(Eagle News)–The Philippine Embassy in France has warned Filipinos traveling to Paris to be “vigilant” due to what it said was an increase in robberies and break-ins in the city, and the recent terror attacks.
The embassy urged Filipinos to “secure” their belongings when visiting tourist spots, walking around and riding public transportation; and to be “wary of pickpockets,” who it said were “rampant in metro stations, trains and even shopping areas.”
It added theft may also occur in hotels and apartments, which means tourists should make sure their “briefcases, bags and other valuables are secure.”
“Be wary of the so-called “hotel rats,” scam artists who pretend to be hotel guests or tourists and who can swipe baggage in hotel lobbies, or book rooms with fake names and break in rooms to steal valuables,” it said.
The embassy urged Filipinos to “keep your passport and identity card in separate areas of your bag, so that you lessen the risk of losing both identity documents,” and to “not carry a lot of cash.”
“Most stores accept cards. Should you use your card, cover your hand discretely when typing the pin,” it said.
Bags should also be kept “out of sight” when inside vehicles, as robberies, the embassy said, sometimes occur during traffic jams.
“Be alert and vigilant when visiting different areas in France. Make sure to follow the instructions of police and military personnel in case of any incident,” the embassy said.
“Be updated with the news. Refrain from going to areas that are declared to be unsafe or that have terrorism threat,” it added.
Those in need of assistance may contact +33 1 44 14 57 00, the embassy’s social media sites, or its e-mail address: paris.pe@dfa.gov.ph.
They may also visit the embassy at 45 rue de Ranelagh, 4 hameau de Boulainvilliers.