to have health insurance and proof of sufficient means to cover expenses for the duration of your stay.

Language, please It is also worth noting that if your documents are in a language other than French, German or English, you’ll need an official translation from an accredited translator.

Married, with kids If arriving with family, you should also bring your family record book or, if you don’t have one, the certificate of marriage or registered partnership. You should also provide birth certificates for each child.

A cheerful approach works wonders, even with the grumpiest of Luxembourg bureaucrats.

A confident “moien” will at the very least grab their attention.

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First things first

Deadlines

www.guichet.lu/en

MY LUXEMBOURG

“I can only recommend learning the language... it really opens doors.”

Marcel Hagendoorn Kanner Wonsch (Expat Guide 2019-20)

Learn the language If you speak Luxembourgish-even a few well-chosen phrases-you will generally be treated with sympathy. But most offices have someone who speaks English, so don’t be worried about not being able to communicate.

Everyone, including EU citizens, needs to present a valid national identity card or passport, proof of where you are living in the form of a signed lease or, if you are still in temporary digs, a certificate of accommodation.

Timing is of the essence. As an EU citizen, you have 8 days to register. If you’re from a non-EU member state, you must declare your arrival within 3 days of getting to Luxembourg, regardless of how long you plan to stay.

Smile

5

Stay cool As in every country, there are civil servants who can appear discourteous or dismissive.

Don’t let that deter you from your goal. Remain calm and focus on what you need to achieve rather than the person you are dealing with.

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman

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Energy for today. Caring for tomorrow.

enovos.lu

Get connected

How to

Set up home EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Finding a permanent place to live and making sure it feels like home is one of the biggest challenges when moving to Luxembourg.

Before you move in to your first home in Luxembourg, make sure all your utilities are working.

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Electricity and gas If you are in Luxembourg City, contact the Luxembourg Energy Office. Outside the capital, some larger communes also have their own supply options. Otherwise, contact Creos or Enovos for gas and electricity connections.

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Charges Electricity fees are calculated on average monthly use. The balance is made up at the end of the year, and the monthly fee adjusted accordingly for the following year.

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Get a relocation expert

Be wary of fees

Your company may already have a connection, but if not, then we recommend engaging the services of a relocation professional to help you search for a property in the sort of neighbourhood that best suits your needs and to assist with contracts, insurance and setting up utilities.

If you are renting a home, you will normally be asked to pay a security deposit equating to between 2- and 3-months’ rent. Real estate agents also usually charge 1 month’s rent as a fee for finding a house or apartment.

Choose your location wisely Most people want to live in or near the capital city, but being close to your kids’ school and to your workplace is also a priority. Cutting down commute time can be crucial to enjoying life in Luxembourg. See more tips on page 18.

Check out atHome If starting from scratch, the atHome.lu website usually contains all the properties available to rent or purchase, as well as information on average prices and typical rental contracts.

If you are moving into rented accommodation, a service company or the landlord will include water and heating as part of the service charges you pay up front each month. At the end of the year the total paid is checked against the actual amount used and an additional payment is required, or in rare cases a reimbursement is paid.

Avoid search fee Facebook is a useful resource if you want to avoid paying the 1-month fee to a real estate agent. Search for “privat zu privat” and you will find a couple of groups where people rent or sell properties from individual to individual.

Remember to get insurance It is rare for property owners not to ask tenants to take out an insurance policy before signing the lease. This will cover you against damage and theft and it is also wise to take out a “third-party” damage policy at the same time.

Water and heat

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Communications There are several telephone and internet service providers in Luxembourg. The key players for a complete package, often including a cable TV service, are Post, Orange, Tango, Visual Online and Luxembourg Online. As ever, you will be asked for ID and proof of residency before you sign up.

MY LUXEMBOURG

“Luxembourg changes every day and to me that is fascinating. People just have to notice the change.”

Geeta Rajaraman International community volunteer (Delano Summer 2014)

Photo ¨ Julien Becker (archives)

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CHANGE YOUR STYLE OF LIVING. Showroom: 7, rue de Godbrange L–6118 Junglinster

home specialist

© layout: marcwilmesdesign.lu / picture: styleGREEN

T. 42 64 95 – 1 info@phillipps.lu www.phillipps.lu

How to

The best places to live

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Get on the road

1

If you want some action and a multicultural atmosphere, you could do worse than Bonnevoie in the capital city, which is home to plenty of arts and culture, and hip bars. Parts of Esch-sur-Alzette are also worth checking out.

There are certain conditions to driving in Luxembourg if coming from abroad and bringing a car.

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Registering a vehicle

Driving licence

Owners bringing a car to Luxembourg from abroad must register their vehicle within six months of arrival. You’ll need to apply for a registration number, take a civil liability insurance policy, pay the road tax, have your vehicle cleared for customs and fill out an administrative record with the SNCA.

If you obtained your driving licence from a non-EU member country, you’ll need to convert your licence into a Luxembourg licence within a year of taking up residence. It costs €30.

Failure to convert the licence means your licence is no longer valid in Luxembourg and you’ll have to pass a driving test in Luxembourg.

The government information portal takes people through the steps. Happy driving!

The dreaded “priority to the right” highway regulation is perhaps the most difficult to get used to if you have been used to driving in a country where vehicles on the major road have priority over those waiting to merge from a side road. Roundabouts are another bugbear of many UK expats--drivers from many countries seem to prefer hugging the outside lane all the way round until they reach their exit.

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Marta Vacca-Veselá Amitiés tchèque et slovaque Luxembourg group (Delano April-May 2019)

Down by the river The Moselle is a great place to live if you want to get away from it all. Wasserbillig has good train connections, Grevenmacher is the heart of wine country and Schengen is right on the motorway.

MY LUXEMBOURG

International mix Some of the towns with a high proportion of international residents include Strassen, Bertrange and Hesperange.

But they are among the most expensive on the real estate market.

Highway code

“Luxembourg, for me, represents it all. It is medium-sized, but it has all the advantages of an international ci it o t the huge stress of a metropole."

Quiet suburbia Cents is the city neighbourhood with the highest proportion of Luxembourg residents and is appropriately quiet and calm with good facilities. Outside the city, check places like Bridel, Sandweiler, Leudelange and Walferdange.

www.guichet.lu

There are varied speed limits, ranging from 30km/h in most residential areas, 50km/h on urban roads, 90km/h on rural roads, to 130km/h on motorways.

The alcohol limit is 0.55mg/l measured by breathalyser.

Urban connections Want to be able to walk into the city? Rollingergrund, Limpertsberg and Belair are among the favourite neighbourhoods. But expect to pay premium prices.

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General tips

Hip and happening

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The industrial south Dudelange is a real arts city, well-connected by road and rail, with some great restaurants and bars, and good sports teams.

Differdange is up-and-coming thanks to private universities and an international school.

Photo ¨ Mike Zenari

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Travelling

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Se ting up a bank account

How to

Meet people EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

You will certainly find colleagues at work who share some interests and may become friends, but if you want to extend your social life, here’s some advice.

Here’s a quick checklist of what’s required to open an account and how to choose the best bank for you.

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ID is requested, ideally a passport or national identity card, and most banks would also like to see a copy of an employment contract and even a rental contract where possible. It typically takes 1-2 weeks to receive bank cards.

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Improve yourself

Start a new hobby

If you are brand new to living abroad, then enrolling in a language school will not only improve your quality of life, but it will also get you to meet a whole new bunch of people.

But there are plenty of other classes, from coding to cooking, that will broaden your mind as well as your social circle.

There is a welter of groups for specialist interests in Luxembourg, many of them free.

From book clubs to sewing and creative writing, check out meetup.com, Facebook and Eventbrite to see what’s out there.

Be sporty From rugby to cricket via ultimate frisbee, team sports are a great way to stay fit and socialise.

Even joining a regular fitness class, be it zumba or aqua-cycling, will allow you to meet new people. Check out Facebook for a local group.

See page 95 for our recommendations.

Small is good Like the ripples made by a stone thrown into a pond, once you make your first few social contacts in Luxembourg your circle of friends will expand exponentially.

3

MY LUXEMBOURG

“You have to open your door to Luxembourg. tten local e ent an meet local people through clubs or organisations.”

Martin Elmquist Luxembourg Philharmonia (Delano Winter 2018/19)

Choose your services Luxembourg’s banks offer a range of packages, some with fancy names. Most will offer different banking and credit cards, an automatic credit line, free bank transfers and a limited number of free cash withdrawals from third party ATMs.

There are several very welcoming bars in Luxembourg frequented by expats.

Why not attend one of the many quiz nights--there are often people looking for an extra team member--as a way to break the ice? See page 96.

Luxembourg is a very sociable place. Every evening there is a plethora of after-work events, from exhibition openings to business seminars, that are easy to sign up for or even attend spontaneously. Say “yes” to invites and you will soon meet new people.

Onboarding package Banks are keen to attract business, especially from the lucrative expat market. So, most offer special deals for newcomers opening their first account, often via their place of employment.

Head down the pub

Get out there

Prove who you are

4

Credit cards If you come from the UK or the USA and are used to credit cards that can be paid off incrementally, then you are in for a surprise.

The basic Visa or Mastercard packages offered by banks here are automatically paid off in full from your current account each month.

Photo ¨ Mike Zenari

20

www.ebooks.lu

How to

Be like a local

Get an app Feeling at home in the grand duchy can be made easier thanks to some great local apps.

1

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

The great news is that public transport is free. The bad news is that timetables are not that well coordinated between rail and regional and city bus networks.

This app allows you to plan your journey.

Want to fit right in with Luxembourg? Here’s some shortcuts to apply before you meet the requirements to get nationality.

Wéi geet et lech?

2

3

Learn to ski

The family ministry’s CAI (Contrat d’Accueil et d’Intégration) welcome and integration contract allows non-Luxembourgers to take language and citizenship courses, and to take part in orientation-day events.

Come the winter half-term holidays, half of Luxembourg heads for the slopes. Austria appears to be a favourite destination, so you’d better learn some German après-ski schlager classics if you want to keep up appearances.

A few shots of Jägermeister usually helps.

Take Sunday lunch Luxembourg families have a tradition of meeting up at a restaurant for Sunday lunch--probably a hangover from when nearly everyone in the country attended church. Choose a restaurant serving typical Luxembourgish fare, smarten up, and enjoy some Moselle wine with your meal.

Get a Kärcher Luxembourgers do seem to have an unhealthy obsession with the pressure cleaning tool, whether to blast their terrace or decking or to make sure their car--which, if not a Tesla, should be one of the upscale German marques-is sparkling clean.

4

MY LUXEMBOURG

“Don’t compare. Keep an open mind... and get it out of your head that Luxembourg is orin at t not tr e

Carole Miltgen CEO, Prisma (Delano Expat Guide 2019/20)

Doctena.lu An app that helps you find doctors according to locality, specialities and even language spoken.

5

Luxembourg Pharmacie Useful for finding a nearby pharmacy and also has a list of pharmacies that are on duty outside of normal opening hours.

Refer to the PM as Xav Popular prime minister Xavier Bettel likes to present his outgoing and friendly personality at every occasion. With Luxembourg being so small, it is not unusual that many people know Här Bettel personally and take the liberty to address him by the shorter version of his first name.

Parking Luxembourg Find out at a glance how many spaces are available at car parks in the city. The app also features a map to help you pinpoint the most convenient car park for where you want to go.

Ask about family You can speak the local lingo fluently and have a great bunch of Luxembourgish friends, but if you don’t know that Marc’s cousin Michel went to school with Pëtz, who owns the local butcher’s, you will never feel fully integrated.

ACL The Automobile Club of Luxembourg’s app has a range of features, including up-to-date traffic news and eCall mobile assistance.

Ganz gutt

Sign integration contract

Mobiliteit.lu

6

Emoxies Want to make like a Luxembourger?

This app allows you to use Luxembourg-themed emojis for almost any occasion, including some gif features.

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman

22

Votre coup de cœur.

1, Place du Marché | Remich • 22, rue du Commerce | Esch-sur-Alzette Tél.: 00352 27 07 59 10 • info@immosp.lu • www.immosp.lu

24

EMBASSIES & CONSULATES Austria 3 rue des Bains L-1212 Luxembourg luxembourg-ob@bmaa.gv.at www.bmeia.gv.at E12

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Belgium 4 rue des Girondins L-1626 Luxembourg luxembourg@diplobel.org www.diplomatie.belgium.be G11

Cape Verde 9B boulevard Prince Henri L-1724 Luxembourg ambcvlux@pt.lu E11

China 2 rue Antoine-François Van Der Meule L-2152 Luxembourg ambchine@pt.lu lu.china-embassy.org B13

Czech Republic 2 rond-point Robert Schuman L-2525 Luxembourg luxembourg@embassy.mzv.cz www.mzv.cz E11

France 8 boulevard Joseph II L-1840 Luxembourg cad.luxembourgamba@diplomatie.gouv.fr www.lu.ambafrance.org E11

Germany 21 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420 Luxembourg info@luxemburg.diplo.de www.luxemburg.diplo.de E11

Greece 27 rue Marie-AdĂŠlaĂŻde L-2128 Luxembourg ambgrec@pt.lu www.mfa.gr F11

Hungary 3 rue des Bains L-1212 Luxembourg jries@guardian.com brusszel.mfa.gov.hu

Italy 5 rue Marie-AdĂŠlaĂŻde L-2128 Luxembourg abmbasciata.lussemburgo@esteri.it www.amblussemburgo.esteri.it F11

Ireland

United States

Bricks

28 route d’Arlon L-1140 Luxembourg ireland@pt.lu www.dfa.ie E10

2 boulevard Emmanuel Servais L-2335 Luxembourg Luxembourgconsular@state.gov lu.usembassy.gov D11

26 44 11 61 www.bricks.lu

Japan 62 avenue de la FaĂŻencerie L-1510 Luxembourg embjapan@lx.mofa.go.jp www.lu.emb-japan.go.jp D11

Netherlands 6 rue Sainte-Zithe L-2763 Luxembourg lux@minbuza.nl www.netherlandsandyou.nl F11

Poland 24 rue Guillaume Schneider L-2522 Luxembourg luksemburg.amb.sekretariat@msz.gov.pl D11

Portugal 282 route de Longwy L-1940 Luxembourg cgluxembourgo@mne.pt www.luxemburgo.embaixadaportugal.mne.pt F9

ONLINE REAL ESTATE Athome.lu www.athome.lu

Bazar.lu www.bazar.lu

Habiter.lu

2 rue de PulvermĂźhl L-2356 Luxembourg luxembourg@mae.ro www.mae.ro F14

28 26 17 27 www.engelvoelkers.lu

Feltes 248 488-1 www.feltes.lu

Fischbach 457 130 1 www.fischbach.lu

HÊlène Grober 40 97 90 www.immo-grober.lu

www.habiter.lu

Immo.lu

Homexperts

www.immo.lu

26 57 07 07 08 www.homexperts.lu

Immostar

Inowai

www.immostar.lu

25 03 39 www.inowai-residential.lu

Immotop www.immotop.lu

Romania

Engel & VĂślkers

Lux Immo Real Estate www.luximmobilier.lu

Smartagent

LaforĂŞt 26 17 66 11 www.laforet.lu

New Immo Belair 26 44 11 11 www.newimmo.lu

www.smartagent.lu

Re/Max

Russia 116 rue Cyprien Merjai L-2145 Luxembourg ambruslu@pt.lu ambruslu.mid.ru A12

Spain 4 boulevard Emmanuel Servais L-2535 Luxembourg embesplu@pt.lu www.exteriores.gob.es D11

Turkey 49 rue Siggy Vu LĂŤtzebuerg L-1933 Luxembourg ambassade.luxembourg@mfa.gov.tr www.luksemburg.be.mfa.gov.tr C10

United Kingdom 5 boulevard Joseph II L-1840 Luxembourg britemb@internet.lu www.gov.uk F12

Wortimmo www.wortimmo.lu

REAL ESTATE Adequat Immobilier 22 22 91 1 www.adequat-immobilier.lu

Alpina Immobilière 33 12 55 www.alpina.lu

L’Agence Real Estate Bereldange 26 33 19 23 www.are.lu

26 64 99 99 1 www.remax.lu

Unicorn 26 54 17 17 www.unicorn.lu

Weckbecker 22 25 92 www.weckbecker.lu

FURNITURE RENTAL In-Lease 2 rue d’Arlon L-8399 Windhof 49 83 89 www.in-lease.com H3

REMOVALS Daleiden 26 19 68 67 www.daleiden.lu

59 49 44 www.demenagements-faber.lu

International Removal Firms 20 30 14 73 www.spirouxdemenagements.lu

Nadin 39 80 48 www.nadin.eu

Streff 31 09 21 www.streff.lu

TEMPORARY FURNISHED ACCOMMO DATION Airbnb

2 rue du Fort Olisy L-2261 Luxembourg 26 27 66 650 www.youthhostels.lu E13

SHS Suite Home Sweet Strassen, Luxembourg City concierge@suite-home-sweet.com www.suite-home-sweet.com

Vistay apartments 37-39 rue de Beggen L-1221 Luxembourg 691 904 904 www.vistay.lu B12

FLAT & HOUSE SHARING Appartager

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 www.cabaparts.eu F12

Couchsurfing Short-term sofa accommodation for visitors or new arrivals. www.couchsurfing.com

FMI Immobilier 24 83 24 83 info@fmi.lu www.fmi.lu

Key Inn Appart-Hotels Belair, Merl, Limpertsberg 27 61 61 1 www.key-inn.com

www.justarrived.lu

Just Landed www.justlanded.com

PHONE/ INTERNET OPERATORS Eltrona 4-8 rue de l’AciÊrie 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 www.internet.lu E12

www.appartager.lu

Centre Commun de la SĂŠcuritĂŠ Sociale

20 60 80 www.furnished.lu

LuxFriends 26 47 84 47 www.luxfriends.eu

Vauban & Fort 691 455 551 www.vaubanfort.lu

PRACTICAL INFORMATION FOR NEWCOMERS Angloinfo www.angloinfo.com

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 B16

Welcome and Integration Contract (CAI) Citizenship training, orientation day and free language classes.

24 78 57 85 cai@olai.etat.lu forum-cai.lu

8 rue des MĂŠrovingiens L-8070 Bertrange 800 61 606 www.orange.lu H4

Post Luxembourg 80 02 80 04 www.post.lu

Tango Luxembourg 800 777 77 www.tango.lu

SOCIAL SECURITY Caisse pour l’Avenir des Enfants The national fund for family allowances is responsible for the payment and management of family benefits.

Contrôle MÊdical de la SÊcuritÊ Sociale 125 route d’Esch L-2976 Luxembourg 26 19 13 1 www.mss.public.lu H10

Inspection GĂŠnĂŠrale de la SĂŠcuritĂŠ Sociale 26 rue Sainte-Zithe L-2763 Luxembourg 24 78 63 26 igss@igss.etat.lu G10

HEALTH INSURANCE Caisse MĂŠdicoComplĂŠmentaire Mutualiste Offers various services as a top-up insurer for health care.

49 rue de Strasbourg L-2561 Luxembourg 49 94 45 1 www.cmcm.lu G11

Emergency repatriation Luxembourg Air Rescue www.lar.lu

MINISTRY OF HEALTH Ministère de la SantÊ 24 78 55 05 www.ms.public.lu

34 avenue de la Porte-Neuve L-2227 Luxembourg 47 71 53 1 www.cae.public.lu E11

UTILITIES

Caisse Nationale de SantĂŠ

26 24 26 24 info@creos.net www.creos-net.lu

The National Health Fund is the primary insurer of private sector employees and their families.

125 route d’Esch L-1471 Luxembourg 27 57 1 www.cns.public.lu H10

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125 route d’Esch L-1112 Luxembourg 40 14 11 www.ccss.lu H10

Orange Luxembourg Furnished.lu by Altea

www.airbnb.com

Apart2stay

Just Arrived

Creos

Eida 26 47 47 info@eida.lu www.eida.lu

Electris 80 02 80 32 info@electris.lu www.electris.lu

Settling in

DĂŠmĂŠnagements Faber

Luxembourg Youth Hostels

26

Enovos 27 37-1 serviceline@enovos.eu www.enovos.lu

TRANSLATION SERVICES

Bâloise Assurances Luxembourg 290 190 177 www.baloise.lu

Ville de Luxembourg Comprehensive list of car parks in Luxembourg City, and application for residence parking permit. www.vdl.lu

Luxembourg City 47 96 25 68 lecture@vdl.lu www.vdl.lu

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Luxembourg Energy Office 26 39 48 48 serviceline@leoenergy.lu www.leoenergy.lu

Mazout Home heating fuel.

Search for “Mazout� on www.editus.lu

Nordenergie 27 62 328-0 mail@nordenergie.lu www.nordenergie.lu

Steinergy 27 62 07 40-0 mail@steinergy.lu www.steinergy.lu

Sudgaz 55 66 55-1 contact@sudgaz.lu www.sudgaz.lu

Sudstroum 26 783 787-01 mail@sudstroum.lu www.sudstroum.lu

CONSUMER RIGHTS Checkmynet

Directory of sworn translators and interpreters Eurotraduc Luxembourg 47 46 76 www.eurotraduc.lu

Traducta 45 31 53 www.traducta.lu

BANKING Banque et Caisse d’Épargne de l’État

BGL BNP Paribas 42 42 20 00 www.bgl.lu

ING 44 99 1 www.ing.lu

Union Luxembourgeoise des Consommateurs Consumer protection union.

49 60 22-1 www.ulc.lu

43 74 34 4 www.foyer.lu

8002 8004 www.post.lu

SociĂŠtĂŠ GĂŠnĂŠrale Bank & Trust 47 93 11 1 www.sgbt.lu

INSURANCE Allianz Insurance 47 23 46 1 www.allianz.lu

AXA 42 24 24 1 www.axa.lu

ALD Automotive Arval www.arval.lu

DRIVING

Easy Lease

Automobile Club Luxembourg

KBC Autolease

www.easylease.lu

www.kbclease.lu

LeasePlan www.leaseplan.com

VEHICLE RENTAL

Chargy Network of electric vehicle charging stations. www.chargy.lu

Customs and Excise Agency 28 18 28 18 douanes.public.lu

Post Luxembourg

Mediator for complaints against state bodies.

26 27 01 01 info@ombudsman.lu www.ombudsman.lu

Foyer

Banque Internationale Ă Luxembourg (BIL) 24 59 54 00 www.bil.com

VEHICLE LEASING www.aldautomotive.lu

54 route de Longwy L-8080 Bertrange 45 00 45-1 www.acl.lu H4

24 50 21 00 www.raiffeisen.lu

Ombudsman

4761 1 www.lalux.lu

40 15 39 02 www.bcee.lu

www.checkmynet.lu

26 84 64-1 info@cecluxembourg.lu cecluxembourg.lu

Lalux Insurance Company

Breakdown cover, vehicle check prior to roadworthiness test, vehicle and accessories rental, travel planning and purchasing vignettes.

