Shopping Overseas
“Caveat Emptor” Let the Buyer Beware!
The Art of Bargaining
One of the oldest and most basic shopping skills is bargaining, but many westerners have completely lost the art. This is especially true when visiting open-air markets and bazaars, where bargaining is the accepted and an expected method of setting a price. Many of Europe’s top outdoor markets are a great place to practice the art of bargaining, especially at Madrid’s El Rastro, Paris’ Puces de St-Ouen, London’s Portobello Market, or Amsterdam’s Waterlooplein. In Africa, the Souks of Tangier in Morocco, Latin America, and Asia, the open air markets set up near tourist attractions. Good news is they can be a savvy shopper’s playground, especially when looking for souvenirs.
Bargaining applies not only to goods but to services too. Therefore, you must look convincing when replying to the off-meter taxi driver who is asking $10 for a 3-mile ride “No, that’s too much, I’ll walk, or pay $5.00.”
Most open-air markets are crowded and provide an ideal environment for pickpockets and scam artists to work. To really enjoy the experience of the bazaar without the stress of watching over your money, use an anti-theft under clothing wallet or a wallet you can tether to your belt to foil common pickpockets and distraction thieves.
Bargaining Tips
Before making an offer, determine whether bargaining is part of the culture in the country you are visiting.
Take your time. You don’t have to rush into anything, including getting into the back of a truck somewhere rural, or a taxi in the city. Make inquiries to find the average price. If you can’t spare the time to discover the true value and quality of something, do you really want it?
You are bargaining from a position of strength if, and only if:
a) You are willing to walk away, or
b) You look like you’re willing to walk away.
Offering a price half what the seller originally offers and working up from there is not always a good strategy. Some sellers quote at ten times true value. If you bargain to half or three-fourths of that-which many foreign shoppers assume must be a reasonable price-you are still paying an outrageous markup. Such prices are often asked by hawkers who approach tourists on the street with beads or jewelry. Aggressive sellers are usually looking for a sucker. Be wary of sellers that approach you on the street.
To learn whether a price is fixed, show some interest in the item, but say, “It’s too much.” You’ve put the merchant in a position to make the first offer. If he even comes down just 5%, haggle away.
Merchants are usually motivated to sell at the beginning and the end of the day.
If prices aren’t posted, assume there’s a double standard: one price for locals and one for you. So it’s to your benefit to find out what the locals pay if it is something like food.
Never fall for the age-old bargaining mistake from the merchant who says “offer a fair price” for the item. Once you have spoken, you have lost your advantage because you are now trying to buy from the vendor rather than him or her sell to you.
Avoid making purchases at congested tourist sites. Vendors at these type of locations are less inclined to give you a good deal. Look for the same item away from the crowds.
If you are interested in buying several of the same items, buy the first one at the best price you can get. Find another shop with the same item, inspect the quality carefully and let it be known that you purchased the same item from another vendor. The second vendor will ask you how much you paid and may quote a lower price because he does not expect you to buy. The other way to bargain with the second shopkeeper is to offer a price 20% to 30% below the price you paid and see what happens.
Involve a supposedly antagonistic partner that tells you in front of the shopkeeper that he or she does not want to you buy the item, or that you don’t have enough money for it. At that point, you offer less than what is asked, but within reason. You might win.
Presenting the correct amount you are offering in cash at the end of the bargaining deal might be your last ditch effort before you walk away from the purchase. The vendor might take the cash if they see it. It’s a good idea to have small bills available if you use this strategy.
Know that the prices of items you may want may drop at the end of the day, especially when merchants are starting to pack up. Consider coming back at closing time to snap up the item at the price you want.
Beware of Purchasing Counterfeit Products
In recent years, commercial counterfeiting throughout the world has reached epidemic proportions, expanding beyond phony Rolex watches and knock-off French purses. Today’s commercial counterfeiting operations are organized, international crime rings, replicating everything from cameras, computers, clothes, medical devices, drugs, aeronautical goods, to compact discs and agricultural equipment.
Be very wary of purchasing electronic goods from small stores overseas, it’s a good bet that the product could be fake. Other scams tourists can be victims of are bait and switch scams. Typically you are shown an item such as a real Nikon camera at a good price. You decide to purchase it and you are provided one in an unopened box. When you return home, a closer inspection of the lens of the Nikon camera reads “Nixon.” Other reported scams have included purchasing electronic equipment with name brand shells (or body’s) and inferior interior mechanisms.
