Paris is a pretty safe place overall, but like any big city, it does have its share of pesky pickpockets and people who are secretly eyeing up your valuables. And of course, losing your phone or wallet can put a serious dent in an otherwise perfect Paris day.
All you usually need to do is keep an eye on your things on the métro not leave your bag dangling unattended on your café chair and you should be just fine. But if you’d like an extra layer of protection, a few clever anti-theft travel devices can give you some extra peace of mind.
Here are the handy theft-proof gadgets I think are worth considering before you head to Paris.
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Image Courtesy of Target
Crossbody Bags
One of the easiest anti-theft travel items you should bring to Paris is a crossbody bag. Any small crossbody or moon bag works wonders just by virtue of sitting snug against your body instead of hanging off one shoulder like an invitation to be snatched.
You might already have a suitable option, but if you want to have Fort Knox level protection, an anti-theft crossbody is the way to go. These have a slash-resistant strap and a zipper that doesn’t just pop open if someone gives it a strong tug.
This anti-theft bucket bag hits the sweet spot of “stylish enough for a chic bistro” and “secure enough for the métro” and this no-fuss urban sling bag will do the trick, and it’s so discreet that it won’t even attract the attention of lurching pickpockets.
Image Courtesy of Target
Slash-resistant backpacks
Heading out to Versailles, or doing the full Louvre–Musée d’Orsay–Eiffel Tower marathon, and want a comfortable bag for all that trekking around the city? A backpack with a slash-resistant panel and lockable zippers means someone would need a very serious plan (and a lot of nerve) to get into it while you’re jostling for space on the train or in front of the Mona Lisa at the Louvre.
This slim anti-theft backpack has a locking main compartment, slash-resistant bottom and straps, and enough pockets to make you feel like you can bring your whole life with you, and very safely. Also, this nice leather backpack has a really clever design and would also be pretty tough to slash through.
Phone lanyards or wrist straps
You might have heard about scooter phone theft happening in some European cities. This isn’t a big problem in Paris, but there are higher chances of phone theft on the métro. The usual trick is to snatch your phone if you’re using it next to the door of the carriage. The thief will grab it as the doors are closing and run off the train, and you can say au revoir to it. A phone lanyard draped across your body or a phone wrist strap turns this situation around.
This type of crossbody phone lanyard has got you covered, or this golden wrist strap is pretty cute. With your phone safely hooked on, you can keep snapping pictures of the views from Montmartre or the stunning Pont Alexandre III without keeping one eye over your shoulder.
Money belts
You don’t need to wear a hidden money belt (or neck pouch) 24/7 (please, enjoy your dinner without a fanny pack full of documents strapped to your ribs). But for the days you’re traveling, or if you’re planning on doing some tax-refund shopping (your passport will be required), a hidden pouch is worth its weight in gold.
Bonus points if it’s got protection against RFID (Radio Frequency Identification), which is a special card sleeve that blocks electronic scanners from stealing your credit card or passport data wirelessly (yes, it’s a bit “sci-fi” wild, but this is really becoming a thing).
There’s a good spread of RFID-blocking money belts that should do the trick, and this slim money belt sits discreetly under a shirt and doesn’t ruin your outfit’s silhouette (a very Parisian concern, I admit).
Image Courtesy of Target
RFID-blocking wallets
Now that you know what RFID stands for, you might also want to get a wallet version too. A wallet or card sleeve with RFID-blocking material means that you’ll be safe from a potential thief with a scanner who brushes past you in a crowded queue to get into Notre Dame or as you’re sitting on a café terrace in Saint-Germain.
This RFID-blocking card holder is small and can be added to your own wallet or purse while this compact women’s wallet or this men’s option won’t bulk up your purse or pocket while you’re wandering through the Marais.
Bluetooth trackers
Even the most seasoned traveler occasionally sets a bag down for one distracted minute too long (I’ve done it twice at the airports). But a Bluetooth tracker tucked into your suitcase, backpack, or day bag means that if the worst happens, you can actually see where your stuff went, and hopefully it’s just at the café you had lunch at or the métro lost-and-found office. Plus, in the rare chance your luggage gets lost in transit, your tag can help locate your bags quicker.
If you’re an Apple user, you’ll want to get an Apple AirTag or this type of locator tag, and if you’re an Android user, pick up some SmartTags.
Luggage locks
Whether you’re checking a bag for your flight to CDG Airport or just want some extra peace of mind when leaving your valuables at one of the hundreds of luggage storage locations across Paris, a simple TSA-approved combination lock can help keep opportunistic hands out.
These luggage locks are a great choice because they have an open-alert indicator, so you’ll know if security (or anyone else) has been poking around inside.
And if you’re planning on moving around France, there are generally luggage racks on either side of a train carriage which means your bags might be out of your line of sight. I recommend getting a luggage cable to secure your suitcase to the side of the rack (with your lock) so you can sit back and enjoy a stress-free journey and just enjoy of lovely scenery you’re zooming past.
After reading my list of the best Paris travel accessories, are you looking for more tips for your Paris trip? Read these next:
