Normally, we often share to each other or write the review about where to go - to eat - to play, and how to move; but we forget about sharing about the vigilant things that we have to pay attention - not only in Paris - but in the other places. I have just traveled to Paris, so I want to write about Paris; and if anybody have the review about the vigilant things in the other place, I hope that it can be posted.
Personal documents
Passport, or cash should be brought into a small bag or pocket (body pouch/ money pouch), and it should be stick to you. You should bring a little amount of money which is enough for you to spend in the pocket or bag. You bag, if possible, should be worn diagonal through your shoulder under the armpit, so it will be safer and we can have hands to bring water or take some photos.
While sitting in a cafe lounge or in a restaurant, keep you bag inside or on your leg. Do not put it on the ground or on the empty chair beside. We used a pacsafe bag which have a metal layer beneath the outer fabric and the strap, so that we were not afraid that our bags will be slit by anybody and we felt safe during the time in Paris (sometimes I brought along with me my passport and a big amount of money inside my bag without being nervous). You can refer to Pacsafe bags in these link listed below:
1. Small and light with cross straps (Click to the links to view)
2. Bigger bag or backpack (Click to the links to view)
Gold ring story
It is often happening around the tourism place such as Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum. Notre Dame Cathedral. The story is that there is a person go in front of you in a not very far distance; suddenly he/she sits down, pick up a small thing on the ground and show a gold wedding ring to you. Then he/she will ask if that ring belongs to you or not. Of course it does not belong to you (because if you drop, the ring should be behind you, not at the front). Therefore, please say NO to them loudly, then go away and do not take care of those people. If you are hesitant, that person will give the ring to you and said that their religion does not allow them to wear gold thing, and then he/she will ask you for some money for drinking cafe because they deserve credit for picking up the FAKE gold wedding ring for you. If you are not cautious, you will be cheated by that person.
Friendship Rope Story
It often happens around Sacre Coeur church around Montmartre. Along the entrance to the church, there are groups of young people (usually they have appearance of the Middle East, Arab, or African) hold your hand and very quickly, they tie a colored thread and say that this is the friendship rope; then they will ask money for that (10 - 20 EUR).
How to avoid: On the way to Sacre Coeur area, you should put your hands on your shirt/pants pocket and do not let anybody to hold your hand. Go quickly and do not stare at anybody. You have to pay attention to the groups of young people, because they often go together and have a very aggressive attitude!
"Do you speak English?"
If you answer "Yes", they (often children or a mother carrying her little child) will show you a note which describe about their circumstance as they have a bad situation that want your help. You should say NO and quickly move to another place. These people are not very dangerous, but if you are hesitant, they will follow you and it will make your trip not very happy.
"Show me your documents"
Recently, around the narrow road beside Pompidou Centre, there were some tourist (especially America tourists) said that they were asked for their documents by some people wearing in police uniform. But actually, they are not police because when you take your pocket out to take documents, they will quickly pull your wallet and run away!
How to avoid: when being asked for documents, you should go to the crowded place, and ask those policemen (or fake policemen) about their documents. Normally, the fake policemen will show the badge very quickly that you can hardly see it, so you should ask them to show carefully. Do not let anybody to see your passport. In case of need, you should ask them to go to the police station and show to them at the station. If they are fake police, they will not dare take you to the police station.
In general, I have only one principle: DON'T!
- Do not take anything that other people give you if you do not ask before.
- Do not let anybody touch you.
- Do not let anybody see your important documents.
You should be careful, and then you will have a nice traveling trips!
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