Safety in Paris The City of Light, the City of Love . . . The most romantic city on earth, n¹est-ce pas? That is, until someone swipes your bag and you have to spend the day running from bank to embassy recovering your losses. In reality, Paris is a remarkably safe city, but like anywhere on earth, we have our share of thieves. Fortunately, visitors rarely encounter violent crime, but pick-pocketing does happen, and there are one or two annoyances you should be aware of to ensure your safety in Paris. Before we begin, please read the information provided by the US embassy. It is very helpful and reassuring. You will notice that the embassy does NOT recommend money belts or steel-reinforced handbags. That is because these objects are unnecessary in Paris. You will also notice the line about having only one piece of identification on you as you visit the city. This is really great advice from the people who spend their days replacing stolen IDs. I am even more precise: use your local driver¹s license as a photo ID, keeping your passport safely tucked in the hotel safe or carefully hidden in a rented apartment. This way, if your ID is stolen, you don¹t risk missing a flight and having to repurchase your airfare home. You may want to have a photocopy of your passport for tax forms if you plan on shopping, but your passport is much safer off the city streets. The embassy talks about keeping your purse clutched tightly under your arm, and you will notice that local women dine with their bags on their laps. I know five expat ladies who went to the cinema one night, and each placed her bag at her feet. All five wallets were missing by the time the film was over, so please keep your bag in contact with your body at all times. When it comes to safety in Paris, some common sense is helpful. Do not stop and buy anything from the guys who have set out tarps along the Champs Elysées. Stooping down and taking out your wallet on a busy street is never a good idea. Men sell similar wares on the Champ de Mars, where the foot traffic is more dispersed and you can make your purchases while standing, a much better option. Some annoyances do exist. There are gypsies throughout the city who have a ring scam that goes like this: a person stoops in front of you and rises, claiming to have just found a gold ring. He or she shows you that the ring is too small or large for him/herself and offers it to you in exchange for some euros.
And there are the African men who sell bracelets on the lower steps of the Sacré Coeur. If you slow down to chat, they will grab your wrist and braid a bracelet before you have the chance to say no. Many tourists are happy to pay a few euros and enjoy the souvenirs as a memory, so it¹s up to you. In both instances, the people are not dangerous and will accept a firm no, although the locals simply scowl at them. I repeat, these are merely annoyances, and if you follow the embassy¹s guide, you¹ve got nothing to lose! By Sylvia Sabes http://girlsguidetoparis.com/archives/sylvia-sabes/