Is Paris Safe for Tourists in 2025? Paris is beautiful, but caution is always important!
Paris safety tips from local guide Vadim Hedonist will help you avoid common scams and pickpocketing during your trip and show you how to stay safe in Paris:
1. Top Safety Tips for Paris
- Stay Alert: Pickpockets and scammers often target tourists who are distracted, too relaxed, or focused on their kids instead of their belongings. Always stay aware of your stuff.
- Don’t Make It Easy for Them: Before your trip, get a phone case with a wrist strap and wear it at all times. It’ll make it harder for anyone to snatch your phone.
- Anti-theft gear: A flat money belt under your clothes, zipper lock clips for your bags, and a carabiner to attach your bag to a chair at cafés are all smart investments.
- Keep Your Passport and Important Docs in Your Hotel Room: Take a copy of your passport with you, not the original. If you need an ID, take your driver’s license—never carry your passport unless you really have to.
- Don’t Leave Valuables in Plain Sight in Your Room: Hide your passport, cash, and any valuable items in a safe, out-of-sight spot in your room or apartment.
- Your Wallet Is a Target: Pickpockets are after your wallet. Losing it means losing all your cash, cards, and IDs at once—trust me, that’ll ruin your whole trip. Leave your wallet at home during your travels if possible.
- Cash in Envelopes: Lots of tourists carry cash in envelopes and take it out in public. But a few minutes later, they realize it’s gone.
- Split Up Your Money and Cards: Keep some money in your hotel room, some in your front jeans pocket, some in a zippered pocket in your bag, and your card in a separate pocket. Keep it spread out!
- Be Wary of Free Stuff: If someone offers you something for free or seems overly friendly (like trying to give you a hug or help clean your jacket), they’re probably scamming you. If it seems too good to be true, it probably is.
- Keep Your Stuff Close: Don’t ever take your eyes off your phone, bag, or camera—even for a second. Someone could grab it and run.
- Where NOT to Keep Your Phone and Money: Avoid keeping valuables in your back pockets, inside jacket pockets, coat pockets, bags without zippers, flap bags, or your backpack. These are prime spots for pickpockets.
- Café Tables: Never leave your phone or valuables on a café table. Always keep your bag in sight, closed, and ideally attached to your chair with a carabiner.
- Safe transportation: Never use tuk-tuks – you’ll get ripped off.
Don’t hail taxis off the street; they’ll say they forgot to turn on the meter and charge you a fortune. Instead, use taxi apps like Uber, Bolt, or G7. - If it’s stolen, it’s no big deal: Carry only things you wouldn’t mind losing in your bags or backpacks. Keep valuables in a flat bag under your clothes.
- ATMs: Always use ATMs inside banks – pickpockets tend to watch for people withdrawing cash on the street.
2. How to Avoid Pickpocketing and Theft
Metro and Buses:
Pickpockets frequently operate in teams of 2 to 6. They select a target, board the train behind them, and create a dense crowd, simulating the typical rush-hour crush. While you’re distracted by the close proximity, they quietly search your pockets and bag. If you feel yourself being surrounded in a crowded train or bus, it’s highly likely you’re being targeted. Hold onto your bag tightly and ensure all your valuables are secure.
On the Street:
Pickpockets also work in crowds and busy spots, like when people gather to listen to street musicians.
Sometimes, someone will approach you pretending to be friendly, giving you a hug or talking about “friendship between nations,” all while slipping your wallet or phone from your inner coat pocket.
They might even accidentally bump into you, distracting you while they steal from your jacket or coat pocket.
3. How to Avoid Phone Theft in Paris
- In Paris, phones are often snatched right out of people’s hands, so it’s essential to get a case with a strong, non-tearable cord for your wrist (not a decorative one made of beads or plastic chains). Always keep your phone in hand, attached to the cord on your wrist.
