Living in Luxembourg

"Before retiring in Luxembourg, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's tax system, as well as the cost of living and healthcare. It is also important to research the availability of public transportation, as well as the availability of leisure activities and cultural attractions. Additionally, expats should consider the language barrier, as Luxembourgish is the official language, although French, German, and English are also widely spoken. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for retirees," said one expat in Luxembourg.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

"Expats in Luxembourg often join clubs and activities such as sports teams, language classes, and cultural events. Expats can also meet people by attending local festivals, joining meetup groups, or attending networking events. Additionally, many expats find it helpful to join online forums and social media groups related to their interests. This can be a great way to connect with other expats and locals in Luxembourg," replied an expat in Luxembourg.

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

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

"Before retiring in Luxembourg, expats should familiarize themselves with the country's tax system, as well as the cost of living and healthcare. It is also important to research the availability of public transportation, as well as the availability of leisure activities and cultural attractions. Additionally, expats should consider the language barrier, as Luxembourgish is the official language, although French, German, and English are also widely spoken. Finally, expats should research the visa and residency requirements for retirees," replied an expat in Luxembourg.

"Finance, IT, engineering companies, a little bit of all industries actually. Most people find employment from the administration offices and contacts," replied an expat in Luxembourg.

"Foreigners often have jobs in Luxembourg in a variety of fields, such as finance, banking, IT, engineering, hospitality, and retail. Many foreigners also work in the service industry, such as restaurants, hotels, and transportation. Additionally, there are many opportunities for foreign professionals to work in Luxembourg's growing tech sector," remarked one in Luxembourg.

"Living in Luxembourg as an expat or digital nomad can be a great experience. The country is known for its high quality of life, with excellent infrastructure, a safe and secure environment, and a diverse and welcoming population. Expats and digital nomads can enjoy a wide range of activities, from exploring the city's many cultural attractions to taking advantage of the country's excellent outdoor activities. The cost of living in Luxembourg is relatively high, but the country's high wages and generous social benefits make it an attractive destination for expats and digital nomads. Additionally, Luxembourg is a great place to start a business, with a strong economy and a supportive business environment," said a person living in Luxembourg.

"We truly appreciate how kind people are here! That really surprised us. For the most part, people are very helpful and considerate. We love that it's a small country and that they take very good care of their people. The medical system is really good. The cost for all public transportation within all of Luxembourg is only 45euros for a monthly pass which to us is very reasonable. Students can purchase an annual, all access pass for a little more. The very first thing we noticed was how quiet it is here, even in the city. It's a very clean and neat country. It's fairly safe here too. We love the diversity of cultures that have merged here," remarked one in Luxembourg City.

"Expats in Luxembourg appreciate the country's strong sense of community and the welcoming attitude of the locals. They also enjoy the country's rich cultural heritage, with its many festivals, museums, and galleries. Additionally, expats appreciate the country's excellent infrastructure, with its efficient public transportation system and modern amenities. Finally, expats enjoy the country's high quality of life, with its low crime rate, excellent healthcare system, and high standard of living," explained one expat.

"The biggest challenge we faced was trying to figure out how to shop and save money! In the beginning, our grocery budget doubled! Everything is VERY expensive here! New friends have helped us find the good and affordable ways to shop by going to Germany, France and Belgium on a regular basis. It's pretty cheap to take the train or bus. We go to Germany several times a month for everything from our washer (delivered and installed), to clothes, food and most recently Christmas gifts. We use Ikea in Beligum as well which is literally just over the border. Our country is so small, that within about 30 minutes in any direction, we can be in another country--so cool! Shopping outside of Luxembourg is the most common and widely shared "secret" to saving money," said one expat in Luxembourg City.

"Expats in Luxembourg often find the local culture to be quite different from what they are used to. The language barrier can be a challenge, as Luxembourgish is the official language, and many locals do not speak English. Additionally, the cost of living in Luxembourg is high, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the high prices. Furthermore, the local culture is quite formal, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more formal way of interacting with people. Finally, the local culture is quite conservative, and expats may find it difficult to adjust to the more traditional values and customs," said a person living in Luxembourg.

"Luxembourg is generally considered to be a safe country with low levels of crime. However, there have been reports of pickpocketing and other petty crimes in the capital city of Luxembourg City. Additionally, there have been some reports of drug-related crime in the country," remarked one in Luxembourg.

"Luxembourg is a small, diverse country with a population of just over 600,000 people. It is home to a variety of ethnic and religious backgrounds, including German, French, Portuguese, Italian, and Luxembourgish. People in Luxembourg are generally accepting of differences and are known for their hospitality and openness to different cultures. The country has a long history of welcoming immigrants and refugees, and its government has taken steps to ensure that all people are treated equally and with respect," replied an expat in Luxembourg.

"People in the US romanticize Europe and assume the educational system is so much better. It's not. The experience of living abroad, traveling and meeting lots of smart, successful executive-level families from a wide variety of cultures... that's what makes it great. But ISL is an average school. They do a lovely job with artistic performances in music, art, theater. There is much to see in the area of visible relics of history and the school does a good job with field trips and relevant history/science lessons. If your expectation is to find a school that exceeds US academic standards, you will be disappointed. If your company is willing to cover the school cost and your kids will either remain in the International school system throughout or are young enough to have a few moderately paced school years, then the experience itself is worth it. Good luck," commented one expat when asked about International School of Luxembourg in Luxembourg.