As in say, Barcelona and Madrid ? I can imagine it still to be somewhat an issue - but is it anywhere near the level of neighboring Spain%26#39;s cities ?
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Once in 8 years for me.
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Barcelona seems a bit desperate on this front. Paris less so, but the usual cautions apply as they would in any major city - especially when you%26#39;re in the more obvious tourist haunts.
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I%26#39;ve seen people pickpocketed in Paris. It is usually someone who just got in from the airport, traveling on the metro. They have heavy bags, are tired and disoriented. Easy targets that are easy to spot.
The key is to be aware of your surroundings. Don%26#39;t put your wallet in your jacket pocket. In fact, put a heavy rubber band around your wallet and put it in your front or back pocket (that%26#39;s an old trick from Brooklyn). Why? Try it and then try to get the wallet out of your pocket.
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I don%26#39;t think Paris has anywhere near the problem that Barcelona or even Rome has with pickpockets. Having said that, being alert to your surroundings and avoiding stupid acts like pulling out your wallet to count your stash of euros in the metro will go a long way.
The metro or any place with crowds and tourists is always a potential garden of opportunity for pickpockets and other nefarious types. Just be particularly cognizant of your surroundings when one first arrives (tired and disoriented) from abroad.
I like the rubber band idea!
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Spain has the biggest pickpocket problem in Europe (statistically), so it is definitely not as bad as over here.
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We were in the metro station 6 years ago when they announced over the load speakers that there were pick pockets in the station. When were boarding he train a guy tripped in front of my husband. His buddy proceed to stick his hand in my husbands pocket. I saw him and began screaming and hitting him, They ran off. We%26#39;ve been back to Paris every year since then with no further problems. WE now use ncek pouchs and m husband gor a great Travel jacket from Magellans with many hiddn pockets.
I have friends who had alot of problems in Spain.
Just be careful, especially in crowded tourist attractions. Also don%26#39;t give money to children begging. Watch out for scams like the bracelet guys at Sacre Coer and the purs lady on the Champs Elysee.
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That rubber band idea is a good one I%26#39;ve not heard before.
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what is the scam with the bracelet guy and the purse lady?
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Hi UConn1,
Say you come from NYC? Dont they have a world famous school for pickpockets there? (kidding). I think it depends on whether you get %26quot;hit%26quot; or not.....and in my opinion thats often just pure luck. Been in NYC, Barcelona, Madrid........no problems. Been in Rome several times and last time got %26quot;hit%26quot;. Been going to Paris for years, sometimes for a couple of months at a time and only got %26quot;hit%26quot; once....Thats a pretty good average for so many visits BUT once is enough (and twice in two different cities in only two weeks was a real pain). Got robbed once in an Orlando motel...cameras, jewelry and that was in a locked room when we were out. Police there said it happens all the time in Orlando.............so watch Mickey Mouse too!
If you should be one of those people who happen to be targeted then you will notice how many people have been robbed. And I dont think it matters what your attitude is, which city you are in, or how well you watch your possessions..If they can get you or decide to, you%26#39;re %26quot;it%26quot;....though easy targets are the best for them, I would suppose and taking good precausions certainly helps. No one can go to a city and not join in crowds now and then or stop to help someone seemingly in need (or blocking your way)!
As Rick Steves says over and over again........only have the smallest amount in your wallet that you will need for a day. It can happen anywhere at anytime. Keep any big money and important papers someplace very safe. They will usually not hurt you....Just want your wallet and they are off into the crowds.
Relax and have fun and dont worry about it........With the zillion tourists in any of those big cities, they who are robbed are relatively few.
Bea
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The bracelet scam at the foot of Sacre Coeur is quite simple. A group of young men work together weaving bracelets and as people come down the steps they %26quot;offer%26quot; the bracelets to passing tourists, often tying the knot just as the visitor becomes aware of what is happening. They then begin demanding money for the %26quot;gift.%26quot;
I have to say that I just growl at the guys as I approach and they scatter, leaving me alone but it may help that I am invariably in the company of a loud very chatty (francophone) 8 year old.
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