Time
Luxembourg uses Central European Time (CET) which is one hour ahead of BST (and 2 hours ahead of GMT). Set your watches and clocks one hour ahead. This applies to both summer and winter months as the clocks change on the same dates throughout Europe.
Languages
Lëtzebuergesch, French and German.
Travel documents
Luxembourg is a member of the European Union. UK citizens (including children under 16) and citizens from other EU countries need only a valid passport. Holders of non-EU passports should check with the appropriate consulate to see if a visa is required.
Car papers
- valid UK (or other EU) driving licence (not a provisional licence)
- car registration document (‘log book’)
- international green card - extra motor insurance is not compulsory but is advisable
- GB sticker on the back of the car and caravan (or integral in the registration plate)
Caravans
There are no special regulations for caravans.
Pets
Under reciprocal regulations some pets may be taken into the Luxembourg if accompanied by a passport, chip and the relevant vaccination. The regulations cover proof of vaccination, breeds and health certificates etc. You are strongly advised to check with your vet for the most recent information and restrictions. Take care to request information in plenty of time. Some vaccinations need to be administered a considerable time in advance. You will need to inform the ferry or tunnel operator when booking. Depending on the route your pet may need to stay in the car or in special cages which can usually be rented on the ferry. Bringing pets back into the UK is strictly controlled with severe penalties for infringement. More information is available on http://europa.eu/abc/travel/pets/index_en.htm
Currency
The currency in Luxembourg is the euro, which is divided into 100 cents. Approximate exchange rates (September 2007): £1 = €1.48. Most debit and credit cards issued in the UK can be used in cash machines and to pay for goods and services in Luxembourg. Cards with the Cirrus logo can be used to obtain cash and cards with the Maestro logo can be used at some outlets as Chip&Pin cards. Credit cards are accepted in many places though not as widely as in the UK. Make certain you know your PIN code before you leave as signatures are not always accepted. UK bank cheques (except travellers cheques) and Eurocheques are no longer accepted. Banks are open Monday to Friday from 09:00 to 12:00 and from13:30 to 16:30. A number of banks also open between 12:00 and 14:00 and on Saturday mornings.
Customs regulations
For travel between EU countries you are permitted to take as much luggage ‘as you would reasonably need for personal use’. You may be required to prove that your possessions are personal and not for commercial use. Borders between EU and non-EU countries are more strictly controlled. There are restrictions on the amount of tax-free goods you may import from non-EU countries. More information from HM Revenue & Customs on http://www.hmrc.gov.uk/.
Medical cover
UK and Irish citizens should apply for the free EHIC (European Health Insurance Card which has replaced the old E111 form). Each member of your group will need a separate EHIC Card. It covers the cost of basic emergency expenses in Luxembourg (and all other countries in this guide except Andorra, Croatia and Turkey). It can be ordered online, by phone or by post. More information on http://www.dh.gov.uk/ or http://www.oasis.gov.ie/
Post
Open Monday to Friday from 08:00 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 17:00.
Shops
In general the shops are open Tuesday to Saturday from 08:3 to 12:00 and from 14:00 to 18:00. Many shops are open on Mondays from 12:00 to 18:00.
Public holidays
- New Year’s Day
- 21 March (Good Friday)
- 24 March (Easter Monday)
- 1 May (Ascension Day)
- 12 May (Whit Monday)
- 23 June (National Day)
- 15 August (The Assumption)
- 1 November (All Saints)
- 2 November (All Souls)
- Christmas Day and Boxing Day
Traffic regulations
Remember, all traffic in Luxembourg drives on the right and overtakes on the left! Headlight deflectors are advisable to prevent annoying oncoming drivers. Luxembourg uses the metric system, so distances are measured in kilometres (km), speeds in kilometres per hour (km/h) and fuel is sold in litres (l). Speed limits where not otherwise indicated: roads in built-up areas:
- 50km/h (± 30 mph)
- main roads outside built-up areas 90 km/h (± 56 mph)
- motorways 130 km/h (± 80 mph), when raining 110 km/h (± 70 mph).
Cars with a trailer 90 km/h (± 56 mph) on motorways or 75 km/h (± 46 mph) when raining. Dipped headlights must be used during daytime. Seatbelts must be used wherever fitted. Use of anti-radar equipment is prohibited. Drivers may only use telephones hands-free. Maximum permitted alcohol level is 0.08%. In blue zones you may only park with a parking disc. This applies to Luxembourg City, Esch s/Alzette, Dudelange, Remich and Wiltz.
In the event of breakdown
The Luxembourg Automobile Club ACL has a patrol service ‘Service Routier’ day and night, including Sundays and holidays. You can contact this service on 4500451-300. From a mobile call 00352-450045-300. The general emergency number is 112. Charges must be paid locally if your own motoring association does not cover them
More than half of the camp sites in Luxembourg are classified using a star rating from 1 to 5 stars. Natureis an extra star denotes extra facilities. An example of this could be the ratio of showers and toilets to camping pitches. Also the presence of amenities such as a swimming pool and a restaurant have an influence on the number of stars. These categories apply only to camp sites that voluntarily cooperate in the scheme. You can see precisely how many stars relate to which particular amenities on http://www.camping.lu/.
As this ‘star system’ is quite new there are still some camp sites have chosen to remain with the ‘old’ classification. Rates for camping are determined by each category of camp sites.
Take note: there are high quality camp sites that have chosen not to be included in any classification system.
Overnight camping on the roadside and free camping are prohibited. Camping on farms is permitted with permission of the farmer and provided no more than 3 tents each with 2 adults are pitched on the same property. There are two sorts of electrical socket in use. Most use the socket common in Benelux and Germany but some sites in the south of Luxembourg use the French type.
Embassy of Luxembourg/Consulate
27 Wilton Crescent
London SW1X 8SD
Tel: 020 7235 6961
Fax: 020 7235 9734
Luxembourg Tourist Office
122 Regent Street
London W1B 5SA
Tel: 020 7434 2800
Fax: 020 7734 1205
e-mail: tourism@luxembourg.co.uk
internet: http://www.luxembourg.co.uk/