Paris? Pickpockets?

Question

I'm going to Paris for two weeks with my mother, and needless to say, I'm terrified due to all those stories of pickpockets targeting people who look like tourists. I'm not really 'fashionable' either and I don't think I'll be getting a whole new wardrobe for Paris.

I'm asian, so I don't know how I'll really 'blend' in with the crowd. Is there something particular I should be worried about? Any other Paris facts would be fine too.

(I'm thirteen, by the way.)

Answer 1

I was also wary of this when I read about pickpockets. We bought passport holders with small snap pockets that's carried around the neck. We wore these under our clothes and just put the cash and one or two credit cards in it.

And ditto on the gypsy children! My husband and I were drawn in the first time...he's so kind and if a person is hungry he will take them to get something to eat. It was apparent that the person wasn't interested in getting food, they just wanted money, so we learned to shake our heads and look at them in confusion when they asked for money.

Answer 2

carry a f***y pack and put it in the front or get a bra-purse

Answer 3

youcan get mugged. raped etc anywhere in the world

paris is no different than l.a. s.f. ny .\

just look around where you are ,

I buy french papers. magazines etc, pretend to read them on the subway, park etc so as if i'm french, you will blend in ok.

learn basic french words, eg, thank you. if you please,  goodbye.etc

Answer 4

When I went to Paris for a week with my class, my teacher told us to always carry our bags in front of us. So, try to avoid a backpack. If you are at a popular attraction/place pay more attention especially at the Effiel Tower and the Louvre. Also, the subway station is a major place too to look out for. I'm asian too and i didn't have trouble blending in. I suggest you get one of those over the shoulder bags or swingpacks because they are useful and makes it very difficult for someone to steal you bag. Coach sells some very fashionable ones.

Have a fun trip!

Answer 5

don't worry. i suggest buying a money belt. its kindof like a f***y pack except its flat so it goes right under ur shirt. just above ur hips. so what i'd do is wear a sweater and a shirt underneath then put the money belt underneath ur sweater and over ur shirt.

Answer 6

There are tons of Asians here in France, especially Paris. You'll have an easier time blending in than some of your white friends with really Germanic, or elsewhere in Europe, looks.

Lots of good tips here but one I wanted to add was *don't walk around with your passport!!!* Put it in the hotel safe.

We had to have our passports for our work and I know of at least 3 incidents were coworkers were "relieved" of their passports. Their money wasn't touched in all cases. It's the passports they want. At least one coworker was French.

The blackmarket loves passports like Australian, American, Canadian, European Community, etc. This is the case all over Europe.

Also be careful of street preformers. Pickpockets sometimes work with them. Crowded métros are where pickpockets often work. Get to and from the airport on the Air France bus instead of the RER if possible. That's where two of my coworkers "lost" their passports. The RER is worse than the métro, safety-wise. In a crowd, change position so that someone can't sneak up on you. Face the door, face your mom, etc. Keep a hand on your bag.

French people don't really talk to strangers so expect this and be wary if someone tries to talk to you, especially in train stations. Sometimes they claim they were robbed. I tell them to not waste time talking to me and contact the police. Twice in the same station, someone said they were robbed and if I could give them money. I pointed the first one out to the second and told him to go talk to him. "Maybe it's the same person robbing you-go! go!"  

I don't do f***y packs/ bum bags because they look touristy. I usually wear a really small bag that goes around my neck. I do take a backpack because I have small kids (making me a target too) but I try to wear one that is not too trendy or design-y. Do NOT put your wallet in your back pocket. My friend's husband did this and it was taken. He's French so no blending in issues there!

It's something to be aware of, but not afraid of. Don't let it spoil your time but just keep your eyes out!

Answer 7

I went to paris last summer (when I was eighteen) and I didn't have any problems with pickpocketers. I stayed in youth hostels in really bad neighborhoods and nobody tried to steal anything from me and me friends. You do have to watch out for homeless people who come up to you and ask if you speak english. If you reply yes, they know you are probably some rich tourist and they follow you around asking for money.  Anyways Paris is amazing and you will have a great time!

Answer 8

uhhh.. just watch ur stuff and dont let any1 accidentally brush off u in a crowd cuz they couldve stolen ur stuff by then

Answer 9

i haven't a clue but i will give you a tip...don't use a map there.

Answer 10

If you must carry a purse, carry it in front of you, hug it, the entire time. Even my French teacher, who blended in perfectly, almost got pick pocketed by some guy who had his hand through a plastic bag to make it seem nonchalant.

I think in Paris try wearing more pants then jeans when it comes to wardrobe.

Answer 11

Get a small purse with a long strap and wear it across your body under a jacket. Don't carry anything in your rear pockets. Definitely avoid the gypsies... and the common ruse now is they drop a ring and roll it towards you then pick it up and ask you if it's yours. Then they star a sob story about losing their passport and having no $$$ and haven't eaten in days.  I got hit by the Musee D'Orsay and again walking along the Seine ....by the same girl. lol

Don't go to seedy areas alone at night ...don't travel the metro alone late at night. And a hint... if it's not the middle of summer and too hot, wear a scarf.... all french people wear scarves around their necks. And NNNNNNOOOOOOOO f***y packs or crocs.

Answer 12

i got my bag stolen from me wiles sitting at a table in a restaurant  i didn't notice it until i got up to go at a train station so be aware at all times people hustlers are very clever there was no other costumers there at the time so it had to be one of the staff or someone acting as staff,,, enjoy your trip be keep your wits about you ,,,

Answer 13

Lots of people are saying to buy a f***y pack. Don't do it! You will look like an automatic tourist, plus they are ugly!!

You won't blend in, sorry- I've taken French for six years and still, the people knew instantly I wasn't from France.

Just watch out in the subways, because you could get pickpocketed there, and Notre Dame. THere's a lot of gypsies there. If they ask if you speak English, say no and walk away. (btw, gypsy is "tsigane" in french, pronounced "see- gahn"- just a random tip)

Always say "bonjour" and "au revoir" when walking into a store, and "merci"

Just wear comfortable shoes and have fun!!!

Answer 14

You have nothing to worry about. Honestly they say that about pickpocketers in every country. Just make sure your are aware of your purse at all times and you will be fine. I just came back a month ago, so I know what Im talking about.

Answer 15

Just be smart and aware of your surroundings and try not to look "lost".  And when you get money from an ATM do not stand there and count it.  If you get shorted (you won't but if you do you do.  Not much you can do about it.  I never did though).  Stick your money in your pocket and walk away.    But here's a tip; don't stop walking in the middle of the side walk and look aimlessly around.  Move to the side to get your bearings.  (My mom did this all around London and Paris!  Talk about standing out!!!  LOL)  Have fun.

(additional)

You sound adorable kiddo--enjoy your trip you are going to have a wonderful time.

Answer 16

There are many more dangerous cities than Paris.

Carry your money in a few different places so that if you do get robbed they won't get everything and you won't be cleaned out.  One of those under the shirt hide away places for money and other stuff is a good idea.  

Appear to know where you are going.

Avoid crowds of gypsy children.  They get one person to distract you while the others pick pocket you from behind.  When confronted or posed questions by them - clutch your belongings and walk away quickly and purposefully.

Don't go to Pigalle or any other seedy area of town.  You don't know the language and can't defend your self.  The only exception to this rule would be if it is with locals that you trust.  But never go alone.

Over all you should be fine.  Paris is a very civilized city in a first world country.  Just use common sense and you should be fine.

Hope you have fun!

Answer 17

duh.....dont leave ANYTHING important in your pocket

hope that helps