What scams should I watch out for in Paris?

The three that actually catch people: the petition scam, the gold ring, and the bracelet ambush. In the petition version, someone thrusts a clipboard at you near major monuments, collects signatures, then demands money — walk past without making eye contact and say nothing. The gold ring scam involves a stranger "finding" a ring on the ground and offering it to you; accepting opens a conversation that ends with a request for cash. The bracelet scam concentrates around Sacré-Cœur, where men aggressively tie string bracelets onto your wrist, then demand payment once it's on. On the Métro, watch bags at turnstiles, where one person causes a delay while another lifts your belongings. Pickpockets also work Pont des Arts and the area around the Eiffel Tower in groups, sometimes involving children. None of this should alarm you; Paris is a normal European city. Keep your phone in a front pocket, wear a crossbody bag worn across your chest, and you'll be fine.

Trip Friend knows Paris cold.

Plan a real trip there, and Trip Friend can answer every follow-up — with your dates, your style, and your places baked into the conversation.

• Where do locals actually go for aperitivo in Paris?
• Where do locals drink coffee in Paris?
• What does a local breakfast look like in Paris?
• Where is the street food in Paris actually good?
• Where can I eat after midnight in Paris?
• How do I get from the airport to the city in Paris?