Paris Around

Posts Tagged ‘Safely’

As the #1 tourist destination in the world, Paris does have it’s share of petty crime and an aware visitor is the smartest kind of tourist. Paris is statistically one of the safest major metropolitan areas in Europe. Violent crime rates are fairly low in Paris. Crime directed against tourists is the kind that can ruin a vacation: stolen wallets, stolen baggage, credit card fraud. There’s a sucker born every minute and ten thousand new suckers jetting into Paris every day, so the thieves and pickpockets don’t need to change their methods much; they just practice them until they’ve got it perfect. If they successfully rob you, it will be because their method was new to you, but not to them. Unlike American cities, where the rich tend to flee to the suburbs, the poor and the immigrants are relegated to the Paris neighborhoods hit hardest by crime which are those on the outskirts of the city so avoid travelling to the Northern Paris suburbs of Saint-Denis, Aubervilliers, Saint-Ouen, etc. after dark. Never leave your bags or valuables unattended in the metro, bus or other public areas. Not only do you risk theft but unattended bags are sometimes considered a security threat.

Here are some common tips for the savvy traveler:
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If you are planning a vacation, the easiest and safest method for carrying your money is simply to leave it in the bank and use your credit or debit card instead. This way you don’t have to worry about losing your money or having it stolen. However, keep in mind that if you are traveling out of the country without cash, there is always the possibility that the ATM machine will “eat” the card and fail to return it to you. Another problem one international traveler had was withdrawing several hundred dollars from her account and not having the money come out of the machine. This could be a real problem if you are out of the country and without any ready cash.

It is common for thieves to hang out by the ATM machines waiting for a “tourist” to withdraw money. They then follow the person for a few blocks and rob them. So if you will be in a foreign country making use of the ATM machines be sure to exercise caution. Remember that some countries have the art of pickpocketing down to a science with purposeful and timed distractions, using fake falls by elderly people, cutting open purses, and other such things so be aware of your surroundings at all times.

There are many people who don’t carry any plastic, and they prefer to have their money with them. That’s fine, no problem, but you should take some precautions to be sure you don’t find yourself devoid of any money in the middle of your trip.  Read more...