Paris: Avoid the 8 Biggest Scams and Rip-Offs
By Sam Lee, 2025. Paris is the dream spot for travelers everywhere. But hey, even in paradise, there’s always a catch: sneaky tourist scams and rip-offs that can turn your dream vacation into a bit of a nightmare.
But there’s no need to worry. Knowing these classic scams will help you breeze through your Parisian adventure. So, let’s dive into Paris’ eight biggest tourist traps, so you can enjoy your trip without a hitch.
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01 — The friendship bracelet scam
02 — Overpriced food and souvenirs
03 — Identity theft through public Wi-Fi
04 — Cheap tickets or fake “free” tours
05 — The classic pickpocket scheme
06 — Misleading tax drivers
07 — Overpriced TukTuks
08 — False petitions and charities
09 — Final tips for protecting yourself
01—
The notorious friendship bracelet scam
Paris—the city of love, lights, and... friendship bracelets? Yep, you heard that right. Picture this: you're wandering along the Seine, minding your own business, when suddenly, someone with a grin wider than the Eiffel Tower starts tying colorful threads around your wrist. How sweet, right? Wrong. You've just met the infamous friendship bracelet scam.
Before you can say "croissant," they're demanding payment—usually a ridiculous amount for something that was supposed to be free. It's like a magic trick, but instead of a rabbit, you get a hefty bill. Their secret weapon? Guilt and surprise. Voila! You're now part of their little show.
What makes this scam so sneaky is how lightning-fast it happens. One moment you're basking in Parisian bliss; the next, you're tangled in their web, wondering what just hit you.
Pro tip: When a stranger offers you a gift or service out of nowhere, just hit 'em with a quick "no thanks." Trust me, it'll save you some euros and keep your Paris adventure drama-free.
So, keep your wits about you and enjoy Paris without any unwanted accessories—unless they're from Saint Laurent or Hermes, of course!
02—
Overpriced food and souvenirs
Tourists swarm to Paris like bees to honey, and with them comes the irresistible lure of overpriced souvenirs and dining experiences. Oh, the temptation to snag that Eiffel Tower keychain or splurge on a meal at a café with a Seine view! But beware, these charming spots often come with a side of we’re charging you way too much.
Almost every place in the tourist hotspots jacks up prices while serving you meh quality. A simple coffee? Yeah, that’ll be double what you’d pay in the less touristy nooks.
And if the servers ask if you want a small or large coffee (or any drink), brace yourself. You might just end up paying three times the original price for a slightly bigger cup. Sneaky, right?
To dodge these wallet traps, don’t be shy about wandering off the beaten path. Check out the side streets for authentic shops and eateries where locals hang out. Not only will you score better deals, but you’ll also soak in some real Parisian vibes (and support small family-run businesses).
When it comes to souvenir shopping, hit up markets or smaller boutiques away from the main attractions. That’s where you’ll find unique treasures without demolishing your budget—souvenirs that scream I went to Paris! rather than I fell for a tourist trap.
So go ahead, explore, eat, and shop like a savvy traveler. Your wallet (and your taste buds) will thank you.
03—
Identity theft through public Wi-Fi
Sure, public Wi-Fi is super convenient, especially when you're wandering around Paris. But it's also a playground for identity thieves, especially around tourist zones.
When you hop onto an unsecured network at a café or hotel, your personal data is basically screaming, “Come get me!” Hackers are like, “Challenge accepted”, and boom—your passwords and credit card numbers are theirs.
Always double-check you're connecting to the real deal. Look for signs with the official Wi-Fi name or ask someone who works there. Easy peasy.
And hey, get a VPN. It's like a superhero cape for your data. Seriously, use one.
Oh, and maybe hold off on accessing your bank account while sipping that overpriced latte. Save the sensitive stuff for when you're on a secure connection. Trust me, your future self will thank you.
04—
Cheap tickets or fake “free” attractions
Paris is a city bursting with must-see spots, but remember, not all that glitters is gold. Those enticing "free" tours or attractions? Yeah, they often come with some sneaky strings attached.
These scams reel you in with promises of no fees and thrilling adventures. But once you're there, those charming guides might suddenly expect hefty tips or push you to buy overpriced trinkets. Classic bait and switch.
Some places might even slap you with an entry fee after the initial pitch, leaving you feeling like a gullible tourist. Do your homework before accepting any unsolicited offers from strangers on the street. Seriously, Google is your friend.