- In 2025, a new phone theft scam emerged, targeting tourists who wear their phones on long cords around their chest or side. As soon as the tourist gets distracted, the thief quickly pulls the cord towards himself, which allows him to grab the phone from the case and run away.
- Phone thefts also often happen in subway cars, where the thief grabs the phone and runs out before the doors close, so you can’t follow. The most dangerous spot in the subway car is near the doors.
- Never leave your phone on a table at cafés; it can be grabbed instantly, and the thief will run off with it.
4. Common Street Scams for Tourists in Paris
- Friendship bracelet scam: On Montmartre or near the Sacré-Cœur Basilica, scammers will offer to tie a “free” bracelet on your wrist. While you’re distracted, they skillfully tie it and then demand payment (usually between 5-20 euros). Sometimes there are multiple scammers, and they will pressure you to pay.
- How to avoid it: Walk past and don’t let anyone touch your wrist. If the bracelet is already tied, simply take it off and return it without paying.
- How to avoid it: Walk past and don’t let anyone touch your wrist. If the bracelet is already tied, simply take it off and return it without paying.
- Petition scam: Scammers, usually women, will ask you to sign a petition for charity or to support disabled people. After you sign, they demand money as a “donation.”
- How to avoid it: Ignore such requests, don’t stop, and don’t engage in conversation.
- How to avoid it: Ignore such requests, don’t stop, and don’t engage in conversation.
- Shell game scam (thimbles): Scammers will offer a game where you try to guess which thimble holds a ball. At first, the game seems easy, but most of the “audience” is in on the scam, showing “wins” to lure tourists in. Once you try to play, they quickly remove the ball, making it impossible to win.
- How to avoid it: Don’t stop to watch these games, don’t engage, and don’t place bets. It’s a classic scam to take your money.
- How to avoid it: Don’t stop to watch these games, don’t engage, and don’t place bets. It’s a classic scam to take your money.
- Ring scam: A scammer will “find” a gold ring near you and offer it, claiming it’s very valuable but they don’t need it. Then they ask for a small “thank you” payment. Of course, the ring turns out to be a cheap fake.
- How to avoid it: Don’t take the ring and don’t engage. Simply refuse and walk away.
- How to avoid it: Don’t take the ring and don’t engage. Simply refuse and walk away.
- Found item scam: Scammers will intentionally drop a wallet, money, phone, or ring near you. When you pick it up, a “owner” appears and accuses you of stealing, or demands compensation for the “damaged” item. Sometimes they become aggressive to pressure you into paying.
- How to avoid it: Don’t pick up suspicious items on the street and don’t engage with anyone claiming to be the “owner.” Just keep walking, even if they try to stop you.
- How to avoid it: Don’t pick up suspicious items on the street and don’t engage with anyone claiming to be the “owner.” Just keep walking, even if they try to stop you.
- Rose scam: On the streets or at restaurants, someone might offer you a rose, claiming it’s a gift or symbol of love. But once you take it, they demand an inflated price. Sometimes they become pushy to make you pay.
- How to avoid it: Never accept a rose, even if they say it’s free. Politely refuse and ignore the seller.
- Clear cup scam: Beggars set up a clear cup with a few coins, designed for you to accidentally bump into it. If you do, they loudly accuse you of knocking it over and demand payment for the “damaged” cup.
- How to avoid it: Always watch where you step, especially in crowded areas and near beggars. If it happens, apologize calmly and walk away.
- How to avoid it: Always watch where you step, especially in crowded areas and near beggars. If it happens, apologize calmly and walk away.
- Street vendor scam: Street vendors will spread their goods (souvenirs, jewelry, accessories) on the sidewalk or narrow paths. If you accidentally step on their items, they demand payment for the “damaged” goods, sometimes becoming aggressive.
- How to avoid it: Be careful in crowded places. Try to avoid these stalls and don’t step on the items.
- How to avoid it: Be careful in crowded places. Try to avoid these stalls and don’t step on the items.
