Luxembourg (LU)
Luxembourg is a tiny but remarkably prosperous constitutional monarchy at the heart of Europe — a founding member of both the EU and NATO — celebrated as the world's most productive economy per capita, the EU's premier financial centre, and home to the highest minimum wage on the continent.
Currency & Money
Practical money tips for living in Luxembourg.
Denominations
Coins: 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, 50c, €1, €2. Notes: €5, €10, €20, €50, €100, €200, €500.
Payment Culture
Luxembourg is highly cashless — card payments are universally accepted including contactless via Visa, Mastercard, and Maestro. Bancontact is common near the Belgian border. Apple Pay and Google Pay widely accepted. Cash is still used for small purchases and at markets. Luxembourg has the lowest VAT in the EU at 17% standard rate, making many purchases significantly cheaper than in neighbouring countries — this drives cross-border shoppers into Luxembourg.
ATM Tips
ATMs (distributeurs automatiques) are widely available in Luxembourg City and all towns. Spuerkeess (BCEE) and BGL BNP Paribas have the largest ATM networks. Foreign cards accepted at all ATMs. No ATM fees from Luxembourg banks for EU cards; your home bank may charge withdrawal fees.
Exchange Tips
As a Eurozone member since 1999, no currency exchange needed from other Eurozone countries. For non-Euro currencies, use Wise or Revolut for best rates. Currency exchange at Luxembourg Airport is expensive — use ATMs instead.
Pro tip: Best apps for expats
- • Wise — Send money internationally at near-interbank rates
- • Revolut — Multi-currency account, free ATM withdrawals (limits apply)
- • N26 — German IBAN, free account, good for EU residents