Raiffeisen

Assistance in cross-border disputes.

42 64 64 1 www.dkv.lu

www.mj.public.lu

Check if your internet access is as good as your provider says it is.

European Consumer Centre Luxembourg

DKV Luxembourg

Dekra

Carloh Lease a car for a few hours from Luxembourg City.

20 60 20 01 www.carloh.lu

Flex carsharing Lease a car for a few hours from CFL train stations.

28 83 38 82 www.flex.lu

Roadworthiness tests for vehicles.

4 rue du Puits Romain L-8070 Bertrange 27 40 07 91 dekra-automotive.lu H4

CARPOOLING

SociĂŠtĂŠ Nationale de Circulation Automobile

www.blablacar.fr

Registration of foreign vehicles and driver licences.

26626-400 info@snca.lu snca.public.lu

Blablacar CoPilote www.copilote.lu

Ride2Go www.acl.lu/ride2go

SociĂŠtĂŠ Nationale de ContrĂ´le Technique Roadworthiness tests for vehicles.

26 15 62-500 info@snct.lu www.snct.lu

Delano.lu, Luxembourg in English (and digital) More information: maisonmoderne.com

90,500 English speakers in Luxembourg

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EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Daily life

See listings starting on page 42

TEXT PHOTO

Aaron Grunwald Mike Zenari

31

Daily life

Once you’ve gotten your bearings and settled in, you’ll start to notice how some things are pretty much the same and others are quite different from the places you’ve previously lived. The country’s multilingual character can make daily life both easier and more complex at the same time. So here are some suggestions that will save you time and stress on everything from sorting household waste and accessing the health system to getting around town and keeping your furry friends happy.

But we begin with recommendations from a local shopping pro.

32

Wendy Casey is a fan of Luxembourg’s shopping centres and outdoor markets

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21 INTERVIEW

Daily life

“It’s great for the senses” From fashion and flowers to craft supplies and cosmetics, Wendy Casey shares her favourite shopping spots.

WORDS

A

Aaron Grunwald

PHOTO

t some point soon, you’ll need to refresh your wardrobe, spruce up the walls or find Fido a new plaything.

For advice on where to get started, Delano spoke with Wendy Casey, who has been living in Luxembourg for 24 years.

She previously was an image and fashion consultant (and a Delano contributor) and now serves on the British Ladies Club of Luxembourg committee.

For fashion, Casey reckons there are “three main places everyone needs to know about”. The first is the ci centre, which is good for high street and high-end luxury brands. “It’s not only a beautiful place to shop,” but due to close proximity, “you can cover all the shops and you’ll find whatever you’re looking for in a day”.

Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne

The second is the Belle Étoile shopping centre, which “is almost like my second home”. In addition to high street brands like C&A, H&M and Zara, there are quirky retailers like Sacha (“a unique, very unusual shoe shop”) and the women’s clothing shop Eda & Ece (which sells Andy Warhol printed clothes that “I’ve never seen anywhere else”). They also have a steady stream of events and exhibitions, and it’s a good place to meet up with friends, Casey says. She calls the newish Cloche d’Or shopping centre “brilliant” with fashion brands that “you can’t find elsewhere” in the grand duchy, such as Bershka, Oysho and Stradivarius.

On a sunny Saturday morning, nothing beats the city’s ee l ar et on the place

Guillaume II. “It’s not just the flowers that smell wonderful, but the food, fresh breads, spices. It’s great for the senses.” Casey also “loves” the monthly vide-grenier (flea market) on the place Guillaume from April to October. “I’ve found some wonderful stuff there, personally. I’ve bought myself a pair of Ralph Lauren loafers, which are actually beautiful. My husband found a milk can which he put in the garden as an ornament, which he loves.

So you can find everything there.” Another fave is the annual British Ladies Club of Luxembourg car boot sale (which she helps promote as the club’s PR manager).

“Every year I pick up some fabulous clothing items,” she says. One time she nabbed a black The Kooples blazer which “still had the label in it and I picked it up for €12”.

For household essentials, stationery, craft supplies and pet care items, Casey heads to Action (“excellent value and great quality”). Her top DIY pick is Bâtiself, which has an appealing “old fashioned feel” and where it is “worth” signing up for the loyalty card owing to frequent discounts.

Casey does most of her shopping in the grand duchy, but there are exceptions.

“One case where I definitely drive 1 hour 15 minutes to Saarbrücken” is for health and beauty supplies and fashion bargains.

She heads straight to the main high street, hitting the discount drugstore DM. “It’s fantastic for all cosmetics and beauty products. When you compare the prices in DM to Luxembourg, it’s significantly less, so it’s really worthwhile” making the trip.

There’s also the fashion outlet store TK Maxx and fast fashion retailer Primark, both of which require “a bit of rummaging”. The other reason is for reasonably priced sporting goods, when she heads to × Sports Direct or Decathlon in Arlon.

British Ladies Club of Luxembourg

This summer, you’d love to meet your girls for a shopping day even more than usual. Leo puts all its energy at your disposal to accompany you in these long-awaited moments.

Leo, the capital’s energy provider Serviceline 8006-4848 • www.leoenergy.lu

Online eats

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Support local producers

Here’s where to order food and groceries for delivery or pickup.

1

With a huge choice of quality produce, Luxcaddy is the best online grocery for our money.

Excellent free delivery options (including Saturdays up until 5 p.m.) when ordering over a certain amount, depending on how close to Luxembourg City you live. What’s more, the website is available in English.

Despite Luxembourg’s small geographic size and big financial sector, agriculture and food production are an important part of the country’s culture and economy. Here’s how you can buy local.

Apples

Wine & crémant

Luxembourg is home to more than 100 apple varieties. Pick some up at a farmers market or supermarket, and enjoy locally produced apple juice and cider.

It’s not just local pride: even the French give top notes to Luxembourg vintages.

The best way to get started is with tours of local wineries.

www.eppelpress.lu

www.ramborn.com

2

There is a fine tradition of locally butchered meat in this country, particularly beef and pork, and excellent sausages and charcuterie (delicatessen meat). A good brand to start with is Meyer, available at its butcher’s shop in Bascharage and in supermarkets.

You can buy locally produced milk, butter, yogurt and cheese. Try the local fave Kachkéis, a runny cheese (cancoillotte in French). Take a tour of the country’s biggest dairy, Luxlait.

3

www.vitarium.lu

Beer Luxembourg’s first breweries got started in the 1300s. Today, it produces several mainstay and craft brews. Lagers are popular. Ask any native Luxembourger for a recommendation.

Luxembourg produces between 12,000 and 20,000 tonnes of potatoes each year, depending on the harvest. Many of those spuds are used for one of the country’s favourite dishes, Gromperekichelcher (potato pancakes or potato fritters).

MY LUXEMBOURG

“Because Luxembourg is so multilingual, it is o i le to et it o t speaking Luxembourgish. t it li e i in it an in ata le rin You’re not really immersed.

You’re missing out."

Pick up groceries

www.auchandrive.lu

www.coradrive.lu

Takeaway delivery Takeaway.com allows diners to choose the amount of their order and how much, if anything, they are willing to pay for delivery.

Foostix and Webfood have a great choice of restaurants.

Club with colleagues for office lunch delivery via Grouplunch.

Potatoes

Salaisons Meyer

www.luxcaddy.lu

Auchan Drive has four pickup points (Cloche d’Or, Bertrange, Foetz or Munsbach) and Cora Drive has one (Foetz).

www.visitmoselle.lu

Dairy

Meat

Groceries to your door

4

www.takeaway.com

www.foostix.com

www.webfood.eu

www.grouplunch.lu

Cook your own Foodbox and Hellofresh deliver recipes and just the right amount of ingredients for you to prepare healthy meals at home.

5

www.foodbox.lu

www.hellofresh.lu

Fresh fruit & veg

Wendy Winn

Order local and sustainable produce from Co-labor and Les paniers de Sandrine.

Ara Radio presenter on learning languages

(Expat Guide 2019-2020)

www.co-labor.lu Les paniers de Sandrine

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman (archives)

34

Dog days of winter

1

City parks It may seem obvious, but in winter your canine still needs to get some fresh air. There are 16 “dog friendly areas” in the capital. “The parks are enclosed and gated, and dogs may be allowed off lead in these areas safely. There will be a variety of dogs with different temperaments in the park throughout the day,” Nicky notes. So she suggests that dog owners visit each location to see which ones are the best fit for them and their pet.

2

Manage o e ol

a te

Be a responsible resident while reducing your environmental footprint.

www.vdl.lu

City walk One of Nicky’s own favourite promenades is just a stone’s throw from her salon. “Take your dog for a walk in the park of Merl, and then have a hot chocolate and share a croissant at the Goeres restaurant there.”

3

35

Forest walk For longer outings, there are great walks in the Bambësch forest and many dogs will love to traipse through the leaves or snow.

To make things more of an adventure, Nicky suggests: “Play with your dog around your own agility course, make him walk along the fallen trees, or jump over them. Hide and make him find you, [which is] often better with two people--one distracts him while the other hides.

Now is the time to reinforce the sit-lie-stay type of training in a relaxed, open area.”

Sort your waste Waste needs to be sorted before collection into separate colour coded bins or bags--for paper and cardboard, glass containers, plastic containers, organic matter and residual household waste.

Pickup Your local council will explain the pickup schedule and provide the proper bins and bags.

Get additional blue recycling bags free of charge directly from the reception desk of your town hall.

There are occasional pickups for specific items such as Christmas trees and used clothing.

Many communes can arrange special pickup for construction and garden waste.

Introduced in June 2019 by the waste management company Valorlux and retail federation CLC, the Superbag costs 35 cents and can be used to replace single-use plastic bags when buying loose fruits and vegetables in a range of supermarkets throughout the grand duchy. The éco-sac is a “bag for life” that can be purchased at the checkouts at most supermarkets.

Drop off Excess recycling that does not fit in the bin or bag needs to be dropped off at a recycling centre.

Certain items like batteries and hazardous waste can only be taken to a recycling centre. Each commune has its own facility. Rules and times vary between local councils. Check with your town hall or on the Sidor website for locations.

Buy a Superbag and an éco-sac

www.sidor.lu

www.valorlux.lu

Shop package free The Ouni package-free store has proved so popular it opened a second outlet in Dudelange. The original store, in rue Glesener in Luxembourg City, opened in December 2016 after a crowdfunding campaign.

www.ouni.lu

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman (archives)

MY LUXEMBOURG

e o r er ant to live like the French and think like the Germans.”

Prince Motiani Indian expat’s cultural insights after more than 30 years in the grand duchy (Delano February-March 2019)

Daily life

Does your canine get the cold weather blues? Nicky Caverhill of the Moien Mupp pet grooming salon in Merl offers these suggestions.

How to

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Fit into the neighbourhood

5 Facebook groups Facebook groups in Luxembourg targeting expats provide a realtime source of information and support to new arrivals or those just seeking help, advice or ideas.

1

Mirco Rubel started Expats de Lux more than ten years ago when he first came to the country: “I lived in Brussels before and there was a similar group. It didn’t exist in Luxembourg, so I decided to start it.”

It is not always easy to make friends with your neighbours. Here are a few hints.

2

It’s OK to ask

Quiet time

The cliché is that Luxembourgers can be frosty to newcomers and there is an element of truth to that. But if you need help sorting out the rubbish collection schedule or can’t tell your Bouneschlupp from your Judd mat Gaardebounen, then politely ask for help. Most Luxembourgers want to be good neighbours too and to share their culture with expats.

Many Luxembourg residents take the evening and Sunday noise ban quite seriously, so go with the flow. Even at other times, warn neighbours when you’ll be having a big fête.

If you live in a flat, try not to run the washing machine before 8 a.m. or after 9 p.m., and take off high heels when you come home late.

Keep things tidy Put out bins on the right day and bring them in as soon as you can after they are collected, keep your garden and terraces clean and maintained, park your cars correctly, and generally keep your exterior space in order. It will put you in a good light.

3

Language effort 4

Sophie Kerschen MBE Former British chamber manager on integration (Expat Guide 2018-2019)

Luxembourg Parents Created in 2013 by a group of expat mums with more than 9,100 members.

MY LUXEMBOURG

Luxembourg Expats The biggest Facebook group calls itself a “community for expats to help each other enhance their living experience.” With more than 33,000 members, expats seek advice and recommendations on everything from housing, jobs, eat-outs and insurance to shopping and travel.

Try to attend festivals in your neighbourhood or town. It’s the best way to meet and get to know both native Luxembourgers and integrated international residents.

a e an e ort to et o t an eet eo le ere i a lot going on, but you do have to et o t t ere an n at intere t o

Ladies of Luxembourg Ara City Radio presenter Marina Lai Lentz started Ladies of Luxembourg because: “The sooner you find a sense of community, the sooner you feel settled in a new place. I wanted to reach out to other women working and living here.”

Village fairs

Don’t be too timid: a little Luxembourgish can go a long way. If you make some effort, it will be returned in kind.

Expats de Lux

5

My Mamer British mother Jane Exall started My Mamer “to meet local residents and make friends”.

There are other location-specific groups for expats.

Photos ¨ Mike Zenari (archives) ¨ Facebook groups researched by Sarita Rao

36

DON‘T WAIT UNTIL IT‘S TOO LATE!

We fly for your life YOU SUPPORT air rescue in Luxembourg and the Greater Region YOU HELP save lives WE OFFER a professional repatriation worldwide Become a LAR member now and travel at ease, knowing that you are not alone. In the event of a medical emergency abroad, LAR will bring you back home safely.

Tel.: (+352) 48 90 06

www.lar.lu

Find outof-hours healthcare

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Manage medical appointments The health insurance system may differ from your previous country. Here’s a brief primer.

Here’s how to find care for pressing medical issues.

1

Ambulance If you need an ambulance, phone 112.

2

A&E Hospitals operate their emergency rooms on a rota system. To find the nearest open A&E, go to www.sante. public.lu and click on “Urgences et gardes” and then “Services d’urgence des hôpitaux de garde”.

How reimbursement works The majority of healthcare services in Luxembourg operate on an upfront payment basis. This means you will either pay for the treatment at the end of an appointment or receive a bill in the post.

Most private sector employees are insured by the National Health Fund (Caisse Nationale de Santé), which will reimburse up to 80% of the cost for covered treatments.

www.cns.public.lu

Book an appointment You can consult with any GP or specialist doctor in the country who is accepting new patients without a referral. Ask friends and colleagues for recommendations.

The easiest way to book an appointment with a physician--as well as dentists, physical therapists and other medical professionals--is using the Doctena platform.

en.doctena.lu

Supplementary insurance Top-up coverage (assurance complémentaire) is available from a mutual insurer (mutuelle).

Find a list of authorised mutual insurers by going to www.cmcm.lu and clicking on “CMCM” and then “Health mutuals”.

3

The CHL Kannerklinik (+352 4411-6148) is open 24/7 and the Clinique Bohler (+352 2468-5540) is open daily from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m.

Submit claims After medical appointments, send the original invoice (plus proof of payment if you paid later) by post to the CNS, Service de Remboursement, 125 route d’Esch, L-2980 Luxembourg. No stamp is required. Remember to keep a scanned copy for your own records. Each time you request reimbursement, include your full name, address and 13-digit identification number.

4

Online consultations Many physicians, dentists and midwives provide teleconsultations through the government’s eConsult system.

econsult.esante.lu

MY LUXEMBOURG

“ e ain o en re ect l and don’t be afraid to voice your concerns."

Nora Beresford US-born attorney on seeking advice from Luxembourgers (Expat Guide 2018-2019)

Dental emergencies Contact the on-duty hospital.

5

First-time submission When you send your first invoice, include your bank account details (relevé d’identité bancaire). Your details will then be stored by the CNS for future reimbursements.

Children’s emergency rooms

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 There are three after-hours healthcare clinics (maisons médicales de garde), for medical issues that cannot wait for your GP but are not urgent enough for an A&E visit. The centres are located in Luxembourg-Gare, Esch-sur-Alzette and Ettelbruck.

They are open weeknights between 8 p.m. and 12 midnight, and weekends and holidays from 8 a.m. to 12 midnight.

Appointments need to be booked in advance via www.sante.lu/mm or +352 20 333 111. In case of medical emergencies after 12 midnight, patients should telephone 112.

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman (archives)

38

EDSUN artist

So t mobility options

How to

Hit the road

Here are a few ways to reduce your car use.

1 EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

If you drive in Luxembourg, you should know about these five things.

Mobilitéitzentral All public transport in the grand duchy (except first-class train travel) is free. The ‘mobility centre’ provides information on all bus, rail and tram services nationally, in English and several other languages. Visit its info desk in the central train station, download the Mobilitéit app or check its website.

2

www.mobiliteit.lu

Hire bikes Vel’oh is the public bike rental scheme for Luxembourg City and the surrounding area, while Vël’OK is the system for Esch-sur-Alzette and the South region. It’s cheap but you need to open an account in advance. Short-term bike rentals are available nationally.

Vehicle inspection

Low-emission incentives

All automobiles, motorcycles and trailers registered in the grand duchy need to be checked by an authorised technical inspection body on a regular basis. Automobiles and motorcycles need to be checked 4 years after they first hit the road, then 2 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 expiration of the current technical inspection certificate. 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 plug-in car or van (with emissions below 50g/km) and €5,000 on a fully electric or hydrogen-powered vehicle.

rdv.snct.lu

www.dekra-automotive.lu

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 M and S, or have a symbol of a mountain and a snowflake on them.

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 2 hours).

Similar schemes are run in the other bigger communes.

While nearly every insurance policy will cover towing a vehicle immobilised after an accident, roadside assistance for breakdowns is not always included in standard packages. That’s why many drivers buy a top-up policy. The gold standard in the grand duchy is the Automobile Club of Luxembourg.

www.acl.lu

MY LUXEMBOURG

t er o e a a ro home for most of us.”

Ciaran O’Flatharta Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg chair on the importance of joining a local group (Delano March-April 2020)

www.veloh.lu

www.velok.lu

www.visitluxembourg.lu

P+R If you drive into the capital, you can park for free (up to 24 hours) at a park and ride facility and then connect to public transport to complete your trip. There are five on the city’s periphery; the largest ones are in Hollerich and Howald.

Winter tyres

Breakdown insurance

Parking permits

3

4

Alternative garages If you want to take your car into the centre, consider using the Monterey or Fort Neipperg parking garages, which are often less crowded than Knuedler, Théâtre or St-Esprit. Fort Neipperg is free for the first hour. Glacis and Schuman parking garages are free at weekends. The capital’s website has real-time updates on available spaces.

www.vdl.lu

Photo ¨ Mike Zenari (archives)

40

42

EXPAT GOODS

Colruyt

Aldo Bei & Fils

Cora

www.aldobei.lu

Asia Market www.asiamarket.lu

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Au Gourmet Grec www.augourmetgrec.com

Eirelux www.eirelux.com

Enoteca Italiana www.enotecaitaliana.lu

Home from Home www.homefromhome.lu

La Rioja www.larioja.lu

Luxcaddy.lu

www.colruyt.lu

www.cora.lu

Delhaize Delhaize Luxembourg

Lidl Lidl Luxembourg

Massen www.massen.lu

Match www.supermarche-match.lu

Monoprix Monoprix Luxembourg

Pall Center www.pallcenter.lu

Happ HaPP Luxembourg

Hello Fresh HelloFresh

Le Chat Biotté Le Chat Biotté

DIY/HOME IMPROVEMENT

Abitare Living

www.bati-c.com

www.abitare-living.lu

Art Rooms ARTROOMS

Carrerouge

www.scanshop.lu

www.biolux.lu

www.carrerouge.lu

Tandoori Market

Mullebutz

Conforama

www.bio-mullebutz.lu

www.conforama.lu

Vincente & Fils

Naturata

Hema

www.vinosvicente.lu

www.naturata.lu

www.hema.lu

Vinoteca

Nature Elements

Ikea

www.vinoteca.lu

www.naturelements.lu

www.ikea.com

SUPER MARKETS

Niessen organic butchers

Kichechef

www.niessen.lu

www.kichechef.lu

Ouni

Maisons du Monde

Aldi

www.ouni.lu

www.maisonsdumonde.com

PRODUCE AND MEAL DELIVERY

Miwwelhaus Koeune

Alima Luxembourg

Auchan www.auchan.lu

Cactus www.cactus.lu

Biobus www.biobus.de

www.bonn.lu

Brakonier www.nbr.lu

co-labor s.c.

