Travel Advice for 2 Students going to Paris next week
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Travel Advice for 2 Students going to Paris next week
So, the trip has been arranged and the kids are leaving next week for a 9 day visit to Paris. They are staying at Hotel de Bellevue in the 19th Arre. This will be Nephew's 1st visit and DD's 2nd. They have to fly to JFK, have a brief layover, change airlines, and arrive in CDG in late morning. They will withdraw some Euros when they arrive at CDG. They each have an ATM card and credit card. They are planning to take RER to Gare du Nord and either walk or taxi to hotel. They are buying 10 pak of carnets instead of Carte Orange, as they arrive and leave on a Thursday and you would need 2.
They plan to buy a 4 day Paris Museum Pass and have scoped out which sights to see and when to visit Versailles to maximize ability to see everything they want. Their hotel comes with a continental breakfast and their intent is to make lunch the big meal of the day and visit local markets for fresh produce, poulet roti, other items for dinner. They are aware of Monoprix for both groceries and toiletries.
They are from the Midwest (18 years old), fairly trusting, somewhat naive. So, what travel advice would you give them?
They plan to buy a 4 day Paris Museum Pass and have scoped out which sights to see and when to visit Versailles to maximize ability to see everything they want. Their hotel comes with a continental breakfast and their intent is to make lunch the big meal of the day and visit local markets for fresh produce, poulet roti, other items for dinner. They are aware of Monoprix for both groceries and toiletries.
They are from the Midwest (18 years old), fairly trusting, somewhat naive. So, what travel advice would you give them?
#2
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,859
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tell them to watch out for gold ring scam; don't talk to strangers!
Make sure they've got copies of passports and also CC phone #s (in case these things get stolen).
There has been several reports lately by veteran posters here who had their purses stolen... tell them to use moneybelts; or if they're reluctant, make sure they don't put all eggs in one basket - ie, place the CC ant ATM cards separately, as well as split up the cash in various secure pockets inside their day bags.
I'm sure they know already, but on the days outside of the Museum Pass days, there are plenty of free museums they can visit (under the Municipal museums umbrella).
Make sure they've got copies of passports and also CC phone #s (in case these things get stolen).
There has been several reports lately by veteran posters here who had their purses stolen... tell them to use moneybelts; or if they're reluctant, make sure they don't put all eggs in one basket - ie, place the CC ant ATM cards separately, as well as split up the cash in various secure pockets inside their day bags.
I'm sure they know already, but on the days outside of the Museum Pass days, there are plenty of free museums they can visit (under the Municipal museums umbrella).
#3
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I'm always conscious of not talking so loudly in public. Maybe it's just me and that's a pet peeve, but I really believe in the whole "when in Rome, do as the Romans." Something I experienced when I returned from living abroad was really noticing how Americans are so much louder and more obnoxious in public. We also seem to have an issue with patience, and I think if they can remember to be a lot more patient in queues and with anything taking longer than it would in the US -- we're so preoccupied with "now, now, now" -- then it will help make the trip a little easier on the nerves.
Sounds like they'll be walking a lot, which is a great way to do it, if they're getting a 10-pack -- then again, do those cover an entire day?
Sounds like they'll be walking a lot, which is a great way to do it, if they're getting a 10-pack -- then again, do those cover an entire day?
#4
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 3,700
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Will they have a laptop with them? If so, many, many little public parks, as well as many cafes, have WiFi, so make use of it.
Any museum they want will certainly have a web page where they can check open days and times. The little folded up brochure that comes with the museum pass has this information also, but on non-pass attractions, this can be invaluable. It does not take but one wasted trip to the other side of the city to realize checking first is important.
One more bit of advice: behave yourselves (but not too much) and remember you are guests.
Any museum they want will certainly have a web page where they can check open days and times. The little folded up brochure that comes with the museum pass has this information also, but on non-pass attractions, this can be invaluable. It does not take but one wasted trip to the other side of the city to realize checking first is important.
One more bit of advice: behave yourselves (but not too much) and remember you are guests.
#5
On entering a shop, say, "Bonjour, Madame (or Monsieur, as the case may be)". Even though it makes you feel self-conscious to put in that Madame or Monsieur, it is a fundamental issue of politeness in France.
At the street markets, they should tell the vendors what they want and the vendors will select the produce for them; the kids shouldn't just help themselves US style. This is different in grocery stores, which mostly are help yourself style.
At the street markets, they should tell the vendors what they want and the vendors will select the produce for them; the kids shouldn't just help themselves US style. This is different in grocery stores, which mostly are help yourself style.