Remember when you purchase valuable goods overseas always purchase from legitimate chain stores or brand store or else you might get to understand really the meaning of “Caveat Emptor – Buyer Beware.”
Watch out for Pickpockets in Bazaars and Where Tourists Shop!
Security Neck Pouch
Pickpockets love to work at outdoor markets; they know that most people who go to these markets have cash and are therefore good targets – especially tourists. Keep your money safe by using any of these various styles of secure money pouches or opt for a money wallet and money belt If you are just carrying the basics like a few bills and a credit card and want to be hands-free without the use of a hidden body pouch consider this clever travel bra. It’s the ideal bra for traveling, backpacking, and keeping small valuables safe.
When meeting planners are asked about their emergency plans, they often say, “I never thought of that,” Detective Kevin Coffey told participants of Northstar Meetings Group’s Destination Caribbean event, taking place this week at the Westin Grand Cayman. But given the tragic events of the past couple of years, he said, “more have realized they need to take an in-depth look at this.”
In his 35 years with the Los Angeles Police Department, Coffey was a pioneer in travel-crime investigations and founded the LAPD’s Airport Crimes Investigations Detail. He is now one of the country’s leading experts on travel and meetings risk, conducting training, and consulting for global organizations. Read More…
Cell phone theft is something to be concerned about both at home and especially when traveling. Imagine losing your method of communication, photos, images of your passport stored on your phone, and other private information including all your contacts!
Watch these videos of cell phones being stolen. Learn from watching thefts so you don’t become a victim. After watching the videos read on for tips and advice for keeping your cell phone on your person and out of the hands of thieves and con artists.
These short videos captured actual cell phone thefts in action. See how easy it is to steal an expensive cell phone. Some of these cell phone theft videos show snatch and run thefts, and others you may have to watch a few times to see the exact moment a skilled distraction thief steals the victim’s phone while the thief is talking directly to the victim.
Video # 1 Fake petition – cell phone theft scam
Video # 2 Two female thieves stealing an iPhone from a restaurant table
Video # 3 Team of female pickpockets using a young 7-year-old child to steal an iPhone
Video # 4 Cell phone theft on a Hungarian subway
Here are a few tips to help keep your cell phone safe from theft while traveling
1. Know Your Surroundings
Situational awareness is very important when it comes to preventing the theft of cell phones. As you saw by many If you’re thinking of using your phone in a public place, take a look around. As you saw in the videos, cell phone thieves look for people who are not paying attention to their surroundings.
2. Cell Phone Anti-Theft Carry and Storage Options
Sometimes you need to safeguard your cell phone, but don’t know where to store it because you don’t want to carry a travel bag, purse, or you are wearing shorts or pants that don’t have pockets. Here are a few anti-theft cell phone bags and gear to help you keep your phone secure when it’s not in use.
At The Beach
When you’re at the beach, where can you store your phone? Consider one of a number of waterproof cell phone pouches that will do the trick. From waterproof waist packs, waterproof cell phone cases, waterproof neck, belt, or armbands will let you take your phone with you and keep it dry. If you don’t want to keep it on your person there are many secure options such as portable beach and pool safes, locking beach bags, as well as small portable safes that secure to your beach or lounge chair.
Cell Phone Security Pouches for When Your Pants or Shorts Don’t Have Pockets
If you don’t have pockets, and you don’t want to carry a purse or travel bag, you have several options to carry your cell phone and other small valuables. The Tube Wearable Waistband is a stretchy fabric waistband that you wear around your waist under your shirt and has several pockets that will hold your phone. Women have several cell phone security ideas to pick from, You can see ideal styles here.
If you don’t want to carry your phone in your pocket and want something a little more secure and not as visible, consider the Belt Loop Wallet, which is a pouch that you attach to your belt and wear it concealed in the inside of your pants.
In a press release from the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) more stringent screening procedures for all incoming flights to the United States take effect today (10/26/17). The TSA is under the Department of Homeland Security. All passengers, both foreign and American citizens could face security interviews a U.S. government official said.
“The security measures affect all individuals, international passengers and U.S. citizens, traveling to the United States from the last point of departure international location,” said Lisa Farbstein, a spokeswoman for the TSA. “These new measures will impact all flights from airports that serve as last points of departure locations to the United States.”
