France draws millions of travellers each year with its world-class art, food, fashion, and romance. But like any hotspot, it’s essential to stay alert. This is especially important in bustling urban areas, such as Paris. While this article isn’t intended to scare, it is designed to provide information, so you can be aware of some common scams, issues, and tourist traps that you may encounter. From petty theft to targeted luxury crimes, here are a few key safety insights every traveller should keep in mind before sipping wine beneath the Eiffel Tower.
Watch out for your… watch
Keep an eye on that fancy watch of yours! According to a study conducted by the Home and Contents experts at Compare the Market, France reports an estimated 4,136 luxury watch thefts annually, making it one of the top countries in Europe for organised watch crime… nearly triple that of Spain, which reports around 1,450 cases. High-end timepieces are an easy target in crowded cafés and tourist-heavy neighbourhoods like Le Marais or the Champs-Élysées. If you’re travelling with a designer watch, either leave it locked in your hotel safe or wear it discreetly. Being flashy with your accessories can attract unwanted attention and potentially put you at risk for theft.
Fake petition scams and ring tricks still happen
Scam artists posing as charity workers or someone who “just found your lost ring” are still familiar, especially near tourist attractions. For the ring trick, a person will typically come up to you, presenting a ring and saying you must have dropped it. When you say you haven’t, they’ll insist you keep the ring and will ask for money in exchange for it. If approached, politely decline and move on. Never hand over cash or let your attention be drawn away from your belongings.
Stay alert in popular pickpocket zones
Paris is consistently ranked among the top cities in the world for pickpocketing incidents. Quotezone.co.uk compiled information from tourist attraction reviews for their European Pickpocketing Index and found that France had the second-highest number of mentions of pickpocketing (251 per million visitors). All five attractions monitored for the Index were in Paris. Pickpocketing can be particularly rampant in popular tourist destinations, museums, and around public transport hubs. To reduce your risk of loss, avoid keeping valuables in back pockets or open bags, and consider using a money belt or anti-theft backpack.
Keep your passport safe
Your passport is possibly the most essential item to keep safe when travelling. According to the US Embassy, around 2,000 Americans report their passports lost or stolen in Paris each year. For added protection, keep your passport safely locked in the hotel safe when it’s not needed on you. When travelling in a group, ensure that the passports are divided among the group members, rather than having one person carry all of them.
Secure your bags at outdoor cafés
There’s nothing more Parisian than sipping espresso at a sidewalk café, but don’t get too relaxed! Bag snatching is unfortunately common in these settings, especially for travellers sitting near the street. Loop your bag strap around your chair leg and keep it zipped at all times. Where possible, keep your bag on your lap and have the opening facing you. It’s also a good idea to split up essential items such as money, credit cards, and passports among different bags or pockets, in case you are targeted.
Beware of late-night taxi scams
While ride-hailing apps are generally reliable, some unlicensed taxi drivers outside clubs or train stations may overcharge tourists or even drive off with luggage. Use official taxis or ride-share apps and confirm the fare before entering the vehicle. If possible, have a local representative make the call and negotiate the price for you. It’s a good idea to have the address of your destination written down in the local language so you can show it to the driver when needed.
Travelling through France can be magical, and it’s easy to get swept away in the fantasy, but safety should never be an afterthought. With a few simple precautions and awareness of crime trends, you can enjoy every baguette, museum, and sunset with peace of mind.
