At the airport and station
Ignore unsolicited drivers offering a special deal. Use the official taxi rank or your pre-booked operator. Genuine Paris taxis have a roof sign, meter, fare information and a licence plate on the front wing. Check the amount before authorising card payment.
Buy transport tickets from official machines, counters or apps. A stranger offering to operate the machine for you is not a shortcut worth taking. Ask station staff instead.
When someone wants your attention
Treat an unsolicited bracelet, “found” ring, petition or street game as a reason to keep moving. Do not hand over your phone, wallet or passport. A clear “Non, merci” is enough; you do not owe a debate.
In a crowd, close your bag and keep it in front of you. Avoid leaving phones on café tables or wallets in an outer pocket. If there is a sudden distraction or someone bumps into you, keep hold of your belongings. These precautions concern behaviour, never someone’s appearance.
Book the landmark, not the lookalike
Check the website address before paying. Search advertisements and convincing logos do not prove a site is official. Compare the full ticket conditions: date, time, floor or gallery access and cancellation policy.
Use the Eiffel Tower and Louvre’s own booking sites when you want direct tickets. A legitimate guided-tour operator can charge more, but should explain what the extra price includes. Avoid payment links from strangers or promises of guaranteed access without a dated booking.
If something has gone wrong
Move to a safe, staffed place. Contact your card issuer immediately for a stolen card; an Indian card is best handled through its own bank. Save receipts, booking messages and screenshots.
Report theft to a police station and request a copy of the report for insurance or passport procedures. Call 17 or 112 if you are in immediate danger. For a lost Indian passport, use the emergency guide and contact the Embassy of India.
Sources & official links
Original editorial guidance. Check current procedures and opening hours with the linked organisations before travel. French phrases are our own translations; suggested days are editorial plans.