She estimated the number of flights affected at around 2,100 daily. She also said it would include “heightened screening of personal electronic devices” and stricter security procedures around planes and in airport terminals.
The new practices could increase the time it takes to clear security screening, so contact your airline for guidance on how much time you should allow for passing through security to be sure you don’t miss your flight.
More Resources to Help You Get Through TSA Screening
Trusted traveler programs such TSA PreCheck can help get through screening quicker and keep your shoes on too. Enroll once and your membership is good for 5 years. Learn which trusted traveler program fits you best.
Take a few precautions before you go. Make sure you pack your carry-on luggage in accordance with the 3-1-1 liquids rule and keep electronics larger than a cell phone handy to be removed for inspection at screening. Also during popular travel times, like Thanksgiving check out the TSA wait times for specific airports to make sure you arrive at the airport in plenty of time.
If you want more clarity about what to expect prior to check-in at the airport, start with contacting the airline you’re flying with for guidance. Next, remember to leave yourself plenty of time for delays and your trip through the airport will be a lot smoother.
Your car can practically be your home away from home whether you drive for business or leisure. Therefore, you will want to take some precautions to protect it and your possessions inside. Ideally, you wouldn’t leave anything valuable at all in your car, but the reality of life is that your car is going to serve as much like a safe deposit box or a storage closet in addition to transportation. The following are a few tips to help you protect your car and everything in it while taking a car trip or even while just driving around town.
Keep your keys safe – even when you are at home
At home keep your keys safe, this goes for your extra or spare keys too. Don’t leave them in the car or on an entrance table or bench in the house. Secure them in an out-of-the-way place such as a drawer or somewhere safe that is out of sight so a burglar can’t easily find them and drive away in your car.
Don’t leave your keys in the car while you are putting gas in your car at the gas station, or when you go inside the station to pay. Don’t tempt or make it easy for a thief to jump into your car and drive away.
Don’t go back into the house during winter while you let the car warm up. Yes, we understand it is freezing cold but thieves take advantage of this time of the year. And don’t leave the car running but lock it with the spare key – a thief is most certainly going to forgo the cost of replacing the window to smash it when they’ll have possession of your car. Put your coat, gloves, and scarf on and stay with the car!
Choose your parking space wisely
When parking in airport lots, park in view of the exit toll booths or parking office if possible, or just within view of a shuttle pickup location or kiosk. The increased foot traffic will discourage potential thieves. Well-lit areas are next best; most airport lots have surveillance cameras in place, so making it easier for an attendant to see your car on a security camera will help.
Be careful when you park your car at a sporting or entertainment event such as a football game or concert. These cars are a dead giveaway to thieves that you’re going to be away from your car for a set period of time. Never leave ticket or event information in the car that would indicate to a thief how long you’ll be gone. Again choose a well lit or well-trafficked area if possible. Never leave any valuables visible in the car either.
Park “trunk out.” If you are storing items in your trunk, you will want to point the trunk out into the lot aisle, where more people can see anyone trying to break in. Don’t give thieves the opportunity to use your car as cover while ripping you off.
When parking on the street, try to park within sight of a busy store or hotel entrance, under a street lamp, near a busy corner or out in the open away from things that might provide shelter to a thief (like thick or low-hanging trees). The busier the street, the better.
When you park your car in a pay parking lot – take your parking ticket with you when you leave the car. That way, even if a thief gains entry into your car if they have to pay for a lost ticket and they’ll be getting themselves noticed.
Self park when you can so you don’t have to relinquish your keys.
When in doubt, use a parking garage
Parking on the street is the most vulnerable place to be, so if you are uncomfortable with your street parking options, by all means, use a parking garage instead. Parking garages often have surveillance cameras. Although you are safer in a parking garage, that does not mean that you are invulnerable. Remove or lock up any really valuable items – that means accessories for your cell phone, loose E-ZPass apparatus bags, etc. to remove temptation. All of the same precautions above apply; no matter where you park, make it as difficult and uninspiring to potential thieves as possible.
Load and hide your stuff before you reach your destination
By the time you pull into a hotel lot, valet queue, parking garage or any parking spot, everything you plan to leave in the car should already be well stowed and hidden. To pull into your spot, and then take your most valuable items and pack them in the trunk, is to broadcast to anyone within view exactly where to focus their attention if they want to rip you off. The best approach is to put your things in the trunk or another safe compartment before you even get in the car at the beginning of your trip.
