2 questions on paris that are related

Go to Paris!!!!! It is wonderful! It is marvelous! It is Paris! What Frank said is right - boards like this tend to collect stories of pickpocketing and so forth because the VAST majority of folks who go someplace and don't have a single problem normally don't post that fact. My first trip to Paris was back in the Late Cretaceous (1980s), and my last trip was in December. I'll be back this coming November. I will never stop going to Paris - and in all the time I have spent there - over multiple trips - I have never ever ever ever ever ever been pickpocketed. The money belt crowd will encourage you to purchase and wear one (I wonder if Mr. Steves pays a spiff for each sale? JOKING!!!!!!!!) :D If that makes you feel safer, then by all means - use a money belt. Whatever you do, take normal precautions, try not to look COMPLETELY clueless and "at sea" when in big crowds at major tourist attractions, and then just HAVE FUN. As for the passport thing... I always carry my passport in my purse - both here in Seattle and when abroad - because I don't drive, so I need my passport as ID. I've never lost it. But I'm a bit of a non-driving weirdo, so don't go by me. For what it is worth, my husband also has his passport on him at all times when we are traveling. We always stay at the same hotel in Paris - safe as houses, and we trust the desk staff completely - but we don't leave our passports behind the desk. The hotel doesn't have in-room safes. We've never thought twice about that.

I have been to Paris 2X/year since 1998. In all the times I have taken the metro only one time did someone try to pick me which was stopped by my wife. Most of my valuables including my passport are kept at the hotel safe. On the metro's I carry only one credit card and some cash for the day.
I know most of my friends that visit Paris do not carry their passport with them and the RS manuel does not mention carrying your passport while touring cities. The only time I carry my passport if we are entering another country on the tour.

Hi Jonathan. Don't let all the talk about pickpockets and theft deter you from going. If you're careful and pay attention to your surroundings, you'll be fine. WEAR A MONEYBELT! Keep your passport and all of your cards (credit and debit, driver's license, etc.) in it, as well as most of your cash. DO NOT ACCESS IT IN PUBLIC. Go into a restroom, take out what you need, use it, and go into another private place to put it back. Put the rest of your cash (daily money) in your daybag / manpurse. :) Even if someone picks your pocket or your bag, all they will get is your daily money. Europe is more of a cash society than the U.S., so I recommend bringing your debit card (and a backup ATM card) and getting cash from ATMs. The keep-your-passport-on-you-or-not debate is pretty constant on this board. I'm an advocate of keeping it on you; as others have said, it's the only thing that proves you are in the country legally.

A major drawback to all travel sites, this one included, and blogs is that they tend to focus on the negative - the bad things that happen to people. People who have problems post the problems and complaint about them. People who have no problems rarely post that they have no problems because there is nothing interesting to discuss about no problems. Over the past 18 years we have spent nearly a year in Europe in all of the great pickpocket capitols of the world and never had a problem or even close to problem. Now, we do take recommended, reasonable precautions and try not to present an attractive target. So far we have been very successful. Next trip might be different. A couple of years ago a travel magazine report on some crime in Europe and indicate that 1 in 4 tourist have some petty theft problems. While 25% is high but another way of looking at that is that 75% of the people no problems. But you read these travel site and could belienve nearly everyone has problems. The discussion about carrying your passport is forever and no conclusion. I am of the opinion that you always carry it why not? It is the only thing that proves you are legally in the country. Do you want to commit a Type I or Type II error. Is it better to have it and not need it or need it and not have it? Your choice. We never use an in room safe because there are risks associated with an in room safe. In my opinion nothing is safe than having it in a properly worn money belt. But, as always, it is your choice.

If I listened to all the scare stories I would never leave my house... once you go, you will realize it is absolutely riduclious the paranoia that surrounds international travel. It will be one of the biggest regrets of your life...(are you afraid to travel to Miami or NYC?) higher probability of crime there. Just be a smart traveler, but not a paranoid one! I always keep my passport with me and do not feel comfortable leaving it.... many trips to Europe and no problems and I do not use a moneybelt...not telling you not to use one, you need to do what is comfortable for you... but please don't listen to all of the nonsense.... thousands of people travel there every day. If you are truly that apprehensive, sign up for a tour. I will be there in a few weeks for the 6th or 7th time with my 14 year old grandson...and we will have the time of our lives.

Money belt. Money belt. Money belt. Used the proper way. Years ago pickpockets took a wallet out of my wife's bum bag in Amsterdam (note - seen, caught, returned with cooperation of the tram driver) and a few years ago somebody got in her her daypack at Piramide station in Rome (didn't get anything - nothing of value in it). We still go to both Amsterdam and Rome. We go to Paris too. Don't let the b******s win!!

