Five surefire ways to avoid pickpockets in Paris

Is Paris a safe city? The truth is, it’s probably about as safe as any other big city. 

In other words, you need to be smart when you’re here.

And this week on the podcast, American content creator in Paris, Amanda Rollins, shares her tips and tricks for being street smart in the City of Light. 

Amanda has made a name for herself on her wildly popular social media accounts as American Fille. Among many, many other things, she tells her million plus TikTok followers how to stay out of trouble in Paris.

She joined The Earful Tower for a chat about Paris safety and much more.

The Earful Tower podcast

Listen below, or wherever you get your podcasts.

Here are five good ways to avoid Paris pickpockets, based on this week’s conversation with Amanda.

1) Know exactly where you’ve got your phone and wallet

You want to make sure there are multiple hindrances in accessing your valuables, so having them zipped in a bag is a good start. Even better if your bag is in front of you. A tote bag can be good as the opening is right underneath your armpit, but thieves have nimble fingers, so even then be careful.

Be wary of backpacks in crowded areas as those back pockets can easily be unzipped without you noticing. Favour front pockets to back pockets.

2) Be careful on busy Metros

Busy areas in Paris are the classic location to be pickpocketed, sardine-packed Metro carriages is pickpocket heaven. People tend to be pickpocketed in places of transition: the entrances, at the turnstiles, the stairwells, escalators and especially the doorways to the Metro.

These locations are where people are often disorientated and distracted and also where thieves can make an easy and quick exit.

While you’re on the train, listen out for announcements (also in English) for pickpockets in the area. Line 1, especially near the Louvre museum, is an infamous pickpocket hotspot.

3) Be wary of anyone approaching you on the street

A Parisian local isn’t going to approach you on the street. It just doesn’t happen. Parisians don’t need directions or new friends, apparently. So, be wary of anyone approaching you. They probably want something.

Be especially careful of people with “petitions” on clipboards. It’s almost certainly a scam, and what’s worse, you may be pickpocketed while talking to the petitioner. If you are approached, just shake you head firmly, perhaps even say “Non merci”, and move on.

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4) Don’t play any street games

No one on the street is going to give you €50 for getting something correct. Whenever you see people playing any sort of game on the street which involves people exchanging money, most of the people in the huddle are in on the scam.

The ancient “Three Card Monty” is a classic example. This is where a small ball is hidden under one of three cups and the “dealer” wants you to guess where it is. It will look painfully simple. Others will seem to be winning cash. It seems to good to be true. And of course, it is. You’ll play, there’ll be some sleight of hand, and you will lose money. Worst case scenario, in the hustle and bustle, your phone will disappear from your pocket too.

5) Don’t carry large amounts of cash – ever

All the wrong people will notice if you withdraw 1,000 euros from an ATM in Paris. People will notice if your wallet is overflowing with cash while you’re paying for a cheeseburger. Be smart. Use your card to pay for big things.

If you do need cash for something, make the payment sooner rather than later, and absolutely don’t pull all that money out if you’re not about to use it.

6) Bonus tip: If you’ve been pickpocketed, not all is lost

While we can’t actually recommend anyone confronts a thief – there are plenty of stories of people asking a pickpocket for their valuables back – and then getting them. As Amanda says in the episode, thieves don’t want any trouble, they may just yield to a request.

Alternatively, and much more safely, take a walk around the area you were robbed – sometimes thieves just take your cash and discard the wallet. If you have the time, go to the police and report the theft – you might get your valuables back.

And that’s it! Want to hear more from Amanda Rollins? Check out @Americanfille on TikTok:

@americanfille

5 common scams in Paris #visitingparis #visitparis #paristrip #parisscam #americaninparis #paris #parissafety #americanfille #friendshipbraceletscam

♬ original sound – Amanda Rollins

The Earful Tower podcast episode

Once again, here’s The Earful Tower’s podcast episode in case you missed it.

This episode was brought to you by Cook’n With Class, click here to book a class with them.

Their English-speaking cooking classes are a delightful blend of fun, education, and gastronomy. Designed for culinary enthusiasts of all levels, they offer a unique opportunity to explore French cuisine through hands-on experiences in a welcoming atmosphere. 

All photos: Augusta Sagnelli
Additional reporting by Charlotte Pleasants