Thursday, September 12, 2013

Security Measures


We all know security measures, but sometimes we forget about few things that I will light up for you. Although, Statistics show that Paris is one of the safest major metropolitan areas in Europe (criminality is ranked low). Yet, some crimes including pick pocketing are fairly high (which is common in major cities around the world). To ensure a safe visit and to avoid danger; here are some few tips that you should know before coming here: 

1st: pick pocketing:  which targets tourists mainly. You should always keep your valuables and personal affairs out of sight especially in crowded areas such as metro station, trains and even touristic areas. So my advice to you is to avoid having cash in your pocket and use your smart card - “empty your pocket and wear your bag correctly”. In addition, never leave your bag or valuables unsupervised.
Beware of ATM and cash point Scams: ATM is the favorite spot for scammers. Stay extremely focused when withdrawing cash, and never let anyone engage into conversation with you while you are entering your PIN code. In other terms, once you put your PIN code, if a scammer distracts you, you might not notice that he or another scammer clicked on any amount to withdraw cash from behind you. So when your smart card is released from the machine you might think that u didn’t ask the ATM for money and leave. Unfortunately, it ends up by the scammer taking your money without you noticing while you were distracted by the other person.  Thus, be aware of distraction, because pick pockets sometimes work in groups.
2nd: Places to avoid when you are alone at night: large train stations in the suburbs and even inside Paris: Metro stations in France are secured with monitoring cameras, security patrols and any suspicious action is announced to alert travelers. Despite all these security measures some suburbs north of Paris and Parisian big train stations are not welcoming late at night. For Instance it’s better to be accompanied in les Halles, Chatelet, Gare du Nord, and Stalingrad if you’re returning late. (More details in French by the French Police crime observatory reports at http://www.prefecturedepolice.interieur.gouv.fr/Espace-Presse/Espace-public/Communiques-de-presse/Statistiques-de-la-delinquance)

3rd: When asking for a Taxi: make sure to verify the minimum price of the taxi ride before getting in the taxi (usually if you order a taxi inside Paris and day schedule; the minimum pricing should be 2 Euros only not more). Also giving the taxi driver a suggested route with the aid of Google map, would be a good idea to avoid over charging.
In addition travel insurance is a must; you can usually buy it along with your ticket; which offers you health coverage.

Finally, be assured that Paris is a very welcoming and very safe city in general, but moreover precaution is a guarantee of a happy ending to your visit.

Mostly used Paris Emergency Numbers are:
        - Police: “17"
        - Medical Emergencies: “15”
        - Fire Brigade: “18”
- -Embassy number and Contact details refer to the following website: http://goparis.about.com/od/planningyourtrip/ss/Paris_Embassies.htm


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