Paris has always attracted millions of tourists. Before the pandeminc, it was the most visited city in the world. Despite the current sanitary situation, I have noticed that tourists are back. With that in mind, I have decided to write a blog post about the top 12 rookie mistakes to keep in mind in Paris so that your dream vacation doesn’t turn into a nightmarrish experience.
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Top 12 Rookie Mistakes To Keep In mind In Paris
Although Paris is a charming city you still have to be careful while out and about if you don’t want to fall victim to scammers and pickpockets. With that said, let me tell you about the Top 12 Rookie Mistakes To Keep In mind In Paris.
Not Paying attention in the metro in Paris
Paris is unfortunately known for having lots of pickpokets. They are fast and disappear in matter of seconds with your things especially in the metro. The metro is one of their favorite places to steal because they know that there are lots of people that ride it making it an ideal location for their evil agenda.
Talking on your cell phone or to friends and not keeping an eye on your belongings
Cell phones are really distracting. When you are busy texting or talking on the phone to a friend, you don’t pay attention to your surroundings and that is how you can easily become a target. If you have to use your cell phone on the metro, be cautious about it.
Last Friday, my friend who was visiting from Poland was riding the metro. She was caught up in a conversation with her sister. I was looking out for them and that is how I noticed 2 men behind her trying to get into her backpack. My friend felt it immediately. I kept on looking at them and they left without taking anything.
Not remembering building access codes
If you are staying in an appartment in Paris, make sure you know the front door/elevator codes. If you have to write it down, write it somewhere where you can easily find it so that you do not find yourself locked out of the building/elevator especially in the evening.
Letting your passport out in the open
I have been warning my friends about Paris pickpokets for a long time and unfortunately, some of them become victims of them. My friend mentioned above was in Paris with her sisters visiting from Houston, Texas. While visiting Montmartre, a man put his hands in her bag and grabbed her passport and vaccination card. Fortunately for her, she turned around and saw him with her items. She demanded him to give it back in a strong and firm voice. He came up with a false story that he was just picking up her items that had fallen from her handbag. Your passport is an important piece of ID when traveling. Please protect it like your life depends on it.
Looking like a tourist
Believe it or not but If I can tell that you are a tourist so can they (pickpockets).
Not paying attention at touristic attractions
Last week, I took that same group visiting from Poland and Houston , Texas, to visit Montmartre, I had to constantly remind them to keep an eye on their belongings. That same week, while visiting the Eiffel Tower, a pickpocket stole my friend’s niece brand new Iphone.
Leaving your handbag /purse on the table or on the floor at a restaurant
An acquaintance of mine was at a restaurant with a friend visiting from Italy. His friend left his luggage on the floor while eating. Guest what? Someone stole it with his clothes and other personal items in it. According to them, it happened so quickly because they didn’t see nor hear anything. Fortunatley for him, his friend had his ID on him. I cannot tell you the number of times that I see tourists (women) put their handbag on the table while at the teracce.
Carrying all your valuable things with you
Do you really need to carry so many valuable things with you while out and about? Keep things to a minimum. Leave the rest at the hotel safe if you can. If you really need to carry them, get a travel money/ID belt like this one here.
Putting wallet in your back pocket
I cannot tell you how many times, I see tourists doing that in Paris. Stop puting your wallet and cell phone in your back pocket. I thought that was common sense but obviously it is not for a lot of people.
Riding the metro or train late at night
Like in most big cities, both men and women but especially women have to be cautious when going out in the evening alone. Be cautious if you take the metro/train late in the evening. If you have to, make sure you are with a friend and don’t linger. Most of us, by that I mean women prefer not to ride the metro at nitght. That is where you can run into men under the influence or with bad intentions.
Not to ask the shop keeper for a bag that has no logo or brand name on it
Paris is the fashion capital. There are lots of luxury shops here so be careful when you leave these stores with your expensive/luxury purchases . Make sure to put your items in a regular shopping bag that has no brand name or logo on it.
Not knowing emergency numbers
If you are ever in Paris, keep this list of emergency numbers to call. I hope that you will never have to use them. They are:
- Police 17
- Fire department 18
- 114 for deaf and people with earring problems
- In need of medical attention 15
- Traveling anywhere in Europe in need any type of help dial 112
Here’s a few post you might find helpful:
- 11 things to remember when visiting Paris
- 6 best gifts for Paris travelers in 2022
- 10 ways to save money on your Paris trip
Is Paris safe after all?
Despite what I wrote in this post, Paris is a pretty safe city. One of the major problems that Parisians and touritsts are facing is pickpocketing. Most of us Parisians have at one point in time fallen victims to them. I have been a victim as well. If you are cautious with your belongings, your trip will not leave a bitter taste in your mouth. Have fun in Paris and most of all go explore the city.
Final thoughts
Visiting Paris for the first time is an unforgettable experience, filled with breathtaking sights, delicious cuisine, and rich culture. However, avoiding these top 12 rookie mistakes can make your trip even more enjoyable. By planning ahead, you’ll ensure a smoother and more fulfilling adventure.
Do you have something that you would like to add to this post to help a fellow traveller? join the discussion below and bon voyage!
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