Luxembourg business travel information

Doing business in Luxembourg

Luxembourg, one of the smallest European Union Member States, is located between Germany, France and Belgium. It has an area of 2.586 square kilometres and approximately 460.000 inhabitants. Due to the country’s strategic geographical location, its continuous development of external relations and its integration into larger economic bodies, Luxembourg’s economy and local market considerably exceed the country’s actual size.

Luxembourg has long been an active player in European development. It was one of the founding members of the European Coal and Steel Community (ECSC) in 1951 and the European Economic Community (EEC) in 1957. The creation of the Common Market was highly beneficial for the development of Luxembourg’s foreign trade. Luxembourg’s economy is externally focused and more than 85% of its production is exported. The country strongly supported the introduction of the euro and the enlargement of the European Union.

Luxembourg is now acknowledged to be a reliable economic and political partner at European and international level. It forms an integral part of one of the largest economic and monetary areas in the world. In addition to that, Luxembourg plays a driving role in the development of the “Grande Région” cross-border area formed by Luxembourg and neighbouring regions in Germany, France and Belgium.

The country’s main advantages are its strategic location in Europe, the quality of its transport, logistics and telecommunications infrastructure, the availability of a qualified multilingual workforce, political and social stability, an attractive legal and tax framework, a multicultural environment, an open-minded and international outlook and an excellent quality of life.

Quality products and services are offered by economic players in Luxembourg who can take advantage of outstanding skills and an innovative spirit based on an industrial culture and proven experience in the service provider market, particularly for financial services.

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In case of emergencies

Before you go on your business trip to , Luxembourg you should always get a travel insurance with a complete coverage.

Make sure your health care insurance is sufficiently covered.
Maybe this is already covered in your regular health care insurance but often you will need to cover this with the travel insurance. Also a good travel insurance should cover the costs of travel for a relative in case of seriously illness or an accident.

The business trip travel insurance should also cover the costs of search, rescue and repatriation.
When you go on business trips on a regular basis, the easiest way to get insured is with an annual multi-trip insurance.

Keep in mind that you can also use this insurance for your pleasure trips so don`t forget to include to insure your leisure activities.

Business Etiquette and Protocol

If your are planning a business trip to Luxembourg it is a good idea to know at least a little about the culture and etiquette in Luxembourg. Use these business etiquette tips as a guideline only. There are too many social, personal and business nuances in Luxembourg to be considered. There is no uniform approach possible for all occasions.
For more in-depth information I suggest you buy and read the "Global Business Etiquettes" book.

• Communication:
  Use formal names, professional and academic titles.
  Luxembourg has a hierarchical culture, respect that in your business dealings.
  Be modest about yourself and your company.
  Luxembourgers are sometimes direct but they do it with a lot of charm.
  Never interrupt somebody.
  Dress formal and conservative.
  


• Meetings and negotiations:
  When making appointments use the 24-hour clock time format to avoid misunderstandings.
  Be very punctual, if you suspect you will late, call and explain the situation.
  Never cancel a meeting at the last minute.
  Shake hands with everyone upon arriving at the meeting and leaving.
  Remain standing until invited to sit down or others do so.
  Little time is spent to smalltalk before the business conversation begins.
  Agenda’s are strictly followed.
  First appointments can be more socially oriented, Luxembourgers would like to know you a bit better at first.
  Keep your presentation as short as possible, to the point, accurate and precise, do not exaggerate. Back it up with documentation.
  Follow up a meeting with a letter with all agreements outlined.
  


• Table manners:
  If unsure on how to behave, mimic the behavior of others.
  Wait until you are appointed a seat.
  Avoid alcohol if possible, otherwise drink little.
  Return the toast of your host later during the meal.
  Put a napkin on your lap, eat not too much but finish your plate.
  Keep your hands above the table when eating.
  After finishing your plate lay your knife and fork parallel across the right side of your plate.
  Thank your host at the end of the meal.
  

Some phrases in Luxembourgish

Luxembourgish is a Moselle Franconian language spoken mainly in Luxembourg. About 390,000 people worldwide speak Luxembourgish. Luxembourgish is the national language of Luxembourg, but it is only one of three administrative languages along with French and German.

Although the Luxembourg speak excellent English, it is always useful to know some phraes Luxembourgish...

Hello	Moien / Salut
How are you?	Wéi geet et Iech?
Fine	Gutt
My name is ...	Ech heeschen ...
Pleased to meet you	Et freet mëch, lech kennen ze léieren
Good morning	Gudde Moien
Good afternoon	Gudde Mëtteg
Good evening	Gudden Owend
Good night	Gutt Nuecht
Goodbye	Äddi / Awar
Have a nice day	Schéinen Dag nach
Bon appetit	Gudden Appetit!
Cheers/Good health!	Prost!
I don’t understand	Ech verstinn net
Please write it down	Schreift et wann ech glift op
How do you say ... in Luxembourgish?	Wéi seet een ... op Lëtzebuergesch?
Excuse me	Entschëllegt? Pardon
How much is that?	Wéivill kascht dat?
Please	Wann ech glift
Thank you	Merci / Villmols merci
You’re welcome	’t ass gär geschitt
Where’s the toilet?	Wou ass d’Toilette?
Yes / No	Jo / Neen