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  4. Avoiding Pickpockets in Paris

Pickpockets in Paris: How to Avoid Getting Robbed

Updated 27 February 2026 by Leyla Alyanak — Parisian by birth, Lyonnaise by adoption, historian by passion

Here are the key habits and precautions you’ll need to avoid pickpockets in Paris, from handling money to choosing the right gear and staying alert in everyday situations.

STAY SAFE IN PARIS

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As you gaze up admiringly at the Eiffel Tower, you may not even feel those gentle fingers slip into your pocket or bag and wrap themselves around your money.

But next time you try to buy something, your own fingers may grasp only air as you search desperately for your missing funds.

Avoid pickpockets fast: Common scams | Where it happens | How to protect yourself | Anti-theft gear | What to do if robbed

You − and up to 100,000 other unsuspecting visitors − have fallen prey to pickpockets in the French capital, the bane of city authorities. 

The good news, though, is that pickpocketing is probably the worst crime in Paris you'll witness on your trip. 

Violent crime remains relatively low, while petty theft in Paris is the most common. Knowing where and how it happens makes you far less likely to become a target.

How bad are pickpockets in Paris?

Anti-pickpocketing accessories

Is Paris safe? 

7 Common pickpocketing scams in Paris

Who are these Paris pickpockets, anyway?

Pickpockets: Paris places they hang out

Basic travel tips to keep pickpockets at bay

FAQ Pickpockets in Paris

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HERE'S HOW I KEEP MY MONEY AND BELONGINGS SAFE IN PARIS

I always wear a cross-body purse, also called an anti-theft purse. There are many brands but I prefer Pacsafe (I have three different models).

I've used their anti-theft crossbody bags for years because the lockable zippers and slash-resistant straps eliminate the main weaknesses pickpockets rely on. Once I'm wearing the bag, I stop thinking about it.

These are the models I personally use:

pacsafe cxCitysafe CX Anti-Theft Square Crossbody
pacsafe cs100Pacsafe W Anti-Theft Travel Handbag
Pacsafe CX convertible backpackPacsafe CX Convertible Backpack

It isn't a nice feeling to be robbed.

It has happened to me before and it leaves an unpleasant taste. Admitting you've lost something (often items of value) is bad enough, but it's even worse when you feel you might have been able to avoid it.

Just remember this: YOU are not at fault. You are the victim, and the thief is to blame.

That said, there are things you can do to minimize the risk to yourself and the opportunities available to thieves.

My goal is to help you enjoy Paris the way you should by making you more attentive and telling you which scams to watch out for, where pickpockets congregate, and what to do when sticky fingers begin rifling through your pockets or bags.

Pickpockets in Paris tend to operate around crowds, like cafés in Montmartre and other popular parts of townEnjoying an outdoor cafe in Montmartre: one should not have to worry about pickpockets in Paris!

DON'T HAVE THAT MUCH TO CARRY?

If you want to keep your hands free, an infinity scarf with a hidden pocket is perfect to keep your ID, credit cards, cash, hotel key and phone safe during those long walks along the Seine. And every model and color under the sun.

Speakeasy scarf

Is pickpocketing common in Paris?

The Paris crime rate is relatively low for violent crime but does rise for petty crime and pickpocketing. In fact, according to official travel advisories, pickpocketing is the most frequently reported crime against tourists in Paris.

Pickpocketing is by far the most common crime affecting visitors, but that’s very different from the violent crime people sometimes imagine when they ask "Is Paris Safe?" Here are four myths that need debunking. 

Even the government warns against pick pockets by putting up signs in frequented areas and broadcasting warnings in stations and airports.

First, whatever the level of petty crime in Paris, know that the vast majority of robberies are non-violent. Thieves want your stuff − they don't want to hurt you. All they want is to disappear into the crowds and seek out their next victim, not get caught and thrown into jail.

Second, much of this crime is opportunistic: it happens when thieves spot an opportunity, something almost too good to resist − a cellphone carelessly placed on a café table top, a wallet slipped into a back pocket, a purse on the back of a chair. Eliminate the opportunity and chances are you'll eliminate the crime.

Third, some petty crime is by organized gangs that prey on tourists and may even work internationally, rotating thieves between countries when their faces become too known to French police. This, too, can be deterred, although with greater difficulty.

Police presence in Paris is beefed up during the tourist season but no matter how many police are deployed, there always seem to be more petty criminals than there are uniforms.