As long as you take reasonable precautions you will be fine! I've been to Paris multiple times and was pickpocketed once but consider it my fault as I was jet lagged, was not using a money belt, and left my purse hanging open while in a daze and trying to use the ticket machines in a metro. It is TOTALLY preventable if you are smart. Since that one time of getting hit by a pickpocket I've cleaned up my act and never had a problem since. ALWAYS use a money belt. However, I am not so paranoid as to believe that you can never access your money belt in public. I do all the time, while at ATMs and sometimes in stores or restaurants. The best thing is to be organized and before you head out for a day of touring put the amount you think you need for the day in some handy place, wallet, zippered pocket, etc. and keep the rest of your stash in your money belt. NOBODY will get it if it's in a money belt unless they hold you up at gunpoint, which is HIGHLY unlikely to happen. I always carry my passport with me, in my money belt. I think that is actually safer than leaving it even in a hotel safe. I'm more paranoid about losing my passport than I am about losing a few Euros.

Absolutely do not change your plans due to fear mongering. I've been all over the world and have never once been pick pocketed. All it takes is a few basic precautions, like wearing a moneybelt and only putting as much cash in your pocket as you need for that day. As for the passport, put it in the hotel safe unless you have a reason to carry it. All hotels should have a safe if there isn't one in your room. I always carry a copy of my passport as well as my driver's license (for ID purposes as well as something to give up for collateral for audio-guides and such).

Hi, Are you suggesting that these unfortunate incidents of pickpocketing and scams could adversely affect your decison to go to Paris? I would not even consider not going, skip Paris? Because of petty crime?? When I went to Paris the first time for about a week, I didn't have a money belt on me, didn't even know what that was, even though it was my second trip to Europe. If you are unsure of what you're doing, use the money belt. In Paris sometimes I carry the passport in the "hidden pocket" or in a zipped inside jacket pocket, very secure,...they would have to jump me to get at it. As for the credit or debit cards, I don't carry them all in one place but in three since I bring three cards on the trip. Bottom line: go to Paris and give a loud NO when confronted by scammers.

I'll say it again: Wear a money belt and only access it in a private setting (i.e., do not take it out while in line at a museum, etc.). I've only been once, but for the entirety of the week, we did not worry since we felt confident that our belongings were safely tucked away in our money belt. We took our passport out with us. Do what you feel comfortable, but since you mentioned that your hotel does not have a safe, get that money belt and put your passport in there. We did get stopped at times by what we thought were scams, just say "Non, Merci" and keep moving.
And please relax and have fun! Definitely go. If everyone worried about what they read, then no one would go. The info you are getting is intended to give you a heads up, not to deter you.

GO to Paris. Don't change your plans. Can't advise re: your hotel; just check it out on www.tripadvisor.com to see what others said and to see lots of photos. You need to experience Paris.... it is wonderful.... it is Paris. You will return with a little bit of Paris deep in your heart. You will smile every time you see any glimpse of Paris from then on....whether it is the background in an advertisement, something on the evening news, a travel article, or tv/movies.............you will smile and your heart will warm, knowing you were THERE. When all is said and done, if we live long enough, someday we will be very old.....possibly stuck in a nursing home....all we will have is our memories. Make your life experiences rich and memorable. Have fun!!!! (I can't add anything else to all the previous posts.....sound advice you've been given.) We keep passports on us in neck-style money belt that hubby wears holster-style, along with our larger cash. Put passport in a flexible zip-lock bag to avoid moisture. I keep photocopies of passports in my money belt.

Go to Paris, read a previous post is it possible to fall in love with a city (Paris). It too good to pass up. Visited at least 10 times since 1993. Every poster about moneybelts is correct, worn under your pants for passports,cc,debit and extra cash either dollars and or euros. I never leave my passport with anyone, copies are good if needed. You will be traveling at a time of year you need to wear a coat. I bought a new reversible coat for my most recent trip, November 2010, which gave me inside zippered pockets for my daily cash. The other article of clothing worth thinking about is a light weight vest, under your jacket. There is no place on earth like Paris

jonathan,, not go to Paris because of pickpockets,, then don't go to Rome, or Barcelona either pickpockets there, , and theres the mob in Sicily, and gangs in L. A. and muggings in New York, the drug crimes in Miami, the beach thefts in Jamaica,, i think you get my point. I love goinng to Paris alone,, i have gone with friends, and with my children, and solo,, and I consider it very safe. If you decide not to go , can I have your ticket? I don't wear a money belt except when travelling, and I do use a hotel safe,, and I also leave my passport in it,, I feel very comfortable with my choices,, and have done so for decades,, what others do I don't care. Just a note, even hotels without rooms safes will often have a safe behind the front desk you can leave stuff in,, I have done this also( at Hotel Des Mines).

