Egypt in cash.
The land of baksheesh: tomb guardians, porters, guides — each expects a note. Small bills by the wad, plus a few dollars in reserve, open many doors.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your EGP travel envelope at Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, 1204 Geneva (Rive district) — the posted rate, no separate commission, Monday–Friday 08:30–18:30 and Saturday 09:00–17:00. Reserve and your rate is held for 3 hours during opening hours; ID from the LBA thresholds.
The cities, chosen.
Cairo
The megalopolis of a thousand minarets, keeper of the colossi and the new Grand Museum.
The Giza plateau — Khufu, Khafre, the Sphinx — go at opening, before the coaches.
Grand Egyptian Museum — Tutankhamun's treasure united at last under one roof.
Luxor
Hundred-gated Thebes — the world's densest concentration of ancient wonders.
Valley of the Kings — Three tombs per ticket — Seti I is worth its supplement.
A balloon over the west bank — Temples and sugar-cane fields at sunrise.
Aswan
The Nubian Nile — feluccas, garden islands and painted houses.
A felucca at sunset — An hour of silent sail around Elephantine.
Abu Simbel (excursion) — The colossi of Ramses rescued from the waters — dawn departure.
Getting around.
The night train Cairo → Luxor spares you a flight; the Luxor → Aswan cruise remains Egypt's most beautiful road. In town, Uber/Careem spare you the taxi negotiations.
Cash & banknotes.
Set aside 10–15% of your envelope in £E10–50 notes: every service expects its baksheesh, and guardians will gladly open a “closed” tomb for the right bill. Pounds for daily life, a few dollars for grand tips and surprises.
| Rate reservation | held 3 hours, during opening hours |
| Counter hours | Mon–Fri 08:30–18:30 · Sat 09:00–17:00 |
| Commission | none — the margin lives in the posted rate |
Before you go.
How much to plan for baksheesh?
10–15% of your envelope in £E10–50 notes: each service expects one, and the right bill opens “closed” tombs.
Dollars or Egyptian pounds?
Both travel well: pounds for the everyday, a few dollars for the big tips and the unexpected.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français