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Tourist scams and rip-offs in Paris, France: how to avoid them
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Paris is generally safe for tourists but pickpocketing and street scams are common around major sights and Metro lines. Most experiences are fine if you stay alert, use official taxis and public transport, and keep valuables secured.
Updated September 2026
Common scams in Paris, France and how to avoid them
1. Pickpocketing on Metro and at sights
How it works: Teams work crowded Metro lines, especially around Châtelet, Gare du Nord, and the Eiffel Tower, distracting victims while others lift wallets or phones from pockets and bags.
How to avoid it: Keep bags zipped and in front, avoid displaying phones or wallets, and stay alert when the train doors open.
2. Gold ring or found jewelry trick
How it works: Someone claims to find a gold ring on the ground and offers it to you, then demands money for it, or a partner distracts you while you inspect it.
How to avoid it: Walk away immediately and do not engage or accept the item.
3. Petition or charity signature scam
How it works: People ask you to sign a petition for a cause, then a partner pickpockets you while you hold the clipboard or demands a cash donation afterward.
How to avoid it: Do not stop to sign anything from strangers on the street, no matter how polite they seem.
4. Friendship bracelet or string trick
How it works: Someone ties a string or bracelet on your wrist while talking, then aggressively demands payment for it, sometimes with a crowd forming to pressure you.
How to avoid it: Keep hands away from strangers who approach with strings or bracelets, and walk past without stopping.
5. Unlicensed taxi drivers
How it works: Drivers who are not licensed approach you inside the terminal or on the street, quote high flat fares, and sometimes drive without a working meter.
How to avoid it: Only use the official taxi rank outside arrivals, licensed cabs, or a ride-hailing app. Refuse anyone who approaches you first.
6. Unofficial ticket sellers
How it works: People sell Metro tickets or group passes outside stations at inflated prices or with expired or invalid tickets that fail at the gate.
How to avoid it: Buy tickets only from official machines, ticket offices, or the official RATP app.
7. Menu without prices or cover charge surprises
How it works: Some tourist-area restaurants present menus without prices or add high cover and bread charges to the final bill that were not clearly stated.
How to avoid it: Check that prices are listed before ordering and review the bill before paying. If prices are absent, leave.
8. Shell game or three-cup scam
How it works: A dealer appears to let you win at a cup and ball or shell game while accomplices pose as winning players, pressuring you to bet real money.
How to avoid it: Do not play or bet on street games, they are rigged and often paired with pickpockets.
Official tickets for the top sights in Paris, France
Skip street sellers: book official tickets and tours with free cancellation.
From the airport to the city centre
Charles de Gaulle (CDG)
Fair taxi price (official, daytime): €50 - €70. Use the official taxi rank outside arrivals. Metered fare to central Paris is roughly 50 to 70 EUR daytime. Refuse drivers who approach you inside the terminal or quote a flat high price without a meter.
Best alternative: RER B train to central stations like Gare du Nord or Châtelet, or the Roissybus to Opéra. (€13, about 45 min)
Public transport: tickets, validation and fines
- Single ticket
- €2.50 (Single Metro or bus ticket valid for one journey with transfers on Metro only.)
- Validation rules
- Validate your ticket at the gate before boarding the Metro or RER, or stamp it on the bus. Keep it until you exit as inspectors ask regularly.
- Fine without a valid ticket
- €50. On-the-spot fine for traveling without a valid ticket, roughly 50 EUR.
- Paying by card
- Contactless bank cards and apps like the official RATP or IDF Mobilités app work. There is no daily cap for contactless, so a Navigo card or pass may be cheaper for multiple trips.
Tipping and service charges
Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. Round up to the nearest euro in cafés, leave 5-10% in restaurants if service was good, and round up taxi fares.
Cover and service charges: Service is included in the bill by law. Some cafés charge extra for table service versus the bar, and there is sometimes a small cover or bread charge. Always check the menu for written prices.
Cards, ATMs and currency exchange
Choose to pay in EUR and decline dynamic currency conversion when prompted. Use bank-attached ATMs rather than independent machines, which often carry high fees. Avoid exchange booths near tourist spots with poor rates.
Areas where extra care is advised
- Gare du Nord and Gare de l'Est: Around the main stations late at night, keep bags closed and valuables secure, as pickpocketing is frequently reported in official advisories.
- Montmartre and Sacré-Cœur area: Street scam pressure, including bracelet tricks and petition scams, is common on the steps and surrounding streets, so keep hands free and continue walking.
Emergency number
112
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Frequently Asked Questions about Paris, France
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Based on widely reported traveler experiences and official advice. Prices are approximate and change; check current fares on arrival. Updated September 2026.