Bear in mind, though, that if you're visiting Paris in winter, pickpockets will be scarcer – but they will still be around.

Let's see how we can foil some of those grabby hands, shall we?

A FEW PARIS CRIME STATISTICS

  • Safety index walking alone during the day: 63.03 - High (Numbeo)
  • Safety index walking alone at night: 35.73 - Low (Numbeo)
  • Violent theft without weapons: 3.52/1000 (Linternaute)
  • Armed theft: 0.17/1000 (Linternaute)
  • Homicides: 1.5/100,000 (Chicago 29.6; DC 31.85; Houston 20.3) (Wikipedia)
  • Petty thefts: 2390/100,000 (Insee)
Paris pickpockets operate in crowded areas like the LouvreCrowds like this one at the Louvre attract pickpockets

How to avoid pickpockets in Paris: safety accessories

I've already mentioned a number of products and items you can use to protect yourself from pickpockets, but I'll list them again here for ease all in one place.

If I had to prioritize, I'd start with an anti-theft crossbody bag, add a money belt for backup storage, and use a portable safe for hotel rooms.

  • A travel cable lock for backpacks or bags will allow you to fasten it to a table or radiator.
  • An RFID-blocking travel money belt to keep the bulk of your money and credit cards.
  • A portable travel safe for hotel rooms.
  • A Pacsafe anti-theft travelbag to prevent a grab and run.
  • Or if you'd rather, an anti-theft sling daypack for city travel.
  • A phone lanyard with anti-theft tether for your smartphone.
  • A hidden pocket infinity scarf for travel.

Some money belts can feel bulky and some anti-theft bags look overly practical. I choose designs that look like normal handbags but include hidden security features. You shouldn’t have to sacrifice style to feel secure.

Is Paris safe? Should you avoid Paris because of pickpockets?

Absolutely not!

Yes, Paris has its share of pickpockets but with a bit of caution, you can emerge unscathed from your visit. Victims of pickpockets are often robbed because of carelessness or lack or awareness or simple ignorance. Understanding these pickpocketing Paris tips will go a long way towards protecting you but in truth, there are no guarantees and no matter how well-informed you are, things can still happen.

If you're also wondering about which neighborhoods feel less comfortable, especially after dark, you might want to read about these three dangerous areas in Paris you should avoid. 

Paris is one of the most extraordinary cities in the world, filled with major tourist sights and attractions. There's no reason to avoid it, despite the pickpockets.

Be careful, be aware, and then go out and enjoy the dream that is Paris.

Safest areas to stay in Paris

If pickpockets worry you, one of the easiest precautions is to choose a neighborhood that is central, well-lit, and busy well into the evening. Areas with steady foot traffic and plenty of visitors tend to feel more comfortable, especially if you're returning to your hotel after dinner.

In Paris, that usually means staying in established neighborhoods close to major sights and public transportation rather than on the outer edges of the city.

Here are four areas that consistently work well for visitors:

  • Le Marais (3rd–4th arrondissement)
  • Saint-Germain-des-Prés (6th arrondissement)
  • Latin Quarter (5th arrondissement)
  • 7th arrondissement

The map below shows you current hotel options and prices across central Paris and can help you get a sense of what’s available before you look at the specific recommendations after the map.

Hotels in Le Marais 

Le Marais is built around a medieval street grid that Baron Haussmann somehow never demolished, and few neighborhoods in Paris manage to feel as simultaneously historic and electric as this one.

By day, it's time for falafel and deli sandwiches, and for a romp around the glorious Place des Vosges. By night the cafés and bars keep things lively and make it one of the safest places for walking back after dinner.

  • The Hotel Caron de Beaumarchais is named for the playwright who once lived next door — and whose 1784 Marriage of Figaro the hotel is themed around. Rooms (typically Paris-sized) are decorated with plenty of character and the hotel is a four-minute walk from two métro stations.
  • On the more budget end, Hôtel Caron le Marais is a small, contemporary boutique hotel just steps from Place des Vosges － super central. 

Hotels in Saint-Germain-des-Prés 

Saint-Germain was the neighborhood of Sartre, de Beauvoir, and Hemingway, squarely on the Left Bank and just minutes from the Seine. It's location also makes it the most expensive.

It's the Paris you might have imagined: narrow streets spilling onto boulevard cafés, and bookshops wedged between antique dealers.

