Stupid Questions - Luxembourg Expat 2018 edition

Disclaimer: A big fat warning is that some information might be incorrect and I am not accountable for this. Feel free to leave a comment if this should be the case.

These are not stupid questions, but rather express the feeling you have when you end up in a foreign country. This post is opinionated and suggestions are listed on descending perceived expat friendliness and personal preference.

Law & Social norms

Traffic

Noteworthy rules:

• Motorway: 130 km/h (110 km/h when rain/ice)
• Road: 90 km/h
• Town: 50 km/h
• Alcohol limit is 0.8 mg/ml
• Winter tires are obligatory (marked with 'M + S', 'M. S.' or 'M & S') in winter conditions.
• It's forbidden to leave a vehicle parked on a public road for more than 24 hours, this is only enforced in case of complaints or when the piece of road is needed for other means than parking.
• Using dash cams is prohibited, this is not strictly enforced.
• At night, simultaneous filling and some gas pumps can be disabled.

Privacy & Confidentiality

• Filming other people is usually not done without permission, even in public places
• Confidentiality is upheld quite strictly

Services

Stores

• Hard-discointers: Aldi, Lidl
• Discounters: Colruyt
• Supermarker: Cactus, Delhaize, Match, Smatch
• Hypermarket: Auchan Kirchberg
• Convenience store: Your local gas station
• Electronics store: Saturn
• Hardware store: Hornbach
• Furniture: Kichechef, IKEA (Belgium/Germany)
• I want to pay as little as possible: Go to Germany

Retail banking

A proof of employment or residency in Luxembourg is usually required. Having an account in another Eurozone country usually suffices to get started in Luxembourg as payments in the Eurozone have been standardized. Retail banking in Luxembourg is a little bit stuck in the 2000s.

Banks:

1. ING Luxembourg (has expat package and free account under conditions)
2. BGL BNP Paribas (has free account)
3. Banque et Caisse d'Epargne de l'Etat (BCEE) / Spuerkeess
4. Banque Internationale à Luxembourg (BIL) (has free account)
5. Post Luxembourg

Tips & Facts:

• Some employers have a deals with certain banks so that better conditions may apply
• Current accounts come with a (contactless) V Pay debit-card that only works in Europe and can not be used for online purchases
• Getting a Mastercard or VISA credit- or prepaid cards are recommended for online purchases

Insurances

• LALUX - La Luxembourgeoise
• Foyer
• AXA Luxembourg
• Bâloise

Tips & Facts:

• Insure risks with possible very high claims against you, such as personal third-party liability insurance and tenant’s liability insurance.

Mobile telephones

• JOIN Experience (MNVO)
• Orange Luxembourg
• Post Luxembourg
• Tango

Tips & Facts:

• Operators have long contract durations, beware if you intend to stay only for a short time. Read your contract!

Health

Doctors & Hospitals

Most doctors accept payments using V Pay (and Maestro) debit cards.

Insurance

Most employees in the private sector are insured by the Caisse Nationale de Santé (CNS) / D'Gesondheetskeess.

Register your bank account

You need to register your bank account before they can wire transfer you the reimbursements. A proof of ownership of the account is required. Therefore, the CNS will demand a relevé d'identité bancaire (RIB) from you.

Reimbursements

Medical expenses need to be paid upfront and are (partialy) reimbursed afterwards. Your Luxembourg national identification number (matricule national) needs to be on every paper. Medical bills can be sent by letter (no stamp required from Luxembourg) and reimbursements will be made to your bank account after a few weeks.

Caisse Nationale de Santé
Service Remboursements
L-2980 Luxembourg
Luxembourg