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As long as you avoid the quieter areas after dark, you will find Paris a reasonably safe city. Crime in busy areas is rare, except for pickpockets. Muggings are not common but theft is, so make sure your hotel room and car are locked and secure.

In case you fall ill, avoid expensive health care by taking out insurance. For any minor health problems, pharmacies are plentiful and marked by a green cross; if one is closed, the address of the nearest open pharmacy will be shown in the window.

Avoid displaying large amounts of banknotes in front of the many beggars and buskers who frequent the metro and some of the city streets. The choice of whether to offer them money is up to you, but do so with small change.

Pickpockets do frequent busy tourist places and public transport so keep a watchful eye on your belongings. Men should never keep their wallet in a back pocket and women should make sure their handbags are closed and held firmly in front of them if possible.

To avoid taking the wrong route, check the number of the line you want on a map and the name of the end station for the direction in which you wish to travel. All signs in metro stations work in this way and the system is simple. There is always a panel on the wall just before you reach the platform; this panel will have a list of the train’s destinations, so you can double check (see Metro).

When using the metro, put your ticket through the machine as you enter, but remember to retrieve it as you should keep it with you until your journey is completed. You will be fined if you are not found to be carrying a validated ticket by an inspector. This also applies to travelling by bus.

It is more difficult to eat badly in Paris than in many cities, but there are places which look for a fast profit at the expense of the tourist who will never return. Avoid signs that say “Menu Touristique ” – they may be fine, but places that attract local people are far better.

When paying a bill, check if service is included – it usually is. If you want to save money, take your drink or snack at the counter. Prices are lower and no tip is expected.

Restaurants and cafés normally include a 10–15 per cent service charge, so only leave a further small gratuity for very good service. Taxi drivers should get 10–15 per cent. Porters are tipped €1.5–3 per bag and chambermaids a similar amount per day, usually left at the end of your stay.

Get to popular tourist attractions such as the Louvre a little while before they open: 15 minutes queuing then could save you an hour queuing later in the morning. Late afternoon is also a good time to avoid the queues.