Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Museum—is a nerve center for the American expat community. Worship services are held
every Sunday (traditional services at 9:00 and 11:00, contemporary service at 13:30). The
coffee hour after the 11:00 service and the free Sunday concerts (generally Sept-June at
17:00—butnoteveryweekandnotinDec)areagoodwaytogetatasteofémigrélifeinPar-
is (reception open Mon-Sat 9:00-12:00 & 13:00-22:00, Sun 14:30-19:00, 65 Quai d'Orsay,
Mo: Invalides, tel. 01 40 62 05 00,
www.acparis.org
)
. It's also a handy place to pick up free
copies of
France-USA Contacts
, an advertisement paper with info on housing and employ-
ment for the 50,000 Americans living in Paris (
www.fusac.fr
)
.
For a comprehensive rundown of the city's train stations and airports, see “Paris Connec-
tions,”attheendofthischapter.Forinformationonparkingacar,see“HelpfulHints,”next.
Theft Alert:
Thieves thrive near famous monuments and on Métro and RER lines that
servehigh-profile touristsights.Beware ofpickpockets workingbusylines(e.g.,attick-
et windows at train stations). Pay attention when it's your turn and your back is to the
crowd—keep your bag firmly gripped in front of you. In general, it's smart to wear a
moneybelt,putyourwalletinyourfrontpocket,loopyourdaybagoveryourshoulders,
and keep a tight grip on your purse or shopping bag. Muggings are rare, but they do oc-
cur. If you're out late, avoid the dark riverfront embankments and any place where the
lighting is dim and pedestrian activity is minimal.
Paris is taking action to combat crime by stationing police at monuments, on streets,
and on the Métro, as well as security cameras at key sights. You'll go through quick and
reassuring airport-like security checks at many major attractions.
ATM Alert:
When withdrawing money from a cash machine, use your hand to shield your
PIN number from prying eyes. Don't engage with anyone who offers to “help” you use
an ATM (which works just like ours do) or warns you that it isn't working properly. If
that happens, cancel your operation and find a different machine.
Tourist Scams:
Be aware of the latest scams, including these current favorites. The “found
ring” scam involves an innocent-looking person who picks up a ring off the ground and
asksifyoudroppedit.Whenyousayno,thepersonexaminestheringmoreclosely,then
shows you a mark “proving” that it's pure gold. He offers to sell it to you for a good
price—several times more than he paid for it before dropping it on the sidewalk.
In the “friendship bracelet” scam, a vendor approaches you and asks if you'll help
him with a demonstration. He proceeds to make a friendship bracelet right on your arm.
Whenfinished,heasksyoutopayforthebracelethecreatedjustforyou.Andsinceyou
can't easily take it off on the spot, he counts on your feeling obliged to pay up.