Bati C Batiself www.batiself.lu

Bauhaus www.bauhaus.lu

Brico www.brico.be

Gardencenter+ www.gardencenter.lu

Hornbach www.hornbach.lu

Leon Steffes www.leonsteffes.lu

Leroy Merlin France www.leroymerlin.fr

Maroldt www.maroldt.lu

COSMETICS & PERSONAL CARE

www.koeune.eu

Möbel Martin Germany www.moebel-martin.de

Mobilier Jardin www.mobilierjardin.lu

Co-labor

www.tapishertz.lu

HOME FURNISHINGS & DÉCOR

BioLux Organic Products

Alima

Tapis Hertz

www.troc.com

Scan Shop

www.aldi.lu

www.reedandsimon.com

Troc

www.poissonneriearctic.lu

Tandoori Market

Reed & Simon

www.lespaniersdesandrine.lu

Bonn Mobilier

Poissonnerie Arctic

www.phillipps.lu

Les Paniers de Sandrine

ORGANIC AND NATURAL PRODUCTS

www.luxcaddy.lu

Peinture Phillipps

Au plaisir des sens Au plaisir des sens

Belissima Drogerie Markt Belissima drogerie Markt - bm

DM-Drogerie Markt Germany www.dm.de

44

Ici Paris XL www.iciparisxl.lu

Marionnaud France www.marionnaud.fr

Parfumeries Milady

Lët’z Go Local Lët’z go local

Manalena Concept Store Manalena Concept Store

Marché des Créateurs www.mudam.lu

Intersport Intersport Luxembourg

Peters Sports www.peters-sports.lu

Surf In SURF IN

DRY CLEANERS 5àsec www.5asec.lu

Bubble‘N’Lock www.bubblenlock.lu

Parfumeries Milady

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Planet Parfum

Modu Shop The Modu Shop

www.planetparfum.com

Rossmann drugstores Germany www.rossmann.de

Sephora www.sephora.com

Yves Rocher www.yvesrocherluxembourg.lu

STYLE Be Bold by Diamany www.beboldbydiamany.com

Bijoux Annick Mersch www.annickmersch.com

Blanlac www.blanlac.com

Bram www.bram.lu

By Siebenaler www.bysiebenaler.com

Ezri Kahn Ezri Kahn

Fabienne en ville www.fabienneenville.lu

Gold & Wood www.gold-and-wood.com

Hootli www.hootli.lu

Impashion

Natural Vibes www.naturalvibes.eu

Nuvola Baby www.nuvolababy.com

www.lena.lu

Auchan Kirchberg 5 rue Alphonse Weicker L-2721, Luxembourg www.auchan.lu B16

Klin www.klin.lu

HOUSEHOLD SERVICES Appilux www.appilux.lu

Secondhand4sale Secondhand4sale

Stine Bülow Goldsmith

Belle Etoile Route d’Arlon L-8050, Bertrange www.belle-etoile.lu H4

Trouvailles www.second-hand-store.lu

Belval Plaza 7+14 avenue du Rock & Roll L-4361, Esch-Belval www.belvalshopping.lu J3

Vol(t)age vol-t-age.com

City Concorde

What.Eve.Wears www.whatevewears.com

80 route de Longwy L-8060, Bertrange www.concorde.lu H4

Yileste

Cloche d’Or

www.yileste.com

Rue Friedrich Wilhelm Raiffeisen & boulevard de Kockelscheuer L-2411, Luxembourg www.lco.lu J11

SPORTING & OUTDOOR GOODS AS Adventure www.asadventure.com

Asport www.asport.lu

Citabel Sports www.citabel.lu

Decathalon Belgium & France www.decathlon.fr

Freelander’s www.freelanders.lu

Batmaid www.batmaid.lu

Extra Time

www.stinebulow.com

www.impashion.com

Lena

SHOPPING CENTRES

www.extratime.lu

Immaculate Cleaning Services Luxembourg Immaculate Cleaning Services Luxembourg

Privilege Services www.privilege-services.lu

HAIRDRESSERS According to my Style www.accordingtomystyle.lu

Knauf Shopping Center

Beim Figaro

19 Bastnicherstrooss L-9638, Pommerloch www.knaufshopping.lu D2

www.beimfigaro.lu

Esprit Coiffure www.esprit-coiffure.lu

Laangwiss 1 & 2 7 rue Nicolas Glesener L-6131, Junglinster www.langwies.lu G5

Topaze Shopping Center Rue de Colmar-Berg L-7525, Mersch www.topaze.lu F4

Ferber Hair & Style www.ferber.lu

Ryanhair www.ryanhair.lu

Toni & Guy www.toniandguy.lu

46

PRIMARY CARE PAEDIATRIC PHYSICIANS CARE

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Centre Médical Luxembourg

Children’s hospital (Kannerklinik)

30 rue Frantz Seimetz L-2531, Luxembourg 27 85 28 1 D11

4 rue Ernest Barblé L-1210, Luxembourg 44 11 31 33 www.kannerklinik.chl.lu H4

Centre Médical Mercure 41 avenue de la Gare L-1611, Luxembourg 28 37 27 1 G12

Centre Médical Merl 189 route de Longwy L-1941, Luxembourg 26 02 86 1 F9

AFTER HOURS DOCTORS Maison Médicale Luxembourg City, Esch & Ettelbruck sante.public.lu/mm

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

Centre Hospitalier Emile Mayrisch Rue Emile Mayrisch L-4240, Esch-sur-Alzette 57 11 1 www.chem.lu J3

Webtaxi

Arche Noah – Animal Resort

Problem?

Arche Noah – Animal Resort

Cat Hotel www.cathotel.lu

DogStays www.dogstays.lu

Clinique Bohler’s paediatric polyclinic 5 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 24 68 55 44 www.cbk.lu B16

Centre de pédiatrie du Val-Ste-Croix

4 allée Léopold Goebel L-1635, Luxembourg secretariat@centredepediatrie.lu www.centredepediatrie.lu E10

DENTISTS Integra Medical Group www.integra.lu

ACCIDENT & EMERGENCY DEPARTMENT

PET CARE

Centre Médico-Dentaire Luxembourg www.centremedicodentairedeluxembourg.lu

Centre Médico-Dentaire Porte-Neuve www.cmdpn.lu

VETERINA RIANS Emergency vet on duty

Dogwalker.lu www.dogwalker.lu

Happy Tails www.happytails.vpweb.de

Lassie boarding kennels www.lassie.lu

Moien Mupp www.moienmupp.lu

Walkies Walkies www.walkieswalkies.com

ANIMAL SHELTERS Déierenasyl

9 rue Edward Steichen L-2540, Luxembourg 24 68 55 55 www.hkb.lu B16

reclamation@infotaxi.lu

URGENT SITUATIONS Police 113

Fire and rescue brigade 112

Medical emergencies 112

After-hours pharmacies www.pharmacie.lu/service-de-garde

Poison centre 80 02 55 00

Other emergency telephone numbers www.112.public.lu

Emergency information www.infocrise.lu

www.asile.lu

NEED TO SPEAK WITH SOMEONE?

SOS Animaux

Kanner Jugend Telefon

www.sos-animaux.lu

www.kjt.lu

WILD ANIMALS

www.croix-rouge.lu/en

www.deierenasyl.lu

Dudelange regional animal shelter

Luxembourg Red Cross

www.lak.lu/fr/lak/emergency-contacts

Dr Olivia Shoenfeld 62A Grand-Rue L-3394, Roeser 28 790 790 www.vetcare.lu I5

Vetolib

Wild animal care centre (Centre de soins pour la faune sauvage)

26 51 39 90 Centre De Soins De La faune Dudelange

SOS Détresse www.454545.lu

Befrienders www.befrienders.org

TAXIS

www.vetolib.vet/veterinarian/luxembourg

Colux 48 22 33

Hôpital Kirchberg

27 51 5

My Taxi Luxembourg 621 693 014

The 2 Museums of the City of Luxembourg offer you a combined entrance ticket.

An entrance ticket purchased in one of our 2 museums, the LĂŤtzebuerg City Museum or the Villa Vauban, entitles you to free admission to the other museum on presentation of the ticket.

KEEP YOUR TICKET!

citymuseum.lu

villavauban.lu

WELCOME AT D ‘ C O Q U E

• Aquatic Centre : 5 pools, water playground • Sports and cultural events • Restaurants, sports bar • Wellness Centre : sauna, hammam, massage • Climbing wall • Sport lessons • Business Centre • Hotel *** Superior & more...

ONE PLACE

1001

ACTIVITIES

www.coque.lu 2, rue Léon Hengen • L-1745 Luxembourg • Tél. +352 43 60 60 1 • info@coque.lu

48

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Childcare and family

See listings starting on page 60

TEXT PHOTO

Jess Bauldry Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne

49

Childcare & family

On paper, Luxembourg is one of the best expat destinations in the world to raise a family. Earlier this year, it ranked 11th in the “Child Flourishing Index” and in 2019, it was named by insurance broker Nimblefins as the second-best place to bring up kids.

A family-friendly fiscal policy, a high standard of living, a wealth of outdoor playgrounds and green open spaces, and a solid healthcare system are among the draws for international families to settle in this funds and banking hub.

To respond to the growing demand, Luxembourg has opened a number of public English-speaking international schools where youngsters can also learn Luxembourgish. These complement a host of international private schools and other childcare facilities.

Plus, many of the country’s services are available in English to help expat families integrate and settle more quickly.

50

Rani Roloff says Luxembourg gives children the freedom to “live, breathe and be themselves”

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21 INTERVIEW

Childcare and family

Go with the flow Rani Roloff shares her tips on raising a family and making the most of living in Luxembourg.

WORDS

M

Jess Bauldry

oving to Luxembourg from Prague in 2006, Rani Roloff was initially struck by the quietness. She quickly realised it was an ideal environment for raising children. “I think it’s one of the safest and nicest places you could bring your children up in. Children have freedom to live, breathe and be themselves. There are some fantastic schools in Luxembourg.”

Having already lived abroad, the motherof-two knew the importance of finding a support group, to compensate for the lack of family around her; “your friends almost become your family.” This, she said, wasn’t hard in Luxembourg when the children were young and she could meet the families of their friends. “You find people who connect very fast because they are as much

PHOTO

Mike Zenari

in need as you are.” That said, she urged other expats to “spread your net as far as possible,” as there will always be friends who leave when their contracts end. “It can be quite sad in its own way. If you spread your net far and wide, you have some support system and friends,” she said.

Rani says that her family benefited hugely from getting involved in different communities. “The biggest was my children’s school, St George’s.” Rani helped at the school, organising coffee mornings for parents and even worked as a sports teacher for three years. “Then, of course, the church played a really huge part in my life and the lives of my children and family.”

At the English-speaking Anglican church, Rani did readings, served on committees

and edited the church magazine for seven years. But the role she may be most widely known for today is as group leader for Telstar Scouts, an English-speaking scouting group. “I thoroughly love it and my children get a lot out of it as well.

I’ve enjoyed being there with them.”

Luxembourg’s lockdown interrupted some of these activities, but not as much as one might think. A planned district camp for 500 scouts that had to be cancelled became a virtual camp, with people camping in gardens, under kitchen tables or in bedrooms. “We had over 400 participants. It was brilliant!” she recalled.

As for many families, lockdown was disruptive, particularly for her youngest son, who faced upheaval in his schooling. Rani benefited from the time spent at home to find ways to engage with her children and “open the channels of communication, even if they don’t want to talk when you’re there,” she said. “My boys are happy-go-lucky, but everyone worries.” During this time, she says the entire family benefited from their allotment. “I had to wait three years. I got it literally before the lockdown.” Planting and tending this garden gave her family much-needed space and downtime during that testing time. “It’s an exercise and a therapy by itself.”

Today, Rani works for a fiduciary company, a job which she manages to balance with family life through a philosophy of going with the flow. “There are days when your family will take priority and days when your work will take priority. Take it × as it comes.”

The world’s most international university at your doorstep The University offers high quality study and research programmes in a multilingual and international context.

The University of Luxembourg ranks 12th in Times Higher Education’s Young University 2020 Ranking and in excellent 4th position among the world’s millennial universities.

Discover more about the university and our study programmes on: www.uni.lu

52

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Find a a itter

Best museums for kids OK, so kids and museums are not always the best combination, but Luxembourg has a few gems that may challenge this perception.

1

Butterfly garden Take a walk with stunning giant butterflies in all the colours of the rainbow at Grevenmacher’s Päiperleksgaart.

Maybe you want a date night, or there’s a last-minute emergency. Here are some things to bear in mind when looking for a babysitter.

2

www.papillons.lu

Science museum Kids and adults can’t help but get hooked on science and technology at this fun and interactive museum.

3

Know the law

Keep everything above board

If you hire a minor as a babysitter, make sure their parents are aware of the situation.

On its information site, the government advises parents to make sure that a babysitter has civil liability insurance. Anyone older than 15 can ask for pay as a babysitter.

If employing a domestic worker to care for a child on a regular basis, it is important to set out a contract with working hours, the nature of the work, method of payment, paid holidays, etc.

The employee must be registered with the CCSS, the social security administration.

A hiring declaration form can be downloaded from the government’s web portal.

www.guichet.lu

Find babysitters

The website www.afp-solidarite-famille.lu lists babysitters with specific training. Staff at your commune’s town hall may also have a list of young people available for babysitting near where you live. Parents can meet and discuss with young approved babysitters on the babysitting.lu forum.

4

www.afp-solidarite-famille.lu

www.babysitting.lu

www.fed.lu

MY LUXEMBOURG

Planes

5

Zoe Perrenoud Tips for giving birth in Luxembourg (Expat Guide 2018-2019)

www.fligermusee.lu

Battle of the Bulge Get a feel for life in Luxembourg during WWII by perusing the impressive collections and recreations at the Museum of the Battle of the Bulge in Clervaux.

“I 100% recommend hypnobirthing... it’s really helped me accept that birth is a natural process.”

www.robbesscheier.lu

Catch movies, see an impressive array of model and real aircraft, and wonder at photos of aircraft past at Mondorf-les-Bains’ Aviation Museum.

Emergency babysitter

Rural life Robbesscheier is an interactive, open-air museum organising fun workshops for youngsters to learn about what nature brings to our lives.

www.guichet.lu

If your child falls sick and cannot attend school or their regular childcare facility but you are stuck at work, Krank Kanner Doheem offers an emergency childcare service. Priority is given to single parents.

The fee is means-tested.

www.science-center.lu

www.clervaux.lu

Schwätzt Dir Lëtzebuergesch

Do you speak English

Parlez-vous ? français

Habla español

Fala português您说汉语吗

Sprechen Sie Deutsch

Parla italiano

www.inll.lu

54

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

e a nanciall literate family

5 activities for teenagers Banish boredom among your surly teens with these fun activities in Luxembourg.

1

Skydive indoors Luxfly gives a taster of skydiving without having to set foot in a plane. Available for kids and people with reduced mobility.

Helping your child learn good financial literacy can set them on the right path for life. Here are some starting points.

2

www.indoorskydive.lu

Escape room A handful of escape rooms have mushroomed in the grand duchy recently. Our favourite is Enigmo Rooms, in Dudelange, which has three different games.

3

www.enigmo.lu

Stand-up paddle The best way to explore the Upper Sûre Lake is by stand-up paddle board. Boards are rented to groups from the nautical base.

Primary pupils Woch vun de Suen (Money Week) is part of a European-wide initiative from the European Banking Federation, organised in the grand duchy by the Luxembourg Bankers’ Association’s ABBL Foundation for Financial Education. The scheme was conceived for pupils in primary school cycle 4 (aged 10-12).

Financial education for Luxembourg

Secondary students Apps, chatbots and simulations The Luxembourg financial regulator CSSF has created several digital tools, including Lëtzfin, a portal covering daily expenses, insurance, loans, savings and investing, pensions, over-indebtedness and other topics along three channels: children, working adults and retirees. The site features budget tools and loan simulators, for example. At the time of writing, the site was available in French and German, but English, Luxembourgish and Portuguese were expected to be added.

Games Educational chatbot The Financial Game of Life is available in English, French and German, for students aged 16 and up. Accessible via Facebook, it was developed by Luxembourg students for their peers to simulate the financial situation of a working adult. Players advance levels by managing their finances responsibly.

There is a separate educational app for students under the age of 16, on Android and Apple

platforms, along the same lines as The Financial Game of Life, but with fewer features. The CSSF also has a budgeting app available now for both Android and Apple devices.

4

Teens, young adults and older The Association of the Luxembourg Fund Industry runs the Understanding Investing website, available in English, French and German. The site features plain language explainers and podcasts on savings, investments and money management.

www.understandinginvesting.org

Students If your children are heading to higher education, give them a head start on budgeting with one of the scores of apps out there.

UK student accommodation group Unite Students recommends Squirrel (iOS/Android), Wally (iOS), Splitwise for splitting bills (iOS/Android) and Chip (iOS/Android).

Geocaching The youth hostel in Echternach organises geocaching for groups of people aged 10 upwards for a fee. Find clues, solve puzzles and accomplish tasks to find the treasure.

Real-life spending Pocket Money is a money management tool for youngsters to use together with their parents. Parents serve as bankers and, through their respective mobile phones, allocate pocket money while children keep track of their spending. Parents can monitor but cannot control spending. Kids can also ask for loans or extra payments. At the moment, Pocket Money is available in French and German, but the CSSF is working on English, Luxembourgish and Portuguese versions.

www.basenautique.lu

5

www.mullerthal.lu

Frisbee golf The eight-disc pole frisbee golf course starts in Bourglinster by the hiking pavilion next to the castle car park. Players should bring their own frisbees.

www.mullerthal.lu

international school edward steichen c l e r v a u x

| accredited european school |

My future starts here...

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On rma line pr tion e : Te l s e n t a t

ion! or v : +352 2 ia S k y p 0 6 0 07 e -210

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Full-time school from 7 am - 7 pm

English Section

Nursery, Primary & Secondary European Baccalaureate

Deutschsprachige Abteilung

Contemporary learning Differentiation for talent

Kindergarten, Primar & Sekundar Europäisches Abitur

Section Francophone

Multilingualism Multiculturalism

Maternelle, Primaire & Secondaire Baccalauréat Européen

21st century skills Coaching and educational assistance

more information mehr Informationen plus d‘informations www.lesc.lu 1, rue Edward Steichen L-9707 Clervaux

I+352 I 206 007-1

Go on a virtual tour!

info@lesc.lu

facebook.com/Lesc.clervaux/

Enrolment is open!

56

How to

5 team sports for kids

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Stay safe online

Let your kids burn off some energy and make friends by enrolling them in a team sport.

1

Excessive screen time, cyberbullying and online grooming are just some of the worries parents may have when it comes to allowing their children online.

Baseball Luxembourg boasts two baseball clubs, the Beckerich Hedgehogs and the Dudelange Red Sappers.

2

Swimming In addition to a handful of competitive swimming clubs in Luxembourg, there’s a youth water polo section at the Swimming Luxembourg club in the capital.

www.

3

Explore together

Ground rules

Explore online together with your child.

That way you’ll share the positive and negative online experiences together and you’ll better understand their vulnerabilities.

Establish ground rules with your child.

Set a limit on the amount of screen time they have each day and when (avoid before bedtime), avoid screen time for under 3s, when possible, and give your child some freedom. Parents of adolescents should accept that it will be impossible to monitor everything their child does online.

Set parameters Apply appropriate settings for your child on electronic devices. Use different secure passwords for each account and regularly update software to prevent hacking.

On a device used by a child, create a user account with limited access, define the home page and permitted sites, limit the length of time the child uses the device and their app purchases, and deactivate functions which are not necessary.

Be a role model Set a good example. Kids learn through imitation.

You are the most important example for your child. Discuss media usage and adopt exemplary habits.

Critical mindset Teach your child to have a critical mindset about what they see and read online.

Look at posts and ask: was it posted as a form of advertising? Does the poster generate money each time a person clicks?

Is it posted by a person or a bot? Pay particular attention to posts with brands and logos that could attract your child’s attention.

Stay current Keep informed by reading widely on the subject.

Bee Secure regularly posts timely articles in French and German on internet security.

www.bsfl.lu

4

Find tools Research which websites and applications could be beneficial to your child. The internet can also offer a world of learning experiences for children.

Keep engaged Encourage your child to talk to you when they come across troubling content. Discuss ways to respond and good habits to adopt in future.

Tell your child that they can trust you and you will support them.

www.bee-secure.lu

www.rugby.lu

Cricket The Luxembourg Cricket Federation organises weekly training all year round for youngsters aged 6-16 held by volunteer coaches. There is also a Summer Cricket Academy.

Learn about gaming Take an interest in the video games your child plays. The PEGI label helps parents find games adapted to their child’s age and skills.

If you know how a game works, it is easier to set limits on the duration of time your child spends playing it.

Rugby Depending on the age of your kids and where you live, check out the Little Lions (for little ones), Rugby Club Luxembourg (juniors through to seniors and touch rugby), CSCE Rugby Club (4-18-year-olds), Rugby Club Terres Rouges (kids from 4+) and Rugby Eagles (4-18-year-olds).

Think before posting Teach your child to think before reacting to social media posts. Discuss the risks they run into in different scenarios, such as sharing personal information and photos.

www.flns.lu

5

lcfjuniors.wordpress.com

Hockey Hockey Club Luxembourg runs a social hockey section for young people aged 5-18 with a fully qualified coach.

Hockey Club Luxembourg

www.islux.lu

We ensure that everyone in our community becomes inspired, resilient and passionate about achieving what matters, anywhere in the world.

58

5 familyfriendly restaurants

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Find a tutor

1

Brasserie Chalet am Brill One of several restaurants that form the Mondorf-les-Bains spa facility, its big draw is the impressive walled garden and playground where, on sunny days, children can roam freely.

The cuisine is Luxembourg-French brasserie style.

Getting a private tutor to support your child in their school journey is common in Luxembourg.

Here are a few starting points.

2

Avenue Marie-Adélaïde, Mondorf-les-Bains www.mondorf.lu

Bei der Giedel A welcome refuelling point. Simple fayre of omelette and hearty slabs of meat, raclette and a novel take on macaroni and cheese all make this the soul-food go-to.

3

81 place de Saintignon, Lasauvage www.beidergiedel.lu

Echternach youth hostel This youth hostel offers lush green views of the lake and nearby Little Switzerland where you can stroll and work up an appetite before dining at the Melting Pot restaurant.

4

Low-cost tutoring

Luxembourg aggregators

Tutoring can cost anywhere between €20 and €60 per session, depending on the subject and experience of the tutor. NYKI (Now You Know It) offers a directory of private tutors across languages and disciplines. The fee is means-tested in order to broaden access to the advantages tutoring can bring children.

There are a number of private tutor search tools specific to Luxembourg, including:

www.nyki.lu

Ask at school Your child’s teacher or parents of their friends may be able to recommend a good tutor for your child.

Search Facebook Facebook is a popular platform for tutors to advertise their services. A quick search of keywords such as “tutor” and “Luxembourg” brings up a long list of candidates. Parent forums can also be a good place to find recommendations.

www.superprof.lu

www.homehelp.lu

www.reussitschool.lu

www.inlingua.lu

www.mastercraft.lu

www. intellego.lu

www.coursathome.lu

Apps If your child is content to follow learning programmes on their own, there is an incredible amount of free applications and games to assist them in their interests.

Photomath helps learners to solve mathematical problems. All you do is take a photo of the question and the app teaches you how to solve it with step-by-step explainers. For more advanced learners, Delano recommends Khan Academy and Udemy (subscription fee), which teaches via video tutorials.

Chemin vers Rodenhof, Echternach www.youthhostels.lu

Lou’s Diner One of the Mullerthal region’s best-kept secrets, people have been known to drive out just for the homely American burgers and fries.

2 rue de Grevenmacher, Beidweiler Lou’s Diner

5

Mudam Café Museums and kids are not always a good combination.

But Luxembourg’s Mudam is not your average contemporary art museum--it hosts workshops for kids, and the bright, spacious café is a great place to let little ones run off the leash. Food is simple but fresh and wholesome, with vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options.

3 Park Dräi Eechelen, Luxembourg-Kirchberg www.mudam.com/café

STAY HEALTHY. ENJOY LIFE.

THANKS TO CMCM.

Best health mutual for the whole family.

Thanks to CMCM, the biggest health mutual in Luxembourg with 270.000 members and more than 2.500 benefits, you and your family will benefit from a 1st class health coverage. Whether you are hospitalized in Luxembourg or in the event of a transfer abroad, in need of dental and visual care or treatment with a certified osteopath or chiropractor, CMCM will be there for you.

Also included, a 24/7 worldwide assistance in case of an accident or sudden illness during your vacation, such as unlimited repatriation or a trip cancellation insurance. Your well-being is the most important to us.

More information on : www.cmcm.lu

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60

AU PAIR Accueil-aupair.lu

Children’s World Belair, Findel, Kirchberg, Les Muguets, Merl, Strassen 26 09 43 99 www.childrensworld.lu

www.accueil-aupair.lu

Alpha Omega www.ao-aupair.lu

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Greataupair.com www.greataupair.com

BABY SITTING

Crèche BioBÊbÊ Munsbach, Mamer, Limpertsberg 27 69 42 67 www.biobebe.lu

Crèche Le Petit Prince Bertrange 31 93 09 www.creche-petitprince.lu

Crèche TiramisÚ AdomÊa Services www.adomea-services.lu

Babysits.lu en.babysits.lu/babysitting/luxembourg/

Babysitting.lu Nationwide service run with the cooperation of communal services www.babysitting.lu

Krank Kanner Doheem Provides emergency home care for children who are sick and not allowed to attend crèche.

