travelwoman

Some poster brought up a point suggesting that as an older women and American, I might be a target for purse snatching. Hope its not true! Believe me, I am a fisty old broad and wont hesitate to use my umbrella or break a bottle of booze over some fat gypsy mama trying to take my Euro. What I have read, is that the police in Paris turn a blind eye to pick pocketers. I dont carry a purse but my companion does even though I tell her not to. A money belt is what I usually wear.

nellyanne

You already from what I told you in your other pist about the dollar that I don't think you should even go. But if you must go, carry protection. A large pocketknife and mace may help a bit. It will be difficult to get a pistol through customs and even more so to get as decent weapon over there with their lack of our wonderous 2nd Amend! I think carrying your cash in your private areas can't hurt, as long as you can find it when you need it. I once had a hell of a time finding my cash in there, it required a small search party. And then also it may tempt the gypsies to go in that private area and god knows what may happen next butit could be a bigger "stick up" then you can handle!! (May just be rumours about those boys, i am not telling.) Whatever you do, watch out for your gorlfriend, if she is like most of her people, she will have a bit too many nips and may dose off and be a magnet for those wild boys. Dear, please be careful if you go!! I am afraid you may not return to your humble roots!

travelwoman

NellyAnne, I am from New England not Texas! You are too funny! One of the things that I like about going to Europe is that I can get away from those gun toting republican types!
Your reference as to wear I keep my money really is a bit much Miss Nelly Anne. I am a tough old Boston babe but I would never speak like that. Where do you hail from with that kind of talk?

Scarlett

I think Miss Nelly is not what she is portraying herself to be and should be ignored. Especially since she has posted twice on these forums, both on your postings and she is quite crude.

Paris is full of older women, they walk to the markets and shop and do the same things we do here. If you are aware of your surroundings and carry your bag across your chest or under your coat, you should not have a problem. I have been to Paris so many times, and have never had my pocket picked nor has my husband. Just mind where you are and where your belongings are.
and I like the idea of breaking the bottle of wine over the head of any thief who tries to get near you

travelwoman

Thank you Scarlet, dear. I am always aware of my surroundings even when I venture into Boston. Nelly just kind of shook me for minute or two.

hansikday

nelly, being funny and being crude are two very different things. Don't give up your day job!

I'm with sweet Scarlett on this one. I have a feeling any crook will regret the day he tangles with travelwoman.

nellyanne

On the contrary honsuckgoonday, the two are often one, as in my case!!

dln

Travelwoman, it has been drilled into me that whenever I leave my house, I must walk with purpose and confidence. Thieves prey on the weak and unsure. I think this is good advice and as I've never been approached by unsavory elements, I think it must be working!

Anyway, my impression of Paris was that it's very safe. Last month my husband and I walked through the Park Monceau long after sunset and we were surprised to see solitary joggers, both men and women, in the park. Even though the park is not especially well-lit! That speaks well of the safety of Paris. Plus, you and your companion aren't thinking of slinking around dark alleyways, are you?

cigalechanta

Travelwoman, I'm from Boston and an older woman. For me it's no problem. Take the same precaustions as when you ride the "T" here.

nellyanne

I pray that travelwoman never has to ride that dirty filthy "T" do you ? It's awful and brings one to the most god-forsaken places in that dark, dank, homeley and cold city. I hope you have a private driver travelwoman?

cigalechanta

I guess you haven't been to Boston Lately. Depending which line you take, the t is not dirty and Boston is a lovely city. And dank? You must have been in another state.

dln

Nellyanne, what on earth are you talking about? The T is the best way to get around Boston and beats driving any day. I think you're talking off the top of your head.

Melissajoy

travelwoman, if you make your valuables difficult to snatch, at all times, the thieves will choose someone else who isn't taking such care.

We spent 2 weeks in Italy and travelled to tourist destinations where pick-pockets are known to hang out. But we planned in advance how to keep our valuables safe and were very diligent. I know for sure some pickpockets checked us out, one even had his hands on me, but they didn't get anything.