Don’t leave ANYTHING visible in the car
If you leave your radar detector attached to the windshield, your cell phone in the front console, or your handbag on the seat, then do not expect sympathy when it gets stolen. A car alarm will not, ever, protect from a smash and grab. It takes a thief 5 seconds to smash the glass, grab the item, and be around the corner. Even with your alarm sounding he’s gone.
It’s not just electronics that thieves break into vehicles for. Don’t leave gym bags, shoe boxes, shopping bags or anything in the vehicle. If a thief sees a bag in a vehicle, they may think the bag contains something of value and smash your window to get it.
Unload your stuff away from your parking spaces as well
If you are planning to return to the same parking area, you will want to take your stuff out of the car away from the lot if possible. If you open the trunk and take out all the good stuff each time you return to your car, eventually someone will notice. The best case is to be able to pull over somewhere safe away from either your home base or destination and get your stuff then.
Make your car look protected
A huge part of the job an alarm does is to give a visual warning to a thief that the car has security measures. Make sure you put the alarm warning stickers on the window and the LED warning light in the dash is fitted. (And if you don’t want to get an alarm you can buy these little extras separately.)
Make it a habit to always lock your car doors, in your driveway, at a gas station, even while driving and certainly when parking even for a minute.
A neat car is less likely to be burglarized
A car that is filled with jackets or beach towels that appear to be covering items of value suggests that valuables may be under the pile of jackets or towels. If a potential thief sees nothing but car upholstery, he or she is less likely to be curious about what might be hidden in the car.
These security devices will help you guard valuables in your vehicle. They are portable, so you can take them from your vehicle to your RV to your home or your office.
PORTABLE SECURITY
LOCKBOX + MOUNTING SLEEVE
Built like Fort Knox, this security lock box is perfect for locking your valuables inside your vehicle. Currently used by several U.S. law enforcement agencies. SHOP NOW
TRAVELSAFE X15 ANTI-THEFT PORTABLE SAFE
This water-resistant portable safe is designed to protect your valuables when you need to leave them behind. It easily secures a 15″ MacBook, and DSLR Camera.
Secure your valuables inside a well-made mobile safe that lockdowns in your vehicle or to a fixed object. A great feature when security is needed in an office, hotel, or car.
It is a traveler’s worst nightmare: you can’t find your passport and you’re a foreign country. Is it lost, or was it stolen? Either way, you and your trip could be in a world of hurt. In order to help deal with this gut-wrenching situation, you need to create an “Emergency Passport Kit” before you go on your next international trip. While the actual procedures for getting an emergency passport will differ depending on which country you’re visiting. The following is what you need to have ready in case of theft or loss of your passport while traveling to make the replacement of it as smooth and quick as possible.
Three passport photos (some embassies only require two). These should be identical 2″ x 2″ photographs taken within the last six months, featuring a front view of your face on a white background. Take the photos with you, it saves time should you need them for a new passport.
The following can be kept digitally on your phone, emailed as attachments to yourself so that you can retrieve them, or taken along as hard copies.
A copy of your passport identification page
Another form of an official government photo ID such as a driver’s license
Proof of U.S. citizenship (such as a copy of your birth certificate, social security card or Certificate of Naturalization),
Airline ticket, booking confirmation or itinerary
A police report of the loss or theft, if possible
An in-person passport application fee in U.S. dollars or the currency of your current destination (credit cards are usually accepted, but check)
A passport application form (you can get this at the embassy of the country where the loss occurred.)
Trust us – you’ll thank your clever self for putting this together if your passport goes missing and you have to deal with the headaches of replacing it.
U.S. embassies and consulates are located in countries around the world which have diplomatic relations with the United States. Those who work in the American embassy or consulate are official representatives of the U.S. and its interest. They act as liaisons between the U.S. government and the host country. Most US embassies and consulates are located in the country’s capital city. Working with the Department of State, it’s their responsibility to convey U.S. policy to foreign governments and international organizations, as well as react to local unsafe conditions or hostilities when they occur. Here is the breakdown of what the US embassies and consulates can do and cannot do for its citizens:
What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can Do For You
Replacing a lost or stolen passport or renewing a passport
Arrest, abduction, or imprisonment- If arrested consuls can assist in a law-related travel emergency by providing a list of attorneys, contacting your family, and ensuring that jail conditions and personal health are in acceptable condition
If you become ill overseas, they can assist you in obtaining medical attention and information on local English-speaking doctors.
