I need help. France is 3 days away. Pickpocketers?

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Dr.ZLEO

Like any other country, France has its fair share of pickpockets. They are normally found in heavily populated areas such as Paris. However, there are many ways to prevent them from stealing from you. First, if you plan on carrying things in your pocket, you should use a few safety pins to close the pocket while your things are in it. This will prevent people from sticking their hands in your pocket. Another important tip is to make sure that nothing is in your back pocket. Pickpockets look for things in a person's back pocket because it is the hardest place for the person to see when being robbed. Another important tip is to ignore street vendors you might feel look suspicious to you. This could be a scam in which one person will distract you while another steals out of your purse, pocket, or jacket. Finally, when walking into a crowded area make sure that you know where all of your items are at all times and be aware of your surroundings. Good luck and have a great trip.

lananas1988

There are pickpockets in France, and of course in Paris since it's a tourist filled city. To not become a target of any, be aware of your surroundings and make sure your purse of bags are always securely on your shoulder or in your hand. Keep your wallet in you purse or in your front pocket if you have one, so it will be harder for someone to grab without you knowing it. If you have a camera with you also, be sure it's securely wrapped around your hand, like the strings of the camera, so someone can't easily steal it. Or keep it in your purse.

lingua06437

It is a civilized first world country. If you are in a big city, use the same precautions you would in any big city. If you are in the country you should be fine.

If you are going to have a lot of money on you, I wouldn't keep it all in one place. This is not only for France - this is for where ever you go. Get a pocket necklace type thing that you can keep below your shirt; you should be able to get one at a travel store. Try and map out your route in advance. Nothing gives away an ignorant tourist more than someone pouring over a big map and looking lost.

If you are going to take public transportation, be sure all your valuables are tucked away safely in pockets or inside your jacket. Don't have them loosely dangling somewhere.

Consider travelers checks. If you do get robbed it is easy to get reimbursed.

Don't enter a "bad" establishment alone. You won't have the language skills to defend your self or explain your side to the police in time. If you must enter such a place, only do so in the company of a few locals that are trusted friends and who will watch over you.

Mr. K

It's the same as any other place, In big Cities like Paris yes there is a threat of pickpockets, however, if you use a zip purse under your arm or throw your wallet in your front pocket. You've effectively made yourself less of a target than the guy standing next to you. You don't have to lock yourself down like a vault or use any of that hidden wallet stuff, just don't make yourself an easy target.

Maureen S

All of the above except for the suggestion to bring traveler's checks. I was told that a number of places in Europe do not accept them. When you are riding the metro, do not stand by the door. They have been known to grab a purse just as the door is closing.
When we were in Rome last year, I was concerned about all the stories I had heard about pickpockets. But, my husband had one of those travel wallets that you wear around the neck and under his coat and my purse was hung over my neck and held in front of me. No problems at all. We are going to Paris this September and we will do the same. It is a big city, act as you would in any big city.

Rillifane

Pickpockets and sneak thieves are a problem for tourists everywhere and its foolish to ignore the risk.

Paris is one of, if not the, most popular tourist destinations in the world. As a consequence, pickpockets are there in force.

The one certain method of dealing with the problem is to buy a money belt that is worn under your clothing and in which you will keep your passport, your return airline ticket, your credit cards and most of your cash.

dreamer.

Yeah, there are pickpocketers in france, and well all over europe for that matter. I went two years ago and i suggest getting a small wallet and either keeping it in your front pocket at all time, or if you need to carry your passport with you, or more than just cash, buy a small purse type thing from the travel store, its very thin and you can put your passport and cash and a few other things in it and it goes over one shoulder and sits right on or below your chest so no one can grab it without you knowing. do not carry a backpack unless its in front of you and keep nothing in your backpockets. I had no problems with pickpocketers while being there.

Parisii

they re pick pockets in Paris as there is in New York, as in london, as in large cities around the world... I live in Paris, and for a 11 millions people in our city, it's very very secure!

Cali C

Well i went to France and yes there are pickpocketers but i never got anything taken from me. What i did is i bough a hipster purse to go over my shoulders and stay in front of me. Make sure every so often check you purse to make sure someone isnt trying to take anything frome you. Also get a purse that zips becasue then you can hear them unzip the purse giving you a better chance of catching them. Lastly dont put much things in your purse maybe a cell phone and a like 10-20 Euros. Also dont worry so much about it youll have a great time! (by the way try a turkey sandwhich at the Opera Resturant) Have fun!!!!

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