I'm going to go against the relentless repetition of the mantra here and make a shocking statement... you don't need a money belt in November. Yes, I shall now be thrown out the back door of the Blue Book Church and promptly stoned for heresy, but before I expire, let me explain... Simply wear a coat or jacket with an internal pocket. Keep your wallet and valuables there. That's just as safe , and you don't have to watch your back as you would when accessing a moneybelt. Now, if it's unseasonably warm and you don't need a jacket... yes, go with the moneybelt.

We love Paris and I would agree with the other posters not to let the warnings deter you from visiting there. Just keep yourself informed, don't carry more cash on you than what you need for the day, USE A MONEYBELT and leave the purse at home, and if you feel you need to carry a passport with you, you can do what we do and keep the original in the hotel safe and carry a copy, which is what we do. There are also passport cards if you really feel the need--check out the US Passport website for details. You won't be sorry you visited Paris!

You could change your trip to Los Angeles and get car jacked. People like to focus on the negative stuff, it is way over blown. The reason to take extra precautions is because the loss of your wallet while in a foreign country becomes a big ordeal compared to if it happened at home. As tourists here or abroad you are more vulnerable and targeted, it doesn't matter where you go. A money belt is for peace of mind so you can relax and not have to walk around with your hand on your pocket. Don't let all the boogeyman stories scare you.

I am a middle-aged woman who has been to Paris 8 times, taken the metro and walked all over often alone. I have never been pickpocketed. Only have to occassionally brush off some street vendors. I follow Rick's advice most of the time. I mostly use cash from ATMS. If I rent an apartment, I often leave my passport there, but not in a hotel room. I would never discourage anyone from going to Paris. I would only suggest trying to not look like a confused tourist. Be aware, go and have a good time you will not be sorry!

See, Jonathan, the thing is that there are pickpockets at virtually all tourist destinations - and on the planes too. The negative reports are made so that future travelers can take reasonable precautions. If you do so, you'll be fine.

Don't let the postings scare you away from a beautiful city!! Use your debit card at reputable banks. I have never had a problem using my debit card in Paris. I can even go online after withdrawing Euros and find out from my account online what the exchange rate was. Just be sure no one is close by, trying to get your PIN. Same as in the US. I always carried my passport but I'm not sure you have to. It's good ID. You should have photocopies stored somewhere just in case it's stolen or you loose it. I have never worn a money belt. Some people swear by them but I find them uncomfortable. I know where I'm going, walk with purpose and don't dress like a tourist. I'm often mistaken for a native until I open my mouth (I'm from Kentucky.....). Most people are not out to steal from you. Be aware of the obvious scams that are posted on Graffitti Wall but I never encountered any of them until my 3rd visit to Paris. Just say no, and keep saying no and get louder each time until they leave you alone. And get the Museum Pass, totally worth it in time you save not waiting in line.

I know two people who were pickpocketed in Europe. Sister-in-laws friend in London slung her purse over the back of her chair in crowded restaurant, guess what happened to her money? Nephew took several hundred euro's from ATM, put it in unsecured back pack and slung it onto his back and got on metro in Barcelona, guess where his money went? Neither one of them were pro-active and were like raising red flags around themselves. In our many trips to Europe, we have never been pickpocketed I think because we took precautions. I would not stay from any city because of what people say about theft, I would just be cautious, just like you would at home.

Don't change your plans. Just do like everyone has said and use a money belt. Go, relax and have fun.

Cash - The fees for small retailers to accept cards is prohibitive, so many only accept cash. Money Belt - Keep the things that, if lost, will spoil your trip (credit card, debit card, passport, etc.) in your money belt. Keep a daily supply of cash in your front pocket - if you lose it, it's disappointing but not a showstopper. Don't do purchases with your debit. Even though you can recover from fraudulent transactions, your account is drained and you're left without access to cash until you can get it straightened out. Use your debit for ATMs only (debit is preferred because the Visa/Mastercard logo means you can use any ATM you see). Passport - The police can ask for your passport at any time (no requirement for reasonable cause). Your passport is your only official ID while you're in Europe, so I carry mine (in my moneybelt). The stamp inside also proves you are in the country legally. Realistically, most Rick Steves readers don't raise suspicion by the police and border crossings are all but extinct. The chance of being asked to show your passport is slim. I've never been stopped on the street; if I were, I would satisfy myself they were really police before I handed over my passport (to ensure it's not a scam).

Paris is one place where I would recommend carrying your passport. The police "randomly" stop people to ask for ID. Not to get too political here, but since I can't see what you look like, I can't say if you would be "randomly" selected or not. Despite this and all other annoyances, Paris is a must-see for any traveller. Relax and have fun.