48 07 79

CRĂˆCHE Aisia Crèche Bertrange 20 40 87 00 www.aisiacreche.lu

Aux enfants gâtÊs Belair 27 44 97 33 www.auxenfantsgates.lu

Babouille Strassen 26 31 19 09 www.babouille.lu

BabyHome Junglinster, Gasperich, Hamm 26 78 25 33 www.babyhome.lu

Bei de Raupen Schifflange 27 51 84 84 www.beidenraupen.lu

Butterfly Valley/ Caterpillar Haven Bertrange 27 84 88 98 www.butterflyvalley.lu

Helmsange, Bereldange 26 33 04 30 www.crechetiramisu.lu

CYK Strassen 28 77 55 00 www.cyk.lu

FAMILY SUPPORT

EDUCATION INFORMATION

Arcus

Cellule d’Accueil Scolaire pour Élèves Nouveaux

Supports children and families through a variety of services. www.arcus.lu

Bee Secure Internet safety for parents and kids. www.bee-secure.lu

Provides information about the Luxembourg post-primary education system.

24 78 52 77 casna@men.lu

Luxembourg Schools Support Group

Variety of family support services.

A volunteer group that provides assistance and information for English-speaking expats to navigate the education system.

www.caritas.lu

www.lssg.lu

Kannerschlass parent school

HOME SCHOOLING

Caritas

Range of therapy and support for families in difficulty. www.kannerschlass.lu

Kids’ Ville

Kriibskrank Kanner

Beggen 26 43 12 80 www.kidsville.lu

Support association accompanying families of children with cancer. www.fondatioun.lu

Luxembourg Association for Freedom of Instruction (ALLI) Association and information for homeschooling families. www.alliasbl.lu

L’Enfant Roi

La Leche League

Strassen, Bertrange, Findel, Kirchberg, Cloche d’Or, Mamer 27 84 51 www.lenfant-roi.lu

International breastfeeding counselling organisation.

Rock Kids Several locations 28 80 08 info@rockids.lu www.rockids.lu

Luxmama

ENGLISH LANGUAGE SCHOOLS

Information on parenting alternatives, birth rights and perinatal mental health in English.

AthĂŠnĂŠe de Luxembourg

www.lalecheleague.lu

www.luxmamaclub.com

Sunflower Montessori Crèche

Midwife.lu

Ersange, Moutfort, Findel, Bertrange 26 15 93 1 www.sunflower.lu

www.midwife.lu

FAMILY PLANNING

Support group and network for parents and professionals related to the field of health, education and children’s social development.

Family Planning

Pro Familia Foundation

The family planning ensures access to sexual and reproductive health information and services for all.

Support and training for parents.

Luxembourg City, Esch-sur-Alzette, Ettelbruck 48 59 76 www.planningfamilial.lu

Luxembourg midwife service.

Passage

www.passage.lu

www.profamilia.lu

Service National de la Jeunesse Organises activities for children and young people. www.snj.public.lu

The Luxembourg Daddy Group ASBL Social group for dads and their children. www.daddies.lu

Public school offering International Baccalaureate programme.

24 boulevard Pierre Dupong L-1430 Merl 44 02 49-1 www.al.lu G10

Differdange & Esch-sur-Alzette International School Public school offering European Baccalaureate programme.

50 rue Emile Mark, Differdange & 91 rue Victor Hugo, Esch-sur-Alzette 58 77 1 – 1977 www.eide.lu I2, J3

École 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

Education ministry international education coordinator Guidance on international education options.

European School I Private school offering European Baccalaureate programme.

23 boulevard Konrad Adenauer L-1115 Kirchberg 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

International School of Luxembourg Private school offering IGCSE, high school diploma and International Baccalaureate Diploma programmes.

36 boulevard Pierre Dupong L-1430 Merl 26 04 40 www.islux.lu G10

Public primary and secondary school offering European Baccalaureate programme in English.

20 route de Luxembourg L-5634 Mondorf-les-Bains 27 69 63-1 www.eimlb.lu J5

OTR International School Private school offering education up to the age of 15, with International Baccalaureate middle years programme.

7 rue Val Ste Croix, L-1371 Belair 26 09 45 42 www.otrinternationalschool.lu E10

2 rue Victor Ferrant L-6122 Junglinster 27 69 63-1 www.lensterlycee.lu G5

LycĂŠe PrivĂŠ Emile Metz Private 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 61-456 www.lpem.lu B12

Michel Lucius International School Public school with English sections at primary and secondary, offering IGCSE, AS- and A-levels programme.

157 avenue Pasteur L-2311 Limpertsberg 47 33 05-50 www.lml.lu C10

2 avenue de l’UniversitÊ L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette wwwen.uni.lu J3, D13

SPECIAL EDUCATION NEEDS

Centre pour le dĂŠveloppement socio-ĂŠmotionnel info@cc-cdse.lu

Dys-positiv Caritas service supporting young people with dyslexia, dysorthographia, dyscalculia and/or dyspraxia. www.dys-positiv.lu

Agence pour la transition vers une vie autonome

Dyspraxie Luxembourg ASBL

Helps support young people and their parents in the new stage of their working lives.

Informational website founded by mothers of children with learning difficulties.

St George’s International School

Asebs

Private English language primary and secondary, offering IGCSE, AS- and A-levels programme.

Voluntary association supporting children with learning difficulties in private schools in Luxembourg.

11 rue des Peupliers L-2328 Hamm 42 32 24 www.st-georges.lu F15

www.asebs.lu

Waldorfschoul

www.logopedie.lu

Private preschool, primary and secondary school with International Baccalaureate.

45 rue de l’Avenir, L-1147 Limpertsberg 46 69 32 www.waldorf.lu iwaldorf@ecole.lu C11

UNIVERSITIES BBI Wiltz Bachelor and master’s degrees in international hospitality and tourism management.

35 château de Wiltz, L-9516 Wiltz www.bbi-edu.eu D3

Lunex University Bachelor, master and foundation programmes in sports sciences.

50 avenue du Parc des Sports L-4671 Differdange www.lunex-university.net I2

Sacred Heart University Part-time MBA programme, MBA with internships and other executive programmes.

7 rue Alcide de Gasperi L-2981 Luxembourg www.shu.lu D13

United Business Institutes Wiltz Bachelor, MBA and DBA programmes.

Château de Wiltz, L-9516 Wiltz www.ubi.edu D3

Centre de logopĂŠdie Specialist school for children with language and speech difficulties.

Centre pour enfants et jeunes Ă haut potentiel School for gifted children. info@cc-cejhp.lu

Centre pour enfants et jeunes prÊsentant un trouble du spectre de l’autisme Specialist centre for young people with autism spectrum disorders. info@cc-ctsa.lu

Centre pour le dĂŠveloppement des apprentissages GrandeDuchesse Maria Teresa Centre for learners with dyslexia, dyscalculia and dyspraxia. www.cc-cda.lu

Centre pour le dĂŠveloppement intellectuel Centre regrouping all of the differentiated education sites in Luxembourg. info@cc-cdi.lu

Centre pour le dĂŠveloppement moteur Specialist school for development of motor skills. info@cc-cdm.lu

61

Centre for learners with behavioural disorders.

www.dyspraxie.lu

info@cc-atva.lu

LĂŤnster LycĂŠe Public school with English sections at primary and secondary where the European Baccalaureate programme is taught.

University of Luxembourg

MĂŠdiation Scolaire Mediation service to intervene in issues between families and schools. www.mediationscolaire.lu

Scap Consultation and support service for attention deficit disorders, perception or psychomotor development disorders. www.scap.lu

EXTRA CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES Bee Creative www.bee-creative.lu

Bricks4kidz www.bricks4kidz.lu

Coder Dojo www.coderdojo.lu

Code Club Luxembourg www.codeclub.lu

Kids Life Skills www.kidslifeskills.org

Women in Digital Empowerment www.wide.lu/girlsindigital

Workshop4me www.workshop4me.org

Luxembourg Tech School www.techschool.lu

Childcare and family

24 78 51 96 louise.crosby@men.lu www.men.public.lu

Mondorf-les-Bains International School

Calendar

62

From annual traditions to seasonal favourites, here’s where people in Luxembourg will be heading and what they’ll be doing each month. Some dates vary a bit each year, so check online (such as www.delano.lu) for details.

September Route du Vin Half-Marathon

October

November

Cineast

Winter tyres

The eastern and central European film and culture festival.

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.

Red Rock Challenge Trail running, mountain biking and decathlon over three days in and around Belval.

Nut festival Celebrate the nut harvest and all things nuts in Vianden. Family fun.

Broschtkriibslaf The 4km ‘breast cancer run’ raises money for the fight against breast cancer.

Clear snow 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.

Popular run along the scenic Moselle river, late September.

Wine festivals Vintners and towns across Luxembourg’s Moselle valley host several events around the grape harvest.

Braderie 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.

Steampunk Convention Enter a Victorian-esque world at the Minett Park Fond-de-Gras.

The first day of class at Luxembourg state schools is typically around 15 September.

Mantelsonndeg Shops are open on ‘Coat Sunday’, traditionally when you’d pick up a new winter wardrobe, usually the third Sunday of October.

Home & Living Expo If you’re thinking about renovating or redecorating, check out this autumn fair.

Folk festival in Redange celebrating Kropemann (a swampy boogeyman with a giant hook), last Sunday of September.

BGL BNP Paribas Luxembourg Open

A 10km course through the former industrial town, usually mid-September.

Museums across the country are open till after midnight and feature special cultural programmes.

Back to school

Kropemannsfest

Steel-Run Differdange

Night of the Museums

British & Irish Film Season Films from the isles are featured at Luxembourg City cinemas.

Tour de Luxembourg Annual professional road cycling stage race, which attracts top-notch local and international teams.

Bazar International de Luxembourg 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.

The international professional women’s tennis tournament is one of the largest sporting events held in the country.

Run in the Dark

Trauliicht

Sonic Visions festival

Essentially Halloween, several groups organise children’s events.

Late evening charity run in support of a paralysis research charity, usually mid-November.

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.

Photos ¨ ING Luxembourg ¨ Matic Zorman ¨ Lala La Photo

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

AUTUMN

WINTER

63

December

February Liichtmessdag 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.

Carnivals

Several communes hold outdoor Christmas markets, where you can browse for gifts and enjoy a mulled wine with new and old friends.

Holiday bazaars

St Nicholas Day

The Luxembourg Red Cross, Danish church and several other groups hold seasonal markets in the run up to Christmas.

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’.

January Autofestival Car dealers roll out special deals, beginning late January and running into early February.

Good time to take a test drive.

Winter sales

Three Kings Day

Retailers hold stock clearing sales starting the last weekend of December and running through the last weekend of January.

On ‘Dräikinneksdag’, the person who finds the figurine hidden in an Epiphany cake is crowned king or queen for a day, 6 January.

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).

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.

Photos ¨ Jan Hanrion/Maison Moderne ¨ Lala La Photo ¨ Mike Zenari

Vakanz

Christmas luncheons Many chambers of commerce and social clubs host holiday luncheons, which is a great way to meet their memberships.

It’s already time to think about holidays and travel plans during the ‘vacation’ fair at Luxexpo.

Euro Meet One of the most competitive long-course swimming competitions in Europe is held at d’Coque, late January.

2020 edition cancelled due to the covid-19 crisis Event could possibly be modified, cancelled or postponed due to the covid-19 outbreak, but confirmed details not available at press time; check www.delano.lu for latest updates.

www.delano.lu/agenda

Calendar

Christmas markets

SPRING

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

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).

Buy ‘Péckvillercher’ (clay birdshaped 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.

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.

Postlaf The 10km run around the capital’s southern area is usually the first big fun run of the year.

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 Beam yourself up to (and may the force be with you during) the Science Fiction & Fantasy Society’s annual convention.

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.

Vide-greniers

Plan ‘bridge’ weekends

Our Lady Fatima

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.

There are three public holidays in May (and another one in early June), so get your long holiday weekends sorted in advance.

Pilgrimage to the shrine of Our Lady of Fatima, in Wiltz, popular with Luxembourg’s Portuguese community, Ascension Thursday.

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).

Big charity concerts held at the Rockhal in Esch-Belval.

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.

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.

Buy or sell during the annual ‘secondhand bike market’ at the Belle Étoile shopping centre.

Rock Against Cancer

BLC Car Boot Sale

Relais pour la vie

VeloOccasiounsMaart

May Konscht am Gronn

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.

Out of the Crowd One-day indie music festival at Kulturfabrik.

Oktav Pilgrimage (with a religiously themed market on the Knuedler) held over a fortnight in April and May.

Darkness Into Light

ING Night Marathon

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.

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 wellwishers 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.

Photos ¨ Lala La Photo ¨ Mike Zenari ¨ Steve Eastwood

64

SUMMER June

July

August

Visit palace

Congés annulés

The ‘Sprangprëssessioun’ pilgrimage in Echternach, recognised by Unesco as part of the world’s heritage, is held on Whit Tuesday (in May or June).

The Rotondes hosts indie concerts, film screenings and special events throughout the month.

Streeta(rt)nimation Acrobats, clowns, dancers, jugglers, musicians and stilt walkers take over Luxembourg city centre, early August.

Wine Taste Enjoy Moselle winemakers open their cellars during this festival held on the weekend of Pentecost (Whit Sunday).

E-Lake Festival Free three-day outdoor music festival in Echternach, second weekend of August.

Fête de la musique The streets of Luxembourg City and towns across the grand duchy are alive with music.

Church fair The Anglican Church of Luxembourg holds its annual family sport and fun day in the Central Park Kirchberg.

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.

Picadilly festival 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).

Festival de Wiltz The open-air music and performing arts festival in Wiltz attracts top-rate international acts during the month of July.

Three-day wine and crémant fair features food trucks, live music and family entertainment, mid-August.

Rock um Knuedler Rock out at this open-air music festival held on place Guillaume II (better known as the Knuedler).

MeYouZik Open-air world music festival held in Luxembourg city centre, mid-month.

Gaymat Bock up Outdoor music festival held at Neumünster Abbey during the months of July and August.

The country’s main LGBTIQ pride parade and festival is held in Esch-sur-Alzette, second Saturday of July. Some events now also in Luxembourg City.

Bacchusfescht The Bacchus festival features Moselle region food and drink, held in Remich on Assumption (15 August).

Kinnekswiss loves International Yoga Day Luxembourg Outdoor yoga event, mid-month.

Siren’s Call festival 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.

Photo ¨ Cour Grand-Duche / Noel Doumont

Summer sales Shops tout discounts and promotions from the last weekend of June to the last weekend of July.

Outdoor concerts held in the capital’s Municipal Park in early July.

Blues’n Jazz Rallye The outdoor music festival is one of the capital’s best-attended cultural events, mid- to late July.

JP Morgan City Jogging 6km or 10km run or Nordic walking course through the capital, early July.

Comic book fair The town of Contern gets animated during its annual comic book festival.

Agriculture fair Meet Luxembourg farmers and learn about local produce in Ettelbruck, early July.

End-of-season party The Philharmonie closes its season by ‘converting’ from concert hall to nightclub, early to mid-July.

Medieval festival Head back to the Middle Ages, in Vianden, from late July to early August.

Nuit des Merveilles Circus performers, mimes, musicians, puppeteers and street artists entertain at this ‘marvellous’ event in Bettembourg.

City Open Air Cinema Catch classic and contemporary movies under the stars for free, rain or shine, in the capital starting in late July and running through August.

Touch rugby tournament 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.

Schueberfouer The annual Luxembourg City funfair, on the Glacis, mid-August to mid-September. You haven’t lived in Luxembourg till you’ve been.

2020 edition cancelled due to the covid-19 crisis Event could possibly be modified, cancelled or postponed due to the covid-19 outbreak, but confirmed details not available at press time; check www.delano.lu for latest updates.

www.delano.lu/agenda

Calendar

Hopping procession

65

66

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Professional life

See listings starting on page 78

TEXT PHOTO

Jess Bauldry Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne

67

Professional life

Luxembourg’s workforce is about as international as it gets.

Non-Luxembourgers make up three-quarters of the working population, and multiculturalism is particularly common in the private sector. This multicultural workforce grew from the economic branches that Luxembourg developed in the last decades. Depending on the company, English or French dominate as corporate languages.

Today’s business landscape is far removed from its fiscal paradise reputation of yesteryear and the diverse economy can offer rewarding career progression, assisted by training and professional development platforms. For those wishing to strike out alone, targeted financial support and an array of incubation and training programmes make it attractive for wannabe entrepreneurs. The country’s openness to new ideas, enshrined in its catchy motto “Let’s Make it Happen”, applies to individuals as much as businesses.

68

Melbourne natives are “coffee snobs”, says Maya Joshi, pictured drinking her favourite brand Häerzensheemecht

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21 INTERVIEW

Professional life

“Next thing I knew, I was on a plane” Juggling a career and family life, and learning Luxembourgish, has given Australian Maya Joshi a solid insight into her adopted home.

WORDS

T

Jess Bauldry

alking to Australian lawyer Maya Joshi about her career in Luxembourg, and it’s reassuring how often she mentions family. “I came back for a couple of reasons, but for me one of the main reasons is it’s a really good place for a family,” the mother of two explained.

After starting her career in Australia, the Melbourne native worked in Frankfurt and London before her employer expanded its activities in Luxembourg, conveniently close to where her fiancé was living and working. “I enquired if there was a legal job and the next thing I knew, I was on a plane,”

PHOTO

Mike Zenari

she recalled of the trip in 2010. It took a brief stint in Zurich to really convince her that Luxembourg was the right fit. Now, with two children, she wouldn’t swap it for anywhere else. “I can’t imagine what it would be like living in London with two kids.

It’s like going to the other side of the mirror in ‘Alice Through the Looking Glass’.”

Joshi speaks German fluently, thanks in part to her German husband, and is learning Luxembourgish. “My French is enough to order pizza and tell someone how I like my steak cooked,” she joked.

Today, she is able to use her Luxembourgish

to communicate with the teachers at the local school her children attend and, recently during the lockdown, to follow government press conferences. “You come here and realise that two languages are not that special. If you really want to interact in a multilingual way, your expectations aren’t ‘I’m amazing, I can order pizza!’”

Working with an international team, Joshi uses mainly English in the office, an environment where two things surprised her: the multicultural workforce and its young average age. “I went from being one of the youngest people in the Zurich office, when I was in my thirties, to being one of the oldest people in this office, where I’m in my early forties.” This dynamic forces employers to be adaptable and one of the many things she appreciated about her job is the flexible hours. Even before lockdown, Joshi worked a few hours from home in the morning to avoid getting stuck in rushhour traffic. Outside of the office, Joshi was instrumental in setting up the Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg. “It’s been an insight into how it’s worth your time to get to know people here to learn about the different organisations and networks.” This, she said, has helped her to follow more closely the political situation in Luxembourg. “Don’t underestimate the importance of understanding your environment.”

While being well integrated, Joshi keeps in touch with her Aussie roots--she is a committee member of the AustraliaNew Zealand social club. And she volunteers for the Australia-New Zealand stand of the Bazar International, a fundraising event hosted each winter celebrating Luxembourg’s international demography and supporting worthy causes. Plus, Joshi remains an avid fan of Aussie rules football and cricket and was delighted to find a × cricket club in Luxembourg.

What will you discover when you make innovation part of your DNA? See how EY technology solutions can help you thrive in the Transformative Age.

Š 2020 Ernst & Young S.A. All Rights Reserved. ED None.

ey.com/lu/banking #BetterQuestions

5 things to know about the Luxembourg labour market

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Start your o n co an

1

Luxembourg had the highest share of people in highly skilled employment, with 6 in 10 workers holding a job that requires tertiary education skills.[1]

So, you want to start a company in Luxembourg.

Here are a few things to bear in mind.

BOSS

Big talent pool

2

International workforce This highly skilled pool is credited largely to an international workforce.

Indeed, foreign residents and cross-border workers make up 70% of the private sector workforce of Luxembourg.[2]

3

Do your research

Company structure

If this is your first company, there are a number of training platforms and support mechanisms to help you get started. Check out the Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce, the House of Entrepreneurship and Nyuko. The Polish Chamber of Commerce runs a comprehensive annual programme for women entrepreneurs.

Guides and forms to support anyone starting a business can be found on guichet.lu.

The structure you choose dictates how your business can operate. A sole proprietorship gives greater flexibility and is less onerous on an administrative level. If establishing a company, will it be a public limited company (SA), a limited liability company (Sarl), or a simplified limited liability company (Sarl-s)?

Permits Whether your activity is of a commercial nature, related to craftsmanship, industry, or a liberal profession, you need a business permit from the economy ministry. Depending on the activity, you may have to prove you have relevant professional qualifications.

Immigration If you come from a non-EU country, remember you will need a residence permit if staying in Luxembourg for more than 90 days.

Employment grew 75% from 2000 to April 2020 when there were 466,757 people registered as working in the grand duchy.[2]

4

Getting your head around tax in Luxembourg is not easy. Did you know there are four different VAT rates applicable? Other basic taxes to consider are personal income tax and social security contributions.

Home for your business

MY LUXEMBOURG

“Luxembourg is good for o r career at certainl been my experience.”

Denise Voss Working in Luxembourg (Expat Guide 2018-2019)

Employment by sector The financial services sector may be well known in Luxembourg, but it is not the biggest employer.

That accolade goes to transport, wholesale, accommodation and food services (101,833 at the end of 2019). Administrative and other public services take a close second with 91,847 jobs, followed by specialised activities and support services with 71,752 jobs.[2]

Get fiscal

If you’re not ready to sign a long-term office lease, the coworking space and serviced offices sectors are booming in Luxembourg.

You might even find other businesses to work together with on projects. Check out page 73 for our favourites.

Growing employment

5

Not a lot of people know that In a bid to diversify the economy, Luxembourg has dipped a toe in a number of sectors, among them space. It launched the Luxembourg Space Agency in 2018 and is trying to build an ecosystem, legal framework and financial instruments that will give it a head start in the extraction of space resources.[3] [1] World Economic Forum’s 2015 Human Capital study [2] Statec [3] Economy ministry

Photo ¨ Mike Zenari (archives)

70

AGENDA 08:15 Reception 08:30 Keynote speech 09:15 Breakfast

Talent attraction

VENUE Sofitel Le Grand Ducal (40 boulevard d’Avranches L-1160 Luxembourg)

Delano Breakfast Talk is the rendezvous of early morning English speakers. Every time an expert shares his knowledge Delano magazine is pleased to invite you to the first of a finance, innovation Delano Breakfast Talk of 2019, whichor willstrategy take place attopic during a Sofitel Luxembourg Europe.

