Travelogue to Paris, Pickpockets go to Heaven!

Paris is a city full of stories, but unfortunately, not all of them are good. Pickpocketing and theft are common occurrences and it’s important to be aware of them. A friend of mine who works in Paris experienced this firsthand, which reminded me of my own travels and living experiences there. As a result, I’ve decided to share some tips with you.

If you’re new to Paris and don’t speak French, you may need to ask for help buying subway tickets. However, this can also make you vulnerable to pickpockets. I recently arrived at Gare de Lyon metro station and had to purchase a ticket. Unfortunately, not knowing French made this task more difficult. Fortunately, a kind Black stranger noticed my struggle and helped me out. Despite my initial disbelief, he gave me a one-way ticket and returned a 20-euro bill. I noticed the bill was so clean and new and my bill was folded and not so new. However, upon closer inspection, I realized that the bill was fake.

Statistics show that 60% of thefts in Paris occur at metro stations and 20% in the Barbès neighborhood. Pickpockets can be very sneaky and you may not even notice that you’ve been targeted until it’s too late. For example, you may encounter some athletes who bump into you and then apologize, but in reality, they’re stealing from your pockets. Fake taxis and restaurant scams are also common. It’s important to always be on guard.

When you’re in the Paris metro, you’ll hear announcements every 5 minutes reminding you to watch out for pickpockets. However, this doesn’t guarantee your safety. Pickpockets are everywhere and can strike at any moment. It’s important to be smart and alert when traveling around the city. Even popular tourist destinations like the Eiffel Tower and Champs-Élysées can be dangerous if you’re not careful.

In conclusion, Paris is a beautiful and exciting city, but it’s also important to be aware of the potential dangers. By staying vigilant and using your common sense, you can enjoy all that the city has to offer without falling victim to pickpockets and thieves.