Assist with marriages, birth, and adoptions
Obtain vital records (birth certificates, Social Security cards)
Emergency medical evacuation or dispositions of remains if an American citizen dies abroad
Notarizing Forms
Filing US taxes abroad
What U.S. Embassy and Consulate Can’t Do For You
Assist with U.S. residency or immigration issues, including Green Cards.
Provide information regarding U.S. visas or immigration benefits
Locate lost property
Cash Checks
Pay personal debts or lend money
Authorize and pay medical expenses
Get you out of jail, or have your charges reduced
Give legal advice, pay legal fees, or serve as attorney
Prepare tax returns
Collect or forward mail packages
Locate or provide information on U.S. citizens
Renew or replace driver’s licenses
Serve as interpreters or translators
It’s highly recommended that all travelers register to the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP). STEP is a free service that allows U.S. Citizens traveling or living abroad to enroll with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate. Once enrolled you will receive the latest safety and security information for your destination. In case of a disaster, civil unrest, or family emergency the embassy or consulate will contact you directly, as well as help family members back in the U.S. get in touch with you as soon as possible. Stay Informed, stay connected, and stay safe enrolling into the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program.
Don’t Fall for Pickpocket Scams in Paris while using the Paris Metro or Trains
Paris is the city of light, fashion, artistic expression, and love. Paris was also rated in a TripAdvisor.com survey as one of the top ten cities in the world for pickpockets. Tourists visiting Paris are targeted by a variety of thieves, which can be can be any gender, race, or age, however, you have the highest chance of being targeted by young teens (especially young girls) under the age of 16 because they are difficult to prosecute. While several thousand tourists make police reports that they had fallen victim to Paris pickpockets, it is believed that nearly half of these thefts occur on Paris trains and the Metro.
Keep in mind that pickpocket activity at the below locations may have changed, so keep that in mind.
Taking a little time to learn about how to avoid Paris pickpockets can potentially save you hours of travel disruption and hanging out at a Paris police station making a pickpocket report – not something most travelers want to do.
Paris Train and Metro Stations with High Pickpocket Activity
Just know that Paris pocket pickers love to target tourists while they are passing thru or riding the train or Metro, and is believed that nearly half of Paris’s pickpocket reports are reported occurring on these two systems. Know that all Metro lines present high levels of pickpocket activity, especially during the summer months. In regards to timing when pickpockets operate, keep in mind that it can happen at any time, however, many of the thefts occur on the Metro between 4 and 6 pm when it is rush hour.
Paris pickpockets can be any gender, race, or age but are commonly children under the age of 16 because they are difficult to prosecute. Keep out an extra eye for groups of young female teens, as they are probably one of the most prevalent groups that can be easily identified.
The following Metro and RER Lines are ones that travelers need to be very vigilant when riding on, or in the area of, as they have higher than average numbers of victims falling victim to pickpockets:
REF Rail Link – In Paris, two trains, in particular, are favorites with pickpockets because they’re both loaded with tourists: The RER train between Charles de Gaulle Airport and central Paris, and the RER train that goes between Paris and Versailles. For years, both the US State Department, as well as the Paris police have reported that the rail link RER B from Charles de Gaulle airport to the city center (downtown Paris), both east and west directions, are often prime hunting ground for pickpockets – as many of the stops are tourist favorites.
Metro Line 1 – especially between Charles de Gaulle-Etoile to Bastille (both directions).
Metro Line 2 – Barbes-rochechuart to Anvers
Metro Line 4 – Chatelet to Barbes-rochechuart, and especially the part that goes to Montmartre from Chatelet.
Metro Line 6- Charles de Gaulle-Etoile to La Motte Picquet Grenelle
Metro Line 9- Alma Marceau to Franklin D Roosevelt
Metro Line 13- Saint Lazare to Montparnasse bienvenue
The following train and metro stations are reported to be locations with considerable pickpocket activity:
Chatelet
Les Halles
BarbesRochechouart
Gare du Nord
Auber-Opera-HarveCaumartin
Charles de Gaulle-Etoile
Concorde
Strasbourg-Saint Denis
Republique
Montparnasse
Franklin D. Roosevelt
Bastille
Care de l’Est
Nation
Gare de Lyon
Video of Paris Metro Pickpockets
The below video was shot by a rider of the Paris Metro. The video shows child pickpockets roaming a Paris Metro subway platform. The video shows how young pickpockets work and roam in groups. Watch how they cover their heads when they realize they are being videotaped. Many times, child pickpockets operate in crowded trains and platforms.
