10 safety notes for Vietnamese tourists when coming to Paris
FranceNguyen Anh Lukas, 34 years old, has lived in Paris for 6 years sharing about measures to prevent tourists from being stolen when visiting the capital of light.
Here are 10 practical experiences that Lukas wants to share with Vietnamese guests while traveling to France.
1. The first thing that people especially pay attention to is not to carry too much money when leaving the inn or hotel. Important papers should be left in the room, because if they are stolen and lost, the procedure of redoing it is very troublesome.
Nguyen Anh Luke is a photographer living in Paris. Photo: NVCC
2. Travelers to France are easy to spot, as they are often well-dressed, colorful, carry a lot of branded goods, and are less prone to theft. In addition, many people often look “confused” because they are strange when they go to foreign places. Chances are, you were noticed by criminals right at the airport. All you need to do is be careful from now on. The thief will distract and take your backpack, bag right on the trolley.
3. Taking the train from the airport to the hotel, tourists often feel comfortable after resting after a tiring journey. We will be caught off guard and this is where the thief strikes. Usually a group of people will approach, strike up a conversation and then, you realize that you have lost your bags, suitcases ever since. This action usually occurs at the first station.
4. Be careful with people who suddenly approach, close or fall as if by accident. That’s also the time, you are stolen. A friend of Luke’s was once repeatedly run over by a stranger when a train came around the corner and took his wallet. Fortunately, the friend found out in time.
Another situation is when passengers pass through the ticket gate to board the train. At this time, you are busy looking for train tickets or struggling through the door, pickpockets will approach like any other passenger coming from behind. “At this point, you just think how someone can be so rude. But in reality, it’s a scam. I witnessed it twice, luckily the train conductor screamed for the bad guys to run away,” Lucas said.
Paris seen from above under Luke’s lens. Photo: NVCC
5. Many cases of passengers sitting near the boarding door and getting off their cellphones or bags were snatched when the train doors were closed, so they could not be chased. If you go during rush hour, you’ll need to tuck your hands into your pants, shirt, book bag, or keep essentials tight. Fraudsters often go with 3-5 people to cover and pass on the stolen goods. Ideally, you should sit inside.
6. Always wear the backpack in front, hold hands tightly. You can take a sling bag and leave it out front. “Don’t leave your phone and paper in the side pocket of your jacket, because it only takes a second and you won’t find your phone again,” says Lukas.
7. If you are stopped on the street asking for an autograph, say no and walk away, as you may be a target for pickpockets or “bad” money. “You don’t have to be a celebrity to ask for an autograph, so there’s no point. You’re just stuck. I’ve seen some tourists being asked for 20 euros after signing a paper,” explains Lukas.
8. In winter, it is dark from 17:30 to 18:00. When traveling at night, you need to observe, pay attention and listen before and after to avoid danger. If you detect footsteps following you in a quiet place, it’s best to run as fast as you can.
9. According to Luke personally, the unsafe areas are districts 18, 19, 20 and north of the city. So visitors or tenants in this area must be careful. The suburbs are also unsafe (except in some areas reserved for the wealthy). If you’re renting a house, you’ll need to ask the owner’s address, then look it up on Google maps. If you see him in the suburbs, think again, don’t be greedy. Housing is cheap, but transportation is expensive and can be robbed along the way.
10. Many tourists have the mentality of taking a taxi or private car to travel within the city rather than public transport to avoid pickpockets. But you have to face traffic jam or no parking when entering the center. Paris has a speed limit of 30 km/h, so traveling by car is even slower than by bicycle. Guests are also not allowed to leave valuables in the car. There have been many cases of breaking glass to steal valuables.
“However, Paris is still very beautiful, still a city worth visiting. So don’t be too afraid. As long as we are careful and alert, everything will be fine,” said Lukas.
Phuong Anh
at Blogtuan.info – Source: vnexpress.net – Read the original article here
