Crime

Paris is a reasonably safe city. Muggings are rare, but theft and pickpocketing are common so take sensible precautions. Avoid Les Halles, the Bois de Boulogne and Vincennes after dark, and quiet sections of the metro and the RER after 9pm.

Health Costs

EU travellers with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) get free or reimbursed healthcare, otherwise it is best to have private insurance. For minor problems, ask a pharmacist (look for the green cross). If one is closed, the address of the nearest open pharmacy will be shown in the window.

Beggars

Do not confuse the genuine homeless (known as “SDFs”) with organized beggars at the top tourist spots who should be avoided and ignored. Metro buskers are usually “legit” and often talented.

Pickpockets

Pickpockets do frequent busy tourist places and public transport so keep a watchful eye on your belongings. Men should never keep their wallet in a back pocket and women should make sure their handbags are closed and held firmly in front of them if possible.

Taking the Wrong Metro

To avoid taking the wrong route, check the number of the line you want on a map and the name of the end station for the direction in which you wish to travel. All signs in metro stations work in this way and the system is simple. There is always a panel on the wall just before you reach the platform; this panel will have a list of the train’s destinations, so you can double check (see Metro). The RER can be quite confusing and is best avoided for trips in the city centre.

Transport Fines

Hold on to your metro, RER or bus ticket for the whole of your journey in case an inspector asks to see it. Remember to validate or show your ticket when boarding a bus.

Tourist Traps

In general, avoid the tourist-targeted brasseries with their multilingual menus touristiques, flags of the world and photographs of the food on offer. The places where the locals eat will be far better.

Hidden Charges in Cafés or Bars

When paying a bill, check if service is included – it usually is. If you want to save money, take your drink or snack at the counter. Prices are lower and no tip is expected.

Over-Tipping

Restaurants and cafés normally include a 10–15 per cent service charge, so only leave a further small gratuity for very good service. Taxi drivers should get 10–15 per cent but this is not obligatory. Porters can be tipped €1.5–3 per bag and chamber maids a similar amount per day, usually left at the end of your stay.

Queues

Paris’s top sights have made strenuous efforts to reduce their notorious queues for tickets. Almost all sights now sell their tickets in advance at their websites and sometimes for specific times (such as the Eiffel Tower). Otherwise, arrive early or take advantage of late-night openings (nocturnes).