Paris, France Safe Travel

Travel to Paris from anywhere in the world can be convenient and economical with the right connections. Obviously you will need to shop for airfare discounts and try to reserve your tickets well in advance of your departure date for the best deal. If you will be traveling from the Continent, inquire about the best rates for rail tickets or any information you might need for the border crossing between countries if you plan to drive. Inside the city you can take the metro or hail a taxi. Be careful to get a fully registered cab and driver, though, as unauthorized vehicles have been known to pick up unwary passengers and rob or rape them. These safety tips might help: 1. Get a taxi at the official taxi stop or in front of your hotel. Try to decide if the driver appears professional. If in doubt, wait for another driver to come along. Never give out your personal information (such as name, address, or credit card number) to someone you don’t know. 2. Women who carry a purse should be sure it has a shoulder strap and wear it across the chest, not just over one shoulder. It is also a good idea to hold on to the bag portion while seated on the bus or while in public. Keep a close eye on parcels that you set down beside you in a restaurant or on the bus. 3. Keep bags zipped and preferably

locked when moving about in public. Even these can be broken or robbed by experienced thieves, however, so take extra precautions to secure your valuables in a safe place. Never leave important items in your hotel room; deposit them in the hotel safe or another secure location. 4. Take the proper change in euros when utilizing public transportation. You don’t want to have to dig in your purse or visit the ATM more than is necessary. When using a bank machine, take care that no one is looking over your shoulder or finding a way to take advantage of your financial transactions. Your trip can be fun and safe when you take a few extra precautions to discourage criminals and look alert.