Safety Tips For The Parisian Tourist
Topics: Paris, Paris hotel, Paris Luxury Apartment, Vacation Apartment, scams, thiefs, tourist scams
As the #1 tourist destination in the world, Paris does have her share of petty crime and an aware visitor is the smartest kind of tourist. Paris is statistically one of the safest major metropolitan areas in Europe. Violent crime rates are fairly low in Paris.
Crime directed against tourists is the kind that can ruin a vacation: stolen wallets, stolen baggage, credit card fraud. There is a sucker born every minute and ten thousand new suckers jetting into Paris every day, so the thieves and pickpockets do not need to change their methods much; they just practice them until they’ve got it perfect. If they successfully rob you, it will be because their method was new to you, but not to them.
Unlike American cities, where the rich tend to flee to the suburbs, the poor and the immigrants are relegated to the Paris neighborhoods hit hardest by crime which are those on the outskirts of the city so avoid travelling to the Northern Paris suburbs of Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, Saint-Ouen, etc. after dark. Never leave your bags or valuables unattended in the metro, bus or other public areas. Not only do you risk theft but unattended bags are sometimes considered a security threat.
Here are some common tips for the savvy traveler:
Driving in Paris is not advisable and can be both dangerous and aggravating. Parking spaces are limited, traffic is dense, and erratic driving is common. If you must drive, make sure you have up-to-date international insurance.
Pedestrians should be especially careful while crossing streets and busy intersections. Drivers can be very aggressive in Paris and traffic laws are frequently broken. Even when the light is green, take extra caution while crossing the street. Also watch out for cars in certain areas that seem pedestrian.
Cellular Phones are often whisked off dining tables or even snatched while people hold them up to their ears. It is recommended for tourists to keep their phones tucked away when you are not using them and most importantly be aware of your surroundings.
When traveling by taxi, make sure to verify the minimum price of the taxi ride before getting in the taxi.
It is not uncommon for Paris taxi drivers to overcharge unsuspecting tourists, so be sure to watch the meter, and ask questions if you must. Also, giving the driver a suggested route ahead of time with the aid of a map is a good idea.
Try to go shopping with a Parisian friend and let them do the talking for you, while you keep a low profile. As a foreigner you will stick out like a sore thumb and there is little you can do about that, but use discretion and try to make it less obvious, especially when you are alone and unsure of your directions.
Try not to make a big show of getting a street-map out, or going through all your pockets looking for this roll of film or that bus ticket. It only serves to draw attention to you on the street and to better indicate to the pick-pocket which pocket your wallet is in.
Please be aware of the mess on the back trick. Someone draws your attention to a mark on the back of your jacket (usually ketchup or mayonnaise squirted on, or cold water squirted on the back of your shirt in hot weather) and offers you a tissue to wipe it off. While he is helping, he is also helping himself to your wallet. This happened to a friend, who asked him to do the wiping, which the mugger declined! The mugger walked off, but he was most insistent that my friend really did have something on his back, and followed him to ‘assist’ him further. He ignored him, and when he got home and checked, sure enough there was absolutely nothing there, except his damp palm print on his shirt which had remained.
Rita Borges, Managing Director of Paris Luxe Apartments, www.parisluxeapt.com and Book Your Apt, www.bookyourapt.com
Previous Articles Highlighter:
Options For Traveling Australia (1)
For any holiday in Australia, a traveler is assured of feeling renewed and invigorated from the marvelous experiences seen in any State in a region. A traveler can explore the Sunshine Coast and surf all day long, or they have the option of feeling pampered by being waited on by hotel staff and luxuriate in amazing rooms with spas.
The Varied Neighborhoods Of Honolulu (2)
The city is approximately 12 miles wide and 26 miles long, running east to west, roughly between Diamond Head and Pearl Harbor. Within the city are Seven hills laced by seven streams.
Subjects To Be Aware Of When Looking At New Caravans (3)
The majority of new caravans sold in the UK are sold with a 3-year warranty, which; as in the motor industry this is dependent on an annual service. This ideally should be carried out by the supplying dealer, in order for any manufacturer updates and if necessary any warranty work to be undertaken.
