Tourist Traps and Scams to Avoid in Paris
Traveling to Paris can be an exciting adventure. However, to ensure you have an enjoyable trip free of unnecessary hassles, it's essential to be aware of common tourist traps and scams that target visitors. Here are key ones to avoid.
- Street Gamblers and Tricksters
These can usually be found around popular tourist spots like the Eiffel Tower or Montmartre. They'll invite you to participate in a game, often called the 'Three Cup Trick' or 'Find the Ball', and while it may seem like a fun and innocent game, it's a scam designed to make you lose money.
- The Friendship Bracelet Scam
You may encounter people around Sacré-Cœur Basilica or other popular spots who'll try to tie a 'friendship bracelet' around your wrist. Refuse politely and do not accept it. Once the bracelet is tied, they will demand you pay for it.
- Gold Ring Scam
If someone finds a 'gold' ring on the ground just as you walk by and asks if it’s yours, walk away. They will claim it's real gold and attempt to sell it to you at an overinflated price. This scam is particularly prevalent along the River Seine and outside the Louvre.
- Petition Scam
Typically occurring around areas with high foot traffic like the Louvre or Notre-Dame, individuals (often pretending to be deaf or mute people) will approach you asking for a signature for a supposed cause. Once you sign, they will demand a donation, insisting it's compulsory.
- Overpriced Eateries and Cafes
Avoid the venues situated immediately next to major tourist sites as they often overprice their food and drink. For example, cafes around the Notre-Dame or the Champs-Elysées are notoriously expensive and often mediocre in quality.
- Metro Ticket Scams
On the metro, someone kindly offering to help you buy a ticket could be a scam. They'll purchase a child ticket and charge you for an adult one, pocketing the difference. Always buy your tickets through the authorized machines or a ticket counter.
- Pickpockets
Though not a scam per se, pickpocketing is a serious problem in crowded places like museums and other points of interest, and on public transportation systems like the metro. Always be aware of your belongings, don't flaunt expensive items and avoid having everything in one place.
- Taxi Scams
Fake taxis line up at airports, train stations, and major attractions. Always ensure you use official taxis or reputable ride-share services.
Remember, Paris is just like any major city, and with vigilance and caution, you can have an unforgettable trip avoiding these common traps.