How to Survive and Outsmart Paris Pickpockets

Getting pickpocketed in Paris is a common experience that can happen even to seasoned travelers. Whether you are navigating a crowded metro or rushing through a train station, professional thieves look for specific opportunities to strike.

Here is every piece of advice, gear recommendation, and digital safeguard mentioned by locals and victims to keep your belongings safe.

Master Your Digital Defense

Don’t wait until your phone is gone to realize how much of your life is on it. A stolen phone can be a nightmare if you lose access to banking apps, travel passes, and passwords.

  • Set up virtual cards: Use Apple Pay, Samsung Pay, or apps like Uquid so you can pay for things with your phone or watch if your physical wallet is stolen.
  • Use a “Two-Phone” system: Keep your primary phone with all your essential apps hidden in a zippered inside pocket. Use a second, inexpensive phone for maps, music, and general browsing.
  • Lock down your iPhone: Disable the Control Center on your lock screen so thieves can’t turn on Airplane Mode. You can also create an automation in the Shortcuts app that automatically locks your screen and turns Airplane Mode off if someone tries to toggle it.
  • Manage your passwords: Use a password manager and enable passkeys instead of SMS-based two-factor authentication. Keep backup codes for your accounts printed out and stored in a hotel safe.
  • Wear your wallet: Using an Apple or Samsung Watch for payments is often safer than pulling out a phone or wallet in public.

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Choose the Right Gear

The way you carry your items is your first line of defense. Standard pockets and bags are often too easy for professionals to access.

  • Anti-theft pants: Look for brands like Clothing Arts or Levi’s chinos that feature hidden, zippered pockets deep enough to hide a large smartphone.
  • Secure bags: Use crossbody bags that zip from the top. Brands like Pacsafe offer bags with locking zippers, cut-proof mesh, and wire-reinforced straps.
  • Internal modifications: Use bungee cords, carabiners, or “slash-proof leashes” to clip your wallet or transit pass to the inside of your bag.
  • Phone security: Use a durable wrist strap or a lanyard attached to your phone case to prevent someone from snatching it out of your hand.
  • Money belts: Wear a money belt or neck wallet under your clothing for your passport and high-value cards.

Smart Habits on the Metro

Pickpockets are opportunistic and look for easy targets who aren’t paying attention.

  • The “Front Pocket” rule: Never put anything in your back pocket. Even front pockets aren’t 100% safe in a crowd, but they are much harder to pick than back pockets.
  • Don’t stand by the doors: Thieves often wait until the last second to grab a phone or bag and jump off the train just as the doors close. Move to the middle of the car.
  • Use a decoy wallet: Carry a “dummy” wallet with a small amount of cash and expired credit cards. If a thief takes it, they will likely leave the area thinking they’ve succeeded, leaving your real valuables safe.
  • Limit what you carry: Leave extra cards and your passport in the hotel safe. Carry a driver’s license for ID so you don’t risk losing your primary residency card or passport.
  • Stay alert during transitions: Be extra careful when boarding, exiting, or moving through stations like the RER B. Professional crews often use the chaos of people getting on and off to mask their movements.

What to Do if it Happens to You

If you realize you’ve been hit, speed is essential to minimize the damage.

  • Freeze your cards immediately: Use your banking app or call your bank to cancel cards the moment you notice they are gone.
  • Check for your phone: If you still have your phone, you can usually manage most of the recovery process.
  • File a police report: You will need an official report (FIR) for insurance purposes, even if the police are unlikely to recover your items.
  • Don’t let it ruin the trip: Many victims found that having a “Plan B”—like emergency cash hidden in a separate spot—helped them get through the stress of the moment.