Currency in Luxembourg: EUR Send & Spend FX Guide
Resources for Expats, Travelers and Entrepreneurs Navigating Life and Trade in Luxembourg with the Euro.
What's in this Luxembourg currency guide?
What currency is used in Luxembourg?
The official currency of Luxembourg (country code: LU) is the Euro, with symbol € and currency code EUR.
What is a good Euro exchange rate?
The BestExchangeRates.com currency comparison table below helps you see the total cost of your currency transaction by showing the exchange rates offered by different providers. It also makes it easy to spot potential savings from market-leading FX services compared to bank rates.
To see a full list of rates, enter your transaction type, currencies and amount then click ‘GET RATES’:
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Good things to know about the Euro
As of June 16, 2025, the Euro (EUR) has experienced notable developments affecting travelers, expats, and business owners:
- Interest Rate Adjustments: The European Central Bank (ECB) has reduced its key interest rates multiple times since April 2025, with the deposit rate now at 2%. This easing cycle aims to stimulate economic growth amid global uncertainties. (ft.com)
- Inflation Trends: Eurozone inflation has moderated, with the latest data showing a decrease to 2.4% in November 2024, bringing it closer to the ECB's 2% target. (nbcdfw.com)
- Eurozone Expansion: Bulgaria is on track to adopt the euro on January 1, 2026, following successful convergence assessments. This expansion may influence currency dynamics and economic interactions within the euro area. (en.wikipedia.org)
These developments are crucial for individuals and businesses engaged in international transactions, as they can impact exchange rates, purchasing power, and overall economic conditions.
For more EUR information check out our selection of Euro news and guides.
Frequently Asked Questions
What currency should I use in Luxembourg?
The domestic currency in Luxembourg is the Euro.
What is the Euro currency code and symbol?
The three letter currency code for the Euro is EUR — symbol is €.
What does the Euro look like?
Here is an example Euro banknote:
Which countries use the Euro?
It is the domestic currency in Eurozone, Aaland Islands, Andorra, Austria, Belgium, Croatia, Cyprus, Estonia, Finland, France, French Guinea, French Southern Territories, Germany, Greece, Guadeloupe, Vatican City, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Martinique, Mayotte, Monaco, Montenegro, Netherlands, Portugal, Reunion, Saint Barthelemy, Saint Martin, Saint Pierre and Miquelon, San Marino, Slovakia, Slovenia and Spain.
Is the Euro a closed currency?
No, the Euro is freely available and convertible. See guide: What is a closed currency?
What are equivalent amounts of USD and EUR?
Here are some popular conversion amounts for USD to EUR (US dollar to Euro)*.
*Converted at the current USDEUR interbank exchange rate. Calculate actual payout amounts for Send Money and Travel Money exchange rates.
Travel money for Luxembourg
Using Wise for Euro travel money is a smart choice for savvy travelers. With its competitive exchange rates and low fees, Wise allows you to convert and manage multiple currencies effortlessly.
Be careful when using your own bank's Debit/Credit Card, as your bank may also charge an extra 3% as an “Overseas Transaction Charge” plus “Overseas ATM” fees for withdrawing cash on top of the standard Visa/Mastercard 2.5% from market mid-rate.
For card purchases, if you are offered a choice of currencies always select to Pay in Euro otherwise you will typically get much worst dynamic currency conversion (DCC) exchange rates.
If you really want Euro cash before departure, you can save money by ordering online. You generally get better rates and can pick up the EUR cash locally or even on travel day at the airport.
Luxembourg: Travel Guide
Traveling to Luxembourg requires careful financial planning to ensure a smooth and cost-effective experience. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate currency considerations and manage your money effectively during your visit.
Right in the middle of Europe, you’ll find the beautiful country of Luxembourg. A landlocked country, it’s full of forests, fairytale castles, and jagged gorges. The capital of the country is also called Luxembourg and is situated to the South of the Country. There is no King or Queen of Luxembourg. Instead, there’s a Grand Duke or Grand Duchess. The current Grand Duke is called Henri and he has been Grand Duke since 2000. Much like the Queen of England, the country celebrates his ‘official’ Birthday each year. With a successful steel, finance and high technology industry, a strategic location at the heart of Western Europe, more natural beauty than you might expect given its size, and as one of the three richest countries in the world, Luxembourg enjoys a very high standard of living.
How do I get around Luxembourg?
By train: The Chemins de Fer Luxembourgeois (CFL) [7] train network is either comprehensive or spartan, depending whether you want to go south or north. While the south is reasonably well covered, the north is limited to one main line (Ligne 10) which runs from Luxembourg City via Mersch, Ettelbrück, Wilwerwiltz, Clervaux and Troisvierges. The line continues north into Belgium towards Liège. Trains in Luxembourg generally run very much on time and are modern and comfortable. As the fares are so cheap this is a good mode of transport to use when possible.