  • The Millésime Hôtel is a four-star boutique hotel in a 17th-century building on the Rue Jacob, in the upper mid-range, with comfortable rooms and attentive staff, not to mention designer linen.
  • The Hôtel du Danube Saint-Germain is a family-owned hotel consistently ranked among the top 50 Paris hotels. Rooms are on the larger side by Paris standards, with a proper courtyard and staff who clearly take pride in the place.
  • If you'd rather stay in an appartment, the Citadines Saint-Germain-des-Prés has a number of units just 300 meters from Saint-Michel métro. Some report it may be a bit dated but you won't be much closer than this to the heart of Paris.

Hotels in the Latin Quarter

The Latin Quarter has been the student district of Paris since the 13th century, when scholars came to study at what would become the Sorbonne.

The neighbourhood is dense with bookshops, cinemas, cheap restaurants, and plenty of major tourist draws — the Panthéon, Sainte-Chapelle, the Cluny Museum, and Notre-Dame a short walk away across the Île de la Cité.

This is the least expensive of the four neighborhoods but, this being Paris, everything is relative.

  • The Hôtel Saint-Paul Rive Gauche is a four-star boutique hotel in a 17th-century building that once housed Franciscan monks. Owned by a Franco-British family for four generations, its location between Saint-Germain-des-Prés and the Luxembourg Gardens is hard to beat.
  • The Hôtel de Suez is considered a reliable budget option and has been welcoming guests since 1896. It sits on the Boulevard Saint-Michel between the Sorbonne and Place Saint-Michel, right in the heart of the Latin Quarter. A word of warning － there is no air conditioning, and the room on the street may be noisy.
  • The small Hotel Résidence Henri IV has eight guest rooms and five two-room apartments, all with kitchenettes, on a quiet dead-end street about a 10-minute walk from Notre-Dame. A perfect little home in Paris.

Hotels in the 7th arrondissement

The 7th is the more formal part of Paris, with its ministries and embassies and the grand Haussmannian avenues that give it a certain formality during the day.

By evening, the areas around the Rue Cler become more liveable, and it's a central － and very safe － arrondissement, with the Eiffel Tower, the Rodin Museum and the Musée d'Orsay all within walking distance.

  • The Hôtel de Lille is a boutique hotel just steps from the Musée d'Orsay, decorated with Gainsbourg memorabilia and consistently praised for its comfortable rooms and location near the Seine. 
  • From some of the rooms at the Hôtel de France Invalides, you can see the gilded dome of the Invalides. It's very popular with travelers.
  • For a private appartment, try Rayz Eiffel, a small apart'hotel in a Haussmann building on Avenue Bosquet, with a rooftop terrace and Eiffel Tower views, right by the rue Cler.

7 Common Paris pickpocketing scams

Pickpocket techniques are extremely creative but even so, their approaches and scams tend to belong to certain categories: once you know these categories, avoiding pickpockets becomes a lot easier, as does adapting your solutions to pickpocket techniques.

These Paris scams may be the most common but they're not exclusive to the city and are equally popular in New York and London, or anywhere tourists flush with cash congregate.

Here's how these scams break down.

1. The distraction

Distraction is at the basis of many pickpocket events, and most of the scams itemized below will in some way involve distraction.

Usually this kind of approach will happen in a crowd, where something distracts you, like loud music or a shove. It can be quick and professional, and you can be pickpocketed and the thief long gone well before you have an inkling you've been robbed.

It can also happen while you're sitting at one of those impossibly romantic Parisian cafés: you've just snapped that viral Instagram shot, you put down your phone, and someone distracts you, with a petition or a newspaper or a question. By the time you realize what's happened, your phone is gone.

HOW TO PREVENT PICKPOCKETING 

  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when there are crowds or around sensitive areas, like ATM machines. If you're using a machine, notice if someone approaches and do not talk to them.
  • Keep your valuables out of sight.
  • Don't leave your phone sitting where someone can run off with it, or at least use a tether or lanyard to fasten it so that theft becomes a lot more difficult.

2. The public transportation scam

Pickpockets love buses and subways: they're crowded and you expect people to be scrunched against you.

Thieves on public transportation are particularly skilled at making their escape just before the doors close, and once that happens, there's no catching them.

Crowded Paris subway - ideal for pickpocketsThis kind of crowded Metro scene is perfect for pickpockets in Paris - and should make you careful about your belongings

The Paris Metro, RER trains to Charles de Gaulle airport, and busy bus lines are among the most frequently reported locations for pickpocketing in Paris.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

  • Be attentive when you get into the subway - it's often busy and a preferred moment for pickpocketers. Once inside, stay away from the doors, where pickpocketers like to grab and run just as the doors close.
  • Inside the subway, be especially aware of anyone leaning against you.
  • Don't keep any valuables in your pockets, where they can be easily reached.
  • Keep your bag where you can see it (that includes backpacks).
  • Keep your bag safely sealed. Models like the Pacsafe series have lockable zippers and are almost impossible to penetrate.

