Things to Avoid in France – Safety Tips for Indian Travelers

You want to plan your dream vacation in France? You will enjoy experiences that are not forgotten whether you are going to the Eiffel Tower, walk on the Seine or visit quaint towns like Nice and Lyon, France has a lot to offer. There is also what you should not do as in any foreign destination. Safety habits are things that should be learnt in order to ensure that the trip is smooth and enjoyable throughout the period of the learning. You should complete your France visa online application early before you start planning, otherwise you will be late.

This is the pocket-sized, common-sense, don’t-want-to-go-wrong guide of what Indian tourists need to know and need to avoid in France, and how to keep safe and have an excellent time in one of the most picturesque nations of the world.

1. Do not carry A lot of Your Valuables together.

Large cities such as Paris have petty theft especially at the metro stations, tourist hotspots, and also at the markets.

Hack: Go with what you need on a day-to-day basis. Store passports, bank cards and additional cash somewhere in the hotel. When out on the street, use anti stolen bags.

2. Do Not Leave Your Things Unsecured.

Certainly, it is easy to leave a bag on a chair or hang it at the back of you at cafes or parks. Avoid it.

Tips: Store bags in sight and wear cross body bag. The chairs in French cafes are close together- watch out when you are sitting close to strangers.

3. Staying out of Tourist Frauds.

Other scams met by tourists include fake petitions or friendship bracelets and unsolicited assistance.

Hint: Say no and continue walking. In case one is distracting you, be conscious of your environment.

4. Local Rules and Etiquette Should Not Be Ignored.

France appreciates good culture and respect of local practice eases the traveling process. Avoid:

• Shouting in a train or bus.
• Coming in stores without saying hello (Bonjour is a long way)
• Consuming or drinking in some of the boutiques.
• Handling of produce in markets without authorization.

Courteousness will result in nice, unforgettable experiences.

5. Stay Out of Dangerous Areas at Night.

France is not a dangerous country, however, there are certain places that are not comfortable to walk after midnight in big cities.

Trick: Visit a neighbourhood during the day and then go to visit it at night. Keep to bright and crowded streets and do not use lonely lanes and secluded places.

6. Didn’t Let Taxi Drivers Rip You Off.

Majority of taxi drivers in France are professional, although there are those who overcharge tourists.

Tip:

• Ensure the meter is running.
• Google Maps check the approximate cost of a ticket and board.
• In an airport, official taxi stands should only be used.

7. Forget Hurrying in Crammed Metro Stations.

Paris metro is very hectic during rush hours. Rapid movement can be the source of undesired attention.

Hint: Be sure which route to take before getting into a station. Your bag should not be stored behind you and it should not cover the entrances.

8. Don’t Fail to Simple French Phrases.

Most locals understand English, yet an attempt to speak French is a long way.

Useful phrases:

• Bonjour – Hello  
• Merci – Thank you  
• Pardon – Excuse me  
• Parlez‑vous anglais? – Do you speak English?

These phrases will prevent confusion and the disrespect of local culture.

9. In the Older Towns, Never Drink Tap Water without Inspection.

In big cities, the tap water is safe, however, in rural and/or older towns it might be unsafe. Confirm before drinking.

Hint: query Hotel/check local instructions. In a doubtful situation, it is better to take the bottled water.

10. Train and Platform Safety: Don’t Overlook It.

The rail network in France is also very good, however, the stations may get congested.

Hint: Don't cross dissarpras when queuing, keep baggage by your side and do not accept any unwanted assistance at the check-in desks.

11. Dressing Flashy in Sensitive Areas to avoid.

Although in France, it is fashionable, they should not show off expensive jewelry or gadgets in not so tourist areas.

Hint: Wear intelligent and be able to blend in. This minimizes the chances of pick pocketing.

12. Don’t Skip Travel Insurance

France has good medical services, which are however costly to the visitor.

Tips: Choose a travel insurance that would cover such situations as medical emergency, theft, delays in the trip and lost baggage.

13. Never Get Lost in Long Queues without Purchasing Tickets Online.

The long queues, in popular places such as the Louvre and the Eiffel Tower are usually long.

Hint: Purchase skip-the-line tickets online in order to save hours.

14. Do not Plan a Tight Itinerary.

France is to be seen in a slow manner. Rushing defeats the charm.

Hint: Your schedule must be flexible. Have time to take coffee, walk along rivers, and find out some surprises.

15. Do Not Be afraid to get a professional help with your trip.

It is easy to be overwhelmed when planning a trip to France, visas, bookings, itineraries, and safety spare time. Go Kite Tours is another reliable travel agency in India that you can trust with ensuring that the arrangements are made smoothly in the middle. Their tips help you to make your vacation stress-free and very organized.

Conclusion

France provides culture, romance, art, history and memorable moments to the Indian travelers. Being aware of what to evade and being conscious of precautionary measures will help make the adventure more pleasant and without worries. To move to France, check the France visa process twice to be sure you enter the country without difficulties. Find wise working, be watchful and experience all the magic moments in France!