Pickpocket Scams on Paris RER and Metro Lines
While waiting for the RER to depart, several young people enter the train carrying clipboards. One of the members approaches you and asks you to sign his petition. With the clipboard in one hand a pen in the other, also covering your lap, the young man takes your bag from your lap and runs. He was able to take your belongings because your hands and eyes were distracted by the petition.
A small group of 2-4 well-trained pickpockets searches for tourists exiting a train. Once a tourist is spotted, the gang members scatter among the crowd of departing passengers and follow the target to an escalator that exits to the street. One or two thieves stand directly behind the target, and third a few steps further behind. Thief number 3 slowly walks up the escalator passing other passengers and his accomplices. Once he is standing directly in front of the target and is near the landing, he awkwardly drops coins from his pocket. As he collects his coins on the landing, the target and fellow passengers are unable to disembark because the thief is blocking the exit. Due to this, the passengers are thrown into each other. This commotion creates an opportunity for the two thieves that were positioned directly behind the target to remove wallets and other valuables from the target’s back pocket, without notice.
Metro and train riders need to pay attention when stopped at stations, as metro pickpockets and thieves often time their pickpocket attempts to coincide with the closing of the automatic doors on the Metro, leaving the victim on the departing train. This is especially important to tourists who are standing close to the doors of the metro. Pay attention to the sound of the metro’s bell or buzzer sounds, because that’s the thief’s cue, and it should be yours too. This noise indicates the doors are about to shut, and the train is moving on to the next station. The pickpocket needs just a couple of seconds to grab your phone or purse and dart out the door, knowing that before you even realize what’s happening, they’re on the platform waving goodbye as you speed off to the next stop without a chance of catching the culprit.
Another big Metro pickpocket scam occurs when you are riding the Metro and when you see a group of pre-teens or teens standing close to you and pick a fight with each other. They push each other around, bump into tourists and while you’re distracted, will try to grab your bag. Vigilance is key! If someone acts weird or suspicious, get off the car at the next stop and either move to another car or wait for the next train. Try to find a seat, or stand away from the doors. If you can’t sit, back yourself up against one of the sides. Try to minimize access to your pockets and purses.
You are riding up or down a busy metro escalator when a thief behind you tries to get into your backpack, back pocket, or purse without your knowledge or sight since they are behind you. In another scam, the escalator suddenly jolts to a stop, most times because someone (usually a member of a group of thieves) pressed the emergency stop button at the bottom. As you begin to walk up or down the stopped escalator, other similar scams occur such as someone in front of you walking up or down the escalator stairs starts to walk very slow, causing you to slow my pace. While this occurs, the thief behind you has more time to steal your valuables from behind. In other escalator scams, a thief acts like they dropped something, causing you to have to “squeeze by” the person, again, a built-in distraction by thieves to get extra time to steal from you.
Solution: First be observant of the people who are near you at all times, especially at train stations. Second, there are clever travel products on the market that can help you keep items like your wallet or money safe. If you insist on carrying a wallet, use a security-style travel that cannot leave your person.
Pocket expands to fit phone & passport. Hide undershirt.
A similar and equally popular pickpocket method is the swarm and snatch. While being swarmed by passengers on a full metro train as they enter and exit, a pickpocket skillfully places his hand in your pocket and removes your wallet. Due to the pressure of the passengers around you, you are not able to feel the intruder snatch your money.
Another trick is to snatch the purse, watch or bag from a passenger near the exit and quickly escape through the closing metro train doors.
A passenger enters the train and has a jacket draped over his arm. The passenger stands next to you and gently drops the jacket over the top of your bag or purse, without you noticing. While his hands are out of sight, he is able to reach into your bag and steal your valuables.
Solution: Always keep your belongings in eye’s sight and be wary of passengers carrying jackets or long scarves, especially in the warm summer months – it is unusual to wear heavy clothing in warm weather. Use apurse designed for travel with built-in anti-theft features. Most importantly look for locking zippers and slash resistant reinforced construction to foil thieves and keep valuables safe.
