A vacation in Paris is truly a rewarding experience. Here, you can dine in Michelin-starred restaurants, shop at world-famous shopping districts, or simply bask in the atmosphere of this wonderful city. However, as a visitor to Paris, you should be aware of the scams that victimize innocent tourists like you. Here are three of top tourist scams that you should be wary of while you are in Paris:
1. Sacre Coeur
People who pass by the steps of Sacre Coeur may seem to be daunted by a hoard of men trying to give them “free” bracelets. However, these bracelets are not really free as these men will not let go of your hand unless you give them money in exchange for the bracelet. Although these men might be a bit aggressive and overwhelming for a novice tourist, you can show them off with a simple “no”. Ask your neighbors in your Paris vacation rentals and have them teach you handy French phrases like “non, merci”. You can use these newly-learned statements to refuse these men who will give you “free bracelets”. Furthermore, if you can avoid passing through the Sacre Couer, it will be better as you can enjoy the sights on the street better when you are not on the watch for swindlers like the ones in Sacre Coeur.
2. The golden ring in the Jardin de Tuileries and Champs de Mars
The scam in these places works like this: a man will suddenly approach you and will ask if you have dropped or lost a golden ring. Of course, you will say you did not, and the ring is not yours. Then, the man will insinuate that the ring may cost a lot of money and you can sell it to the local pawnshops. He will tell you that he cannot sell the ring himself because he is an illegal migrant, while you, a tourist can sell the ring with no questions asked. In exchange for the “valuable” ring, you will be required to give him a small amount. You walk away; feeling contented with the ring, only to find out that it is really worthless. Most of these scammers are really persistent and if you do not turn away during the first minute, chances are you will really believe him. When you rent an apartment in Paris, it will help you a lot to ask about these scammers in the Jardin de Tuileries and Champs de Mars. The local residents of Paris know the best ways on how to avoid being scammed in these places.
3. A Beggar's Sob Story
This scam is by far, the most prevalent and easily detectable scams in Paris. Usually, it goes like this: you go out for your Vacation in Paris to enjoy the sights. As you were walking down the street, a shabbily-dressed man will approach you and will ask if you can speak English. If your answer is yes, he will hand you a poorly written card detailing his sad migrant story in the cruel city of Paris. At the end of the story is a plea for monetary donation that will help him go back to his country of origin or start a new life in Paris. As a tourist, it depends on you how much you will donate to the beggar. However, the real harm is in the fact that the people who are doing this scam are so many, they seem to infest the city's tourist spots. The best way to go around this problem is to avoid these men and simply walk away when they try to talk to you.
Every famous city has its share of scammers and swindlers. However, this fact should not hinder you for visiting the City of Lights. Keep in mind that these scammers are generally harmless and they cannot get into you if you know how to avoid them. Once you have arrived in your Paris apartment vacation rentals, you can always ask for tips and updates regarding these scammers. You will find out that a lot of local residents are willing to help tourists like you.
Martin Wynn