- Costumed character scam: Scammers dressed in popular costumes (like Mickey Mouse) offer to take photos with you. After the photo, they demand payment, sometimes charging an inflated price or even using intimidation.
- How to avoid it: If you want a photo, agree on the price beforehand. If not, politely refuse and walk away.
- How to avoid it: If you want a photo, agree on the price beforehand. If not, politely refuse and walk away.
- Various street vendors, photographers, and others: Street vendors, souvenir sellers, or photographers often offer their products or services without a price listed. After the “deal,” they demand an inflated price, creating uncomfortable situations.
- How to avoid it: It’s best to avoid engaging with street vendors. If you do decide to buy something or use their services, ask for the price upfront and clarify the terms. Keep in mind that such sales are often not legal.
- How to avoid it: It’s best to avoid engaging with street vendors. If you do decide to buy something or use their services, ask for the price upfront and clarify the terms. Keep in mind that such sales are often not legal.
- Fake tickets for Louvre and Disneyland scam: Scammers sell “discounted” or “fast” tickets to popular attractions like the Louvre or Disneyland. These tickets may be fake, used, or invalid. They often offer them near the entrances or through questionable websites.
- How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official attraction websites or authorized sellers. Never buy tickets from people near the entrance. Always check that the website is legitimate before entering payment details.
Important tip: If you find yourself in a situation where someone demands money, the best response is to say, “Sorry, I only have a card” in English. This is often enough to get them to leave you alone and move on to someone else.
If this doesn’t work, you can simply start loudly arguing in your own language. They don’t like drawing attention to themselves, and this usually makes them back off. Don’t be afraid to raise your voice and draw attention to yourself; the French always start acting loudly when they deal with scammers.
5. Taxi & Transport Scams in Paris
- Tuk-tuk scam: Some unofficial tuk-tuk drivers will give you a price for the ride (for example, 20 euros) but fail to mention that it’s per person, not for the whole ride. Once you reach your destination, they demand double payment, claiming the price was per person.
- How to avoid it: Always clarify the price upfront and make sure it’s for all passengers and for the entire ride. Only use official tuk-tuks with clear identification and displayed fares. If there’s a dispute, suggest calling the police – usually, this helps resolve the issue.
- How to avoid it: Always clarify the price upfront and make sure it’s for all passengers and for the entire ride. Only use official tuk-tuks with clear identification and displayed fares. If there’s a dispute, suggest calling the police – usually, this helps resolve the issue.
- Fake metro tickets scam: Outside metro stations, scammers sell “tickets” that allow you to skip the line for a good price. In reality, these tickets are either fake or already used, and you won’t be able to get through the turnstiles. After the sale, they quickly disappear.
- How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official metro machines or ticket counters. Avoid street vendors and don’t give in to the temptation to save time.
- Fake Metro Workers scam: Someone wearing a fake metro employee badge offers to help you buy tickets at the machine. They pretend to pay with their card but actually give you the cheapest child tickets while taking a large cash payment from you.
- How to avoid it: Decline their help—ticket machines have an English option. For extra security, buy your tickets through the official Bonjour RATP app.
- Taxi Scam: Some taxi drivers in Paris take advantage of tourists by overcharging. They might “forget” to turn on the meter, take unnecessarily long routes, or quote a fixed price much higher than the actual fare. In some cases, unlicensed drivers approach tourists at airports or train stations, offering overpriced rides.
Tip: Never hail a taxi on the street. Instead, use official taxi apps like Uber, Bolt, or G7. If you must take a cab, make sure it’s an official Taxi Parisien with a meter running. At airports, always use the designated taxi stands.
6. ATM and Payment Scams in Paris
- Use Safe ATMs: Always withdraw cash from ATMs inside banks for better security. Cover your PIN with your hand, and check your surroundings—thieves may try to snatch your cash the moment it comes out.
- Stay Alert: Don’t flash your cash in public. Avoid withdrawing large amounts at once; it’s safer to take out smaller amounts more frequently.