Nicolas Mackel, speaker 30-minute speech, followed keynote by a 5-minute Q&A session. from Luxembourg for Finance, will give his vision about how to search, attract and import talents to Luxembourg.

ORGANISED BY

Nicolas Mackel

REGISTRATION AT PAPERJAM.CLUB INSCRIPTION OBLIGATOIRE SUR PAPERJAM.CLUB

CEO Luxembourg for finance

72

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Virtual net or in Social distancing doesn’t mean the end of networking.

Marie Louise Ashworth of women’s professional development organisation The Network shares these virtual networking tips.

Productivity apps Work smarter not more with the help of these handy apps and aids.

1

Pocket Saves online articles you come across so you can read them later.

It is free to use and can sync with mobile devices. Just copy the link of your article and paste it on the app.

2

Cold Turkey All-in-one time management app, consisting of a blocker, which helps block out distracting sites on your desktop based on a list you draw up. The writer feature focusses on blocking distractions that keep you from writing during a prescribed time.

3

Test topics at online events

Reconnect

Check out events on Eventbrite, Meetup and other sites. If pre-lockdown you would have hesitated in physically joining an event, this is the ideal opportunity to test a variety of associations and topic groups.

The advantage of a virtual event is that if you feel uncomfortable or the event isn’t to your taste, you can politely “leave the room”.

Reconnect with former colleagues.

Take time to update yourself on staff movements and industry news.

Learn from experts Webinars/forums are now the social-distancingfriendly answer to business conferences.

Try focussing on smaller events which are less intimidating environments and easier to have one-on-one face time and more quality of contact. Connect with the speakers and other participants. The speaker may be facilitating other events you can join. “These are difficult times. Thankfully, virtual networking enables us to maintain our connections and make new ones”, says Ashworth.

www.thenetwork.lu

If your inbox is full of emails to reset passwords you will never remember, LastPass can help.

This password manager generates certified unhackable passwords which it stores like a vault to keep safe.

Get busy on Linkedin Update your Linkedin profile and other online portals with your photo, fine-tune your experiences and ensure you professionally represent yourself online.

Request recommendations and get yourself noticed.

4

MY LUXEMBOURG

o ant to e an entrepreneur in Luxembourg, you need to be outgoing and never give up.”

Stine Bülow Goldsmith and entrepreneur (Delano Winter 2019)

Eye Care 20 20 20 An app that reminds users to look away from the screen every 20 minutes at something 20 feet away for no less than 20 seconds to avoid computer eye strain.

Use events to start a conversation Use virtual events to expand your network or open doors to a career move. A usual rule of networking is to leave an event with five new contacts. Smaller group meets are a less intimidating environment. Send a follow-up the next day thanking them for the conversation about X, Y and Z, and ask if they are attending any similar events that they think you would be interested in.

LastPass

5

Micro Breaks Available on Chrome, this tool helps you build breaks for breathing, stretching and exercise into your work day to help you manage stress and stay healthy.

Coworking spaces

1

Bamhaus A space for creatives located in a former steelworks that at one time served as a movie studio, which explains the mini-cinema.

Bringing a taste of Berlin to Dommeldange, its tenants have a collaborative approach to work.

www.bamhaus.lu

73

Do the o ce l nc Depending on your office culture, lunch could be a two-hour leisurely affair or a desktop bite.

Here are a few tips and tricks for making the most.

Order in

2

Silversquare

Hungry for time and nosh? Get your food delivered to work by ordering from one of the numerous delivery sites serving Luxembourg restaurants. Check out lunchtime.lu, foostix.com, grouplunch.lu, webfood.lu, wedely.com and livraison.lu. Be sure to check if there is a minimum order or delivery fee.

This Belgian chain opened its first coworking space in Luxembourg’s Gare, or train station, district, in 2018. It offers open and private spaces, as well as meeting rooms and an auditorium.

3

Food trucks

www.silversquare.lu

Meals on wheels never tasted so good. There are around over 20 food trucks serving different cuisine in Luxembourg. Ask around or check out the Luxembourg Food Truck Association Facebook page, or food truck app Snack Track.

Spaces The newest kid on the block after opening a seven-storey site in place de la Gare in early 2020.

At the time, the chain said it would open eight sites in the grand duchy by 2022.

4

Explorator Find the best eateries in town by cuisine and location on restaurant guide explorator.lu.

Get points

www.spacesworks.com

A lot of restaurants hand out loyalty points in the form of stamps on business cards.

The Yollty app helps you keep track of them digitally--that way, you don’t have to carry around a dozen cards in your wallet.

The Office Among the first coworking spaces to open in the capital, today it has two sites in the city centre, each decorated in a reclaimed industrial chic. The one in boulevard GrandeDuchesse Charlotte has a charming public café.

Photo ¨ Patricia Pitsch (Maison Moderne)

4

The twice-annual Restodays festival is worth keeping an eye out for. Participating restaurants, among them some pretty tasty joints, offer a specially discounted menu for Restodays customers. Book early as places are limited. This is the kind of lunch you’ll want to take two hours for.

www.theoffice.lu

Paladium This is the kind of workspace you might come up with if you were left alone in a room of craft materials and the entire back catalogue of Flow magazines. Arty, decked out with plants and oozing with vintage chic, it’s a great place just to hang out or host an event.

Located in Bonnevoie, it’s also handily close to the train station.

Food fests

www.paladium.lu

MY LUXEMBOURG

a i o ant to o something, you can do it.

In Luxembourg, there are a lot of opportunities. t a o t o r attit e

Mara Kroth GoldenMe Luxembourg (Expat Guide 2019-2020)

Professionnal life

Coworking has really caught on in Luxembourg in recent years.

Here are Delano’s top 5 fave coworking spaces.

How to

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Best franglicisms

Team building activities Many companies organise teambuilding activities to help colleagues gel.

Here are Delano’s top picks.

1

DJ workshop Skilz DJ Academy creates customised crash courses for small groups to DJ. Participants can then show off their skills to colleagues.

Given the large number of francophones in Luxembourg, you’re bound to hear some confusing English-sounding words said in a French accent. Be warned, the meaning might not be what you think.

2

www.skilzdjacademy.com

Cook out If the way to win your colleagues’ hearts is through their stomach, why not push for a cookery activity? Kaempff-Kohler does team cooking sessions for groups up to 10.

You want to play babyfoot?

Time for a shooting!

Not to be confused with the romantic, under the table touching of feet, babyfoot is table football. It’s possible you’ll hear this if you’re working in a trendy startup in Lux. Not to be confused with footing, which is jogging.

Before calling the police and running for cover, a shooting is a photo shoot. Your employer might suggest taking a photo of you for their website. Or, if you’re lucky, you might get photographed for Delano magazine.

Before you say yes, maybe consider a relooking.

This is essentially a makeover.

Would you like a brushing?

Not, as you might expect, a question you’d hear at the dentist. A brushing is a blow-dry, something that a hairdresser might ask when you book an appointment. If you say yes, they will almost certainly also ask if you want a shampooing (shampoo).

Working on the black If you find yourself in the dark over this one, don’t fret. In French, working on the black means doing informal work, the wages for which are not declared.

3

4

Before booking that all important appointment, don’t forget to check your planning, or diary.

5

“Before you start job hunting, it is important to check out e ite it in or ation about salary ranges and cost of living to set expectations."

Emilie Bavant Salary expectations (Expat Guide 2018-2019)

www.winetours.lu

Team sports A handful of sports in Luxembourg have entry-level corporate leagues.

Playing mixed cricket, touch rugby or hockey can be a great way to improve your communication skills and network.

I must look at my planning

MY LUXEMBOURG

Wine tasting Explore Luxembourg’s fabulous wine heritage with colleagues through a tasting. Wine Tours ferries participants around in a bus, with scheduled stops to sample local produce in the Moselle region.

I have a dressing If a colleague tells you they have a dressing, they’re probably not talking about a plaster on a wound. A dressing is a walk-in wardrobe.

It’s more common than you might think.

Speaking of clothing, you might want to take your dry clean items to a pressing from time to time.

www.teamcooking.lu

Volunteer There are loads of not-for-profits in Luxembourg that would welcome a helping hand with an outing, jazzing up a tired old room or picking up trash.

Find a charity that is close to your heart and ask how your team can help.

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne

74

WALDORFSCHOOL = 1 essential newsletter

to stay informed about major architectural and real estate projects in the Grand Duchy

The joy of learning

In Preschool & Kindergarden the program is designed to Preschool support the healthy developKindergarten ment of young children by building strength, perseverance, good habits, developing social awareness and sensitivity as well as awakening a lifelong enthusiasm for learning.

14 : 00

Primary

Subscribe for free now on paperjam.lu

In Primary our teachers take care to introduce skills, subjects and concepts at a time that is appropriate to the child’s physiological, emotional and spiritual development. We use a multisensory approach, integrating the arts into each subject to engage the whole child in the learning process rather than simply imparting intellectual information.

In secondary the school puts great emphasis on practical activities. Learning from the workplace via some work exSecondary perience complements school Bac. Int. education. The pupils can experience that learning is from, about and for life. Depending on individual choices and an on-going orientation process, they will finish schooling either in Grade 11 or finish school with the International Baccalaureate.

Which offers a rigorous and balanced program that Interested? provides a solid preparation www.waldorf.lu for higher education.

Fräi-ëffentlech Waldorfschoul Lëtzebuerg

Tel. 00352 46 69 32 waldorf@ecole.lu

76

Email sign-o fs in the 3 languages

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Become an intern Work placements or internships are often a compulsory element of education programmes.

Luxembourg approved a new law on internships in June 2020. Here are the key elements.

Even if you haven’t mastered any of the country’s three national languages, it shows good faith if you can sign off an email in these languages. Here are a few commonly used sign-offs to help get you started.

German “Mit freundlichen Grüßen” (with friendly greetings).

This can be contracted as "MfG".

You can also write “Mit besten Grüßen” (with kind regards).

French For formal communications, you might want to sign off with “Sincères salutations” or “Salutations distinguées” (regards). If your email is less formal but still professional, try “Cordialement” (sincerely) or “Bien à vous” (warm regards).

Luxembourgish Contracts

How many interns?

If taking on an internship, make sure to sign an internship contract or agreement with your employer and, where applicable, a teacher or tutor. This should list the activities to be carried out, the start and end date of the internship, salary if relevant, benefits offered to the intern and information on how to end the contract.

Interns should not represent more than 10% of the workforce of an employer. Companies employing fewer than 10 staff are permitted to hire a single intern at any given time. This rule does not, however, apply from 1 July to 30 September.

What should it involve?

The internship must offer information, guidance and vocational training. The tasks carried out should not bring the kind of returns an employer would expect of a permanent staff member. An intern should not replace a worker who is temporarily absent.

Pay Employers are not obliged to pay a salary for internships lasting fewer than 4 weeks.

If they do, however, payment should be no less than 30% of the minimum social wage for non-skilled roles. For internships lasting 4-12 weeks, the minimum remuneration should be equivalent to 40% of the minimum social wage for unskilled work, and for 12+ weeks it should be no less than 75% of the minimum social wage for unskilled work. For interns who have already completed a bachelor’s degree, the minimum salary is that of a skilled worker.

Who checks?

The Inspection du travail et des mines (labour inspectorate) is responsible for ensuring that the law is adhered to.

Duration The total duration of an internship with the same employer should not exceed six months over a period of 24 months.

Further information Inspection du travail et des mines

www.itm.public.lu

Public documentation and explainers

www.guichet.lu

European students’ union

www.esu-online.org

Luxembourg students’ union

www.unel.lu

In an email to a government official you don’t know, you might want to sign off with “Mat beschte Gréiss” (with best regards), often contracted as “MbG” or “Bescht Gréiss” or “Mat engem schéine Bonjour”. For a more familiar tone, try “Mat léiwe Gréiss” (with kind regards). Or try “Léif Gréiss” (kind regards) or “E grousse Merci an all Guddes” (a big thank you and all the best).

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.

DO YOU WANT TO TAKE PART IN A VISIT FULL OF ORIGINALITY AND AUTHENTICITY?

An initiative of the General Directorate for Tourism of the Ministry of Economy

Following the success of the last three editions, a fourth edition will take place this summer, from July 20th to September 13th.

Book your tour now on www.guideforoneday.lu

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ASSISTANCE AND MEMBER BENEFITS > ACL Road assistance 24 / 7 (in Luxembourg & in Europe) via eCall Mobile app > ACL Advantages Partner programs (airport parkings & hotels, SYC, AAA etc) > ACL Assistance HOME 24 / 7 (heater, water, locksmith etc) > ACL Bike Assistance > ACL Welcome (helpdesk for new arrivals to Luxembourg, relocation etc) > ACL Assistance PETS > Cancellation and travel health insurances

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Download on the

www.acl.lu

78

ADULT EDUCATION Aviation Academy Luxembourg Luxair Cargo Center L-1360 Findel 24 56 94 92 www.aalu.lu

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

École d’Hôtellerie et de Tourisme du Luxembourg 19 rue Joseph Merten L-9257 Diekirch 80 87 91 www.ehtl.lu

House of Training 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi L-1615 Luxembourg 46 50 16 1 www.houseoftraining.lu

Lifelong-learning.lu 12-14 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420 Luxembourg 26 20 40 www.lifelong-learning.lu

Luxembourg Flight Training Academy Luxembourg Airport Route de Trèves L-1110 Findel 43 29 20 www.lfta.lu

Luxembourg Lifelong Learning Center 2-4 rue Pierre Hentges L-1726 Luxembourg 27 49 46 00 www.lllc.lu

Luxembourg School of Business 19 rue Eugène Ruppert L-2453 Luxembourg 26 25 89 80 www.luxsb.lu

Luxembourg School of Religion & Society

University of Luxembourg Competence Centre 2 avenue de l’Université L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette 26 15 92 17 www.iuil.lu

BUSINESS NETWORKING

COWORKING SPACES Bamhaus 18A & 18D rue de la Cimenterie L-1337 Luxembourg 24 52 75 51 www.bamhaus.lu

Paladium Cercle Munster www.munster.lu

House 17 www.house17.lu

Hub Dot www.hubdot.com

Inspiring Wo-Men Business Club www.inspiringwo-men.eu

International Coach Federation - Luxembourg www.coachfederation.lu

Luxembourg Business Angel Network www.lban.lu

Luxembourg Financial Markets Association www.lfma.lu

Luxembourg Private Equity and Venture Capital Association www.lpea.lu

10A rue du Puits L-2355 Luxembourg 691 991 428 www.paladium.lu

Silversquare 21 rue Glesener L-1631 Luxembourg 27 86 40 00 www.silversquare.lu

Spaces 5 place de la Gare L-1616 Luxembourg 691 76 82 89 www.spacesworks.com

Foundry 40 route d’Esch L-1470 Luxembourg 28 79 97 18 www.masonbower.lu/foundry

The Office 29 boulevard Prince Henri L-1724 Luxembourg 621 703 530 www.theoffice.lu

Urban Office Several locations 27 86 19 15 info@urbanoffice.lu www.urbanoffice.lu

www.breedewee.com

CHAMBERS OF COMMERCE

Mumpreneurs Luxembourg

American Chamber of Commerce in Luxembourg

Maison Breedewee

Mumpreneurs Luxembourg

www.amcham.lu

52 rue Jules Wilhelm L-2728 Luxembourg 43 60 51 www.lsrs.lu

Paperjam Club www.club.paperjam.lu

Australia and New Zealand Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg

The Second Degree

The Network

www.anzccl.lu

9 rue de l’Église L-6720 Grevenmacher 691 600 340 www.theseconddegree.lu

www.thenetwork.lu

Wishbox www.wishbox.lu

British Chamber of Commerce for Luxembourg www.bcc.lu

Chamber of Commerce Luxembourg 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi L-2981 Luxembourg 42 39 39 1 www.cc.lu D14

China-Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce www.china-lux.lu

Indian Business Chamber of Luxembourg www.ibcl.lu

Ireland Luxembourg Chamber of Commerce www.ilcc.lu

Luxembourg-Poland Chamber of Commerce www.lpcc.lu

CREATING YOUR OWN COMPANY Deloitte Boost www2.deloitte.com/lu

Lux Future Lab www.luxfuturelab.lu

Luxinnovation www.luxinnovation.lu

Luxembourg House of Financial Technology www.lhoft.com

House of Startups www.host.lu

House of Entrepreneurship www.houseofentrepreneurship.lu

Luxembourg Open Innovation Club www.loic.lu

Government web portal www.myguichet.lu

PWC’s Accelerator

Jobs in Luxembourg

www.pwc.lu/en/pwcaccelerator.html

www.jobsinluxembourg.eu

Technoport

Jobs.lu

www.technoport.lu

www.jobs.lu

Institut National des Langues

The Guidance Centre (Maison de l’Orientation)

www.inll.lu

Place de l’Étoile, 58 bd. Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-1330 Luxembourg 80 02 81 81 info@m-o.lu

Languages.lu

KR Recruitment

www.tomorrowstreet.co

www.krrecruitment.com

Learn Luxembourgish www.learnluxembourgish.com

COMMUNICA TION SKILLS

LinkedIn

Luxembourg School of Contemporary Etiquette

www.monster.lu

www.luxetiquette.lu

www.linkedin.com

www.mastercraft.lu

Monster

www.toastmasters.org

Moovijob

Adem 24 78 88 88 www.adem.public.lu

Sofitex Talent Recruitment www.sofitex-talent.lu

The Recruiter

Badenoch + Clark www.badenochandclark.lu

Delano Jobs jobs.delano.lu

Dress for Success Luxembourg luxembourg.dressforsuccess.org

DO Recruitment Advisors www.dorecruit.com

GoToFreedom gotofreedom.eu

Greenfield www.greenfield.lu

ICTJob www.ictjob.lu

JobFinder www.jobfinder.lu

Inspectorate of Labour and Mines (ITM) 24 77 61 00 www.itm.lu

The Returners

Mobbing ASBL

www.thereturners.eu

28 37 12 12 www.mobbingasbl.lu

Anderson Wise www.andersonwise.com

WORKPLACE SAFETY

www.therecruiter.lu

Adecco Group www.adeccogroup.com

Prolingua www.prolingua.lu

Randstad www.randstad.lu

JOB HUNTING

Moien ASBL www.moienasbl.lu

www.moovijob.com

Toastmasters

Mastercraft

LANGUAGE SKILLS Audio-Lingua

SUPPORT FOR YOUNG JOBSEEKERS

www.audio-lingua.lu

Anelo.lu Berlitz

www.anelo.lu

www.berlitz.lu

Cap Langues www.caplangues.lu

Association of Luxembourg Student Groups (Acel) www.acel.lu

Centre de Langue et de Culture Chinoises du Luxembourg

Hello Future www.hellofuture.lu

www.clccl.lu

Inlingua

Jonk Entrepreneuren Luxembourg

www.inlingua.lu

www.jonk-entrepreneuren.lu

Institut Français Luxembourg

Student Jobs

www.institut-francais-luxembourg.lu

www.jugendinfo.lu

Youth Guarantee www.jugendgarantie.lu

UNIVERSITIES BBI Wiltz 35 château de Wiltz L-9516 Wiltz 27 91 12 92 www.bbi-edu.eu

Lunex University 50 avenue du Parc des Sports L-4671 Differdange 28 84 94 40 www.lunex-university.net

Miami University’s John E. Dolibois European Center in Luxembourg 1 impasse du Château L-4524 Differdange 58 22 22 1 www.miamioh.edu

Sacred Heart University 7 rue Alcide de Gasperi L-2981 Luxembourg 22 76 13 - 1 www.shu.lu

United Business Institutes Wiltz Château de Wiltz L-9516 Wiltz 27 99 01 82 www.ubi.edu

University of Luxembourg 2 avenue de l’Université L-4365 Esch-sur-Alzette 46 66 44 1 wwwen.uni.lu

Professional life

www.languages.lu

Tomorrow Street

79

80

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Future planning

See listings starting on page 88

TEXT

Aaron Grunwald Romain Gamba/Maison Moderne

PHOTO

81

Future planning

Whether you stay in the grand duchy for just a few years or well into your golden years, many experts recommend taking control of your financial horizons here and now.

Insurance, home improvement, preparing your taxes, drafting a will, retirement, moving away from Luxembourg... not always the most fun topics to ponder, but important all the same. Even if you’re planning to relocate away from the grand duchy at some point in the future, the decisions you take here will be consequential. Here’s what to consider.

82

Aude-Marie Breden of MyOwnTaxPractice says the marriage tax break is a myth

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

What are the most common questions that you hear from foreign residents who’ve been living in Luxembourg for a longer period of time?

Inheritance questions very often come at a later stage. In Luxembourg, there is no inheritance tax between parents and children. However, this is only true assuming that both parents and children are resident in Luxembourg and also that there is no foreign real estate. Indeed, foreign real estate is subject to inheritance tax in the country where the property is. And if children are abroad, we need to check the rules in the country where they are.

INTERVIEW

Future planning

“The bill can be a very bad surprise” From interest and insurance deductions to inheritance and joint filings, Aude-Marie Breden has this tax advice for expats.

WORDS

Aaron Grunwald

PHOTO

T

axes can be confusing for everyone, much less a freshly arrived expat.

Delano spoke with Aude-Marie Breden, founder of MyOwnTaxPractice, about top tax tips and pitfalls to avoid. Breden has more than 20 years of experience as a personal tax advisor in Luxembourg.

What are the simplest steps expats can take to reduce their tax bill when they arrive?

AUDE-MARIE BREDEN Luxembourg does not AARON GRUNWALD

offer a lot of possibilities to reduce your tax bill, but there are still a few tax savings products, which are interesting to put

Matic Zorman/Maison Moderne

in place: life insurance (maximum €672 per year and per person in the family); pension insurance (maximum €3,200 per year and per adult signing a contract); and building society [contributions] (maximum €672 per year and per person in the family; this amount is doubled if the holder of the account is less than 40 years old).

The amounts in brackets are the maximum amounts you can save into the different products and use for tax deductions.

They will reduce your taxable income, and, in most cases, it means a tax saving of around 40% of the investment.

What is the biggest misconception about the Luxembourg tax system that you hear from expats? And can you clear up the situation?

One of the biggest misconceptions about the Luxembourg tax system is that marriage is the best tax planning. 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.

Are there mistakes that expats commonly make? And how can they avoid them?

One mistake is to omit to submit a tax declaration, [incorrectly] considering that tax being withheld at the source, it is not necessary. One other mistake is to omit to declare foreign income. Luxembourg residents must declare their worldwide income even if the foreign income is subject to tax in another country. If a family’s sole source of income is one salary, it is an obligation to submit a tax declaration if the taxable income is higher than €100,000.

If there is an additional income (another salary, rental income, etc.), the limits are a lot lower and different in each situation.