The metro train is full and there are no available seats, so you stand and hold the above handrail. A man next to you insists that he dropped his ticket and you are standing on it. The man bends down and begins to tug at the leg of your trousers. You focus your attention on the odd behavior of the man touching your leg, and his accomplice lifts your cell phone from your front pocket.
Gare du Nord is a bustling train station and connection for express trains from the airport. Opportunists eagerly await the arrival of disoriented tourists with luggage. A well-dressed, young man offers assistance with the foreign ticket machine. While you are consumed with learning how the automat works from the helpful man, his accomplice helps himself to your laptop bag.
While traveling with a friend to the Louvre metro stop, a group of well-dressed, young women with beautiful, long dresses surround you and ask for the time. You check your watch and the women suddenly grab your wrist to admire your watch. Oddly enough, the women do not release your arm. They continue to talk to each other saying how beautiful the watch is. While your friend and you frantically try to free your arm, one of the women has helped herself to the contents of your backpack.
Solution: If you find yourself in such a situation, try stepping on the foot of the woman or man who holds onto you. This reaction will catch them off guard and bring attention to the group.
You have just arrived on a train from Charles de Gaulle Airport to downtown Paris. You suffer from jetlag and are carrying two suitcases, a carry-on, and a backpack. A stranger approaches you in the train station asking for directions. While you try to explain that you are not from Paris, an accomplice helps themselves to an unguarded bag. The U.S. State Department suggests taking a bus or taxi from the airport into the city.
You and your travel partner decide to play it safe and take the Air France bus from the airport to a downtown train station. You purchase two round-trip tickets totaling 44 Euros with three 20 Euro bills. Once you take a seat, you realize that the driver gave you 6 Euros in change. When you walk to the front of the bus to explain the situation, you overhear another passenger also explaining that they received incorrect change.
Solution: Try to pay with exact change, but when not possible, do not walk away from the bus driver, ticket counter, restaurant, cashier, etc. before counting your change. Research initial costs such as airport transportation before arriving in France.
While going through a turnstile at the Notre Dame metro stop, a young man behind you pushes claiming that the turnstile is stuck. The man reaches across you with his left hand over your shoulder and releases the turnstile. You are now able to exit but without your wallet. While the man was pressing against you and distracting you with the tale of the jammed turnstile, he was picking your pocket with his free left hand.
Solution: It is impossible to always avoid these types of spontaneous events, but you can carry your valuables more safely in a money belt hidden under your trousers. With the short window of opportunity for this scam, a money belt will help to spoil the attempt because it is difficult to reach.
Coversafe V100 Anti-Theft RFID Blocking Waist Wallet
Never purchase metro tickets from people on the street claiming to sell them for a discounted rate. Always purchase tickets from either a ticket machine or counter.
Many men find it more comfortable to carry cameras, identification, and money in a small bag or waist pack. While traveling on the metro to Arc de la Triomphe two men who are speaking to each other in an unrecognizable, foreign language stands near you. One man was reading a newspaper and the other man seems frustrated with him while pointing at the metro map in the train. The man continues to read the newspaper as the train departs he begins to lean on you, pushed from the movement of the train. This makes you feel immediately uncomfortable and while you pay attention to the fact that a stranger is leaning on you, his friend cuts the straps of your waist pack and exits at the next stop. You did not notice the lightness of the missing pack because of the man who was leaning on you-you were focusing on where he was touching you and not the suddenly missing pack around your waist.
Solution: If someone touches you, or presses into you, immediately try to move. Additionally, you can purchase a small bag or waist pack with slash-proof straps or belt with a hidden closure.
Before a RER train departs from Paris, a young person asks you to sign a form while you are seated. An accomplice is behind the young person, and as you busy both of your hands to hold the clipboard and pen, the accomplice is able to steal your belongings, even those sitting in your lap.
Do not underestimate what a thief looks like. While on a packed train, you travel with a group of friends to the Eiffel Tower. Two young girls, younger than 10-years old ask your group if you have any candy. You politely tell the girls no and one of the girls looks at you sadly. While the disappointed little girl continues to stare at you, the second little girl robs you by unzipping your backpack and stealing the camera and wallet. At the next stop, the two girls quickly exit leaving you to notice nothing until they are gone.
During rush hour it can be difficult to enter a packed train. You are able to push your way onto a train with a group of young girls. You are not concerned with pickpockets because you cleverly carry your valuables under your clothes and you hold your handbag closely to your body. Although you packed smartly, the little hands of the young girls are still able to unzip your bag before you sense anything.