#6
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 34,853
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Tell them to stop in the Paris Tourist Office at the Gare du Nord when they get there. It should be easy to find, it's a booth, kind of, and has a sign and that i for information logo. They can get free maps and other info there, and buy a museum pass if they really want one.
Since they are on a budget, presumably, I really wouldn't have thought they'd need or want a 4 day museum pass which is rather expensive (48 euro which is over US$60). A lot of good museums are free, anyway (like the Petit Palais), and even if you want to go to a couple big ones like the Louvre and Orsay and Ste Chapelle, and Versaille, that couldn't add up to that amount of money, I wouldn't think. Also, you have to use it on consecutive days once you start it. That's just a lot of museums to visit in 9 days to have that price make sense when you have to concentrate them to a few days.
Other than that, yes, I think it is very good advice that they not talk to strangers on the street. Ignore the people who come up to you being friendly, and wanting to know if you speak English, as well as the ring scam, whatever. Don't talk or have anything to do with strangers who approach you like that or touch you in any way (like grabbing your arm), etc.
Since they are on a budget, presumably, I really wouldn't have thought they'd need or want a 4 day museum pass which is rather expensive (48 euro which is over US$60). A lot of good museums are free, anyway (like the Petit Palais), and even if you want to go to a couple big ones like the Louvre and Orsay and Ste Chapelle, and Versaille, that couldn't add up to that amount of money, I wouldn't think. Also, you have to use it on consecutive days once you start it. That's just a lot of museums to visit in 9 days to have that price make sense when you have to concentrate them to a few days.
Other than that, yes, I think it is very good advice that they not talk to strangers on the street. Ignore the people who come up to you being friendly, and wanting to know if you speak English, as well as the ring scam, whatever. Don't talk or have anything to do with strangers who approach you like that or touch you in any way (like grabbing your arm), etc.
#8
Join Date: May 2009
Posts: 25
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I agree with the comments about speaking to strangers; I think that, just as it is in many urban areas in the US, Europeans in general are far less likely to start a conversation out of the blue in public. Americans are chatty in comparison.
#9
Join Date: Mar 2004
Posts: 3,654
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
There is no Carte Orange: The best deal is a Mobilis Pass which starts on a Monday morning and ends midnight Sunday.
They will need two passport size photos in colour. This ticket has a chip which when passed over the entrance of a metro or bus just makes a ringing sound - why you have to do that I am at a loss? If you have the paid up Mobilis you have paid?!Right - so why pass it over the gadget? It's valid and that's that! I keep mine and next visit to Paris just pay up again for 7 days - brilliant!
Best advice: Watch out for pickpockets, so keep minimum cash on you well hidden down your shorts and don't be distracted by stupid questions from foreigners who are in on the trick.
They will need two passport size photos in colour. This ticket has a chip which when passed over the entrance of a metro or bus just makes a ringing sound - why you have to do that I am at a loss? If you have the paid up Mobilis you have paid?!Right - so why pass it over the gadget? It's valid and that's that! I keep mine and next visit to Paris just pay up again for 7 days - brilliant!
Best advice: Watch out for pickpockets, so keep minimum cash on you well hidden down your shorts and don't be distracted by stupid questions from foreigners who are in on the trick.
#11
Join Date: Oct 2003
Posts: 57,890
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
If they've never spent any time in a big city here are some basic rules:
There is no need to be "nice" to strangers - if strangers approach you it's perfectly OK to simply ignore than and just keep walking (this will prevent them from getting caught up in one of many scams used on the naive). If they continue to be bothered by a stranger they need to learn to say NO loudly and definitely - and keep moving away.
Never, EVER, set down a purse, back pack or any other piece of luggage. Keep their hands on their belongings at all times - even in the toilets, restaurants, stores and hotel breakfast room. NEVER put a purse or backpack on a chair in a restaurant or cafe.
On public transit make sure their day packs - or whatever- is on the front of the body with the strap over shoulder bandolier style. Never wear a fanny pack, a backpack on the back or a purse just hanging from the shoulder (it's much easier to get into them this way).
ATM and credit cards should be kept in different places, so if one is lost they still have another.
Never stand in the middle of the sidewalk - or any open area, with an open map or guidebook looking confused. If they need to consult these things move so their back is against a building so no one can approach from behind.
In the Metro be aware of who is around them at any time. Stand with back to the wall or to each other - so no one can approach unawares.
If anyone spills or drops food on them ignore it - they should grab their purses or bags and move away from the scammers - who will try to help them "clean up". Clothes can be washed - but valuables are difficult to replace.
If approached by other young people and offered free drinks etc - they should NOT go. these are often scammers who buy one drink then expect the tourists to pay for the rest of the (very expensive) drinks.
Sorry not to be able to give more - but having lived my whole life in NYC I've been taught this stuff since childhood - and it's second nature to me. So - I'm sure there are things that they may do that would never occur to me.
