Uneless you're staying at a low budget hotel, the idea of someone breaking into your hotel room sounds a bit over the top.

Is it enough to just keep your purse zippered under your arm? This thread has me a bit worried.

I've traveled a quite bit, mostly in big cities and live in Seattle, which is a pretty good size, so cities feel like home. I tried once to use a money belt and was so self-conscious and uncomfortable that I took it off in a bathroom and threw it away.

I find that my leather handbag works great. If you can find a nice purse that has an inside zipper pocket, a zip top with a flap that folds over and has a magnetic clasp you’ll be pretty safe. I strongly recommend leaving a back-up bank card and your passport at the hotel. That way, if you get ripped off, it isn’t the end of the world and will only pose a mild inconvenience. I find that if you’re not worried about what might get stolen the more relaxed you’ll be.

As for the Paris Metro, I always felt safe on it. It was clean and the people riding seemed to be mostly commuters.

It is also a good idea to leave a copy of your passport with your emergency contact back home just in case.

Thank you very much for all the advice. I feel much better. We can use all the help we can get. Thanks again...Ptm

It seems everyone is going to Paris in April...first trip from Australia for us in early April.
We were just reading our Australian Embassy advice and we are told we should carry our passports at all times. I thought this was a general rule everywhere when in another country.
We have waist pouches and plan to keep them there.
As an alternative to TC's for emergencies we are thinking of getting a cash card with a couple of hundred Euros on it that we can access easily if our 2 debit accounts are out of action. It is costly though as it is $25aud to set up!
Can anyone tell me the merits of a credit card rather than a debit card? Should we have both. We were just planning to take 2 debit cards on different accounts .
This is a good post...thanks ptm
Rosie

As far as I know they do not require you carry your passport at all times, just a form of identification. I figure you could carry around a drivers license and be okay.

Regarding thefts from hotel room safes, it's not burglars breaking in; it's employees or former employees.

Hi again everyone...Rosie, I think you should take a credit card, they are well recognized through out the world as long as you deal with a major bank. After reading all the great advice from everyone here, we are planning to bring credit cards and debit cards. I have talked to a few people who suggested we not use the "neck safes" apparently pickpockets have caught on to them and serious injuries have resulted...when they are pulling them off the neck. I have tried a money belt and find it uncomfortable so I guess I will have to be very careful with whatever I choose to use. Do you really think the hotel safes are not so safe? I think our hotel has an in room safe with a numbered key pad not the key lock. This should be safe right???? Thanks for all the help everyone. You make traveling very easy and stress free...Ptm

<i>Paris in April
Blossoms on chestnuts
Holiday trees
Under the tables...</i>

Yes, I cannot wait to see Paris. I did have a bit of a panic attack today when I realized I need to wear something comfortable that looks good after long airline travel. We will not be checking into our hotel until the afternoon and we arrive in the morning. Therefore I will be in the same clothes for a very long time. Any suggestions...Thanks Ptm

what's your age and gender?

Female and over forty something!!!

I have been known to do quick changes in the bathroom of airports - not even the entire outfit, just undies. A fresh pair makes all the difference. Also, Ponds Clean Sweeps are amazing! They are facial cleansers that clean and remove make up with no water needed. Use on body to feel really fresh.

Thank you. That is a great idea. I will be changing in the airport bathroom and the Ponds Clean Sweeps sound great. Thanks everyone for all the info. I truly appreciate all the advice....Ptm

Hi everyone, Thanks to everyone for helping us get to Paris. I have another question. What cards do I need to take with me? I plan on bringing my passport, debit card, credit card and not much else. Do I need to bring my drivers license etc. If I do lose my wallet to pickpockets I don't want to lose all my cards. Thanks for all the help... Ptm

You don't need your driver's license unless you intend to drive. A passport is sufficient I.D. On the other hand, some may argue that the passport should be kept in the hotel safe, so it might be useful to have your driver's license as day-today I.D.

The first rule of safety is common sense!! Be aware of your situation, where you are at and what is around you. Do not look like a victim. Theft on the metro is nothing new. It usually happens during station stops, a lot of confusion and movement.
My wife carried a purse and I a backpack. Nothing stolen in Paris. It may also be that as a former soldier and current LEO I do not look like a target. I travel for work and use the hotel ssafe as well as the front desk safety deposit boxes. SO far no problems.
In a Manchester airport hotel the &quot;safe&quot; at the desk was an individual cardboard box with a safety seal to close it. The room safe was a steel box with electronic lock. You decide which one was safer.

For the life of me I can't remember if I did this in Paris, but I know in Italy I have often used my driver's license as my &quot;security deposit&quot; when renting audioguides at museums.

Have a wonderful trip!

Hi

My wife and I went to Paris last year in April. We kept the passports in the safe in the hotel reception, We didn't have any problems with pick pockets but use common sense and you should be find

I have posted a trip report with pictures, links and maps on my homepage http://gardkarlsen.com/Paris_France.htm . I hope that you can find some useful information there

Regards
Gard
http://gardkarlsen.com - trip reports and pictures

Thank you very much.I appreciate all the great travel advice. Most of our travel has been in North America and we are very comfortable in large cities. I try to be as careful as possible so I guess Paris will not be any different. I never thought about pickpockets before... so I was a bit worried but I think with all the great advice from everyone I feel much better. Thanks for all the help...Ptm