Paris is the City of Light. It’s full of beauty around every corner. But before you venture out, here are a few tips to make sure your stay goes as smoothly as possible! Enjoy, and don’t forget to download XL Secrets for free on Android or IOS to discover the best of Paris!

Health

1. Vaccines: Make sure your recommended vaccinations are up to date, particularly for Hepatitis A and B, as well as tetanus.
2. Water safety: Tap water is safe to drink in Paris, but bottled water is also available.
3. Food safety: Choose well-cooked food from reputable establishments to avoid food-borne illness.
4. Pharmacies: Parisian pharmacies are well-stocked; you can spot them by their green crosses. Note that not all of them are open 24 hours a day.
5. Health: Take your health insurance card with you and find out where the nearest hospitals and clinics are.
6. Allergies: Inform restaurant staff of any food allergies you may have; French menus may contain allergens.
7. Heat and hydration: In summer, make sure to stay hydrated and apply sunscreen to protect yourself from sunburn.
8. Cold: In winter, wear several layers of clothing and protect yourself from the cold.

Animals

9. Pigeons: Avoid feeding pigeons, as they can be a nuisance in public places.
10. Dogs: Parisians love dogs, but you should always ask before petting them.
11. Wild animals: Although rare, be cautious of wildlife in parks, especially around bodies of water.

Scams

12. Pickpockets: Be careful in crowded places like the metro, tourist areas and markets.
13. ATM security: Use ATMs located inside banks to reduce the risk of card skimming.
14. Cab scams: Use official cab ranks or reputable ride-sharing apps like Uber or Bolt.
15. Street vendors: Beware of street vendors offering goods at prices too good to be true.
16. Bogus charities: Beware of people asking for donations on the street.
17. Friendship bracelets: Avoid people who try to attach a bracelet to your wrist; this is often a ploy to ask you for money.
18. Photo scams: Some people may offer to take your photo and then ask you for money.
19. Counterfeit products: Avoid buying counterfeit items from street vendors.

Culture

20. Dress code: Dress respectfully at religious sites and avoid overly casual attire in upscale restaurants.
21. Language: Learn basic French phrases like “Bonjour” and “Merci”.
22. Gratuities: Service is generally included in the restaurant bill, but a small tip is appreciated.
23. Queues: Parisians queue for buses, trains and stores; please respect the queue.
24. Cultural etiquette: Greet with a handshake or a kiss on the cheek, depending on the situation.
25. Noise: Keep your voice down in public places, especially on public transport.
26. Respect for monuments: Respect monuments and memorials, especially those commemorating historic events.
27. Good manners: Always say “Hello” when you enter a store or restaurant and “Goodbye” when you leave.

Transport

28. Metro safety: Be mindful of pickpocketing and avoid empty carriages late at night.
29. Buses and streetcars: Validate your ticket before boarding to avoid fines.
30. Bicycle paths: Watch out for bicycle paths when walking; they can easily be confused with sidewalks.
31. Traffic: Look both ways before crossing streets; vehicles don’t always stop for pedestrians.
32. Stations: Stay vigilant in stations, especially when it comes to your luggage and personal belongings.
33. Carpooling: Use apps like Uber or Blablacar for safe, reliable transportation.
34. Car rental: If you’re renting a car, make sure you’re familiar with the French highway code.

Safety precautions

35. Emergency numbers: Memorize emergency numbers: 112 (general), 17 (police), 18 (fire) and 15 (medical).
36. Night-time safety: Avoid poorly-lit or deserted areas at night.
37. Street smarts: Be aware of your surroundings, especially in tourist areas.
38. Wallet and phone: Keep your wallet and phone in a safe place, preferably in inside pockets.
39. Lost and found: Report lost or stolen property to the nearest police station and to your embassy.
40. Public Wi-Fi: use a virtual private network (VPN) when accessing public Wi-Fi to protect your data.
41. Consular contact: Have the contact details of your embassy or consulate ready in case of emergency.
42. Local laws: Familiarize yourself with local laws, especially those concerning alcohol consumption and public behavior.
43. Hotel security: Use the hotel safe for your valuables, and make sure your room door is always locked.
44. Cultural sensitivity: Respect local customs and traditions, especially in religious contexts.
45. Water safety: Be careful near the Seine; currents can be strong.
46. High-traffic areas: Be especially vigilant in crowded areas such as the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame and the Louvre.
47. Street entertainment: Enjoy the street entertainment, but keep an eye on your belongings.
48. Avoid political demonstrations and large gatherings.
49. Respect privacy: Ask permission before taking photos of people, especially in markets and residential areas.
50. Environmental responsibility: Dispose of your waste properly and take part in recycling initiatives.

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