The 2024 Travelex Guide to Safety in Paris
Paris, the cosmopolitan city of love and light, is one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world. While the French capital is generally a safe city, it's important to be cautious and follow expert advice to ensure your trip is memorable for all the right reasons.
Explore our ultimate guide to staying safe in Paris.
Essential Tips for Money Safety
Managing your money wisely can help you avoid unnecessary risks:
- Carry card and cash: Have both options to cover all situations.
- Mix denominations: Carry a mix of small and large denominations to avoid producing large sums in public.
- Pay in local currency: Always choose to pay in euro to avoid extra charges.
- Buy online and save in advance: Rates are often less favourable in airports. Instead, convert AUD to euro before departing Australia. Simply order online with Travelex and pick-up in-store before you fly.
- Tipping not required: Service charges are included in bills, so tipping is not obligatory.
- Use a travel card: Transfer funds via the Travelex Money app, take advantage of unlimited free overseas ATM withdrawals^, cardless payment with your mobile device, freeze and unfreeze your card, receive emergency cash if needed, and 24/7 Mastercard phone support. Plus many more benefits you can expect with a travel money card for Europe.
The Perfect Companion for Europe: the Travelex Money Card
- Holds up to 10 available currencies
- Use your card globally wherever Mastercard is accepted
- Buy online and collect in-store or get delivered to your home
- A multi-award winning travel card | 5☆ Canstar rating for Best Value 2016 - 2020
and Mozo Best Prepaid Travel Card 2022, 2023 & 2024
Travel Tips for Maximum Safety in Paris
Visiting Paris soon? Here are some crucial tips to keep in mind:
- Remain vigilant: Always be aware of your surroundings, especially in crowded areas and at major tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower. Avoid walking alone outside of central Paris - especially at night.
- Emergency numbers: Save contact numbers in your phone for emergency services such as 112 (general emergency) and 17 (police).
- Know the law: Familiarise yourself with the local laws and customs to avoid any misunderstandings. Smartraveller regularly publishes updates regarding safety advice for Australians in France.
- Utilise a safe or lockbox: Store valuable items like passports in your hotel safe and avoid displaying expensive jewellery or electronics in public.
- Insurance: Ensure your travel insurance covers medical emergencies, theft, and trip cancellations.
Get a quote with Cover More travel insurance.
Stay safe on public transport
Public transport in Paris is extensive and generally quite safe, but there are a few things to keep in mind:
- Travel in daylight: Stick to well-lit metro stops where possible if travelling late at night and avoid sitting in empty carriages. The front carriages near the driver are a safer choice.
- Exercise caution in crowds: Be extra cautious during rush hours and in crowded areas. Groups of people makes it easier for pickpockets to strike and go unnoticed.
- Hide valuables: Keep an eye on your personal items. Hold on to them tightly and don't put them in your back pocket or have them visibly on display.
- Stay alert: Avoid appearing distracted by constantly looking at your phone and using headphones.
- Stay updated: Additional measures might be in place during busier periods. Pay attention to announcements and signage about service changes, delays, or security alerts.
- Official tickets & inspectors: Buy tickets at official sales points, either online or in stations. Beware of fake ticket inspectors who fine you and request cash payment on the spot. Official inspectors wear a uniform and provide the option of cash or card payments.
- RATP App: The official app of Paris's public transportation system, RATP, can help you plan your journey, check for service updates, and navigate the metro, buses, and trams more efficiently.
How to avoid pickpockets
Pickpockets operate on public transport and along metro lines, in busy shopping centres and around popular tourist attractions like the Eiffel Tower, Champs-Elysees, Louvre Museum and Notre Dame Cathedral.
- Keep valuables out of sight like your phone, wallet, camera and jewellery.
- Secure personal belongings in a crossbody bag or money belt with zip closures.
- Beware of distractions. Pickpockets often work in teams and may use distractions to divert your attention like asking for directions, dropping something in front of you or creating a commotion.
In the unfortunate event that you're a victim of theft, notify the police as soon as possible. Don't delay in alerting local authorities or visiting the nearest police station.
For stolen credit cards, contact your bank and request to cancel the cards immediately. If your passport was stolen, notify the Australian embassy.
Bon voyage!
Paris is a beautiful, vibrant and safe city for tourists. By following these sensible precautions and staying informed about local advice from French authorities, you'll have the trip of a lifetime.
Remember to stay vigilant, keep your valuables secure, and soak in the incredible atmosphere of this spectacular city. For more information on staying safe abroad, visit the official website for the Australian Department of Foreign Affairs. Safe travels!