There is no need to be "nice" to strangers - if strangers approach you it's perfectly OK to simply ignore than and just keep walking (this will prevent them from getting caught up in one of many scams used on the naive). If they continue to be bothered by a stranger they need to learn to say NO loudly and definitely - and keep moving away.
Never, EVER, set down a purse, back pack or any other piece of luggage. Keep their hands on their belongings at all times - even in the toilets, restaurants, stores and hotel breakfast room. NEVER put a purse or backpack on a chair in a restaurant or cafe.
On public transit make sure their day packs - or whatever- is on the front of the body with the strap over shoulder bandolier style. Never wear a fanny pack, a backpack on the back or a purse just hanging from the shoulder (it's much easier to get into them this way).
ATM and credit cards should be kept in different places, so if one is lost they still have another.
Never stand in the middle of the sidewalk - or any open area, with an open map or guidebook looking confused. If they need to consult these things move so their back is against a building so no one can approach from behind.
In the Metro be aware of who is around them at any time. Stand with back to the wall or to each other - so no one can approach unawares.
If anyone spills or drops food on them ignore it - they should grab their purses or bags and move away from the scammers - who will try to help them "clean up". Clothes can be washed - but valuables are difficult to replace.
If approached by other young people and offered free drinks etc - they should NOT go. these are often scammers who buy one drink then expect the tourists to pay for the rest of the (very expensive) drinks.
Sorry not to be able to give more - but having lived my whole life in NYC I've been taught this stuff since childhood - and it's second nature to me. So - I'm sure there are things that they may do that would never occur to me.
#12
Original Poster
Join Date: Jan 2005
Posts: 2,698
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Thanks for all the tips so far. Mom/Aunt has said these things to the kids, but at 18 they discount what I say and think they know best. Sounds like perhaps a taxi from Gare du Nord to hotel - any tips on how not to get ripped off? i.e., going to hotel via 6th, or 7th Arre (which is obviously not on the way)
What is the gold ring scam?
What is the gold ring scam?
#13
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,859
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
aliska, you've never heard of the gold ring scam?
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-ring-scam.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m-in-paris.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ing-scam-1.cfm
ditto everything that nytraveler said, esp this:
<i>Never, EVER, set down a purse, back pack or any other piece of luggage. Keep their hands on their belongings at all times - even in the toilets, restaurants, stores and hotel breakfast room. NEVER put a purse or backpack on a chair in a restaurant or cafe.</i>
This includes putting their bag/purse on the floor BETWEEN their legs at restaurants or cafes or metro. They can do so only IF they have the straps attached to a part of their body. Otherwise, if they just put it on the floor, next thing they know, is that the purse is gone.
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...-ring-scam.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...m-in-paris.cfm
http://www.fodors.com/community/euro...ing-scam-1.cfm
ditto everything that nytraveler said, esp this:
<i>Never, EVER, set down a purse, back pack or any other piece of luggage. Keep their hands on their belongings at all times - even in the toilets, restaurants, stores and hotel breakfast room. NEVER put a purse or backpack on a chair in a restaurant or cafe.</i>
This includes putting their bag/purse on the floor BETWEEN their legs at restaurants or cafes or metro. They can do so only IF they have the straps attached to a part of their body. Otherwise, if they just put it on the floor, next thing they know, is that the purse is gone.
#14
Join Date: Feb 2008
Posts: 588
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
Act like you belong there. Move definitively.
Always be aware of your surroundings.
If someone is in your face distracting you, there is probably someone else trying to get in your pockets.
The smiling face walking towards you, unfortunately, might be the person trying to rip you off.
I too grew up in NYC and as nytraveler states, recognizing bad folks becomes second nature. They kind of stick out after you have seen a few.
Most normal people could care less about you. They usually walk by without making eye contact and simply go about their business. The scammer is the person who just happens to have an interest in you, wants to befriend you, wants to know where you are from, what you do, etc. These are the folks they want to stay away from!
The "gold ring" scam is so stupid. Last year, at least 15 people tried to pull it on my wife and I. It kind of got to be a joke.
Be most aware in the high tourist areas!
Other than that..they should have a great time!!
Always be aware of your surroundings.
If someone is in your face distracting you, there is probably someone else trying to get in your pockets.
The smiling face walking towards you, unfortunately, might be the person trying to rip you off.
I too grew up in NYC and as nytraveler states, recognizing bad folks becomes second nature. They kind of stick out after you have seen a few.
Most normal people could care less about you. They usually walk by without making eye contact and simply go about their business. The scammer is the person who just happens to have an interest in you, wants to befriend you, wants to know where you are from, what you do, etc. These are the folks they want to stay away from!
