Essentials

Money, tipping, and prices in Luxembourg

5 min read

A café terrace on Place d’Armes with coffee and pastries

Cash vs card

Card is king — contactless is universal, including on market stalls. ATMs (BGL BNP Paribas, BCEE, ING) charge no fees to most foreign cards but check your home bank. Withdraw $200-300 at a time to reduce transactions. American Express is accepted at hotels and larger restaurants, not at small cafés. Bring a chip-and-PIN card for parking machines and rare unattended pumps.

What things cost

Coffee at a café: $3.50-4.50. Croissant: $2. Pint of beer: $7-9. Glass of Luxembourg Riesling: $6-8. Mid-range 3-course dinner with wine: $60-75. Michelin lunch menu: $65-95. Museum entry: $6-10. Bottle of supermarket wine: $9-14. Mid-range hotel double: $120-180. All numbers are for Luxembourg City — expect 15-20% less in Esch or the north.

Tipping

Service is included by law. Tipping is not expected but appreciated. In restaurants, round up or leave 5-10% for good service — leaving a full 15-20% American-style will confuse the server. Taxis: round up to the nearest dollar. Hotel porters: $2 a bag. Bar staff: no tip needed for a single drink, round up for table service.

Where you get stung

Old town cafés with cathedral views charge $6 for coffee. Bottled water at restaurants: $6-8 for 750ml — ask for tap water, which is free and drinkable. Museum gift shops mark up 30% over regular retail. Airport shops and station kiosks are 25% pricier than a supermarket 5 minutes away — grab supplies at Cactus or Delhaize instead.

Frequently asked questions

Should I bring cash?

A little — $100 for markets, tips and unexpected small vendors. Card handles 95% of transactions including small purchases. Contactless works on virtually every terminal.

How much for a typical dinner?

$35-45 per person for a casual sit-down with a drink. $60-80 for a proper mid-range 3-course with wine. $150+ per person for Michelin-level tasting menus.

Is tap water safe?

Yes and very good — most comes from the Upper Sûre reservoir. Ask for eau du robinet at restaurants; some fancy places will resist, but you’re within your rights.

Are prices lower over the borders?

Yes — Trier (Germany), Arlon (Belgium) and Thionville (France) are all 20-35% cheaper on food, drink and hotels. Locals cross regularly for supermarket runs and dinners.