Stolen Credit Card

Safety in Paris

Looking for how is the safety in Paris and concern about a stolen credit card...

The news can tell you sometimes the worst regarding Paris: car-burnings, riots in the suburbs. I have spent almost all my life in Paris and it's a safe city. Like every big city you should be cautious where you're and what's the time. Mainly the parks are closed at night. So don't go where there is no light. Most of the areas around attractions are well supervised.

Some areas like the 18th arrondissement excluding Montmartre and the section of Pigalle can be a little bit rough. You could be surprised by the bois de Boulogne known for the spot of prostitutes.

SAFETY TIPS

Beware of pickpockets particularly where is crowds like some peak hours. Wear your handy bag carefully. Always grab it strongly. Or much easier use a backpack.

Keep your passport safe. French law requires that some kind of identification should be carried all the time like a passport or ETHIC card (Euro Health Card). Before your trip make 2 photocopies of your important documents. Keep one at home in case you need the info.

Withdraw cash. The easiest way to get euros is through ATM's machines. They have a very good rate. Look around you before using a ATM machine the area must be safe.

Have cash before to go have enough euro for your immediate necessity.

Traveler's checks. Normally lost of traveler's checks can be replaced within 24 hours.

Festivals, parades, funfairs, fireworks in Paris...Click here

EMERGENCY NUMBERS

• Police 17
• Emergency medical services in France, ambulance 15
• Fire 18
• Emergency Telephone Number 112

STOLEN CREDIT CARD

Credits cards are very useful when you travel. I can say you pay your bills at the right price. Check before your trip what kind of fees you can get when you exchange some money. The most common credit cards are: Visa and Master Card. Almost everywhere in Paris you can pay by credit cards.

French credit card is named the carte bleue. When you pay you don't need a signature you must entry a code.

If your card has been stolen contact soon as possible your card issuer. Free numbers:

• Visa: 0 800 90 20 33
• Eurocard-Mastercard: 0 800 90 23 90
• Diner's Club: 0 800 22 20 73
• American Express (USA): 0 800 900 888
(Other countries): 01 47 77 72 00