A tax adviser can help you to determine × what your obligations are. aude-marie@motp.lu

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Scheme to save for a home

How to

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Hunt for ro er

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.

If you’re looking to buy a home in Luxembourg, Soufiane Saadi of the real estate site Athome.lu says to plan in advance and be ready to move fast.

1

Ten-year contract Savers need to sign a ten-year contract fixing the amount they will contribute to the plan each month.

If the account is closed before the ten years is up, or if the savings are spent on unauthorised expenses, punitive taxation applies.

2

Tax deductions Taxpayers aged 18 to 41 can contribute €1,344 annually; the figure is €672 for those 42 and older. The same amount can be deducted for a jointly taxable spouse or partner and each dependent child.

3

Understand the market

Set up email alerts

“When you arrive in Luxembourg and you want to buy a property, first you have to be familiar with prices on the Luxembourg real estate market,” says Soufiane Saadi of Athome.lu.

“In the grand duchy, demand for real estate is greater than supply. So you have to be reactive, because properties can sell very quickly.”

Register on and search several real estate listings sites. Signing up for “email alerts allows you to be notified as soon as a new property arrives on the market, which allows you to be very responsive.”

Talk with your banker Establish your borrowing capacity before starting a search. Having firm financing plans allows buyers “to be as reactive as possible.”

Allow sufficient time “If the property purchase plan is well thought out and financing lined up in advance, it takes an average of three months to buy a property in Luxembourg,” from the beginning of the search through the final signatures at the notary’s office.

Be available Keep your schedule “flexible to be able to visit properties.” If you do not have time or are not in Luxembourg, consider engaging a real estate agent to conduct a search for you.

MY LUXEMBOURG

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 page 86). Some expenses, such as kitchen refreshes, do not qualify.

Know what you want Decide on your search criteria in advance.

“You have to be able to make a decision quickly when you’re buying a home. We’ve found that 79% of properties on Athome.lu are advertised for less than two months. We advise [home buyers] to clearly define their objectives in advance and target their research in order to not lose time.”

et ere e are

ear later

Dominique Sweetnam British expat on her and her husband’s posting in Luxembourg supposedly for only a couple of years (September-October 2018 magazine)

Allowed expenditures

4

Find a plan At press time, there were three authorised schemes, but one announced it would withdraw from the Luxembourg market at the end of 2020. The two remaining plans are BHW Bausparkasse and Wüstenrot Bausparkasse. Many retail lenders resell the product to their clients, including the BCEE state savings bank, Banque Internationale à Luxembourg, BGL BNP Paribas, ING and Banque Raiffeisen.

www.bhw.lu

www.wuestenrot.lu

Photos ¨ Mike Zenari (archives)

84

Building a house should be fun!

We guarantee your smile from the first brick to the last.

You plan a construction project and feel like walking around your dream house now?

Contact us to organize a virtual 3D visit of your future home sweet home. www.clk.lu 2, Zone Industrielle, Mertzig

Tel: +352 88 82 01

/clkconstructions

How to

rite a

Get help with home renovation

ill

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

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.

Inheritance law in Luxembourg can surprise people used to a different legal tradition. Here’s a brief primer.

1

Get app Download the Myrenovation app, which consolidates national and local subsidy data, and walks users through the entire process.

2

Run simulation Then run a simulation. Take, for instance, insulating exterior walls.

The national scheme covers 50% of approved materials and installation costs; certain local councils add another 10%-25% on top of that.

3

Marriage contracts The starting point is to understand the three different types of marriage contracts. Under the statutory marriage regime (the default if there is no marriage contract), assets held before the marriage or received from an inheritance are held separately. Assets and income resulting from the couple’s work are held in common and inherited directly by the surviving spouse. With a separate ownership marriage, civil partnership or non-legally recognised partnership, assets are held separately, with inheritance governed by the law or a will. Under the joint ownership marriage regime, all assets are held in common and inherited directly by the surviving spouse.

Impact on inheritance When one spouse passes away, all assets held in common by the couple go automatically to the surviving spouse. All assets held individually are either distributed following the legal standard or

according to a will. Under the law, descendants (children, grandchildren, etc.) have the first claim on individually held assets, not the surviving spouse. By default, children receive an equal share of the amount being bequeathed, with two siblings each receiving 50%, three 33.33% each and so on. Parents can change this to a certain extent in their will, giving a share of their assets to any person or organisation they chose, within legal limits (for example, up to 50% if they have one child, 33.33% with two children or 25% with three children).

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. Register the existence of the will with the Luxembourg Land Registration and Estates Department (www.aed.public.lu).

Alternatively, work with a notary who will give advice and record and witness your last wishes.

MY LUXEMBOURG

“People sometimes return to t eir o eto n tt e may end up depressed.”

Stéphane Compain Luxrelo CEO on repatriation (Expat Guide 2018-2019)

Plan projects The app can simulate subsidies for other energy efficiency work and the installation of renewable energy kit including solar heating and photovoltaic electricity systems.

4

Connect with experts The next step is to book a consultation with an authorised advisor, who will officially calculate project expenses and expected energy savings. Homeowners then need to secure estimates from several craftsmen before applying for an “agreement in principle” from the environment ministry, which the advisor helps submit.

Both steps are required in advance in order to qualify for the subsidies. Low interest loans up to €100,000 are available via another state scheme.

Photo ¨ Mike Zenari (archives) ¨ will research by Stephen Evans

86

ACTIVELY Yes, you can imagine the future with serenity: innovative, bold even, or simply confident.

Yes, you can dare to go further and further; at the end of your projects and your dreams because you are in good hands with our teams of experts.

Dedicated teams who take actively care of your assets so that tomorrow belongs to you.

Want to know more? www.degroofpetercam.lu Or make an appointment at +352 45 35 45 42 19

Imagine Tomorrow since 1871

Banque Degroof Petercam Luxembourg S.A., 12, rue Eugène Ruppert - L-2453 Luxembourg, R.C.S. B25459.

And you, how do you IMAGINE the future?

88

TAX FORMS Tax forms www.impotsdirects.public.lu

TAX ADVISORY EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Analie Tax & Consulting 26 78 38 84 www.analietax.com Analie Tax & Consulting

Andersen Tax 26 63 22 info@andersentax.lu www.andersentax.lu

AssCoFisc 691 45 63 39 info@asscofisc.com www.asscofisc.com

Baker Tilly 47 68 47 400 www.bakertilly.lu

BDO 45 123 1 www.bdo.lu BDO Luxembourg

Ecovis Luxembourg 26 47 60 1 luxembourg@ecovis.com www.ecovis.com/lu

MyOwnTaxPractice 621 268 843 aude-marie@motp.lu

Tax4Expats Luxembourg 621 596 944 grit.fischer@tax4expats-lux.com www.tax4expats-lux.com

VGD Luxembourg 26 38 48 1 lut.laget@vgd.eu lu.vgd.eu

TAX FILING SERVICE Taksen 621 135 848 taksen.lu@gmail.com www.taksen.lu

Taxx.lu www.taxx.lu Taxx.lu

HOME PURCHASE SAVINGS PLAN BHW Bausparkasse 44 88 44 1 bhw@pt.lu www.bhw.lu

Fiduciaire Comptable Becker, Gales & Brunetti

Wüstenrot Bausparkasse

24 69 49 1 info@bgb.lu www.bgb.lu

44 34 44 1 info@wuestenrot.lu www.wuestenrot.lu

Fiduciaire Interrégionale 23 62 33 1 fiin@pt.lu www.fiduciaire-interregionale.lu

Galux Tax Services 27 76 29 80 www.galux.lu Galux

Grant Thornton 45 38 78 1 contact@lu.gt.com www.grantthornton.lu

Mazars 27 114 1 www.mazars.lu Mazars

ESTATE AGENT SELECTION ADVISORS Homexperts www.homexperts.lu

PENSIONS National Pension Insurance Fund (CNAP) 1A boulevard Prince Henri L-1724 Luxembourg 22 41 41 1 www.cnap.lu E12

FINANCIAL PLANNING & INVESTMENT ADVICE Arena Wealth Management 20 60 50 60 www.awm.lu

Banque Havilland 46 31 31 info@banquehavilland.com www.banquehavilland.com

East-West United Bank 25 31 53 256 www.ewub.lu East-West United Bank

HMS Markets Luxembourg info@hms.lu www.hmslux.com HMS LUX S.A.

KBL European Private Bankers 47 97 1 info@kbl-bank.com www.kbl.lu

Keytrade Bank 45 04 39 www.keytradebank.lu Keytrade Bank

Lombard International 34 61 91 1 www.lombardinternational.com Lombard International Assurance

Private Wealth Advisors 691 124 530 www.privatewealthadvisors.lu Private Wealth Advisors

Professional Investment Consultants 28 26 12 33 luxembourg@pic-europe.com www.pic-europe.com

United Advisers Group 24 69 31 1 info@unitedadvisersgroup.com www.unitedadvisersgroup.com/ luxembourg/

VP Bank 404 770 1 lu.vpbank.com VP Bank Ausbildung

GROUPS FOR RETIREES 60+ Netværk 60plusnet@gmail.com www.60pluslux.com

Clubs Seniors 247 86 000 www.luxsenior.lu

GoldenMe Luxembourg www.goldenme.me GoldenMe Luxembourg

Meetup www.meetup.com

Volunteering Agency (Agence du Bénévolat) info@agence-benevolat.lu www.benevolat.public.lu

LONG TERM CARE INSURANCE Administration for Evaluation and Controls (AEC) 24 78 60 80 www.assurance-dependance.lu

HELP AT HOME Camille network

Spectrum IFA Group

26 54 48 www.camille.lu

26 43 25 55 david.evans@spectrum-ifa.com www.spectrum-ifa.com

Coviva

Swissquote Bank 2603 2003 www.swissquote.lu Swissquote Luxembourg

202 10 202 www.coviva.lu

Help 26 70 26 www.help.lu

Meals on Wheels www.syvicol.lu

PäiperlÊck 26 65 86 www.paiperleck.lu

27 33 44 1 www.proactif.lu

StÍftung HÍllef Doheem 40 20 80 www.shd.lu

VerbandskĂŤscht 26 36 26 02 www.vbk.lu

RETIREMENT & CARE HOMES Association Luxembourg Alzheimer www.alzheimer.lu

Cohabit’Age www.cohabit-age.lu

Elisabeth www.elisabeth.lu

Fondation Jean-Pierre Pescatore 13 avenue Jean-Pierre Pescatore L-2324 Luxembourg www.fondation.lu E12

Rehazenter Rue AndrĂŠ VĂŠsale L-2674 Luxembourg www.rehazenter.lu C16

Servior www.servior.lu

Sodexo Seniors 26 10 93 30 www.sodexoseniors.lu

Birden & Gilson law office 3 montĂŠe de Clausen L-1353 Luxembourg 46 35 63 birden@birden-gilson.lu E13

Blanche Moutrier notary office 32A rue ZĂŠnon Bernard L-4031 Esch-sur-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

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 TrĂŠvires L-2628 Luxembourg 40 37 48 info@dkdb.lu www.dkdb.lu G12

European Directory of Notaries www.notaries-directory.eu

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-AdĂŠlaĂŻde L-2128 Luxembourg 45 44 04 1 ak@kronshagen.lu www.kronshagen.lu F11

Lex Thielen & AssociĂŠs law office 10 rue Willy Goergen L-1636 Luxembourg 26 26 02 02 question@lexthielen.com www.lexthielen.com 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 claudine.erpelding@w-e.lu www.w-e.lu D11

RELOCATION COMPANIES AB-Lux 26 18 76 46 www.ab-lux.com AB-Lux Relocation Services

Active Relocation Luxembourg 27 04 85 00 www.arlux.lu arluximmo

Best Estate Services Luxembourg 621 294 966 www.bestservices.lu BEST Estate Services

MoverManiac

Moving People 2 Luxembourg 26 31 03 93 www.mp2lux.lu Moving People 2 Luxembourg

Santa Fe Relocation Services 48 44 22 www.santaferelo.com Santa Fe Relocation

Streff 31 09 21 www.streff.lu StreffLuxembourg

Team Relocations 44 22 52 www.teamrelocations.com Team Relocations

Tranelux 34 16 26 1 info@tranelux.lu www.tranelux.lu

Wirtz law firm, immigration & relocation division 27 47 81 55 contact@wirtz.lu

26 64 99 22 info@erslux.lu www.europeanrelocationservices.lu

FUNERAL ARRANGE MENTS

LuxRelo

Erasmy

691 455 025 www.luxrelo.lu LuxRelo

43 42 02 www.erasmy.lu Erasmy - Pompes funèbres

Management Mobility Consulting

Maison Platz

European Relocation Services

28 77 28 70 info@relocation-luxembourg.com www.relocation-luxembourg.com

89

27 03 37 78 www.movermaniac.lu MoverManiac

22 32 48 www.platz.lu Maison Platz

Map Relocations

Pompes Funèbres Brandenburger

26 10 86 15 www.map-relocations.com Map Relocations Luxembourg

54 02 93 www.feuerbestattung.lu Pompes Funèbres Brandenburger

Pompes Funèbres Calmes 37 01 61 1 info@calmes.eu www.calmes.eu

Future planning

Proactif

ESTATE PLANNING

90

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Leisure time

See listings starting on page 102

TEXT

Duncan Roberts Mike Zenari

PHOTO

91

Leisure time

Anyone who gets bored with life in Luxembourg only has themselves to blame. The grand duchy positively teems with things to do, from the best music concerts to pub quiz nights, from top-notch museums to playing ultimate frisbee. You won’t get culture and nightlife served on a platter and people won’t beg you to join their interest group or sports team. The best way to keep up to date with the best Luxembourg has to offer is to get Delano’s weekly 10 Things To Do newsletter, but you should also sign up to venue and gallery newsletters, keep your ear to the ground and check out social media groups for information. Make the effort and you will be rewarded with a fully booked diary of events.

92

Michelle Cotton in front of Bruno Peinado’s “Good Stuff, The Pleasure Principle” installation in the pavilion at Mudam

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21 INTERVIEW

Leisure time

“Full of surprises” The British head of the artistic programmes and content department at Mudam, Michelle Cotton, says Luxembourg has a lot of things you would expect in a much bigger city.

WORDS

L

Duncan Roberts

ess than two years after Michelle Cotton moved from Germany to Luxembourg to start working at Mudam, she already feels at home. Cotton, who has a master’s in history of art from the Courtauld Institute of Art at the University of London, is no stranger to living abroad, having spent the previous four years as the director of Bonn’s Kunstverein.

“I felt privileged to work in a German context where art was actually valued,” she explains. “The Kunstverein was surrounded by generations of art lovers and people that are interested in seeing new developments in contemporary art.” It is an attitude that is not totally absent in Luxembourg, even though she thinks Mudam is perhaps closer to the French way of doing

PHOTO

Mike Zenari

things than the German. “I love how Luxembourg is so fluid with these influences, that’s something really special about this country. But there is more in common here with German institutions than with British institutions.”

Cotton and her partner have travelled back quite a bit since moving in early 2019.

“My last exhibition in Bonn just opened in February [2020], and my partner still had a gallery in Cologne until very recently. I think we will continue to go back, we still have friends there and I like it.”

Her first experience of Luxembourg was a reconnoitre visit over one winter weekend upon hearing about the job at Mudam. “It was a very short trip, taking a look at Mudam and Casino. The Christmas markets were on

and it started snowing.” German friends had said that Luxembourg was renowned for its food culture, which is something Cotton really appreciates. “We love cooking. There is greater diversity of food here, stuff we would have to work harder to find in the Rhineland.”

While working in Bonn, Cotton lived in Cologne after finding accommodation in the former German capital had proven close to impossible. The commute was just 20 minutes on the train, but sometimes in the summer she would take the bike.

“I would set off at the crack of dawn and cycle down the Rhine.”

Now that she has a son, Cotton and her partner were very focussed when looking for a place to live in Luxembourg. They ended up in the Grund. “We weighed up a lot of options, but I knew commuting would take a lot of time if we lived outside the city. We don’t have an extravagant social life, so we could spend more on rent,” she says with a smile. And she is pleased that she didn’t buy a car. “The city is such a great place to walk or cycle around. There’s so much green space. I love the way it changes over the seasons and how the forests kind of appear and disappear.”

As for culture, Cotton says “there is always something to do, it’s full of surprises”.

Last year she went to see Kraftwerk, which was right on her doorstep at the Neumünster abbey, and in March she attended the Luxembourg City Film Festival. And she is looking forward to spending more time in the national library. “Luxembourg seems to have a lot of things you would expect in a much bigger city. Mudam and the Philharmonie are perfect examples of internation× ally recognised institutions.”

www.mudam.lu

How to get home safely

1

Use public transport Luxembourg City operates night bus routes that run in the capital from midnight until 3:30 a.m. on Saturday and Sunday mornings. Some other communes operate special buses late at the weekends and during seasonal events like the Schueberfouer or Christmas markets. CFL runs late night trains on Friday and Saturday nights.

2

www.vdl.lu

www.cfl.lu

Book a Night Rider Group bookings on Sales-Lentz’s pick-up, drop-off minibus service are great value for money. The driver will even pick up or drop off people en route. But it’s very popular, so book well in advance.

3

www.nightrider.lu

Play your Axa Joker Insurance company AXA has a Joker Taxi service for motor vehicle policy holders, entitling them to free taxi rides three times a year if they are not in a fit state to drive. The rides are limited to a 70-kilometre radius of the policy holder’s home.

4

www.axa.lu

Grab a webtaxi Taxis are notoriously expensive in the grand duchy, especially if night-time or Sunday supplements are being added to the standard journey price. At least by booking a Webtaxi you will know in advance how much the luxury is going to cost.

www.webtaxi.lu

93

Best live performance venues Luxembourg’s stages were empty during the coronavirus lockdown and beyond. But live performances will hopefully be a regular feature again in the autumn of 2020.

Rockhal

Rotondes

The main hall attracts some of the biggest rock and pop names and also hosts musicals and family shows. Its annual Sonic Visions festival has put Luxembourg on the map.

A superb multi-discipline venue that hosts theatre and dance performances, exhibitions and an eclectic mix of concerts featuring up-and-coming independent artists.

Its Congés Annulés summer festival is a blast.

5 avenue du Rock’n’Roll, Esch-Belval

www.rockhal.lu

Kinneksbond The wonderfully comfortable Mamer venue is generous in its support for local Englishspeaking theatre and musical productions, but also attracts international talent and puts on some great shows for kids.

42 route d’Arlon, Mamer

www.kinneksbond.lu

Neimënster The former prison and abbey has a nice theatre space and a cool bistro for jazz brunches, but its crowning glory is the courtyard for outdoor music concerts by some of the biggest names on the circuit.

28 rue Münster, Luxembourg-Grund

www.neimenster.lu

Escher Theater The plush theatre in the second city attracts some fascinating drama, music and opera productions, including occasional performances in English.

120 rue de l’Alzette, Esch-sur-Alzette

www.theatre.esch.lu

De Gudde Wëllen The small bar and concert space hosts regular gigs featuring up-and-coming artists--and usually for less than €20. When it’s packed with sweaty fans, it has one of the best vibes of any music venue in the grand duchy.

17 rue du St. Esprit, Luxembourg-Centre

www.deguddewellen.lu

2 place des Rotondes, Luxembourg-Gare

www.rotondes.lu

Den Atelier The A has managed to gain an international reputation among artists as one of the friendliest venues on the European circuit.

It is an intimate place, with a capacity of just over 900, that hosts an eclectic array of artists, many of whom would easily fill bigger venues elsewhere. Also organises the annual Siren’s Call festival.

54 rue de Hollerich, Luxembourg-Gare

www.atelier.lu

Philharmonie A world-class programme and great acoustics attract sell-out audiences to the iconic concert hall. Stars of the classical circuit and illustrious orchestras and chamber music ensembles, as well as superlative musicians from the jazz and world music scene all enjoy performing here.

1 place de l’Europe, Luxembourg-Kirchberg

www.philharmonie.lu

Grand Théâtre The city’s main theatre has one of the most technically advanced stages in Europe and attracts theatre, dance and opera performances of the highest calibre as well as creating its own co-productions with other prestigious companies and venues. What’s more, ticket prices are unbeatable value.

1 rond-point Schuman, Luxembourg-Kirchberg

www.theatres.lu

Leisure time

If you’re going out for dinner, dancing or drinks, chances are you may end up being over the limit.

Culture

94

Enjoy local delicacies

Get away

Day trips

Luxembourg is renowned for its international cuisine, but it may take time to be fully accustomed to eating some local specialities.

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

There is never an excuse for being stuck for something to do at the weekend or on a day off.

1

Kachkéis The runny cooked cheese can be quite strong in flavour--which may be why it gives Luxembourg superhero Superjhemp his strength--and is best eaten with some equally potent Luxembourg mustard on a slice of local brown bread. Have it for breakfast and you’ll be hailed as a local.

2

Kniddelen Small dumplings made of flour, eggs and milk often fried and served with bacon or as a sort of gratin with cheese.

3

Vianden

Industrial heritage

Ask any group of expats where they take firsttime visitors to the grand duchy, and Vianden, with its magnificent Romanesque-Gothic castle, tops the list. The town below, nestling on the river Our, is also charming and has some nice restaurants, a toy museum and a house where Victor Hugo once lived.

Visit the blast furnace at the disused steelworks in Esch-Belval, take a ride in a steam train at Fond-de-Gras, or delve underground at the mining museum just outside Rumelange to get an impression of Luxembourg’s industrial past.

The forests and striking rock formations of the Mullerthal are the focal point of any visit to this hilly region--and you won’t be able to resist photographing the Schiessentümpel waterfall.

But the ruins of the medieval Beaufort castle-very “Game of Thrones”--are also a must see.

The Moselle not only offers riverside walks, boat trips and splendid vistas across the slopes of its vineyards, it also has a great selection of wineries that can be visited for tours and/or tastings. Watch out for the “Wine, Taste, Enjoy” open cellars weekend in spring. www.visitmoselle.lu/en

A capital walk The Luxembourg City Tourist Office has a number of great walks around the city that can be taken individually or as group tours. The 5.5km Wenzel circular walk takes in many of the most important historical landmarks in the city. There are also interesting itineraries for specialist interests in WWII or architecture, for example.

www.minetttour.lu/en

Lakes and nature

4

The focal point of the Upper Sûre Nature Park is a huge artificial lake that in summer attracts bathers, divers, canoeists and sailboat enthusiasts. But the forests surrounding the lake are also packed with trails that offer stunning views.

www.naturpark-sure.lu/en

www.luxembourg-city.com/en

Battle of the Bulge sites Talking of WWII, much of the Luxembourg Ardennes was at the centre of the Battle of the Bulge in the winter of 1944-45. A driving tour that takes in the museum dedicated to the battle in Clervaux, the military history museum in Diekirch and the US military cemetery in Hamm, which is where General George S. Patton is buried, will give you insight into the sacrifice made during the bitter battle.