If you change only one thing before your trip, switch to a cross-body anti-theft bag with locking zippers. It removes the easiest opportunity pickpockets look for.

3. The personal touch

It's difficult to turn down someone who engagingly approaches you but there are many scams involving people who come up to you.

The"directions" are a classic: someone approaches you with a map and... asks for directions. You're obviously a tourist − how should you know where something is? Or they might ask for a light, or a translation...

The "ring scam" is so old one wonders how it continues to work, but it does. Someone bends down to pick up what looks like a gold ring and asks if it's yours. While you're being bamboozled, there's every chance an accomplice is searching for your wallet. If you say it isn't yours, they'll offer to sell it to you at a bargain price. While you're negotiating, that accomplice is busy robbing you.

The "wristband scam" is similar. Someone will approach you and before you know it, will have tied a string or macramé "friendship bracelet" around your wrist. They'll then demand payment − it's hard for you to deny having the bracelet: there it is, plain as day, right on your wrist. Most people will pay up just to avoid a scene.

Another classic is the "interview" or "NGO fundraiser" to help animals or refugees: the obvious approach will be someone, who often looks like a student, approaching you with a petition on a clipboard. Some of these may be legitimate, sadly, but you can't know which. The clipboard may be used to hide the theft, or the manoeuvre will be used to distract you while someone else picks your pocket.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

  • Be particularly suspicious of anyone who approaches you in a touristed area.
  • Avoid anyone holding up a map or looking like a lost tourist (let someone else guide them).
  • Keep your wrists to yourself and be ready to pull back if someone grabs your arm or hand.
  • Walk the other way if you see someone approaching you with a clipboard. If you do speak to them, keep your belongings firmly in sight.

4. The grab and run

This is altogether too common, and can be highly distressing but is common in Paris. Basically it involves someone grabbing your phone or snatching your purse and running off with it.

Remember that many pickpockets work in pairs or groups, so even if you think you might be able to catch a thief, s/he may well have an accomplice nearby to foil your attempts.

And please, please, do not place your phone on a café table – it's one of the easiest targets in Paris and you can be certain thieves are keeping an eye out for that moment of inattention on your part. Keep your phone in your hand, in a zipped bag, or tethered to your wrist or neck.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

  • Be aware - don't sit with your earphones on, especially among crowds or on the Paris subway, especially at a Metro station; pay attention to people around you.
  • Fasten your phone with a security strap.
  • Use an anti-theft crossbody bag to prevent someone grabbing it off your shoulder.
Crowded cafe in ParisThis is precisely the kind of place pickpockets scout - looking for phones on tables or purses carelessly slung across the back of chairs

5. The confidence trickster

The creativity demonstrated by pickpockets in Paris is quite something.

An increasingly popular trick is dressing up as a tourist to gain your trust. Sometimes, they're indistinguishable from the real tourist, selfie stick and all! But if they get close to you, robbery could be their motive.

While many operate out in the open, others dress up as hotel guests and work − you guessed it − hotels. They could target your room while you are away sightseeing, or your belongings while you eat (leaving your bag on a chair while you head for the buffet may not be the wisest decision), especially during breakfast, when there is massive turnover and you'll be leaving your belongings unattended as you fill up at the buffet.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

  • Keep your articles safe in your room by using a portable safe like this one (I have the same one).
  • When carrying an item around, secure it to chair, table or other item by using a cable lock. A determined thief can still run off with your item, but it will take them time and call attention to what they're doing.
Crowds around the Mona LisaImagine how easy it would be to "borrow" something from these visitors - they're totally focused on the Mona Lisa and might not notice a pickpocket

6. The fake infirmity

Sad to say but thieves use disability as a way to gain your pity or trust.

A blind woman may bump into and you'll be distracted for a moment, by her cane or by trying to help. In a little while, you may realize your wallet is gone...

Or a "deaf" man may approach you asking for money or a donation − but may not be deaf at all.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

  • If approached by someone who appears handicapped, just say "No, thank you", and keep going.

7. The physical encounter

Several of the scams mentioned so far involve some sort of physical contact, such as grabbing your arm or jostling you.