Using payphones in a foreign country can be like learning a foreign language. Once you arrive at the La Chapelle station, you attempt to telephone your friend who you are visiting. A friendly man notices you struggling with the pay phone and offers to help. The man overhears where you plan to meet your friend and offers to accompany you. The man is genuinely friendly, so you accept the offer. Later that night when you arrive at your friend’s flat, you realize that you are missing 500 Euros.
Solution: If you need help with pay phones, ask a staff member of the train station or a storekeeper. If a friendly stranger offers to help you, decline.
While traveling on the RER, an older woman walks up to you with a long scarf or tablecloth draped over her arm. She holds out the cloth, but with one real arm and one fake arm. This allows her other real arm to snatch one of your bags lying by your feet.
Be aware in colder months of large winter coats and accessories. The added bulk makes the job of a pickpocket easier as they slip their hand in and out of the coat to grab the goods. Do not carry wallets, money or valuables in the exterior pockets of heavy coats.
Taxis and Driving
The biggest scam with taxis in Paris may be how difficult it is to catch a cab. While there are not as many reports of overcharging or scams on Parisian taxis, compared to Rome for example, it is still to be a vigilant passenger.
You enter a taxi and tell the driver where you would like to go. The driver seems to not understand even though you said quite clearly, “La Louvre”. You pull out a map and even show the driver where you want to go. Finally, after a few minutes, you realize that the taximeter has been running the entire time. Beware of the “confused” taxi driver.
Be suspicious of unlicensed taxi drivers who approach tourists at the airport offering a cheaper fare. Because the driver is unlicensed, there is not a way for the passenger to know in advance what the fare might be. It is best to wait in line at the taxi stand.
You decide to take a taxi after dinner and what is normally a five-minute trip, takes 15 minutes. You don’t notice the time go by because you are too busy enjoying the site-seeing tour that the driver has taken you on. Or maybe you see the Eiffel Tower two times because the driver is going in circles. Sometimes when in the city, it is best to use buses or the metro trains.
Ride the Paris Metro like a Local and reduce your chances of being targeted by a pickpocket
Plan your route before leaving the hotel, selecting the most direct route in order to limit the amount of travel/train time.
Try to avoid changing trains in larger touristy metro stations such as Gare du Nord, Gare Montparnasse or Chatelet Les Halles. One can easily get lost in these large stations and that makes travelers vulnerable to potential theft.
During busy travel times, stand on the far end of the platform, away from the entrance stairwell.
Stand further back on the train platforms to scout out a suitable, or empty train car to enter. This keeps you out of a crowd and allows you to be flexible to enter a different car at the last moment if necessary.
If someone comes up to you and try to sell you something or ask you to sign any form of a petition, decline politely and walk away in the opposite direction.
If the metro escalator stops and someone asks to help you with your suitcase decline or watch to make sure someone else isn’t going in your handbag on the other side.
Carry backpacks or large bags in front of you, especially when the train is full. Carrying your pack on your back signals to other passengers that you are a tourist.
Wrap straps of handbags or purses securely around your wrist, especially when sitting or standing near an exit door.
Additional Paris Metro and Train Pickpocket Information
Know that Paris Metro and Train pickpockets use simple, t effective strategies that steal items from tourists. Many times pickpockets will have a light jacket or sweater draped over a forearm – which is used to hide the fact that they are reaching under the jacket with the other arm for a victim’s wallet. Paris Metro pickpockets will use this type of technique on a crowded metro or train car, but their favorite opportunity seems to be during the bustle and bumping that occur as a car empties and refills. The idea is to grab a wallet from someone on or boarding the train just before the doors close and then get off while the victim rides away.
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and gear to help you keep your phone secure when it’s not in use.
is a stretchy fabric waistband that you wear around your waist under your shirt and has several pockets that will hold your phone. Women have several cell phone security ideas to pick from, 
t is a traveler’s worst nightmare: you can’t find your passport and you’re a foreign country. Is it lost, or was it stolen? Either way, you and your trip could be in a world of hurt. In order to help deal with this gut-wrenching situation, you need to create an “Emergency Passport Kit” before you go on your next international trip. While the actual procedures for getting an emergency passport will differ depending on which country you’re visiting. The following is what you need to have ready in case of theft or loss of your passport while traveling to make the replacement of it as smooth and quick as possible.
