Navigate Paris Like a Parisian Pro: Your Essential Tourist Safety Guide

Enchanting Paris beckons travelers with its iconic landmarks, rich history, and irresistible charm. While generally safe, a little savvy goes a long way in any big city. This little tourist safety guide will transform you from a wide-eyed tourist into a confident explorer, equipped with the knowledge to navigate Paris like a pro!

Outsmart Pickpockets with Smart Bags

• Crossbody Champions: Ditch the backpack! In crowded areas like the Louvre or Eiffel Tower, a crossbody bag with a secure zip is your best friend. Keep it close to your front for ultimate protection against pickpocketing in Paris.
• Zip It Up: Double-check your bag’s zipper is always closed. A small oversight can be a big opportunity for a pickpocket.

Be wary of distractions : the #1 rule of tourist safety

• Bump and Run: Pickpockets often work in teams. If someone bumps into you, politely excuse yourself but keep a firm hold on your belongings. This advice applies to every city, not just Paris!
• “Pardonnez-moi” (Excuse Me): Be cautious of sudden apologies or requests for help. A polite decline and a watchful eye are your best defense.
• Street Performers: While they add to the Parisian vibe, be mindful of performers who involve audience participation or ask you to hold items. These could be distractions for pickpockets.
• Games of Chance: The “shell game” or “three cups and a ball” are scams designed to separate you from your money. Just say “non merci” (no thanks) and move on.
• Petitions and Autographs: Politely decline anyone approaching you with petitions or requests for signatures. They could be a pickpocket’s ploy.

Secure Your Valuables:

• Undercover Money Belt: If you use a money belt, keep it discreetly hidden under your clothes.
• Cash Flashing? Not So Posh: Avoid openly displaying large amounts of cash or credit cards when making purchases.

Common Pickpocket Tricks:

• The Slash: Beware of someone brushing against you with a razor blade to slash your bag unnoticed. Opt for a bag with a tougher material like canvas or leather for extra protection.
• The Switch: When buying something from a street vendor, be alert to them giving you the wrong change while distracting you with conversation. Count your change carefully before moving on.
• The Sticky Situation: If someone “accidentally” bumps into you, leaving a sticky mess on your clothes, don’t fall for it! It’s a distraction for them to steal your belongings. Try to remove the substance immediately without emptying your pockets or bag.

Be Street Smart in Busy Areas:

• Tourist Hotspots: The Eiffel Tower, Louvre, Champs-Élysées, Montmartre, and Trocadéro are prime pickpocketing areas, the war zones of tourist safety. Keep your belongings extra close and be aware of your surroundings (but don’t forget to enjoy Paris !).

Public Transport Savvy

• Metro Master: Download a metro app like RATP before you go to navigate efficiently and avoid getting lost underground. Search for “Paris metro tips” online for additional advice.
• Rush Hour Hustle: Be extra careful on metro and RER trains during peak hours, especially when holding onto bags. Avoid using your phone near open doors.
• Bus Stops and Trams: These can also be targets for pickpockets. Stay alert and avoid distractions.

By the way, have you read our complete guide on mastering the parisian metro ?

Nighttime Navigation

• Metro at Night: While well-lit and safe, some travelers might prefer to avoid deserted stations or empty trains late at night, especially if alone. Taxis, rideshares (popular apps work in Paris), or walking (Paris is a walkable city!) are great alternatives.

Blend In (A Little)

• Dress for Comfort: While it’s impossible to completely disguise yourself as a local, avoid overly flashy clothes or jewelry. Opt for comfortable walking shoes, as exploring Paris on foot is a must !
• Basic French Phrases are Your Secret Weapon: Bonjour (Hello), Merci (Thank You), Parlez-vous anglais? (Do you speak English?): Knowing a few key phrases shows respect for the local culture and can help in situations where English isn’t spoken.

Public Places and Entertainment Venues

• When Placing Your Coat: Never leave anything in your pockets, even if your coat is draped over the back of your chair.
• Restaurants and Bars: Always ask for a drinks menu to avoid any surprises when the bill arrives. In almost all establishments, a menu will be provided. If not, it’s a cause for suspicion. Leave and find another establishment.
• Establishments to Avoid : Particularly around Pigalle, avoid any establishment where staff actively beckon you in from the street. These are often tourist traps that can be difficult to escape.

Help When You Need It: The Police, at your service

Keep informed

For more information on scams and other safety tips, refer to the Paris Police Prefecture’s page about tourist safety, and the PDF guide available in multiple languages, including English:

• Paris Police Prefecture’s tourist safety guide
• Tips for tourists video
• PDF guide in English: Staying safe in Paris (PDF 2.8 Mo)

If Things Go Wrong

Police Stations: All 20 central police stations in Paris (commissariats centraux d’arrondissement) are open 24/7 to assist victims and provide help. You can find their locations and contact information online.

Bilingual Officers: Don’t worry about language barriers. Police stations have bilingual officers available, especially during peak tourist seasons. They can be identified by badges with flags indicating the languages they speak.

Foreign Language Support: The SAVE (Système d’Assistance des Victimes Étrangères) software is used in all police stations. It allows officers to take complaints from foreign tourists in multiple languages and provide them with a receipt in their native language, simplifying future communication with embassies or authorities back home.

Online Pre-Complaint Forms: For your convenience, pre-complaint forms are available online in over 30 languages at the French Police Prefecture website for victims to file a report before arriving at the station.

Now You’re Ready to Embrace Parisian Charm!

By following these tips, you’ll be a confident Parisian explorer (as well as an international expert in tourist safety), ready to and fully enjoy your parisian daily routine:

• Savor flaky croissants in charming cafes.
• Snap Insta-worthy pics by the Seine at sunset.
• Get lost (and found!) wandering the charming streets of [fill with your favorite area]
• Explore hidden gems beyond the main tourist spots.
• Explore the beauties of haussmanian Paris.

And so on… Remember, a little vigilance goes a long way, but don’t let it overshadow the magic of Paris. With these safety tips in mind, you can relax, explore, and create unforgettable memories in the City of Lights.