Never buy tickets to tourist attractions from random folks on the street — stick to authorized ticket centers outside the attraction. Better yet, snag your tickets and schedule your visit in advance through GetYourGuide:
05—
The classic pickpocket scheme
Paris is a stunner, no doubt, but it’s also a playground for pickpockets. These sneaky thieves love crowded spots like the Eiffel Tower, metro stations, and all the must-see tourist traps. Keep an eye out on Lines 1 and 4, the metro lines that zip through all the hot spots.
They’re like a bad improv troupe, working in teams. One distracts you with some Oscar-worthy performance while the other makes off with your goodies. Someone might ask for directions or strike up a random chat. Spoiler alert: it's not a coincidence.
To keep your stuff safe, stash valuables securely and out of reach. Anti-theft bags are your new best friend, and always stay sharp. If someone invades your personal space or causes a ruckus, be on guard.
If your Spidey senses tingle, trust them and make a swift exit.
06—
Misleading taxi drivers
Navigating Paris can be a blast, but watch out for those sneaky taxi drivers. Some might see your touristy glow and decide to take the scenic (read: longer) route to pad the fare.
Know where you’re headed and have a rough idea of the distance. Keep your phone’s navigation handy to make sure your driver isn’t taking you on an unexpected tour of the city.
Stick with official taxis that have a running meter. Unlicensed cabs can charge you an arm and a leg without any oversight. Booking G7 taxis online is a solid choice for getting around Paris. And hey, a private airport pick-up might be cheaper than you think.
If you’re fuzzy on the fare, don’t be shy—ask for an estimate before hopping in. A friendly question can save you some euros and a lot of hassle.
Remember, knowledge is power, and a little prep can keep your Parisian adventure stress-free.
07—
Overpriced Tuk Tuks
When it comes to getting around Paris, Tuk Tuks have rolled in as the funky new kids on the block. They’re a quirky, colorful alternative to your regular old taxis or public transit. But, oh la la, they can come with a price tag that can make your wallet weep.
Tourists are often dazzled by their vibrant hues and the novelty factor. A quick spin around the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre sounds like a blast, right? Well, hold your croissants, because those fares can shoot up faster than you can say bonjour!
Drivers have a knack for charging sky-high rates for short jaunts, and some tours might leave you feeling ripped off. The charm of these little vehicles fades quickly when you realize you’ve been taken for a ride—literally.
So, here’s the deal: negotiate that fare like your vacation depends on it. Make sure the price is for the whole crew, not per person. Pro tip: whip out your phone, type in the total, and get them to agree.
Voilà! Now your Parisian adventure can stay fun, without the bitter aftertaste of an unexpected bill.
08—
False petitions and charities
As you wander the streets of Paris, watch out for folks with clipboards. They might come at you with some noble-sounding cause, asking you to sign a petition or donate to charity.
These scams often target tourists who are caught off guard by emotional stories. The idea is to tug at your heartstrings and loosen your purse strings. But guess what? Many of these petitions are just funding someone's next croissant.
If you’re approached, it’s best to keep it cool. Politely decline and stroll away. Legit charities won’t be hustling you on the street like that.
By staying sharp, you can soak in the splendor of Paris without getting duped by clipboard-wielding charlatans.
09—
Final tips for protecting yourself
Scam artists in Paris are usually more interested in your wallet than harming you. Their main goal? Snatch your cash or anything they can flip for a quick buck. Stay sharp, but don’t freak out.
Here are some tips that I swear by:
Keep your head on a swivel. Seriously, just be mindful of who’s around you, especially when you're packed like sardines in crowded spots.
Avoid ATMs in tourist traps or busy train stations like the plague. If you need cash, hit up an ATM in a quieter, local neighborhood where Parisians actually live and work.
If you find yourself in a sticky situation, just walk away. Feel threatened? Blow a whistle or yell like you’re auditioning for a horror movie. Most scammers want to stay under the radar. Don’t throw punches, or you might end up explaining yourself to the police!
Keep your goodies on lockdown. Use a money belt or a zip-up crossbody bag (tuck it under your jacket if you can pull it off). Spread your valuables around so you’re not cleaned out if someone gets lucky.
Learn some basic French phrases. It’ll help you blend in a bit and might make scammers think twice about targeting you.
Stick to reputable transportation. Taxis from the airport have a set fee, so grab one from the official stand and ride easy.
Be stingy with your personal info online and steer clear of public Wi-Fi for anything sensitive like banking. A VPN can be your best friend here.
Share your travel plans with someone back home. Having a buddy who knows your whereabouts can give you some extra peace of mind.
My final word of advice is to trust your instincts. If something feels off, it probably is. Stay savvy, stay safe, and enjoy Paris!
NEXT READ:
When to Visit Paris and Fun Seasonal Events
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