Sometimes, though, contact can be even more direct.

Someone may spill something on you and "help" you clean up; while they're mopping up the offending drink or ice cream, an accomplice is surreptitiously making off with your money.

Or a jogger may "knock you down", apologize and try to help you up, discreetly helping himself to whatever is in your pocket.

Or a group of kids may be playing rambunctiously nearby, with a few friendly jostles and pushes, and next thing you know, money is being lifted.

HOW TO PREVENT IT

  • Carry some tissues with you. If someone spills something on you, don't let them help you clean it up. Have the presence of mind to move away.
  • Keep your eye out for groups of kids bumping into adults.

Who are these Paris pickpockets, anyway?

We may have an image of young men, agile and fleet, running relays and escaping the most watchful policeman.

But that would not necessarily be true.

In reality, many Paris pickpockets are female. Some are older, disguised as older women or mothers with babies (or dolls wrapped up to look like babies).

Or they may be gangs of female adolescents, some barely in their teens, some even younger, who work together picking pockets and passing the money among themselves so as not to be caught. One or two may distract you, while the others take your things.

Pickpockets: Paris places they hang out

The most popular pickpocket hangouts are without a doubt the most popular tourist places − or places you would expect tourists to visit.

Certain neighborhoods are more "active" than others. For example, Montmartre, the Marais, the Latin Quarter or Pigalle are hugely popular with tourists, and therefore, with pickpockets.

The main tourist attractions, of course, are magnets for pickpockets − places like the Eiffel Tower (especially as you're waiting in line or where people are selling souvenirs), the Sacré-Coeur, Versailles, the Opéra, Galeries Lafayette, the Puces de Saint-Ouen and other flea markets...

Public transportation to and from these attractions are targets, as is the RER metro from Charles de Gaulle airport.

Museums are attractive for pickpockets, especially the extremely popular Louvre or Musée d'Orsay. While you're gazing admiringly at an Impressionist painting, someone may be gazing admiringly at your unprotected purse or wallet. 

Another popular place for pickpockets are the wonderful department stores of Paris − Galeries Lafayette, Printemps, Samaritaine, Bon Marché − whether in crowded areas or at cash registers where money is being handed over and wallets placed on counters.

A final place to watch out for are American fast food outlets where tourists may gravitate because of their familiarity, places like McDonald's or Subway. The issue here isn't crowds but beware of other "friendly tourists" who might approach you.

Basic travel tips to keep pickpockets at bay

I've introduced you to a number of specific strategies (above) that can help prevent theft and keep away pickpockets. Let me recap these and add a few more general approaches that will help protect your belongings while you visit the wonderful city that is Paris.

  • Familiarize yourself with euros before you go out so you’re not fumbling with cash.
  • Keep your wits about you. Your surroundings may be stunning but don't just gaze adoringly: be aware − this is the real world, not an amusement park. Think of a big city back home. What precautions would you take there?
  • Don't drat attention to valuables or leave items unattended.
  • Don't flash your funds and keep the bulk of your money hidden. A good way of doing this is by using one of the many excellent travel money belts on the market. Just keep the day's cash handy and if you need more, step into a bathroom to get more money out of your belt.
  • Make sure the rest of your belongings are safe in some kind of anti-theft travel bag. Wear it cross-body and ensure it has a locking zipper. And avoid fanny packs, too easy to open.
  • I know we try to dress like locals when we travel, but during the day, when you're sightseeing with a good guidebook in plain sight, hiding your tourist status may be difficult. I combine safety with style and wear my Scottevest, which looks like a plain (yet elegant) vest but is so filled with pockets I sometimes don't need any other accessories.
  • Try not to look too rich. Leave the bling at home − it's like a beacon for pickpockets. 
  • Replacing a stolen passport or smartphone can cost hundreds of dollars and several hours of your trip. Consider travel insurance before your trip. A small preventive investment is usually far cheaper than the aftermath.
  • If you're a man, do not keep your wallet in your back pocket. Pickpockets in Paris are experts and you will be shocked to find out they've managed to take your wallet without you knowing.
  • Be aware of digital pickpocketing, which is also on the rise. Be careful when using public wifi networks and avoid using your banking apps unless you're connected to a secure VPN.

How to avoid Paris pickpockets at night

Pickpocketing can happen at any hour, but be especially vigilante late in the evening, in crowded areas — especially near major monuments or transport hubs.

