purse safety
 

I'll be traveling to France (Paris, s. France, and Provence) in a few weeks and have been gaining lots of info/insight about what to do/not to do, etc.
Particularly concerned about whether it is safe to carry a purse because of runby/driveby thieves or pick pockets. Any advice? thx.

I always carry a purse in France; in fact, the last time I went I purchased several new ones. French women carry them; so why shouldn't you? Just use the same precautions you would at home and be prudent and you'll do fine. Enjoy your trip to France!

The best handbag for pickpocket protection is one that's small, has shoulder strap long enough to wear over one shoulder and under the other arm, double zipper pulls (you can twist tie these together when on the subway and in crowded areas), an inside zipper pocket (for your cash/cards), outside zipper pocket (for your transit passes) on the back. An open outside pocket is really handy for maps, etc.

There are lots of nifty new bags (leather, microfiber, etc.) that are small and "convert" to backpack style straps.

If I do ever carry a bag on vacation, I usually just put things in there I wouldn't be devistated if I lost like a days worth of Euros, my guidebook, umbrella, snacks, etc. I always carry my passport, credit card and large bills under my clothes in a money belt. In all the places my husaband and I have been, we have never been a victim of a robbery (knock on wood). Better to be safe than sorry.

Agree w/ PJI. I once was pickpocketed, right,from my purse. (about 30€ in a coin purse inside the purse). All else was safely stored in the moneybelt.
"Robbery" denotes with a weapon, I believe..."pickpocketing" is by stealth, and "burglary" is when the room safe is broken into.

Check out this bag:http://www.fossil.com/shopping/produ...ctedcolor=1836
I used it on my recent trip and found it to be PERFECT

I have been traveling for a great many years...no problems with a purse. Either over my shoulder or my arm with a grasp onto the bottom. No different there than anyplace here. Just use common sense.

I carry my map, umbrella, coin purse, lipstick and water bottle in my purse. In addition to the safety issues mentioned, I find it is more comfortable to carry a purse across your body for long periods of time. Anything that I cannot bear to lose goes under my clothes in a neck pouch or money belt. I never worry too much about losing anything.

I use a normal pocketbook when traveling and keep it close to my body at all times. Be aware in crowded places like the Metro or a train station, and don't hook it over the back of a chair in a cafe, etc.

there is no reason not to use a purse anywhere in europe. Just follow the usual rules your would here:

Never put it down anywhere

Never let go of it (even on a store counter keep your hand on it at all times)

Make sure the opening/flap is always towards your body

In a restaruant NEVER hook it on your chair or put it on the floor - either hold it on your lap or put it on the floor between your feet with the strap wrapped arond your knee or ankle so you can feel if its touched

If in a crowded subway or bus squash it against your body with your arm - and if you feel any movement on the purse grab it with your free hand and lash out with your elbow as hard as you can

Everyone, thank you so much for your wonderful feedback and suggestions. I guess it is the same as in any big city although I had the impression that pickpocketing was a real big problem. I will definitely carry a purse then : )

stephk - why are you concerned about your purse safety when you will have your big, strong (and good looking) husband with you to protect you?

ha-ha

Pickpocketing happens to a lot of people. No pickpocketing happens to a whole lot MORE people.
(but I still use a moneybelt :) )