Picture this.

You are standing in front of the Eiffel tower and the soft glow of the lights twinkles in the distance. For a moment, your full attention is on marveling at its beauty.

You go to reach for your phone to take a picture when all of a sudden something sends shivers down your spine. you can't find your phone. You also notice that your wallet is missing as well.

You could've sworn you've just had it and never took it out of your pocket. A set of panic enters your body and you realize you just got pickpocketed.

Traveling to a new country can always impose fear or new threats. It is quite normal when exploring an unfamiliar place. Certain countries and cities are safer than others. Is Paris one of them?

Paris, France is perceived to be a romantic and beautiful place. Movies highlight solo travelers standing in front of the Eiffel tower, on a beautiful summer night. Is it as glamorous as the movies and pictures portray it to be? Don’t worry, we will break it down for you, from statistics to tips.

Let’s talk about how safe Paris really is.

Is Paris Safe to visit?

Paris is generally considered a safe city for travelers, and millions of people visit each year without incident.

However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take common-sense precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. This includes keeping an eye on your belongings in crowded areas, avoiding walking alone in deserted or poorly lit areas at night, and keeping a copy of your passport in a secure place.

It's also a good idea to research local laws and customs before you visit to ensure that you're aware of any potential cultural differences. In general, taking the same precautions you would in any other major city should help you have a safe and enjoyable trip to Paris.

Street crime is the biggest concern in Paris. Tourist areas are considered on High Alert, always. Tourists typically tend to let their guard down, especially on vacation. When you are surrounded by new and gorgeous places, your mind begins to enter a state of awe, which some individuals with nefarious intentions might take advantage of.

Is Paris safe for solo travelers?

Paris is one of the most popular solo travel destinations in the world and for good reason.

The City of Light is renowned for its beauty, its culture, and its cuisine. However, solo travelers often wonder if Paris is safe for them to visit. The answer is a resounding yes! Paris is an incredibly safe city, and solo travelers should not hesitate to explore everything it has to offer. In fact, solo travelers often find that they feel safer in Paris than they do at home.

There are a few simple precautions that all solo travelers should take, such as staying in well-lit areas and avoiding deserted streets, but these are common sense measures that are necessary for any large city.

With a little common sense and a sense of adventure, solo travelers will find that Paris is one of the safest and most exciting cities in the world.

Pickpocketing in Paris

Pickpockets in Paris are known to target US Tourists. Apple products are among the most stolen. This is because Apple computers and phones are sold for more money in France than in the United States. Pickpockets in Paris are commonly under the age of sixteen. Do not be fooled by any teens that are standing too close to you.

They might try to quickly grab your phone or wallet and run away. The best way to avoid this is by being aware of your surroundings at all times and keeping your belongings close to you. Do not put your phone in your back pocket, as this makes it easier for someone to quickly grab it and take off running. If possible, keep your passport and other valuables in a hotel safe or locked bag.

Staying alert is key

Being cautious, alert, and using common sense can prevent most travel-related crimes.

There are also some items you can purchase to help you with this! My mom used to rave about how convenient her fanny pack was. In the 90s, I viewed it as another fashion suicide. In 2023, it's nothing short of genius. A fanny pack can keep your personal belongings glued to your side the whole day. Even better, you can put a coat or jacket over it in the fall and winter months.

Purses can be an easy target as they normally stay to the side, in the plain view, making it an easy grab for robbers or pickpockets.

Men tend to be the biggest targets of pickpocketing since they literally put their wallets in their pockets. Hence how the word pickpocketing became a frequently used word. Pickpocketing occurs in crowded areas such as trains, subways, and airports.

Even common tourist spots, like standing in front of the empire state building, are common pickpocketing hotspots.

What happens if you get pickpocketed?

We always think about our credit/debit cards whenever our wallets are lost, but you shouldn't be. Credit cards and debit cards are easily replaceable. First, call the credit card company to put a stop on your card. This is helpful to do before any purchases are made by the robber. Secondly, don't freak out, this will make the situation worse.

Your licenses and credentials will be the most crucial and hard-to-replace items. This is why it is recommended to never carry your passport with you. Leave it locked in your safe in your hotel room. replacing your local IDs and credentials should be easy once you're back home, but your passport is everything. If your passport is stolen you will need to contact the nearest US Embassy (or whichever embassy your nationality permits) for the next steps.

Don't forget, some embassies are closed on Sundays and federal holidays.

Confidence tricks in Paris

Confidence Schemes are the second most common crime in Paris. This type of crime includes asking pedestrians to sign a petition or even take a survey. They normally ask for money or donation, which does not end up going to the cause. This is an easy way to guilt-trip tourists, who think they are helping the city. When in return, the money will go to the criminal who is ripping you off.

Other scam tactics in Paris

Other ordinary tactics are locals selling goods on the streets. If someone shows you a bracelet or ring, do not touch it. Once you lay your hand on the item, it is yours. They will force you to pay for the item. This can also be used as a distraction tactic. While you are arguing with the seller, someone could come behind and pickpocket you. It is important to buy your local items from markets in the area, rather than directly off the street.

What Precautions can I take?

For those who are worried about being safe, don't be.

Luckily, there are precautions you can take before traveling and boarding your plane. Certain items can make you less of a target. The Daitet Money Belt, similar to a fanny pack, is gender neutral and perfect for keeping your money safe. It has a hidden travel wallet and a secure passport holder. This Travel Security Belt has a hidden money pocket inside the belt! This is recommended for those who don’t want to carry anything except their ID and cash for the night.

For girls, you can even hide your money and ID in this Anti-theft wallet that attaches to your bra! There is an option for everyone, thanks to Amazon! These items can give you extra security when heading out into Paris.

What should I do if I am a victim of crime?

If you unfortunately become a victim of crime, the first thing you should do is stay calm. Then, try to remember as many details as possible about the perpetrator. If you can, take a picture of the person with your phone or make a mental note of what they look like. The more information you have, the better.

After that, you should contact the police and file a report. The police will then be able to help you and give you further instructions on what to do next. You should also contact your bank or credit card company to cancel any stolen cards and notify them of the situation.

And finally, you should contact your travel insurance company and let them know what happened. They will be able to help you with anything you need and may even cover some of the costs associated with the incident.

Even though Paris is a relatively safe city, it is always important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions when traveling. By following these tips, you can help ensure that your trip to Paris is a safe and enjoyable one.

So, how safe is Paris?

To answer the question of “Is Paris Safe?”. Yes, it is. Paris is pretty safe compared to other European cities. All big cities, inevitably, have crimes. Crimes in Paris seem to be more focused on robberies and shams rather than shootings and murders. Big-name cities such as Istanbul, Athens & Naples are ranked more dangerous than Paris. Stay alert and aware when traveling to other countries.

If you're looking to avoid areas that might be questionable, check out all the Paris arrondissements that you should stay in and which districts to avoid.

Travel to Paris!

The best part of traveling is being open and free while you explore new destinations. Don’t let the fear of being a part of a crime ruin your trip! All you have to do is remember to stay alert and cautious.

Go ahead and book that flight to your dream destination! Just remember to keep your wits about you and use our tips for staying safe while traveling.

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