Hi Jonathan, my family and I are just finishing a 5 week trip to Europe including a week in Paris. I agree with the other postswear a money belt and take common sense precautions. Both my wife and I wore a moneybelt, and I kept one credit card and the day's cash in my front pocket. We never once felt at risk for pickpocketing. However, we did see several scams being perpetuated: the lost ring scam, the friendship bracelet, the deaf-mute petition, etc. You'll hear lots of examples of bad experiences on the web, but rarely about trips without any problems. In regards to carrying your passport, I've carried mine for 5 weeks and only had to show when checking into a hotel in Venice. Enjoy Paris and have a good time.

Jonathan, My wife and I always had this tremendous amount of trepidation about going to europe. We had heard the horror stories, also. We went to Hawaii in 1996 for a vacation, and it was so terrible, after we got back, we said we should have just thrown our money out of the plane and flown back home. In 1997, our friend's son was getting married in Schlitz, Germany, and he wanted to know if we wanted to go. Wow, we were so unsure. He talked us into it, and we flew into Amsterdam a week before the wedding to get "supplies" for the party. It was incredible! The sights, the sounds, the people, the food, the beers, the wines, the trams, the trains, and the pre-rolleds. Have gone back every year for at least a month. Twice in 2005. Just got back home from driving the entire east coast of Italy. We would have missed all this, for unnecessary worrying about nothing, if not for our friend. Go. Take only a carry-on bag. Check nothing. Wear your moneybelt. Never take anything out of your moneybelt in public, if you can help it. I have never used a hotel room safe. Don't trust them. Keep your passport on you. If the hotel needs it and you are going out, take the hotel's business card with you, so you will at least have the phone number if stopped. Debit your cash from atms. Keep a daily amount handy.
Keep your metro ticket stubs until back up on the street. Eat, drink, explore, have fun! You are on vacation in one of the most beautiful, interesting cities in the world.

Jonathan, I definitely agree with the others! While there's always the potential to be victimized by pickpockets in Paris and other cities in Europe, if one takes reasonable precautions there should be no problems. Regarding your debit card, be sure that your travel funds are in a chequing account with a four digit PIN. If possible, take a "backup" card on a different account in case your primary card malfunctions. Based on my travel methods, I'd recommend wearing a Money Belt. Keep most of your cash in it as well as your Passport. Hotels generally only need the Passport for a few minutes during check-in, so it will be available after that. Keep your "daily operating cash" and perhaps one credit card in a secure pocket in your clothing. DO NOT access your Money Belt where others can see. I wouldn't be too concerned about the in-room Safe. Even if this is provided in a Hotel, I never use them, as I keep important items with me. Someone posted a note here recently on the fact that it's surprisingly easy to break into in-room Safes, so that's another reason I don't use them. Be wary of situations where there's a "distraction" and keep your distance from people that want you to read a small card with a "hard luck story" written on it. Hope you have a wonderful trip in Paris. It's a great city, and one that I never tire of visiting. Happy travels!

I just carry a front pocket wallet which is a money clip and a couple of slots for cards. When I get on the Metro, Train or in a crowd my hand is in my pocket. I figure someone would have to cut my hand off to get at it. I keep extra cash and cards behind two zippers in a Eddie Bauer backpack. When we go somewhere I may have to check my bag I just carry everything in my front pocket.. I would just be aware, be smart and don't worry about it. I just came back from a week in Paris and don't think I even got 'jostled'( a distraction when a team is targeting you) on the metro or train. I keep a copy of my passport in my bag, never carry the official document.
I tried the money belt, didn't like it.

A moneybelt is a good idea if you're really paranoid but not an absolute necessity if you don't like them (I don't). The main thing to avoid is having an unguarded purse, or god forbid, valuables in a backpack. I carry a purse, but always have my elbow over it and don't have anything in the easily accessible outside pockets or zippers. My husband has a messenger bag which he always keeps his hand over the flap. It would be pretty difficult for anyone to get inside either of our bags without actually being assaulted, in which case having a moneybelt isn't necessarily going to help you anyway. The main thing to watch out for if you do carry a bag is to put it between your feet if you're at a restaurant or cafe. Don't just hang it on the back of a chair.

I am in Paris now. It is my 3rd time here. I did get my wallet stolen the 2nd time I was here, but I am partially responsible for that. I was on a VERY crowded RER training heading for the airport. We were running late and the purse I had put under my coat earlier was now on the outside. Long story. Anyway, we were lucky to be on the way home, so it didn't ruin the trip. I am much more cautious now. Since I am traveling without my husband, who is the regular money belt wearing person, I have used one in transit and at some other times. If you wear one, there are several types to choose from. And don't put all your cash and cards together either, unless they are in a money belt. I keep a days worth of cash handy, but that is it. Enjoy Paris!!