In my experience it is better to take an ATM card rather than traveler’s checks, you can pay with it almost anywhere and the fees are quite similar, plus you don’t have to carry around your passport all the time to cash them.
There are also some gypsies in Barcelona especially at night, so try not to walk on dark alleys or dark streets by yourselves.
Make 2 copies of all your documents, tickets, passport, and leave 1 set at home and take 1 set with you.
A good idea is to get a secret pouch, they sell them at macys and you can keep money and your documents there with you at all times (especially if you’re staying in hostels).
That might be a good place to keep your wallet on the subway.
In Paris and Barcelona, use the Metro to travel but be VERY csreful of your personal belongings, carry a bag, to your front which you also hold. All of these cities are very modern, populous places with an excellent standard of living. The water is completely safe to drink in all three of these cities.
I go around quite a lot, even by myself, and I’ve had no problem. I try not to show that I’m a tourist: photo machine and map go in the bag. I look at the map in crowded public places, memorize where I’m going and don’t take it out again, unless in a coffee shop or something…
Don’t go in small deserted alleys at night.
Usually, in the older streets, there is always lots of people passing by in daytime. You don’t risk more than pickpockets.
Bring also some warm clothes, because Paris has a continental climate: the weather sometimes changes quite suddenly and temperatures fall and rise quickly.
If it’s sunny and you walk around a lot, just remember to drink water and put some sunscreen.
I would recommend that you learn simple basic phrases if you don’t know the language. It has been my experience that people are more likely to help you if you show them that you are attempting to use their language.
3. March 2006 at 12:22 am :
only drink bottled water not glass water from a restaurant or anywhere there
6. March 2006 at 12:04 pm :
travelers checks not cash and watch eachother in paris they are gypsies that work in groups and will pick pocket you
9. March 2006 at 1:39 am :
In my experience it is better to take an ATM card rather than traveler’s checks, you can pay with it almost anywhere and the fees are quite similar, plus you don’t have to carry around your passport all the time to cash them.
There are also some gypsies in Barcelona especially at night, so try not to walk on dark alleys or dark streets by yourselves.
Make 2 copies of all your documents, tickets, passport, and leave 1 set at home and take 1 set with you.
A good idea is to get a secret pouch, they sell them at macys and you can keep money and your documents there with you at all times (especially if you’re staying in hostels).
That might be a good place to keep your wallet on the subway.
10. March 2006 at 7:23 pm :
Check out for all of your European questions. It is a really good site.
12. March 2006 at 11:09 am :
In Paris and Barcelona, use the Metro to travel but be VERY csreful of your personal belongings, carry a bag, to your front which you also hold. All of these cities are very modern, populous places with an excellent standard of living. The water is completely safe to drink in all three of these cities.
15. March 2006 at 1:09 pm :
jp_nesta and brideshead are right.
I go around quite a lot, even by myself, and I’ve had no problem. I try not to show that I’m a tourist: photo machine and map go in the bag. I look at the map in crowded public places, memorize where I’m going and don’t take it out again, unless in a coffee shop or something…
Don’t go in small deserted alleys at night.
Usually, in the older streets, there is always lots of people passing by in daytime. You don’t risk more than pickpockets.
Bring also some warm clothes, because Paris has a continental climate: the weather sometimes changes quite suddenly and temperatures fall and rise quickly.
If it’s sunny and you walk around a lot, just remember to drink water and put some sunscreen.
17. March 2006 at 9:13 am :
I would recommend that you learn simple basic phrases if you don’t know the language. It has been my experience that people are more likely to help you if you show them that you are attempting to use their language.
19. March 2006 at 6:28 pm :
yeah, trust no one