We noticed that you're using an unsupported browser. The Tripadvisor website may not display properly.We support the following browsers:
Windows: Internet Explorer, Mozilla Firefox, Google Chrome. Mac: Safari.

Not what I feared...needless worrying

St. Petersburg...
Level Contributor
15 posts
8 reviews
27 helpful votes
Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

I just wanted to say after reading all the posts about thieves in Paris I was dreading my vacation. I had visions of everyone trying to tackle me and steal my money.

Please, if you are worrying as I was, there is nothing to worry about.

Yes, I saw all the "tricks" I read about, but very easy to avoid.

I could have been in any other big city. It is all common sense. Be aware of your surroundings as you would anywhere.

My family had a very enjoyable time, and we never encountered anything that frightened us.

I just don't want anyone stressing about it like I was as it took away from my excitement of planning my trip.

We rode the metro with zero problems and went to see the sites without any trouble. If you have ever been to a city, be it New York, San Francisco, it is all the same as far as people go. Good ,bad, etc.

Have fun!

795 replies to this topic
Washington DC...
Level Contributor
72 posts
40 reviews
38 helpful votes
601. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Thank you temeyer, I have been obsessing over it. We will leave in 10 days and travel to a few countries in Europe, and I was doubting about Paris... Too much craziness everywhere... But thank you, your post is encouraging.

602. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying

This post was determined to be inappropriate by the Tripadvisor community and has been removed.

 
San Diego...
Level Contributor
901 posts
57 reviews
89 helpful votes
603. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Well, you told it as it was for you. I guess we have been lucky on our 20 trips to Paris and missed all that bad stuff, but we prepared for it so that it was not a bother when we got to Europe. I have taken lots of ribbing from the Paris Forum but I am glad that we prepared by watching some videos (we even made 3 or 4 for our friends) and purchasing anti theft bags and wallets etc. Oh well. Have not lost a thing since our first trip in 1984.

CT
Level Contributor
223 posts
4 reviews
3 helpful votes
604. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Right up there with NYC? I live just outside Manhattan and spend every working day in the city- don't know anyone who have been pick-pocketed in the last 20 years.

Edited: 7 years ago
CT
Level Contributor
223 posts
4 reviews
3 helpful votes
605. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

And LisaJudy- Seriously- "one black?' Stay home.

Singapore, Singapore
2 posts
1 review
606. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Beware of scammer, cheater, pickpockets at every train stations:

Do not trust a person in the train ticket machine. Always buy the ticket from the correct place (directly from machine) or information counter.

Ballincollig...
Level Contributor
1 post
36 reviews
31 helpful votes
607. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Went there for a weekend in mid-August with my wife and teenage son.

It was my third time there. Despite there being some more visible security there, it didn't impinge on our stay in any way. I think most people are understanding of the time delays with security checks. Going into some shops security would look into big bags and back packs, but it is all good natured, and I saw no difficulties at all.

Just like all cities, just be careful with your valuables and don't leave them in view, or sticking out of back pockets to make it easy for pick pocketers.

On going through security at CDG airport on our return flight home, my back pack was selected for searching. The security staff politely asked if they could open the bag, and of course I said yes. He then took out a bottle of water from the bag. Imagine my embarrassment - I had taken care to ensure that my wife's and son's bags were clear of such things, and forgot my own!!! The security guy just smiled and said no problem.

I believe tourist numbers are down this year in Paris. On my experiences, there is no reason to avoid going there.

Paris, France
Level Contributor
443 posts
608. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Thank you on behalf of Paris !!!!😃

Paris is like any large city, Roma, Barcelona : you have to be aware, be wise but paranoia is not necessary.

Just don't keep a wallet or phone in a back pocket. Don't leave a phone on a table or bag hanging on the back of your chair, don't pick up rings, don't answer surveys, sign up petitions, don't play street games... Once you know this, which is just common sense, enjoy your visit !

And next if you enter shops, say "bonjour", shop keepers will open their mind and be the nicest people you can meet. you could say " sorry, je ne parle pas Français", they'll try to remember some of their school English, use their hands and give their maximum to help you. A little "merci" also helps...

Bengaluru, India
Level Contributor
121 posts
139 reviews
124 helpful votes
609. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

Avoid talking to stranger even those who look like they need help and you will be fine. Mobiles and wallet in front pocket a must. We did not face any problems.

In fact we forgot and left our bag of perfumes at star bucks when we went back it was returned to us. This should provide some comfort to people planning on travelling to Paris.

geolforall
Level Contributor
58 posts
5 reviews
5 helpful votes
610. Re: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Save

I want to second these comments. My husband and I felt very safe walking around and riding the subway. We do not live in a city and rarely go into a city so I was apprehensive...it was fine.

Reply to: Not what I feared...needless worrying
Get notified by e-mail when a reply is posted
© 2024 Tripadvisor LLC All rights reserved.

This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in Singapore. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu.