Maldives in cash.
In the resorts everything goes on the room bill in dollars — rufiyaa only matter on local islands. A few small greenbacks cover cafés, craftwork and excursion tips.
Helvetica Exchange prepares your USD 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.
Malé
The dense, lively capital-island — fish market and coral-stone mosque.
The tuna market — Bonito landed and auctioned in late afternoon.
The resort atolls
One island, one hotel — overwater villas and house reefs.
A torchlit dinner on the sand — Private table, lobster, and bioluminescence if the night is willing.
A spa above the lagoon — Glass floor beneath the massage table.
Local islands (Maafushi)
The Maldives of the Maldivians — guesthouses, dedicated bikini beaches and gentle-priced excursions.
A sunset dolphin cruise — Spinners play the bow-wave in the falling light.
Getting around.
Seaplane (spectacular, luggage limited) or speedboat from Malé, arranged by your resort. Between local islands: slow public ferries and chartered dhonis.
Cash & banknotes.
US$10–20 a day in small notes covers the extras; the elegant custom is about US$10 a day for the butler and team, handed over in notes at the stay's end.
| 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.
Do I need rufiyaa?
Only for local islands — in a resort the dollar settles everything on the final bill. US$10–20 a day in small notes covers extras.
Tipping in the Maldives?
About US$10 a day for the butler and team at the end of the stay — in notes, hand to hand, is the elegant custom.
Indicative amounts — rate reservable for 3 hours · Rue Pierre-Fatio 19, Geneva · Guide complet en français