By Car: Driving in Luxembourg is nowhere as testing as in other European countries. The locals are polite, even when entering roundabouts. When entering the highways from side roads into the slower traffic lane, the other drivers will allow you to join the traffic line, but traffic indicators are essential. As with other highways in Europe always keep in the slow traffic lane, keeping the fast lane for overtaking. Normal day to day driving in Luxembourg is a delight but traffic does slow down in peak times.
What language is spoken in Luxembourg?
Luxembourgish ("Lëtzebuergesch") - a Germanic language that incorporates many French loan-words - is the national language. It is spoken natively by just over half of the native population, and is the main language of television and radio broadcasts. German ("Hochdeutsch") enjoys official status in Luxembourg. It is taught in schools, is the language of the press, court system and church, and is almost universally understood by the local population.
That being said, everything from road signs to menus to information in stores, will appear in French - which is the main language of the government. French therefore is clearly one of the most useful of the three official languages to know, particularly in the capital.
Everyday Costs in in Luxembourg
How much does it really cost to live, work, or travel in Luxembourg? Here's what to expect for daily expenses and expat living.
Currency Guide: Luxembourg (LU)
For travelers planning a one-week mid-range stay in Luxembourg, budgeting is key. Expect to spend approximately €1,200-€1,500, depending on your activities and dining preferences. Here are some typical daily expenses in Luxembourg's local currency, the Euro (€):
- 🍽️ Meal at a local restaurant: €15-€30
- ☕ Coffee: Around €3-€5
- 🚌 Public transport fare: €2 for a single ticket
- 📱 Prepaid SIM card: About €20
- 🏨 Budget hotel or Airbnb: €80-€120 per night
Overall, Luxembourg can be classified as an expensive destination in Europe, especially when compared to the United States, where similar mid-range spending can often get you more value. For a similar experience in the UK, you can expect comparable prices, though the quality of public transport and amenities in Luxembourg tends to be higher.
Expat Living in Luxembourg
For expats, living in Luxembourg calls for a slightly modified budget, with typical monthly expenses ranging from €2,500 to €3,500. This encompasses rent, utilities, groceries, and leisure activities. Most expatriates will find banking in Luxembourg straightforward, with numerous local and international banks available. It’s advisable to utilize a local bank for day-to-day transactions, as using foreign cards can incur hefty fees. When sending or receiving money, services like Wise or OFX often offer more favorable exchange rates and lower transfer costs compared to traditional banks.
While it may be tempting to exchange money at airports or tourist hotspots, it’s generally better to use reputable online services for currency conversion. They tend to offer better rates and lower fees than local exchanges, allowing you to stretch your budget further. Always check for the most current rates and consider pre-ordering currency to avoid poor exchange rates during last-minute trips.
USD/EUR Market Data
The below interactive chart displays the USD/EUR change and UP📈 DOWN📉 trends over the past 1 Year.
Recent Euro Market News
August 12, 2025
Key Market Factors Affecting the Euro (EUR):
1. Strong Q2 Earnings in Financial Sector: European banks reported robust earnings, with the sector index reaching its highest since 2008. (reuters.com)
2. Euro's Appreciation Impacting Exports: The euro's 12% rise against the U.S. dollar has posed challenges for exporters, particularly in energy and materials sectors. (reuters.com)
3. U.S. Dollar Weakness Influencing EUR/USD Pair: Analysts anticipate the euro to rise to $1.17 by October and $1.20 within a year, driven by concerns over U.S. fiscal policies and potential interest rate cuts. (reuters.com)
4. ECB's Digital Euro Project Progress: The European Central Bank is advancing its digital euro initiative, aiming for a potential launch by 2025-2026, which could influence future monetary policy. (en.wikipedia.org)
5. Bulgaria's Eurozone Accession Approved: Bulgaria is set to join the eurozone on January 1, 2026, marking the euro area's expansion and potentially affecting regional economic dynamics. (en.wikipedia.org)
Recent Developments Impacting the Euro:
For more EUR information read our News and guides to the Euro.
Send Money to Luxembourg - Best Rates
To get a good (and fair) exchange rate when sending money to Luxembourg you need to find and compare exchange rates for International Money Transfers (IMTs).
The available FX rates for sending money abroad can be very different to the mid-market (wholesale) rate which you see reported online and in the News.
You should especially compare your own bank's exchange rates to those available from Money Transfer specialists to see how much you can save - we make that calculation easy in the below table.
Get a better deal for foreign transfers to Luxembourg
When sending money to Luxembourg it’s important to compare your bank’s rates & fees with those we have negotiated with our partner money transfer providers. To get a better deal you should follow these 4 simple steps :
- Open an account with a BER reviewed FX provider (id docs may be required)
- You specify the local or Euro amount you want to transfer
- Make a local currency domestic transfer for the requested amount to the provider's bank account in your country
- Once your funds are received by the provider the converted EUR amount will be transfered to the recipient account you specify in Luxembourg.
Use the above calculator to compare the exchange rates of FX specialist providers rates versus your bank's standard rates you can hopefully save around 5% and maybe more - end result is more Euro deposited into the recipient bank account and less margins and fees kept by the banks!
