Safety in Paris

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Paris is a safe city. It is also a bustling urban center. Just like in any other big city, you should pay particular attention to your surroundings and be ready to reach out to the right resources should the unexpected occur. You’ll find a few tips and key emergency support numbers on this page. Reach out the studentdevelopmentataup.edu (Student Development Helpdesk) if you have any concerns or questions about safety in Paris.

 

​cid:image001.png@01D49304.82FC1DA0​​International SOS (ISOS): All AUP students are enrolled in International SOS (ISOS), a 24/7 emergency assistance provider available wherever you may be in the world. Their worldwide helpdesks assist with urgent medical issues, security and logistical questions, medical advice as well as other non-emergency concerns about health, travel and more. ISOS can be contacted by phone, online, or using the ISOS app (available in your mobile phone's app store). View the ISOS Assistance App on the ISOS website. 

Please download the ISOS app and have their number readily available. You never know when you may need their support.

 

Pickpocketing and Safety

Tips to avoid being pickpocketed:

  • Keep with you only what you need and avoid bringing extra credit cards or excess amounts of cash while you’re out. Make a photocopy of your passport/visa instead of carrying it with you.
  • Pay attention to your belongings while on the Metro. Keep bags under your arm or wear the strap across your body and place your hand over the zipper. Do not leave wallets, phones, or money in your back pocket. Keep a careful eye on your belongings in crowed stations or trains.
  • Don’t place your phones, iPads, or wallets on the table while sitting at a café, particularly if you're outside. Keep your personal items inside a closed bag and keep it close to you. Beware that iPhones are the most commonly stolen item and are usually swiped from restaurant or café tables!

Also be sure to check out these recommendations from the US Embassy to avoid being pickpocketed in Paris.

Nighttime Safety:
  • Stay with friends. While walking around any big city, it’s always better to be with a friend than to be alone.
  • Take a taxi home. Don’t be afraid to pay the money for a taxi to get you home. Tuck away an extra a few extra Euros and make sure you don't spend them on your night out! G7 taxis are required to take cards, even if they are sometimes reluctant. Feel free to have a conversation with the taxi driver, but don’t give out any personal information. It can be a good idea to call a friend and let them know where you are and inform them once you arrive home. Make sure when you step into a taxi that the "TAXI PARISIEN" sign is on the roof. There are fake taxis that roam around nightclubs and bars at night. There are phone numbers for taxis on the back of your AUP student ID card. Keep these numbers in your phone! Uber is another popular option for getting around, especially at night and in the early mornings.
  • Pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t be afraid when walking through the city, but as with any metropolis it’s best to stay in well-lit areas (lights are on along the Seine all night). Cross the street to avoid anyone you feel can be a possible threat. Take the usual precautions, avoid empty streets and take busier streets, even if it makes your walk a little longer.
  • Be careful while crossing streets. Even though the green light for crossing is on, still check that no cars are rushing down the street. Parisian drivers are renowned for driving fast and not respecting traffic laws. Plus, buses and taxis run in opposite direction on some streets.
Aggression/harassment
  • Paris is a big city and may have a very different culture than the one you are used to at home. For Americans, it’s common to smile or say hello to a passerby on the street. In Paris this is not the case.
  • Be aware that a simple look or acceptance of a drink often means accepting an invitation for more than conversation.
  • If someone approaches you, remember to be firm but polite. Being rude can often lead to trouble.
  • If someone is harassing you verbally or physically do not be afraid to be forceful in your speech. Even if you don’t speak French, you can get your point across by saying ‘NO’ or speaking in any language you are most comfortable.
What to do if you are a victim of a crime:

  • File a police report. Do not wait to contact the police. If you don’t feel comfortable speaking French, ask someone who does to come with you. The US Embassy also offers recommendations for you if any personal items are lost. The Student Development Helpdesk can assist with this and all other items listed in this section.

  • Cancel all credit cards. Contact your local bank and tell them you lost your card. Phone numbers can be found on their website or with AUP Student Development banking information.

  • Call your phone company. You have a maximum of 48 hours to inform your phone company (Bouygues, SFR, Orange…) in case of theft or loss. If you don’t call them in this period of time, the insurance will not repay you if any credit has been used by the thief. Call: 1064 for Bouygues, 1023 for SFR, 3970 for Orange.

  • Ask for help. Robbery or harassment can be a traumatic experience. If you need to talk with someone, do not hesitate to ask. If you’re not sure what to do in your particular case, Student Development is open to help you. You can also leave a message on the AUP switchboard 24/7 (dial 600).

  • Whether you’re a survivor or someone seeking information, this quick guide will take you through what to do immediately after an incident of sexual assault, where to find support, and other information such as how to file a formal complaint. For a comprehensive guide to the rules and procedures related to sexual and moral misconduct at AUP, please keep reading below.

Sexual Misconduct Guide [PDF]

If you have any questions or concerns, or feel like discussing the matter, please come see our trained counselors in the Guidance Counseling Office (https://www.aup.edu/student-life/support/health-wellness/guidance-counseling)

Other Emergency Resources

POLICE 17.

THE FIRE BRIGADE 18.

SAMU (AMBULANCE) 15.

EUROPEAN 911 (ALL EMERGENCIES) : 112

 

THE CLOSEST POLICE STATION TO THE UNIVERSITY:

9, rue Fabert 75007 Paris
Tel. +33 (0)1 44 18 69 07
Metro: Invalides
UMIP-Unite de proximite: +33 (0)1 53 73 90 65