Pick Pockets and Birkins in Paris
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I will never wear a Birkin in a large town without closing it. My wallet was taken from my open Birkin in Las Vegas a few years ago.
I have not worn a Birkin in Paris, but have a vivid memory of a trip to 24 Fbg. I returned to my hotel via metro with 2 orange bags, not huge ones. But, with that bright orange color, it is like they are printed with a giant sign saying STEAL THIS !!!!!!
I felt very conspicuous with my orange bags, kept them close at hand & had no problem, but I was quite cautious.
They really are an advertisement to steal one's belongings: hello, I have enough money to shop there !
I felt very conspicuous with my orange bags, kept them close at hand & had no problem, but I was quite cautious.
They really are an advertisement to steal one's belongings: hello, I have enough money to shop there !
Hi Chicpurse,
I think Paris is quite a safe city but just be more alert when you are taking the metro. My mother, my aunt and I were traveling in the metro the other day and it was a busy interchange when suddenly this group of 5-6 teenage girls kept on pushing us in to the train but all jumped out a split second before the door closed. I immediately knew that something is wrong. Checked my bag and it was fine, my mom's Chanel was half open but turned out that it was my aunt who realized her wallet was gone, her bag is a no-brand backpack.
In hindsight, I think it is more the attitude of the bag carrier rather than the bag itself that attract pickpockets. Saying that, I always take a cab whenever I'm carrying the big orange shopping bags from Hermes.. After spending that much in Hermes, another 10-20 euros for cab fare becomes pale in comparison..
I think Paris is quite a safe city but just be more alert when you are taking the metro. My mother, my aunt and I were traveling in the metro the other day and it was a busy interchange when suddenly this group of 5-6 teenage girls kept on pushing us in to the train but all jumped out a split second before the door closed. I immediately knew that something is wrong. Checked my bag and it was fine, my mom's Chanel was half open but turned out that it was my aunt who realized her wallet was gone, her bag is a no-brand backpack.
In hindsight, I think it is more the attitude of the bag carrier rather than the bag itself that attract pickpockets. Saying that, I always take a cab whenever I'm carrying the big orange shopping bags from Hermes.. After spending that much in Hermes, another 10-20 euros for cab fare becomes pale in comparison..
i think everyone who looks like she/he is not alert, is a target. if the birkin is open in your hand and you are busy looking up at the eiffel tower, then someone will surely notice you aren't paying attention to your bag and target you!
just like in every city, we must take care of our belongings. you can use your birkin if it makes you happy! just keep her closed... when you eat, keep her on your lap and do not put her on the floor or on the back of your chair... when you use the bathroom, be mindful of where you put her. people can grab your purse from above or below the door!
love your birkin (keep her close) and no one will be able to steal anything from you. be safe & keep your money in a safe place... some people use a money belt or one that hangs on your neck and fits inside your body... i know that saved my grandmother when she was much younger!
just like in every city, we must take care of our belongings. you can use your birkin if it makes you happy! just keep her closed... when you eat, keep her on your lap and do not put her on the floor or on the back of your chair... when you use the bathroom, be mindful of where you put her. people can grab your purse from above or below the door!
love your birkin (keep her close) and no one will be able to steal anything from you. be safe & keep your money in a safe place... some people use a money belt or one that hangs on your neck and fits inside your body... i know that saved my grandmother when she was much younger!
The only time I find people actually stare is when I am carrying the Hermes paper bag. My friends and I were each carrying a huge Hermes paper bag (3 in total), plus Chanel paper bags, and boy, did we elicit plenty of stares on the metro.
When I know I'm shopping and will carry a lot of things home, I make sure all my bags are closed up, and always in front of me, especially in a crowded train. I think babycj! nailed it right on point - you can get robbed everywhere, not just Paris.
If you take precautions (like not checking your map in public and giving off HEY, I'M A TOURIST, COME GET ME! vibes), carrying a Birkin should be fine.
When I know I'm shopping and will carry a lot of things home, I make sure all my bags are closed up, and always in front of me, especially in a crowded train. I think babycj! nailed it right on point - you can get robbed everywhere, not just Paris.
If you take precautions (like not checking your map in public and giving off HEY, I'M A TOURIST, COME GET ME! vibes), carrying a Birkin should be fine.
Where will you be staying, eating and spending most of your time? I've travelled with a Birkin to Paris several times (most recently, last week!) and have never had a problem. When visiting touristy/ crowded places, I would just pop it into an Envirosax tote and carry it on my shoulder.
Sorry if this next bit offends anyone, but - as much as I'd like to think it's my winning personality
, the truth is, I'm convinced I get superb service at boutiques both in London and Paris in part because I have a Birkin with me. Somehow it makes SAs think you aren't there to just make them show you a lot of stuff with no real intent to purchase. I'm always polite, I greet everyone, I speak French, but there is a difference when I go in with a Chanel. Even at Chanel!!! Go figure.
Sorry if this next bit offends anyone, but - as much as I'd like to think it's my winning personality
, the truth is, I'm convinced I get superb service at boutiques both in London and Paris in part because I have a Birkin with me. Somehow it makes SAs think you aren't there to just make them show you a lot of stuff with no real intent to purchase. I'm always polite, I greet everyone, I speak French, but there is a difference when I go in with a Chanel. Even at Chanel!!! Go figure.
I carry my Birkins everytime I go to Paris but keep it in a Longchamp/Envirosax in busy areas, when a lot of pushing/shoving can occur or when the weather is bad....
My travel mates went off to sight-see on their own during my most recent trip so I actually did a lot of walking/shopping/travelling by myself for days and I didn't feel like I was drawing a lot of attention or unsafe with my Birkin at all.
I do agree that if you are carrying the Hermes bright orange paper bag (or any other designer paper bags for that matter), it is better to take a cab to drop off your shopping first. The SA at Chanel actually advised me to do that and offered to find me a plain plastic bag for my purchases when she realized I was shopping alone....:s The paper bags are the ones that draw a LOT of stares....
Just keep your bag closed when you are sight-seeing or know you will be distracted, and never leave it unattended as you would in any city....and enjoy your Birkin!
My travel mates went off to sight-see on their own during my most recent trip so I actually did a lot of walking/shopping/travelling by myself for days and I didn't feel like I was drawing a lot of attention or unsafe with my Birkin at all.
I do agree that if you are carrying the Hermes bright orange paper bag (or any other designer paper bags for that matter), it is better to take a cab to drop off your shopping first. The SA at Chanel actually advised me to do that and offered to find me a plain plastic bag for my purchases when she realized I was shopping alone....:s The paper bags are the ones that draw a LOT of stares....
Just keep your bag closed when you are sight-seeing or know you will be distracted, and never leave it unattended as you would in any city....and enjoy your Birkin!
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Is it really worth worrying about your bag all the time? It sounds like you are worried already!
I mean shoot me now but a lot of people do not know about H etc- i don't think you would be a target because of your bag (but like others have said) if you look lost/ tourist or are being careless
xx
I mean shoot me now but a lot of people do not know about H etc- i don't think you would be a target because of your bag (but like others have said) if you look lost/ tourist or are being careless
xx
The Louvre in front of the Mona Lisa just to name one place!I carry my Birkins everytime I go to Paris but keep it in a Longchamp/Envirosax in busy areas, when a lot of pushing/shoving can occur or when the weather is bad....
Just keep your bag closed when you are sight-seeing or know you will be distracted, and never leave it unattended as you would in any city....and enjoy your Birkin!