The "gold ring" scam is so stupid. Last year, at least 15 people tried to pull it on my wife and I. It kind of got to be a joke.
Be most aware in the high tourist areas!
Other than that..they should have a great time!!
#15
Join Date: Jan 2004
Posts: 25,859
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
What concerns me, aliska, is that you said the 2 are trusting and naive youngsters.
There are so many scams and thieves out there that they can easily fall prey to. They need to be vigilant and regard everyone, I mean <u>everyone</u>, as a potential thief/scammer.
They will be approached by women who ask if they speak English, then proceed to tell them about that sap story about how she lost all the money and she needs a few euros for this and that....
Or women who approach them saying they are learning English and would like to practice with them...
the premise of the scams evolves/mutates every year, just like the flu virus.
There are so many scams and thieves out there that they can easily fall prey to. They need to be vigilant and regard everyone, I mean <u>everyone</u>, as a potential thief/scammer.
They will be approached by women who ask if they speak English, then proceed to tell them about that sap story about how she lost all the money and she needs a few euros for this and that....
Or women who approach them saying they are learning English and would like to practice with them...
the premise of the scams evolves/mutates every year, just like the flu virus.
#16
Join Date: Mar 2009
Posts: 144
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
I second the "walk definitively". Don't look like prey and you won't be taken as prey. If your girls find themselves having a loss of confidence at any time, please tell them to get off of the street and into a safe looking cafe or back to their hotel to re-group as soon as possible--or maybe sit quietly in a church pew for a few minutes.
Walk with confidence like they know where they are going, even if hopelessly lost.
This attitude will help to keep them safe.
Walk with confidence like they know where they are going, even if hopelessly lost.
This attitude will help to keep them safe.
#17
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 10,511
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
When do they leave? We (I, SO, 18 yo niece) will arrive in Paris on Monday 15 June, staying in the 15th. We can have a mini-GTG, introduce the next generation of Fodorites to the custom! EM me at [email protected]
#18
The last 2 scams from Paris tried on me were the bunch of kids with a sheet of cardboard (they are out to pick your pocket, yell at them and hang onto your valuables) and the Metro pickpocket gangs (one of them drops something by your foot and as you lift it up, another gets your pocket while you are standing on one leg and zips out the door).
#19
Join Date: May 2007
Posts: 8,247
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
One should take into consideration that a pair of 18yo is usually as less tempting target for crooks than a happy couple in their 40s or 50s. And Paris also is not Bagdad at night.
If both of them have an ATM and credit card, there is no need to take all four cards with them at any time. One CC/ATM could be left behind (IF the hotel has a safe).
They may also want to scan their wallets, and leave everything at home which is of no use in Paris (i.e. drivers license, library cards, whatever ID that would be a nuisance to replace).
If they are students they should have the ISIC to get discounts at museums or sights.
Most nighttime entertainment (music clubs, bars, etc) for younger adults is not necessarily where the tourists go by day but a bit scattered over the city. They may want to calculate a bit extra money for taking a taxi if it's been a long night.
At age 18, they are fully-fledged adults in France (and almost anywhere I can think of), and they won't get a pass as "kids" when they run into trouble. It may be a good chance for them to become a bit more grown-up and self-reliant - which is not a bad thing after all. And they should also enjoy their stay in Paris, and not expect the axe murderer behind each lamp post. Millions of "kids" visit Paris each year. Most survive.
If both of them have an ATM and credit card, there is no need to take all four cards with them at any time. One CC/ATM could be left behind (IF the hotel has a safe).
They may also want to scan their wallets, and leave everything at home which is of no use in Paris (i.e. drivers license, library cards, whatever ID that would be a nuisance to replace).
If they are students they should have the ISIC to get discounts at museums or sights.
Most nighttime entertainment (music clubs, bars, etc) for younger adults is not necessarily where the tourists go by day but a bit scattered over the city. They may want to calculate a bit extra money for taking a taxi if it's been a long night.
At age 18, they are fully-fledged adults in France (and almost anywhere I can think of), and they won't get a pass as "kids" when they run into trouble. It may be a good chance for them to become a bit more grown-up and self-reliant - which is not a bad thing after all. And they should also enjoy their stay in Paris, and not expect the axe murderer behind each lamp post. Millions of "kids" visit Paris each year. Most survive.
#20
Join Date: Jan 2003
Posts: 563
Likes: 0
Received 0 Likes
on
0 Posts
The answer to the scam woman's "do you speak English" is a resounding "no" and keep on walking. My friend was horrified that I had done this - rude me, but I knew it was a scam from previous trips. She still didn't believe me....a very naive 60 year old!!