Valley of the Seven Castles Pack a picnic and take in seven manors and chateaux on this scenic 27km drive from Mersch to Koerich, including the baroque gardens of the “new” Ansembourg castle. You can even take a side trip to see the Mamerleeën network of natural sandstone caves and artificial tunnels.

www.visitluxembourg.com/en

Judd mat Gaardebounen This is a real treat--smoked pork with broad beans is as national a dish as any in the grand duchy and is delicious washed down with a good glass of Moselle wine. In winter, beans are used to make Bouneschlupp--a stew peppered with bacon and sausage that is a favourite at Christmas markets.

www.mullerthal.lu/en

Wine country

Not tripe (as in cow’s stomach-that is called Kuddelfleck in Luxembourgish) but actually soft blood sausages. When spiced to perfection, these aromatic beauties are great with red cabbage and apple sauce and mustard.

www.visit-vianden.lu/en

Little Switzerland

Träipen

5

Gromperekichelcher Talking of Christmas markets, these deep-fried potato cakes are unavoidable there and at the annual Schueberfouer funfair.

Made with onion, egg and parsley, they are best enjoyed with a side of apple sauce.

Team sports

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Leisure time

Pick a club A great way to stay fit, meet people and challenge yourself is to play a team sport. Here is a selection of the most popular with adults in the international community.

Rugby

Gaelic sports

Ultimate flying disc

Formed in 1973, Rugby Club Luxembourg is the oldest of the clubs playing the union code. The senior side plays in the German Bundesliga 1st division. Walferdange is more francophone in outlook and plays in the western division of Bundesliga 2.

Luxembourg’s national team is also on the up and currently ranks 56th in the world.

Luxembourg’s GAA club organises teams playing Gaelic football (men and women), hurling and camogie that compete at international competitions throughout Europe.

A sport at which teams of mixed sexes compete, ultimate flying disc is a fast, non-contact sport that has been gaining in popularity over the past few years.

www.rugby.lu

www.walferdange-rugby.lu

Cricket Some nine teams play Luxembourg league matches at the Pierre Werner Oval in Walferdange, which is also home to the oldest club in the grand duchy, Optimists CC. Some clubs also compete against opponents from abroad and there is also a women’s team, Maidens CC, and a national team.

www.luxembourgcricket.org

Football

www.ultimatedelux.org

Polo

The two main hockey teams are Tornado based near the capital at Kockelscheuer rink who play in the 3rd division in France, and IHC Beaufort in the north of the country who play in the German Regionalliga.

Ponies are stabled at the club’s home in Merl. The team competes at tournaments abroad and also hosts its own events.

www.icehockey.lu

Hockey

www.tornadoluxembourg.com

www.ihcbe.lu

Hockey Club Luxembourg plays on specialist pitches at the Boy Konen sports ground in Cessange. The sport attracts locals and expats, and the club also organises a corporate league and annual invitation tournament.

Touch rugby RCL’s touch rugby team trains and plays all year round. It also runs an annual Corporate Touch League, usually from May to July. The national team competes at major international championships. www.touch-luxembourg.lu

Basketball Hugely popular in Luxembourg, many of the top senior basketball teams--both men and women--take on professional players from the United States.

www.flf.lu

Ice hockey

There are currently 104 football clubs dotted around the country, many of whom also have a “veterans” team for older players. The football federation website has an interactive map to find the club nearest you.

Luxembourg GAA

www.luxembourg.basketball

www.polo.lu

Hockey Club Luxembourg

American football The Dudelange Steelers are currently the only senior level team playing American football in Luxembourg. They compete in the 3rd division of the Ligue Grand Est in France. Mamer also has a flag football team called the Warriors (on Facebook).

www.afcfl.lu

www.steelers.lu

Photo ¨ Mike Zenari

MY LUXEMBOURG

“Playing touch on an international level, o l n t e a le to o t at in e ealan because the standard is a lot higher. It’s cool to say I play touch for the national team.”

Simon Neale Touch Luxembourg (Delano June 2019)

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Beer (and cider) choices

Leisure time

Bar guide EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

The international community has set Luxembourg’s nightlife scene alight over the last 25 years or so.

The variety of cafés and bars, from chic cocktail joints to pubs hosting TV sports, has never been so vast.

Luxembourg’s long brewing tradition has been reinvigorated recently. Here’s a quick guide.

1

Bofferding Probably the most famous of the local beers, this lager has even been exported to the States, where its expat nickname--a “Boff”--has been used in a marketing campaign.

2

The Tube

Oscar’s Bar

A youngish international crowd usually gathers here in groups for fun nights with live DJs, a great selection of craft beers, sport on TV and regular quiz nights.

Down in the Grund, Oscar’s has one of the nicest terraces for a spot of lunch (roasts on Sundays, fish and chips on Fridays) and a cold beer. It hosts karaoke on Saturday nights and is also a nice place to watch football--its twin bar in the station area, Oscar’s Diner, has more sports and pool tables and dartboards.

8 rue Sigefroi, Luxembourg-Centre The Tube Bar Luxemburg

Konrad Café A calm atmosphere, good coffee and a selection of interesting home-made teas, salads and cakes make Konrad an ideal place to set up office in town for a couple of hours.

In the evening the joint becomes livelier, with a Mediterranean vibe and the occasional live music and comedy in the cellar.

7 rue du Nord, Luxembourg-Centre Konrad Cafe & Bar

Buvette The bar at the Rotondes, probably the best music venue in town, serves speciality beers and a nice selection of food. Its outdoor seating area is one of the best places to chill, meet cool people, hear some great tunes if local DJs are playing, and catch some after-work sun in the summer.

2 place des Rotondes, Luxembourg-Bonnevoie Buvette

The Black Stuff Not just for the Irish or fans of Guinness, this cosy and friendly bar has been a hangout for expats and locals for more than 20 years. It hosts occasional live music and shows sports on TV.

15 Val de Hamm, Luxembourg-Pulvermühle The Black Stuff

3

9 Bisserweg, Luxembourg-Grund

Simon

4

www.brasseriesimon.lu

Nowhere Brewing This cottage industry brewery has a great range of beers, including the Doña Darkness porter, Corrosion Cure American pale ale and Tropical Disease IPA.

2 rue de la Loge, Luxembourg-Centre Ennert de Steiler

Also worth checking out: Rocas (33 rue des Capucins) for live music and music quizzes; Urban (2 rue de la Boucherie) for meetups, burgers and beer; Paname (50 rue Sainte-Zithe) for cocktails and after-work flirts; Crossfire (15 rue Dicks) for Scandinavian vibe, sports and craft beers; Escher Kafé (55 rue Clair-Chêne, Esch-sur-Alzette) for local atmosphere, nice beers, bowling and live music; Octans (15 rue du Curé) and Go Ten (10 rue du Marché-aux-Herbes) for cocktails, gin and a more mature “sophisticated” crowd.

www.battin.lu

The northern brewery, the only one run by a woman, has become trendy all over again with its clever packaging and the launch of a passable IPA and an organic beer. The brewery’s Ourdaller label range is also worth checking out.

Ënnert de Steiler

Battin Now owned by the makers of Bofferding, the beer markets itself as being traditional under the “Béier Wéi Fréier” (beer like before) slogan. Its Gambrinus lager is more golden and malty than many local beers and we also like its Christmas beer.

Oscars Bar

Housed in a building dating back to 1350 in the heart of the old city, Steiler has the best sound system in Luxembourg, according to our sources, and is a mecca for top DJs in town who keep the place rocking until the early hours. Great selection of drinks and cool bar staff too.

www.bofferding.lu

5

www.nowherebrewing.com

Ramborn Cider Ramborn has revamped the cider scene in Luxembourg with its award-winning selection of ciders and perries. We recommend its original dry cider, which has a beautiful crispness, and the vintage perry.

www.ramborn.com

Place des Rotondes, L-2448 Luxembourg-Bonnevoie

98

Top ten

Music artists

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

The music scene in Luxembourg has never enjoyed a better reputation or been more diverse. Want to get to know local artists?

Here’s our pick of the bunch.

1

Mutiny on the Bounty

7

Daniel Balthasar

To call this quartet “math rock” is a bit lazy.

The hard-hitting formation has been one of the most invigorating live bands on the scene for ages and has garnered critical acclaim and a loyal following abroad. They should be releasing their fourth album later this year.

The singer-songwriter has an extensive back catalogue of recordings that span rock and pop. He also wrote and recorded a ravishingly unique covid-19 lockdown album called “The Long Lost Art Of Getting Lost” in a cardboard box in his home studio.

2

www.mutinyonthebounty.bandcamp.com

Autumn Sweater

8

When ‘Airy Met Fairy

The experimental duo of vocalist Thorunn Egilsdottir and instrumentalist Mike Koster make hauntingly beautiful, strangely delicate pop music. Latest album “Esprit de Corps” has garnered great reviews.

3

Pascal Schumacher

Talking of cool, in June 2020 the good-looking vibraphonist released his first truly solo album, “Sol”, which can best be described as “aural balm”. Schumacher is big in Japan and has made a name for himself in Austria, Germany and Belgium.

4

5

Francis of Delirium

6

Claire Parsons

www.parsonsclaire.com

Jean Muller

Classical pianist Charles Muller has recorded for the prestigious Naxos and Hänsler Classis labels and has a repertoire that includes Chopin, Liszt, Mozart and Beethoven--he celebrated the composer’s 250th birthday by performing each of his 32 sonatas once a week in 2020.

Sun Glitters

Electronic composer and performer Victor Ferreira has been making waves around the world as Sun Glitters for over a decade.

He released new album “SSoofftt TToouucchh” in June 2020.

www.sunglitters.com

10

Cathy Krier

Classical pianist Cathy Krier performed all over Europe when she was picked as an ECHO Rising Star in 2014. Since then she has also played in the USA and has recorded an album titled “Debussy & Szymanowski”.

www.cathykrier.com

www.francisofdelirium.com

British-Luxembourg jazz singer and composer Claire Parsons showcases elements of folk, electro, pop, rock and even classical music on her stunning debut album “In Geometry”.

One to watch out for.

www.whenairymetfairy.com

www.pascalschumacher.com

Indie rock duo fronted by the ridiculously talented singer-songwriter Jana Bahrich, who is just 18 but delivers songs of maturity packed with emotion and wry wit. The band released its debut EP, “All Change”, in June 2020.

9

www.pianistjm.com

Also worth checking out: folk-pop band Seed To Tree and solo artist Bartelby Delicate; psychedelic space rockers The Choppy Bumpy Peaches; dark ambient chanteur Rome; folk-pop singer-songwriter C’est Karma; indie rock quartet Tuys; Red Dirt tradition singer-songwriter Lata Gouveia; hip-hop collective De Läb; classical and experimental pianist Francesco Tristano; jazz bassist and composer Pol Belardi; jazz guitarist David Laborier; jazz guitarist Greg Lamy; jazz singer Sascha Ley; Grammy winning conductor and trumpet player Gast Waltzing; jazz saxophonist Maxime Bender; percussionist Christophe Sietzen; and R&B singer Edsun.

Audiences in Luxembourg are spoiled in generally being able to get tickets, at reasonable prices, for concerts, dance and theatre performances. Here are some tips.

www.danielbalthasar.com

We have a faible for bands with a singing drummer (The Band, Whitney), and this quartet plays the sort of cool, irony-laden indie pop that we love. Latest album “Car Park” features songs written by three of the four members. www.autumnsweatermusic.bandcamp.com

Get show tickets

www.musiclx.lu/artists

Be in the loop Most venues sell tickets via their website and if you manage to log on soon after a show is announced, chances are you will be able to get a ticket. Get on the venue’s mailing list (or check out Delano.lu) to keep up to date with schedules. Occasionally a supershow leads to a rush and system overload. In that case you just have to trust to luck, and, failing that, buy from a ticket resale site at a later date.

Get a season ticket The Grand Théâtre and the Philharmonie sell season tickets that, in the latter case, allow fans to pick a series of concerts.

A limited number of festival passes are also available for the Congés Annulés and Luxembourg City Film Festival.

Be an early bird Some pop festivals, like Siren’s Call, Sonic Visions and Out Of The Crowd, also sell “early bird” tickets before announcing their line-up.

Queue for returns The Philharmonie has a returns desk that opens every evening before the show, allowing fans to grab last-minute tickets.

How to “Vernissage”

A “vernissage” is unique French word that means the private, often invite only, viewing of an art exhibition on the eve of its official opening. It derives from the word for “varnishing”, referring to the day prior to an exhibition when artists were allowed to retouch and varnish hung work.

Why do I want an invite, and how do I get one?

A vernissage is a fantastic networking opportunity, particularly in certain privately owned galleries where Luxembourg society gathers.

And these are the sort of people who think nothing of splashing out several thousand euros on a piece of art. Plus, you get free crémant. To get an invite, simply visit the gallery website and get on their mailing list.

Museums guide From contemporary art to Roman mosaics, from natural history to the golden age of painting, museums in Luxembourg have lots to offer.

Mudam From the iconic, and at the time controversial, building designed by star architect I. M. Pei to an artistic programme featuring leading names and a wealth of events for kids, the contemporary art museum located on the Kirchberg is an attraction that can compete on the international stage.

3 parc Dräi Eechelen, Luxembourg-Kirchberg

www.mudam.lu

Villa Vauban Set in a gorgeous part of the city park, the converted 19th-century villa houses collections from the Golden Age of romantic painting and also hosts temporary exhibitions with loans from museums in Germany, Belgium and the Netherlands.

18 avenue Émile Reuter, Luxembourg-Centre

What do I talk about?

Let’s start with what you don’t talk about--the price of the art on display or the relationship between the artist and the gallery owner.

Talk about the last major exhibition you saw in Paris or London (Google can be a godsend if, heaven forbid, you haven’t visited either of those cultural meccas for a while).

The government’s lack of support for private galleries or the latest disaster to befall the Esch2022 capital of culture preparations are also useful to gen up on.

Photo ¨ Matic Zorman

What’s the drinks limit?

Depends on how long you stay.

Most private galleries are quite small, so viewing the art itself takes less than an hour even when the event is crowded. Pace yourself, and if there is more than one server, alternate the tray from which you take a glass. Any more than five crémants is probably seen as rude.

99

www.villavauban.lu

Natural history museum A favourite with families, this exhibition space down in the Grund has collections that span the natural sciences, with a focus on zoology, geology and astrophysics. It also has an excellent education and research facilities.

25 rue Münster, Luxembourg-Grund

www.mnhn.lu

Casino Luxembourg Now 25 years old, the contemporary art museum attracts up-and-coming and established artists from all over the world who create experimental, risk-taking works and installations specifically for the unique space.

Lëtzebuerg City Museum Partly built into the rock on which the city stands, which can be viewed from a spacious glass-enclosed lift, this museum is a fascinating artefact in itself.

Its eclectic collection ranges from postcards to everyday household objects that illustrate the history of the capital city.

14 rue du St Esprit, Luxembourg-Centre

MNHA The national museum of history and art has upped its game over recent years and now features some exciting temporary exhibitions and interactive elements alongside its permanent collection of archaeological artefacts and fine art.

One centrepiece worth seeing is a superbly preserved Roman floor mosaic.

41 rue Notre-Dame, Luxembourg-Centre

www.casino-luxembourg.lu

www.citymuseum.lu

Marché-aux-Poissons, Luxembourg-Centre

www.mnha.lu

MY LUXEMBOURG

“A lot of the things that make Luxembourg great, you hear about through or o o t "

Will Bakker Democrats Abroad (Expat Guide 2019/20)

Leisure time

How to what, now?

Leisure time

100

How to plan a “bridge” day

Delano’s favourite

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Weekend eta a

Make sure you take advantage of public holidays to get a long weekend.

1

Luxembourg’s central location and great airline connections make it an ideal place to escape, even for a short weekend.

Here are some places worth discovering.

Strasbourg

Durbuy

The seat of the European Parliament is a charming city with a picture-postcard medieval quarter, the Petite France, and lots of hidden alleyways to explore. It has one of the best Christmas markets in Europe and is home to some great Alsace cuisine.

This charming, but tiny, medieval Belgian town boasts walks, mountain biking trails, and family-friendly adventure park, as well as opportunities for horse-riding and kayaking. It’s also handy for a visit to the Euro Space Center.

Car 3 hours, train 2½ hours

www.otstrasbourg.fr

www.durbuyinfo.be

Antwerp

With national carrier Luxair starting a new route in September 2020, now is a great time to visit the city famous for its music, football, shopping and nightlife. Take in the hip Northern Quarter, the Imperial War Museum North, the Science and Industry Museum and the superb Royal Exchange Theatre.

The Belgian port city has a real fashionable indie vibe, with cool cafés and bars and a smattering of truly great restaurants.

The modern Museum aan de Stroom and the Rubens House and museum are unmissable, and its railway station is among the most beautiful in the world.

Plane 1 hour 50 minutes www.visitmanchester.com

www.visitantwerpen.be

Hamburg

Renowned for its Carnival season in February.

Cologne is also a great place for shopping and is home to a cluster of museums and galleries, plus a slew of Instagram-worthy outdoor spots, including its iconic cathedral.

The city’s revamped docklands are home to the amazing Elbphilharmonie concert hall and the impressive Miniatur Wunderland model railway. But don’t miss the eclectic array of cafés, bars and music venues in the Sternschanze district, have breakfast at the fish market or take in a home match at St. Pauli FC.

Car 2½ hours, train 3½ hours www.cologne-tourism.com

Milan A favourite for vintage designer shopping, bookstores and unique bars offering live music and great cocktails, Milan has some iconic landmarks such as the tree-lined Bosco Verticale residential towers, the impressive cathedral and La Scala opera house.

Plane 2 hours, car 7 hours, train 8 hours

www.hamburg-tourism.de

Plane 1¼ hours, car 7½ hours

www.turismo.milano.it

Champagne region The region’s main city, Reims, boasts a stunning 13th-century Gothic cathedral and kilometres of champagne cellars. But, to really get to the heart of this region, head for Épernay, home to Moët & Chandon, among others.

Car 2½ hours, bus 3½ hours, train 3-5 hours

www.reims-tourism.com

2

Plan ahead Taking a “bridge” is a much sought-after prize--I mean, who doesn’t like a four-day weekend that only costs you one day of your holiday allowance?

So best to book your “pont” early, especially if you work in a small team.

Car 3 hours, train 4 hours

Cologne

You may hear colleagues or your HR department talking about “faire le pont”. That doesn’t mean they will start an engineering project, nor is it any team-building exercise to understand cultural differences.

It just means that they are going to “bridge the weekend” by taking a day’s holiday after, or before, a public holiday.

Car 1¾ hours

Manchester

What’s a “bridge”?

Plan your journey

Trains: www.cfl.lu

Planes: www.luxair.lu

Automobiles: www.acl.lu

3

When do they fall?

May, in which there are three public holidays, is usually a good time to take a bridge.

But 2020 has presented particularly poor pickings.

The newly introduced public holiday for Europe Day, 9 May, as well as Assumption, 15 August, both fell on Saturdays.

All Saints’ Day, 1 November, fell on Sunday. Don’t worry, employees were granted compensatory holiday days. Next year is not much better with Labour Day on 1 May, Europe Day and Assumption all falling on weekends. Ascension, which is always a Thursday, falls on 13 May. And the National Day holiday, 23 June, is on a Wednesday so you could take 2 bridge days and plan a 5-day vacation somewhere. All Saints’ Day is a Monday, so booking off 2 November 2021 will also get you a 4-day weekend.

5 4 11

8 9 2 7

A multi-purpose deposit system designed in Luxembourg to transport meals. Whether at the restaurant, canteen or takeaway, the ECOBOX can be used almost everywhere.

The multiple use of the ECOBOX will eliminate many disposable packagings. This initiative reduces the volume of waste because it does not only scale down the number of packages, but also the amount of food waste.

Find your ECOBOX providers at www.ecobox.lu A campaign by :

BPA FREE

DISH WASHER SAFE

MICRO WAVE SAFE*

+100 HIGH -20 TEMP. °C RANGE

1 10

3

6

FULLY RECYC LABLE

5€ *without lid

MÉI LAANG GENÉISSEN www.ecobox.lu .ecobox.lu info@ecobox.lu

Partners :

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PARKS, GAR DENS & LAKES Echternach lake Hike around the lake or in the surrounding woods, have a picnic or take to the water in a paddle boat.

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

Rue des Romains L-6578 Echternach www.visitechternach.lu F7

Escher DĂŠierepark Houses an array of cute animals and a playground.

Rue du Stade L-4142 Esch-sur-Alzette 27 54 37 50 www.deierepark.lu J3

Fairy tale park (Parc Merveilleux) Houses domestic and exotic animals, and has some great playground spaces for younger kids.

Route de Mondorf L-3260 Bettembourg 51 10 48 1 www.parc-merveilleux.lu J4

Haff Reimich nature reserve 5 Breicherwee L-5441 Remerschen 23 60 90 61-24 biodiversum@anf.etat.lu J6

Mediterranean Garden

Upper SĂťre nature park & lake 15 route de Lultzhausen L-9650 Esch-sur-SĂťre 89 93 31 1 www.naturpark-sure.lu D3

LIBRARIES Bibliothèque nationale 37 avenue J.F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg 22 97 55 1 www.bnl.public.lu F12

CitÊ Bibliothèque 3 rue Genistre L-1623 Luxembourg 47 96 27 32 www.bimu.lu E12

ENGLISH LANGUAGE BOOKSHOPS & NEWSAGENTS Alinea

2-4 rue Beck, L-1222 Luxembourg 22 00 67 F12

Little English Bookworm 691 395 203 www.littleenglishbookworm.com

TOURIST OFFICES Éislek Tourist Office 26 95 05 66 www.visit-eislek.lu

Luxembourg City Tourist Office 30 place Guillaume II L-1648 Luxembourg 22 28 09 touristinfo@lcto.lu www.lcto.lu F12

Esch-sur-Alzette Tourist Office 27 54 1 www.esch.lu

Moselle Tourist Office 26 75 78 74 www.visitmoselle.lu

Merl-Belair park Boulevard Pierre Dupong L-1430 Luxembourg F10

4 rue de la Reine L-2418 Luxembourg 22 50 77 280 www.ernster.com F12

Mondorf-les-Bains Spa park

Fellner Louvigny

Avenue des Bains L-5601 Mondorf-les-Bains 23 66 75 75 www.mondorf.info I5

Stocks some neat chidren’s books as well as carefully selected books on art, design, travel, food and pop culture.

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.

12 rue Louvigny L-1946 Luxembourg 28 79 60 48 Fellner Louvigny F12

Home to the Pirate Ship playground for kids and the Kinnekswiss meadow, where teenagers hang out in summer.

K Kiosk

18 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420 Luxembourg E11, F11

The newsagent chain stocks select English-language newspapers, magazines and some books.

