Paris is a beautiful city but it is also a hotspot for pickpockets.
Paris is one of the world's most beautiful, historic and romantic cities. Nevertheless, like other metropolitan areas, Paris is a breeding ground for street crime. Pickpocketing has become a particular problem. Unfortunately, petty thieves congregate in popular tourist sites to prey on foreign visitors. It is well-known that pickpockets are commonplace on the Metro and in crowded areas. If you take precautions to safeguard your property, you can avoid being victimized.
Instructions
1. Carry only the essential items. If you're staying in a hotel with a secure safe, leave extra cash and credit cards there, along with your passport. Don't keep anything in your wallet that is unnecessary. Keep one credit card, one bank or ATM card, one piece of identification and a conservative amount of cash on your person.
2. Copy your passport and record all credit card and ATM card numbers. Memorize PIN numbers. Make note of contact details for banks and credit card issuers. In the event of theft, you can cancel credit cards and get your passport replaced.
3. Keep belongings out of sight and difficult for a pickpocket to access. Carry your wallet in an inside front pocket, not back pants pocket. If you carry a purse or a shoulder bag, make sure it is zipped. Don't carry valuables in coat pockets or backpacks.
4. Avoid strangers who approach you, unless it is a law enforcement officer. Pickpockets use distraction to separate you from your belongings. They often work in pairs or groups and will ask directions, bump into you or crowd you. Don't engage in conversation. Don't make eye contact. Ignore them and keep walking. If someone stands too close to you on the Metro and the train is not crowded, move away quickly.
5. Be aware of your surroundings. Pickpocketing hotspots are major tourist sites like the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum, Notre Dame, Centre Pompidou and Champs-Elys es. Consider taking a guided tour of attractions, rather than visiting them alone. Use well-lit ATMs to withdraw cash. Avoid walking alone at night.
6. Don't look like an obvious tourist. Don't wear shorts, bandanas, baseball caps, white socks or t-shirts with sports team logos. Avoid carrying big travel guides and maps. These behaviors scream "tourist", making you a prime target for pickpockets. Dress conservatively. Use a small street map as a guide. Don't draw attention to yourself.
7. If your pocket is picked, find a local police station and file a complaint. Don't chase down a suspect who may have robbed you. Locate a police officer and make a report. Embassies can help with replacement of stolen or lost items like passports, credit cards and airline tickets.
Tags: credit card, credit cards, your passport, tourist sites, your wallet