When my daughter and I were temporarily alone was when we encountered the most aggressive pick-pockets and peddlars. When we were with my husband and son the pickpockets were more leary of us.

But as I say they never got anything from us. I suggest as women alone you avoid being outside with purses when it's dark, especially in areas known to have pickpockets. Big cities are usually worse than small towns.

travelwoman

I wonder if Europe is more suspectible to pick pocketers. Im am a guarded person by nature but I do believe that it happens much more in Europe and the indifference on the paart of the police in France, Spain and especially Italy doesnt help, They know who those hoodlums are but they dont do anything about it.
Americans are far too trusting and naive. They let their guard down. I see women especially with their purse left in their shopping cart unattended in stores while they look for other items. Dont do this is Paris sweetheart or your purse with all those fancy euros will be long gone.

cigalechanta

Travelwoman, the same thing happens here wether in filene's basement or on the "t" or on fashionable Newbury Street. Why do People think it's any different in Paris? I have heard it is a problem in Italy, by handbag snatchers on Motor Scooters but have not seen that.

dln

That's true, travelwoman. My beautiful Longchamp bag, the one I carried everywhere in Paris, was stolen right from my back door! And it had €45 leftover from my trip, to add insult to injury, because I know the *(((#%@ who stole my purse won't have a clue about what to do with it. I've never had anything stolen in Europe, but my own back door...

StCirq

I'm a veteran of more than 60 trips to Paris and never have even had a near-miss with a pickpocketer. I don't wear a moneybelt or any other contrived contraption to avoid being targeted - I just use common sense, look like I mean business, and walk fast. You sound as though you're fully prepared, so I wouldn't give it another thought.

LoveItaly

I get soooo confused about questions like this. I do not mean to put anyones questions down but seriously I get so confused!

How do American's think that Europeans, be they Italians, French, Spanish, Dutch etc. etc. live their lives?

Do some American's think that Europeon women walk around with moneybelts all the time, no handbags, live in fear?

I just do not understand.

Of course, I am the first to agree that if one is one vacation and have money credit card or passport

cigalechanta

loveitaly, I think it's mostly those who are travelling abroad for the first time think that way. I travel the same way as I do in Boston, that includes credit card and passport that I carry when my Ma. Id card is out of date. I do not have a driving permit.

LoveItaly

Sorry, somehow, perhaps because I just heard police sirens I hit the "post" button, LOL, but truly that is what happened, anyway where was I?

Oh yes, if one is on vacation and has money, credit cards, passport etc. stolen it is difficult. Different country, different language, being away from home etc.

But honestly, do we all go around scared to death at home? A few months ago I had my credit card stolen from me at my local supermarket. A card that I put all my utility bills on for convenience. I was ready to pull my hair out for one month. But all eventually got worked out.

Do, when traveling abroad, take precautions. But also do that at home as well.

Do have info about your passport, credit cards etc. in a place other than your handbag. But do that at home as well.

Do leave info with a trusted person at home. I do that as well.

Sorry, don't mean to lecture but I just find myself wondering why some Americans want to go to Europe and than come across at the whole continent is just sitting there waiting for them to arrive so that they can steal from them.

Doesn't everyone have crime in their own hometown? My city is considered one of the safest in CA for the population. However my bank, just 1/4 mile away has been held up 4 times in the last 3 months.

Well I could go on and on with examples but, oh sigh, no ambition too.

If you want to go to Europe, GO. And quite worrying about all the "what if's". Figure out what worries you, take precautions to help you if unfortunatly the "what if's" happen and than GO.

If one is going to fret over and over about "what is the exchange rate, will I be a target for theft, will I get sick on the food or water and on and on" IMHO perhaps it would be best to just take a vacation where you think you will be relaxed and at ease.

P.S. Does it ever occur to anyone that Europeans read about all the crime and guns etc. in the USA and worry about their safety when they travel here.

That is something to think about, trust me on this one!