Keep your bags zipped and worn cross-body, avoid checking maps in the middle of the sidewalk, and stay aware when boarding late-night Metro trains.

What if the worst happens?

If you notice you're getting robbed, yell loudly, "Police"! It's the same word in French as in English.

If you do get robbed, head straight for the nearest police station. You'll be able to file a complaint and get a receipt, which you might need for insurance.

You will also be able to provide a description that might help police track down the offenders (whom they often have to release because of their young age).

The city of Paris has also developed a guide to safety in Paris which you can read and download here.

Pickpockets in Paris FAQ

Are pickpockets violent in Paris?

Pickpocketing in Paris is overwhelmingly non-violent. Thieves rely on distraction and speed rather than force. Physical aggression is rare. If you are confronted, do not resist — your safety matters more than your belongings.

Are there pickpockets at the Eiffel Tower?

Yes. The Eiffel Tower and surrounding Champ de Mars attract heavy crowds, which makes the area appealing to pickpockets. Be especially careful while waiting in line or taking photos.

Is the Paris Metro safe from pickpockets?

The Metro is generally safe, but crowded trains and platforms are prime pickpocket territory. Don't keep valuables in your pockets, wear your bags cross-body, and stay alert near doors.

Do pickpockets target Americans in Paris?

Pickpockets search for distracted tourists, not specific nationalities. Visitors who aren't familiar with their surroundings just happen to be easier targets.

What should I do immediately after being pickpocketed in Paris?

Cancel your credit cards, report the theft at a police station (your hotel can steer you to the nearest one) to obtain a récépissé (official receipt), and contact your embassy if your passport was stolen. If additional possessions were stolen, you may have to contact your insurance as well.

Is it safe to carry a backpack in Paris?

Yes, but wear it on your front in crowded areas or use an anti-theft backpack with locking zippers. Back pockets are easy pickings for thieves.

Are children involved in pickpocketing in Paris?

Some organized groups use minors because under French law, they have to be quickly released. So yes, children are often involved.

Do locals get pickpocketed in Paris?

Yes they do, but probably not as often, because they are so aware of the problem. Unsuspecting tourists are far more attractive to pickpockets than wary Parisians. 

Before you pack, double-check how you're carrying your valuables. A small adjustment now can prevent a lot of stress later.

Before you go...

We've talked at length about avoiding pickpockets, but concern visitors often have is about other kinds of danger in Paris. It's true there is violent crime in the city, but it is largely limited to certain specific parts of town and a few suburbs. It rarely spills over into the city center.

That said, better safe than sorry, so try to avoid these less safe areas in Paris, especially at night. There aren't many of them, but some parts of the city are simply unpleasant in the late evening – and there's no reason for you to visit.

Did you enjoy this article? I'd love if you shared it!

ESSENTIALS FOR FRANCE

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO GET AROUND FRANCE?

🚎 If you're in a city, use the excellent public transportation systems.
🚊 If you're going between cities or to smaller towns, you can usually take the train (I buy my tickets through RailEurope or Omio).
🚙 In rural areas, train stations are rarer so you might want to rent a car, which is easy in France (I use Discovercars).

DO I NEED TRAVEL INSURANCE FOR FRANCE?

It depends. If your travel insurance already covers you in France, then you're all set. If not, head for VisitorsCoverage for everything travel.

WHAT ABOUT IDENTITY THEFT AND ONLINE SECURITY?

That's easy! Just get a travel VPN, to protect public wifi connections (I've tried several and now use NordVPN everywhere).

WILL MY PHONE WORK IN FRANCE? WHAT ABOUT MY CHARGER?

You can use your roaming plan in France. If you don't have one, you can do one of several things (just make sure you have an unlocked phone).

📲 You can order a SIM card before you get to France.
🤳 You can buy a SIM card from a shop in France.
⚡️ You can buy an e-SIM.

WHAT SHOULD I PACK FOR FRANCE?

Here are a few essentials you should NOT leave home without:
👟 Comfortable walking shoes. You'll be on your feet a lot, and... cobblestones.
🔌 Plugs are different in France.
👜 An anti-theft crossbody purse with lockable zippers (this is the exact model I use).
🧣 An infinity scarf, for evenings when you don't want to carry a purse. In Paris and other major cities, there isn't much violent crime but there are plenty of pickpockets.

WHAT'S THE BEST WAY TO BOOK A PLACE TO STAY IN FRANCE?

✓ I use booking.com for my own travels around France. It lists both hotels and apartments, but mostly, it has generous cancellation policies.