Safety Tips for France: Scams, Areas to Watch & Emergency Numbers

Is France safe to visit?

France is one of the world's most-visited countries and is generally very safe. The main risk for tourists isn't violent crime, it's pickpocketing and scams, especially in crowded spots in Paris, Nice, Marseille and Lyon. A little awareness goes a long way.

Common scams to know

• The petition / clipboard scam near the Eiffel Tower, Sacre-Coeur and Louvre: someone asks you to sign a petition while an accomplice picks your pocket.
• The gold ring trick: a stranger pretends to find a ring near your feet and pressures you to pay for it.
• The friendship bracelet at Montmartre: someone ties string on your wrist, then demands money.
• Fake petitioners and charity collectors asking for donations with a clipboard.
• Metro distraction teams who crowd the doors as they open.

Areas to be careful

• Paris: Gare du Nord, Chatelet-Les Halles, Barbes-Rochechouart and the area around Sacre-Coeur at night.
• Marseille: keep valuables hidden around the main station and avoid quiet streets late at night.
• On trains and the metro: watch your bag on RER B (airport line) and crowded Line 1.

These areas are fine by day; just stay alert and keep your phone and wallet secure.

Practical safety habits

• Use a cross-body bag with a zip and keep it in front in crowds.
• Never leave a phone on a cafe table; "grab and run" thefts happen on terraces.
• Beware of moped snatch theft of phones near traffic.
• Use official taxis or G7 / Uber / Bolt; avoid unlicensed drivers at airports.
• Keep a photo of your passport and travel insurance on your phone.

Emergency numbers in France

• 112 - European emergency number (works for any emergency, multilingual).
• 15 - SAMU (medical / ambulance).
• 17 - Police.
• 18 - Fire brigade (pompiers).
• 114 - emergency by SMS for the deaf or hard of hearing.

Pharmacies (green cross sign) can help with minor issues and are widespread.

Stay connected in France

A HelloSIM eSIM keeps you online the moment you land, so you can use maps, translate signs, call a taxi and reach emergency numbers without roaming fees.