Across Luxembourg

Breicherwee L-5441 Remerschen J6

A permanent exhibition illustrates various eras of the medieval casemates fortifications and Luxembourg’s history.

5 rue Beaumont L-1219 Luxembourg 22 67 87 www.alinea.lu E12

Ernster

Remerschen lakes

Dräi Eechelen Museum

Has a limited number of English-language books.

An extensive first-floor section dedicated to English literature.

89 route du Vin L-5447 Schwebsange 691 240 334 www.mediterraner-garten.lu I6

Municipal park

Librairie Française

Mullerthal Tourist Office

5 Parc Dräi Eechelen L-1499 Luxembourg www.m3e.lu E13

LĂŤtzebuerg City Museum 14 rue du Saint-Esprit L-2090 Luxembourg www.citymuseum.lu F12

Luxembourg Science Center Packed with interactive experiments and hosts shows and workshops.

50 rue Emile Mark L-4620 Differdange www.science-center.lu I2

MusÊe d’Art Moderne Grand-Duc Jean (Mudam) 3 Parc Dräi Eechelen L-1499 Luxembourg 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 DĂŠportation L-1415 Luxembourg www.secondeguerremondiale.public.lu G11

72 04 57 1 www.mullerthal.lu

National Museum of Military History Diekirch

MUSEUMS

10 rue Bamertal L-9209 Diekirch www.mnhm.lu E5

Am Tunnel A vast collection of visual arts, especially photographs, housed underground.

16 rue Zithe L-2954 Luxembourg 40 15 24 50 www.bcee.lu F11

Blast Furnace Belval An in situ exhibition on Luxembourg’s steel industry housed in the last two blast furnaces that visitors can climb to enjoy stunning views.

Avenue du Rock’n’Roll L-4361 Esch-sur-Alzette www.fonds-belval.lu J3

Casino Luxembourg 41 rue Notre-Dame L-2240 Luxembourg www.casino-luxembourg.lu F11

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 www.mnm.lu J3

National Museum of History and Art MarchĂŠ-aux-Poissons L-2345 Luxembourg www.mnha.lu E12

National Museum of Natural History 25 rue MĂźnster L-2160 Luxembourg www.mnhn.lu F12

De Gudde WĂŤllen

Rockhal

Clervaux Castle

Maison 3 L-8823 Haut-Martelange www.ardoise.lu F1

17 rue du Saint-Esprit L-1475 Luxembourg www.deguddewellen.lu F12

5 avenue du Rock’n’Roll L-4083 Esch-Belval www.rockhal.lu J3

MontÊe du Château L-9712 Clervaux www.destination-clervaux.lu C4

“The Bitter Years�

Waassertuerm

Grand ThÊâtre

Rotondes

Grand Ducal Palace

1 rond-point Schuman L-2525 Luxembourg 47 96 39 00 www.theatres.lu E11, E12

Place des Rotondes L-2448 Luxembourg 26 62 20 07 www.rotondes.lu G12

Kasemattentheater

Sang a Klang

12 rue du Puits L-2355 Luxembourg 29 12 81 www.kasemattentheater.lu H12

Attracts some of the best blues artists on the international circuit.

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.

An exhibition of Great Depression photos that Luxembourg-born Edward Steichen curated for Moma in New York.

1B rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange www.steichencollections.lu J4

The Family of Man A breathtaking exhibition of 503Â photographs by 273 artists from 68Â countries.

Château, L-9712 Clervaux www.steichencollections-cna.lu C4

Tram and Bus Museum 63 rue de Bouillon L-1248 Luxembourg 47 96 23 85 www.rail.lu/tramsmusee.html G10

Villa Vauban 18 avenue Emile Reuter L-2420 Luxembourg www.villavauban.lu E11

PERFORMANCE ART VENUES Centre des Arts Pluriels Ed. Juncker

Kinneksbond 42 route d’Arlon L-8210 Mamer 26 39 51 00 www.kinneksbond.lu H4

Kulturfabrik A former slaughterhouse turned into a live music and theatre venue, there’s a cinema attached too.

116 rue de Luxembourg L-4221 Esch-sur-Alzette 55 44 93 1 www.kulturfabrik.lu J3

Mierscher Kulturhaus A regional theatre with a variety of drama, dance and music.

53 rue Grande-Duchesse Charlotte L-7520 Mersch www.kulturhaus.lu F4

Regional venue hosts music, dance and theatre.

NeimĂŤnster

Place Marie-AdĂŠlaĂŻde L-9063 Ettelbruck www.cape.lu E4

28 rue MĂźnster L-2160 Luxembourg 26 20 52 1 www.neimenster.lu F12

Cercle CitÊ Hosts gala events in a magnificent ballroom, while its adjoining modern part has an auditorium above the city’s library.

Place d’Armes, L-2012 Luxembourg 47 96 51 33 www.cerclecite.lu E12

Cube 521 1-3 Driicht L-9764 Marnach 52 15 21 www.cube521.lu C4

Den Atelier 54 rue de Hollerich L-1740 Luxembourg 49 54 85 1 www.atelier.lu G11

Opderschmelz 1A rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange www.opderschmelz.lu J4

Philharmonie 1 place de l’Europe L-1499 Luxembourg 26 02 27 1 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

Rue Vauban/rue des Trois Glands L-2663 Luxembourg www.bluesclub.lu E12

ThÊâtre des Capucins A showcase theatre for local productions and smaller international shows.

9 place du ThÊâtre L-2613 Luxembourg 47 96 39 00 www.theatres.lu

ThÊâtre National du Luxembourg Experimental theatre, mostly in French and German, but with some English-language shows.

194 route de Longwy L-1940 Luxembourg www.tnl.lu F9

CASTLES Beaufort Castle Rue du Château L-6313 Beaufort www.beaufortcastles.com F6

Bock Casemates The 17km long Unesco World Heritage galleries are one of the top attractions to do in Luxembourg City and offers a unique view on the Rives de Clausen.

MontĂŠe de Clausen, Luxembourg 22 67 53 www.luxembourg-city.com E12

Bourglinster Castle The castle now has three banqueting halls and the Michelin-starred “La Distillerie� restaurant.

8 rue du Château L-6162 Bourglinster www.bourglinster.lu G5

Bourscheid Castle 1 Schlasswee L-9140 Bourscheid www.bourscheid.lu D4

17 rue du MarchĂŠ-aux-Herbes L-1728 Luxembourg 22 28 09 touristinfo@lcto.lu www.lcto.lu F12

Larochette Castle MontÊe du Château L-7622 Larochette 83 74 97 www.larochette.eu F5

Vianden Castle MontÊe du Château L-9408 Vianden 84 92 91 www.castle-vianden.lu D5

Valley of the Seven Castles Eischen-Gaichel www.visitluxembourg.com G3

CLUBS & GROUPS Actors Repertory Theatre Luxembourg Produces regular English-language theatrical productions. 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-AdĂŠlaĂŻde L-2128 Luxembourg 44 84 77 www.awcluxembourg.com

Anglican Church of Luxembourg Choir 5 avenue Marie-ThÊrèse L-2132 Luxembourg 43 95 93 www.anglican.lu F11

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Leisure time

Slate Museum

104

British Ladies Club of Luxembourg Organises regular events, activities for children and raises funds for various good causes. info@blc.lu www.blc.lu

VOLUNTEERING Caritas 40 21 31 1 caritas@caritas.lu www.caritas.lu

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-21

British-Luxembourg Society

DĂŠierenasyl

Strives to deepen, maintain and develop bonds between the grand duchy and the UK.

The national animal shelter needs volunteers to take dogs out for a walk.

info@b-l-s.lu www.b-l-s.lu

48 13 13 1 www.deierenasyl.lu

Comhaltas Ceoltóirí Éireann

Een Häerz fir kriibskrank Kanner

Promotes Irish culture.

Helps families of children with cancer through psychological, palliative and practical support.

comhaltas.lu@gmail.com www.comhaltas.lu

51 46 29 1 www.kriibskrankkanner.lu

InterNations An international community for people who live and work abroad. www.internations.org

Irish Club of Luxembourg A focal point for Irish activities in the grand duchy.

Fondation Autisme Luxembourg 26 91 11 1 www.fal.lu

www.irishclub.lu

Fondatioun Kriibskrank Kanner

Meetup

Supports families of children with cancer and life-threatening diseases and supports cancer treatment research.

A platform allowing users to organise their own local group or find meetings.

31 31 70 www.fondatioun.lu

www.meetup.com

New World Theatre Club Promotes Anglophone theatre, organises workshops and develops young talent. chair@nwtc.lu www.nwtc.lu

Pirate Productions English-speaking musical theatre group.

621 249 376 www.pirateproductions.lu

Science Fiction & Fantasy Society Luxembourg Organises the annual LuxCon festival for genre fans.

SFFSLux

Kanner Wonsch Raises funds to grant wishes for children and teenagers with a critical medical condition.

31 45 95 www.wonsch.lu

Stop Aids Now Focuses on Aids prevention activities in Luxembourg and on international sustainable development actions. info@sida.lu www.sida.lu

Stade Michel Wagner L-2673 Weimerskirch Luxembourg GAA C13

Trisomie 21 LĂŤtzebuerg

Golf-Club Grand-Ducal

26 78 74 51 www.trisomie21.lu

1 route de Trèves L-2633 Findel 34 00 90 www.gcgd.lu H5

Unicef The foundation works in 190 countries and territories to protect children rights.

44 87 15 www.unicef.lu

Kanner-Jugendtelefon Provides help and support to children and adolescents in distress through an anonymous and confidential listening and counselling service. contact@kjt.lu www.kjt.lu

Serve The City Helps homeless, asylum seekers, disabled, elderly, children in need, victims of abuse, and organises other projects. hello@servethecity.lu www.servethecity.lu

Centre for Ecological Learning Provides an experimental space for thinking, researching, disseminating and practicing post-carbon lifestyles. info@cell.lu www.cell.lu

29 77 89 1 www.omega90.lu

The NGO has an “international section� for English-speaking volunteers.

27 55 20 00 www.croix-rouge.lu

Golf de Luxembourg Domaine de Belenhaff, Junglinster 78 00 68-1 www.golfdeluxembourg.lu G5

Golf de Preisch 1 rue du Vieux Moulin F-57570 Basse-Rentgen, France www.golf-de-preisch.com

Gymnastics Federation 24 93 97 4 www.flgym.lu

Ice Skating Federation www.skating.lu

Kikuoka Country Club Scheierhaff L-5412 Canach 35 61 35 www.kikuoka.lu H6

SPORTS 48 06 70 www.fla.lu

Basketball Federation 48 18 76-23 www.flbb.lu

Voices International

SOS DĂŠtresse

A community choir that performs a wide variety of musical styles.

SOS DĂŠtresse provides anonymous help to people in acute crisis or complex life situations.

chairman@voicesinternational.lu www.voicesinternational.lu

44 38 81 info@sosdetresse.lu www.454545.lu

42 route de Bettembourg L-1899 Kockelscheuer www.curling.lu I4

Sportunity

Cycling Federation

Uses sports to boost Luxembourg youth from disadvantaged backgrounds.

29 23 17 www.fscl.lu

691 717 101 www.sportunity.org

Am Lahr L-7641 Christnach 87 83 83 www.golfclubchristnach.lu F5

rotaractluxemburg@gmail.com www.rotaractluxembourg.com

Athletics Federation Red Cross Luxembourg

Golf & Country Club Christnach

Rotaract Luxembourg

Omega 90 Association for the promotion of palliative care and bereavement support.

Gaelic Sports Club Luxembourg

Curling Luxembourg

Dudelange Steelers American Football Club Stade J.F. Kennedy, L-3502 Dudelange www.steelers.lu

Lacrosse Federation 621 558 531 www.lacrosse.lu

Luxembourg Triathlon Federation www.fltri.lu

Luxembourg Handball Federation 48 54 74 www.flh.lu

Luxembourg Cricket Federation Pierre Werner Cricket Ground L-7210 Walferdange www.luxembourgcricket.org H4

Luxembourg Flying Disc Federation Stade Henri Funck L-1316 Neudorf www.ultimatedelux.org C16

48 86 65 1 www.flf.lu

Luxembourg Huskies (ice hockey for under 22s) 42 route de Bettembourg, Kockelscheuer www.icehockey-huskies.lu I4

Luxembourg Rugby Federation www.rugby.lu

Lux Golf Center 18 route de Bettembourg, Kockelscheuer 26 48 08 74 www.luxgolfcenter.com I4

Polo Club Luxembourg 64 rue des Celtes L-1318 Merl www.polo.lu H4

Rugby Club Luxembourg Stade Boy Konen L-1321 Cessange www.rcl.lu H9

Table Tennis Federation

Pidal Spa Walferdange

CinĂŠ Scala

Rue de l’Alzette L-7210 Walferdange www.walferdange-rugby.lu H4

Rue des PrĂŠs L-7426 Walferdange 33 91 72 1 www.pidal.lu H4

46 rue de l’Industrie L-9250 Diekirch 28 11 98 1 www.cinescala.lu E5

Redange

CinĂŠ Starlight

28 rue de la Piscine L-8508 Redange 23 62 00 32 www.reidener-schwemm.lu F2

1B rue du Centenaire L-3475 Dudelange 52 24 24 1 www.kinepolis.lu J4

Syrdall Schwemm

CinĂŠ Sura

Routscheed L-6939 Niederanven 34 93 63 1 www.syrdall-schwemm.lu H5

18 rue de la Montagne, Echternach 72 88 78 www.kinepolis.lu F7

Vianden outdoor swimming pool

CinĂŠ Utopia

SWIMMING POOLS Aquatic Relaxation Center 12 rue des Bains L-1212 Luxembourg 47 96 25 50 www.vdl.lu E12

Aquasud Differdange 1 rue Jeannot Kremer L-4671 Differdange 27 32 83 1 www.vert-marine.com/aquasuddifferdange-luxembourg/ I2

Bettembourg

CinĂŠ Waasserhaus

Bonnevoie swimming pool

CinÊmathèque de la Ville de Luxembourg

Avenue des Bains L-5610 Mondorf-les-Bains 57 57 58 www.caramba.lu J6

30 rue Sigismond L-2537 Luxembourg 47 96 34 71 www.vdl.lu H13

Centre Aquatique Krounebierg

Tennis Federation

d’Coque

57 44 70 1 www.flt.lu

2 rue LĂŠon Hengen L-1745 Luxembourg reservation_request@coque.lu www.coque.lu C14

Tornado Luxembourg (ice hockey for over 22s) 42 route de Bettembourg, Kockelscheuer www.tornadoluxembourg.com I4

Skiing Federation www.fls.lu

Volleyball Federation 48 41 86 www.flvb.lu

16 avenue de la FaĂŻencerie L-1510 Luxembourg 22 46 11 www.kinepolis.lu D11

CINEMAS

14 rue de la Piscine, L-7572 Mersch 32 88 23 1 www.krounebierg.lu F4

Stade Boy Konen and Stade Michel Wagner L-1321 Cessange/L-2673 Weimerskirch www.touch-luxembourg.lu H9, C13

Specialises in art house and independent films.

10 rue James-Hillard Polk L-3275 Bettembourg 26 52 95 1 www.an-der-schwemm.lu J4

48 37 83 www.fltt.lu

Touch Luxembourg

Rue du Sanatorium L-9425 Vianden 83 45 32 www.vianden-info.lu D5

Esch-sur-Alzette 1 place des SacrifiĂŠs L-1940 Esch-sur-Alzette 27 54 72 00 www.lesbainsduparc.lu J3

Les Thermes Rue des Thermes, L-9018 Strassen 27 03 00 27 www.lesthermes.net H4

Mondorf Domaine Thermal 36 avenue des Bains L-5610 Mondorf-les-Bains 23 66 66 66 www.mondorf.lu J6

Screens retrospectives and classic films alongside modern gems.

17 place du ThÊâtre L-2613 Luxembourg 47 96 26 44 www.vdl.lu E12

CinĂŠ Kursaal 8 rue des Martyrs L-3739 Rumelange 57 57 58 www.caramba.lu J3

CinĂŠ Le Paris 12 rue de la Gare L-3236 Bettembourg 52 02 49 www.kinepolis.lu J4

CinĂŠ Orion 24 avenue de la Gare L-9906 Troisvierges 97 81 32 www.kinepolis.lu B3

CinĂŠ Prabbeli 8 rue de la Montagne L-9538 Wiltz 95 92 05-1 www.kinepolis.lu D3

Kinepolis Belval 7 avenue du Rock’n’Roll L-4361 Esch-sur-Alzette 26 57 20 1 www.kinepolis.lu J3

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

Kinoler 38 rue Principale L-8376 Kahler www.kinepolis.lu H3

Kulturhuef Kino 54 route de Trèves L-6793 Grevenmacher 26 74 64-1 www.kinepolis.lu G7

RESTAURANTS www.explorator.lu

105

Leisure time

Luxembourg Football Federation

Walferdange Rugby

106

EXPAT GUIDE 2020-2021

10 things to do in Luxembourg Luxembourg City offers a fascinating combination of history, culture, art, parks and green spaces. Find out the 10 must-see spots of a city that provides a real blend of ancient and modern architecture with plenty of multicultural restaurants to savour both local and international food.

Music

5

The Philharmonie is as much-loved European concert hall. Its programming ranges from early music to remarkable premieres and from stars of jazz, world-music revelations and DJ legends to traditional brass ensembles and young Luxembourg musicians and bands. The Orchestre Philharmonique du Luxembourg gives many of the 90 concerts it has lined up. The world’s most celebrated orchestras, conductors, soloists, etc. are regular guests.

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Culture

1

Rotondes

Rotondes is a one-of-a-kind venue in the heart of Luxembourg City consisting of two abandoned railway roundhouses. Under the motto of cultural exploration, the cultural centre hosts events that range from performing to visual arts and music. Its programme has a strong focus on young audiences. Rotondes is also a platform where important social issues are being tackled in a very practical way through workshops and conferences.

Place des Rotondes L-2448 Luxembourg-Bonnevoie 26 62 20 07 info@rotondes.lu www.rotondes.lu

Restaurant Amélys 3

From a great buffet breakfast to a romantic dinner or a business lunch, the Amélys restaurant team offers you a warm and attentive welcome, every day until 11 p.m.!

This French brasserie proposes a cuisine to be enjoyed in a contemporary setting or, depending on the weather, on the sunny terrace. One of the most beautiful in Luxembourg City!

Don’t miss the Sunday buffet.

Booking is highly recommended!

12 boulevard Royal L-2449 Luxembourg 24 16 16 737 www.amelys.lu

Casino Luxembourg 2

Casino Luxembourg – Forum d’art contemporain, the flagship contemporary art institution in Luxembourg, is dedicated exclusively to contemporary creation. The art centre holds exhibitions with an international programme of mainly youngergeneration artists. The venue also houses a bookshop and a library, and a café-restaurant. A vast programme of guided tours, lectures and creative workshops complements the exhibitions.

Mo, We, Thu, Fr, Sa, Su: 11 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Closed on Tuesdays and on 01/01, 01/11, 25/12 41 rue Notre-Dame L-2240 Luxembourg 7 boulevard F. D. Roosevelt L-2450 Luxembourg 22 50 45 info@casino-luxembourg.lu www.casino-luxembourg.lu

4

Top city views

Discover the most beautiful panoramic views in Luxembourg City with the Luxembourg City Tourist Office. Enjoy the stunning views from the Corniche, known as “the most beautiful balcony in Europe”, and take a ride in the panoramic glass lift with its sweeping views of the Pfaffenthal district. Whether you prefer exploring on your own or with a guide upon request, this 2-hour tour will take you to the capital’s best viewpoints.

30 place Guillaume II L-1648 Luxembourg 22 28 09-79 (Guided Tours) guides@lcto.lu

8

Bock Casemates

With more than 130,000 visitors per year, the Bock Casemates are among Luxembourg’s most popular tourist attractions. Inscribed on the Unesco's World Heritage List since 1994, this immense underground military defence system dates back to the 17th century. Explore these underground galleries at your own pace or with a guide and descend into the capital’s rich history.

Montée de Clausen L-1343 Luxembourg 22 28 09 touristinfo@lcto.lu

Culture

neimënster Neumünster Abbey 6 Centre National in the heart of the city Sportif et Culturel Located and part of Unesco’s World Heritage List, the Abbey has d’Coque The Coque is one of the country’s leading sports facilities. The aquatic centre offers an Olympicsize swimming pool, a diving platform, as well as a beginners’ pool, amongst others. The Coque also provides many sports classes, two fitness rooms, a wellness centre with a snow cabin, five saunas and an outdoor pool, as well as a climbing wall with more than 150 routes. Furthermore, the Coque hosts two restaurants. Enjoy!

2 rue Léon Hengen L-1745 Luxembourg 43 60 60 222 www.coque.lu

Culture

Bibliothèque nationale du Luxembourg 7

The Bibliothèque nationale du Luxembourg (BnL) or National Library is a multifunctional library.

As a heritage library, the BnL is dedicated to collecting, preserving and cataloguing documents, print and online, created in or related to Luxembourg. As a scientific library, it offers its users international records about all areas of knowledge. It has over 1.8 million documents and offers free access to an ever-growing number of digital resources.

In search of more things to do in Luxembourg?

Sign up for Delano's newsletter on:

1 place de l’Europe L-1499 Luxembourg 26 32 26 32 www.philharmonie.lu

Sport

Exploration

Art

Food & Drinks

Philharmonie

History

www.delano.lu

Tu–Fr, 10 a.m. – 8 p.m.

Sa, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

Closed on Sundays and Mondays 37d avenue John F. Kennedy L-1855 Luxembourg 26 55 9–100 info@bnl.etat.lu www.bnl.lu

9

witnessed 400 tumultuous years--as military bastion, orphanage and prison--but is since 2004 home to vibrant culture and artistic expression.

The most beautiful place in town is open daily from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. with free admission to all exhibitions and offers 200+ events each year, from concerts and kids’ programme to conferences and festivals.

28 rue Münster L-2160 Luxembourg 26 20 52 1 www.neimenster.lu

History

Lëtzebuerg City Museum 10

The capital’s history, dating back over a thousand years, comes to life at the Lëtzebuerg City Museum. The museum has several interactive displays, multimedia animations and a brand-new instructive and fun mobile app: Lëtzebuerg City Museum. The museum is a wonder in itself, with its spectacular architecture, panoramic lift and location on the Corniche in the heart of the city’s Old Town.

Tu-Su, 8 a.m. – 6 p.m. , open until 8 p.m. on Thursdays, closed on Mondays 14 rue du Saint-Esprit L-1475 Luxembourg 47 96 45 00 musee@2musees.vdl.lu citymuseum.lu

From here or from abroad visit ing.lu/welcome

ING Luxembourg S.A. - 26, Place de la Gare, L-2965 Luxembourg - R.C.S. Luxembourg B.6041 - TVA LU 11082217 - ing.lu