paris safety?

hi all!

ill be in paris and geneva for a few days and was wondering about any tips you can give about camera safety in paris? is it going to be a safety concern if i walk around the city with a gripped xti on an r-strap? i dont think it will be an issue, but i have read that pickpocketing can be a problem. that being said, are cameras (big ones) relatively safe? what have your experiences been like? i guess i know i can be 'targeted' as tourist because of the camera, but there is probably no way around that. i'm bound to look like a tourist!!!

thanks!

ed

I've been to Paris, but certainly don't know the city well enough to make a definitive comment. Never had a problem any time during the 4 days I was there, however.

My guess is the Paris is no different than Toronto in regards to camera safety.

Geneva's not a bad city as such. You're going to get pick-pockets and opportunistic thieves anywhere, though.

You'll be fine as long as you have a good hold of the strap. You can be relaxed, but make sure that anyone wanting to snatch your camera/bags will have a tough time getting it off your person.

I've lived in paris for 20 years. Touristic areas are safe but you have to exercise caution like any other place on earth.

thanks for the replies. cheers!

ed

downtown Paris is safe - very safe. Like Toronto. Only trouble spots would be in the suburbs - much like in Toronto areas like Scarborough and Downsview which really aren't unsafe. It's not like East LA, Bronx or Rio de Janeiro. Relax.

In Paris exercise plenty of care in the usual pickpocket haunts like stations. Wouldn't have thought having your camera nicked from your strap is likely as it's rather blatent. But I have friends who have had their train tickets pinched from their bags etc.

is the web great? you can get tips on Paris safety from guys named 'switchblade'

I was just in Paris for a week and had no real issues with a 30D around my neck or accross my body. Just keep a hand on your xti when it is at your side in busy areas. Not just for theft protection, but to keep from bumping into people.

The two main areas I would be most concerned with would be around Sacre Coeur and Notre Dame. It's ironic that many theives and scammers flock to the areas around churches.

BTW, if anyone asks if you speak english near Notre Dame or asks to help in a demonstraction at Sacre Coeur, just ignore them and keep walking.

thanks for the tips guys! if there are any more, keep 'em coming!

ed

moeronn wrote in post #8489590
BTW, if anyone asks if you speak english near Notre Dame or asks to help in a demonstraction at Sacre Coeur, just ignore them and keep walking.

Pourquoi?

The people at Notre Dame asking you if you speak english are gypsies trying to distract you so they (or an accompliss) can pick your pockets.

The people at Sacre Coeur asking you to help with a demonstration will put a "friendship" bracelet on your wrist and then try to get you to pay them for it.

same as london, however paris does have rather a lot of gypos (un PC but hey)

I'm off to paris soon, plan is to travel light with a 50L on a 5D

Mostly in the center of Paris (Notre Dame, Quais, or Montmartre), any body asking if you speak english-- grab your bag and go away.
Any ring they find in front of you- keep moving-it's not yours.
Pickpockets in the subways.
The above are mostly romanians, or east Europeans.

Besides that, it is pretty safe, but like everywhere just be wise and avoid unknown small streets without lights at night.

buddhamonk wrote in post #8480610
I've lived in paris for 20 years. Touristic areas are safe but you have to exercise caution like any other place on earth.

^^^ Good advice. One has to be cognizant/guarded with their surroundings, but not to the extent that it would ruin your trip.