- Card Safety: Never let your card out of sight when making payments. Use contactless payments whenever possible.
- Check Transactions: Regularly monitor your bank statements to catch any suspicious charges.
Currency Exchange & Tourist ATMs:
- Avoid street currency exchange offices offering “great rates” – they often have hidden fees.
- Be cautious with standalone ATMs labeled “ATM” in tourist areas. They aren’t scams, but they charge high fees and offer poor exchange rates. Instead, use official bank ATMs.
7. Accommodation Scams in Paris
The Paris government is cracking down on short-term rentals, so booking an apartment—no matter the platform—is always a gamble. A reliable and legal alternative to apartments is aparthotels.
Paris has so many housing scams that the safest way to book a place is through an official hotel or aparthotel website.
Tip: In this article, you’ll find recommendations on both safe and unsafe areas in Paris. Be sure to check them out before booking your accommodation!
8. Free Wi-Fi Scams in Paris
How it works: In tourist areas, scammers set up free Wi-Fi networks to intercept your personal data, including passwords and banking details.
How to avoid it: Use only official Wi-Fi networks (like those in cafes or hotels) and avoid open, unsecured networks. The safest option is to get a tourist SIM card (such as Orange or Free) and use mobile data instead.
9. Unsafe Street Food in Paris
In tourist areas of Paris, you’ll often see vendors grilling skewers on makeshift barbecue carts, roasting chestnuts directly in repurposed supermarket trolleys, or making crêpes in mobile food stalls, often set up on bridges.
On warm evenings, street sellers also offer beer and wine. However, most of these foods are stored in unsanitary places—inside sewer openings, behind trash bins, or in electrical boxes—so vendors can quickly restock. Eating this food can pose serious health risks.
How to avoid it: Buy food and drinks only from official cafes, restaurants, or licensed food stalls. Always check the cleanliness of the place and how the food is prepared.
10. Stay Healthy in Paris
Many tourists underestimate how unpredictable Parisian weather can be and don’t bring enough warm clothing, which often leads to catching a cold.
Paris frequently experiences rain and cold, piercing winds, especially near the Seine. The weather can change several times a day—you might be sweating in a T-shirt one hour, then shivering in a cold wind the next, followed by sudden heat, and then a downpour.
Wearing layered clothing that you can put on and take off throughout the day is the best way to stay comfortable. Even in summer and spring, bringing a pullover and a windbreaker is a must.
Another common mistake is drinking cold beverages while sitting on outdoor terraces in winter or chilly autumn, which often results in a sore throat and cough.
Many tourists also catch a cold at the top of the Eiffel Tower, where the wind is much stronger, and the temperature is noticeably lower than on the ground.
11. Preparing for Emergencies
- Keep important numbers handy: It’s always good to have emergency contacts saved:
- Police: 17
- European emergency number: 112
- Fire service: 18
- Ambulance: 15
- Know your embassy’s contact: Having your country’s embassy phone number can be useful in case of unexpected situations.
- Travel insurance: If your insurance covers theft or fraud, check in advance what documents you might need for a claim.
- Filing a police report: To obtain official documentation for your insurance claim, you need to file a report at the nearest police station (commissariat).
- If a passport is stolen: Report it to the embassy to get a replacement or an emergency travel document. File a report at the nearest police station (commissariat).
- If bank cards are stolen: Immediately block them through the bank’s mobile app or customer service hotline. Keep a backup card in a separate place.
- If a phone is stolen: Use Find My iPhone or Find My Device to lock or erase data. Notify your mobile carrier and file a police report.
12. General Tips for Tourists in Paris:
- Write down your hotel address on a small note. It will be useful if you get lost or your phone runs out of battery.
- Always carry some cash. Just in case your card doesn’t work.
- Don’t linger at train stations after arrival. Head to the metro or take a taxi right away.
- Download offline maps. Apps like Google Maps help you navigate without internet access.
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