The Routes Of The Legacy Of Al-Andalus (4)
It links two large geological depressions; that of the river Guadalquivir and that of Granada, traversing passes in the Sub-Betic mountain ranges opened by basins and river valleys. Both depressions are closed in by the Sierra Morena and Sierra Nevada massifs.
Holidays In Turkey : Discover Marmaris (5)
You can still get a tan and the water is always warm enough for swimming so Marmaris is a great winter destination. We know you will thoroughly enjoy your visit here, not least because of the wonderfully warm and welcoming local people.
Discover David, A Travel Destination In Panama (6)
You can find cheap transportation in the city to visit sites in the near vicinity. It also serves as a center for the province's commercial activities. The main economic activities of the region are agriculture and cattle raising, but tropical fruits, coffee, cacao, and sugar are also produced.
Saving Up On Your Vacations (7)
If you can, buy food from the local grocery and eat snacks or little meals in your room. A hearty sandwich and a handful of fresh fruits can replenish you with the energy you need for another busy sightseeing day.
How To Choose Museums In Paris (8)
This museum even has a section on the holocaust and anti Semitism this wonderful museum is in a lovely mansion so you can enjoy the museum and see a mansion.
Choices For Fun Australian Travel (9)
An Australia traveler can enjoy theatre and arts while in Sydney by purchasing tickets to the opera or taking an evening cruise that includes a romantic dinner. There are many pubs to visit which will give tourist the opportunity to meet the locals, and other nightspots will allow dancing until the wee hours of the morning.
A First Timer's Summer Holiday In The Alps (10)
Topics: Mountain bike holidays If I am to be completely honest I had not been on holiday for years and I was long overdue a break. Therefore, it was time for me to take a week out, which was exactly what I needed to relax and unwind.
Newer Articles Highlighter:
Virginia Beach Boardwalk Hotels (1)
You will find the hotels ate Virginia Beach Boardwalk offer the finest service you will experience anywhere else. The best part of it is the oceanfront which gives you a pleasant state of mind during your stay.
Turkey Holidays - Eating Out In Istanbul (2)
They usually have a warm and sincere atmosphere. Fish restaurants are found mostly along the Bosphorus and Kumkapi, on Marmara Sea shore. The variety of fish, which is seasonal, is exhibited so that customers can choose what fish they wish to see in their dish.
Making Grander Savings From New York Travel (3)
If for some reason you cannot visit anywhere on Tuesday, you will be missing that day, because your New York trip will get deactivated on Wednesday. You cannot throw in a Thursday visit.
The Best Of Downtown Hotels (4)
As the town of New York grew into a city, the only direction it could grow on the island was toward the north, increasingly upriver from the original settlement. Thus, anything north of the original town became known as "uptown," while the original town (which was also New York's only major center of business at the time) became known as "downtown." Since then this region reflects the area of importance and we can certainly find many such examples which lead us to the above mentioned theory.
Vacation Time In China (Part 2) (5)
"I think we should maybe go to the train station and try to get you a ticket now" my little ally added. By this time I was very happy indeed to have found such a good and faithful sidekick, and I adopted his plan immediately.
Plan Your Cheap Holidays To Bradford (6)
Leonard's Farm Park. Kids love this place because they can pet animals, feed the animals and play with the animals. It is a fun time for the entire family.
Tips For Those Embarking On Car Hire Holidays In Germany (7)
Consideration and common sense are vital. If you follow this advice there is no reason why your car hire experience in Germany should not be enjoyable. Travel expert Thomas Pretty understands German motoring laws and advocates the use of Budget's car hire Germany services.
The Best Cheap Holiday To Valencia (8)
The people are friendly and the weather is always perfect for any outdoors activities. Michael Hood is an expert in the field of internet based holiday search engines. If you want more info on how to find the best cheap holidays to Valencia as well as to other destinations then please visit him at www.cheapholidays24.co.uk.
Birmingham Airport; Gateway To The Midlands (9)
The hillsides of Wales are dotted with sheep while the climb to the summit of Snowdon offers some fabulous views, that is if the Welsh mist has not descended. The toll road that connects to Birmingham airport will ensure your journey in your hire car will be stress free.
Moving Supply - Trademarks Of Good Wholesale Moving Supply! (10)
That does not mean you need to over do the investigative part either. Look for sites of customer feedback on the net, like Epinion, on which customers give their feedback on a variety of products and services from all over the world.