Avoid Pickpockets in France: 7 Methods That Work
Pickpockets in France are fast, sneaky, and everywhere tourists go. You might think you’re being careful, but some of the usual advice – like keeping your bag in front of you- isn’t always enough. The reality is that many travelers don’t even notice they’ve been robbed until it’s too late.
Paris, in particular, is a hotspot for pickpocketing, but it’s a problem in other major French cities too. Luckily, there are a few simple ways to protect yourself. If you follow these tips, you’ll make yourself a much harder target.
1. Use the Right Bag
A crossbody bag with a zipper is the safest option. If it closes securely and sits against your body, it’s much harder for a thief to slip their hand inside without you noticing.
If you wear a backpack, don’t keep anything valuable in the outer pockets. In crowded areas, it’s best to take it off and wear it in front of you.
Whatever you do, never hang your bag on the back of a chair at a café. That’s an open invitation for someone to grab it and walk away.
2. Carry a Decoy Wallet
One trick that works surprisingly well is carrying a fake wallet. It doesn’t have to be fancy, just an old wallet with a few expired cards and a small bill or two.
Keep that in your pocket while your real money and cards stay in a secure place, like a hidden pocket or a money belt.
If someone manages to steal from you, they’ll take the decoy and leave your actual valuables untouched.
3. Don’t Leave Your Phone on the Table
One of the easiest ways to lose a phone in France is by leaving it on a café table. Thieves use a common trick where they approach pretending to ask for help, often holding a piece of paper or a map. They place it over your phone while talking to you, then grab both the paper and your phone before walking away.
It happens fast, and by the time you realize what’s missing, they’re gone. Keep your phone in your bag or pocket instead.
4. Be Extra Careful on Public Transport
The Paris metro is one of the worst places for pickpocketing. Stations like Châtelet, Gare du Nord, and the RER B line from the airport are known hotspots.
The most common trick is for thieves to time their move just as the train doors are closing. They’ll grab a phone or wallet and jump off at the last second, leaving you trapped inside with no way to chase them.
If you’re standing near the doors, keep your phone out of sight and your bag in front of you with one hand over the zipper.
5. Watch Out for Distraction Scams
Pickpockets often work in teams, and their best strategy is getting you to focus on something else while they steal from you.
Some of the most common distraction scams include:
- Someone asking you to sign a fake petition while their partner picks your pocket.
- A group of children surrounding you, pretending to beg, while one of them steals from your bag.
- A person “accidentally” spilling something on you and apologizing while another lifts your wallet.
If something seems off or a stranger is getting too close, keep your hands on your valuables and move away.
6. Never Keep Valuables in Your Back Pocket
If your wallet or phone is in your back pocket, you might as well be handing it over to a pickpocket. It takes just a light touch for them to slide it out without you feeling a thing.
Keep your valuables in a front pocket or inside a zipped bag. If you wear a coat, use an inner pocket instead.
7. Stay Alert in Crowded Places
Busy areas are where pickpockets thrive. Tourist-heavy streets, metro stations, crowded markets – these are the spots where they blend in easily.
One common trick is for a thief to “accidentally” bump into you. It feels like nothing, but in that split second, they’ve taken your wallet or phone. If you feel an unexpected push or a hand brushing against you, check your pockets immediately.
Final Tip
Pickpockets rely on people being distracted and unaware. The best way to avoid becoming a target is to stay alert and make it as difficult as possible for them to steal from you. A secure bag, a fake wallet, and a little extra caution can make all the difference.