Iran in cash.
No Western card works: the entire journey is financed in cash — euros or dollars, changed on the spot in stages. Recent, spotless notes are demanded at the counters.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your EUR 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.
Tehran
The bustling capital beneath the Alborz — Golestan palace, bazaars and treasure museums.
Golestan Palace — Qajar mirrors and tilework, the marble throne hall.
The Jewellery Museum — The globe of 51'000 gems — open a few weekday hours.
Isfahan
“Half the world” — the royal square, the bridges over the Zayandeh and the turquoise domes.
Naqsh-e Jahan Square — Shah Mosque, Sheikh Lotfollah, the bazaar: four wonders around one mirror of water.
The bridges at dusk — Khaju and Si-o-se-pol sing when Isfahanis gather.
Yazd
The adobe city of windcatchers — Zoroastrianism, covered lanes and confectionery.
Old town & Towers of Silence — The mud-brick labyrinth at sunset, then the funerary hills.
A caravanserai night — Courtyard pool, iwans and the desert's starry sky.
Getting around.
Comfortable night trains and VIP sleeper-seat buses cost next to nothing — the grand axis: Tehran → Kashan → Isfahan → Yazd → Shiraz. In town, Snapp (the local ride app) costs pennies.
Cash & banknotes.
Carry the WHOLE budget in cash from Geneva: €50 a day travelling simply, €90 in comfort — no Swiss card can withdraw there. Immaculate notes are required at the change: we supply crisp new 50s and 100s.
| 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 many euros for Iran?
The WHOLE budget in cash from Geneva: €50 a day simply, €90 in comfort — Swiss cards cannot withdraw on the spot.
Euros or dollars for Iran?
Both change well; the euro often has the favour. Spotless notes are demanded — we supply new 50s and 100s.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français