How to survive Paris during the 2024 Olympics

As well as its picturesque streets, fragrant cafes and wandering cyclists, the French capital will also be packed with spectators – more than 15 million people have just arrived in Paris to watch the Olympics.

This does not include locals and other French residents traveling to the capital from different parts of the country.

To the uninitiated, Paris may have a lot to offer. Recently, the city has faced bed bug outbreaks, dengue fever scares, petty crime, strikes by public transit workers, and more.

Given the dual popularity of the Olympics and Paris, surviving (and thriving) in the city can feel like a grind. Although Paris struggled to manage the massive crowds that flocked to Taylor Swift’s Eras Tour concerts earlier this year, the Olympics and Paralympics will keep the city buzzing for a long time to come.

But don’t worry –wealth Talk to travel, insurance, banking and culture experts to get their tips for getting around the city and having a great experience.

journey

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Like other big cities, Paris suffers from notorious traffic problems. Several hotspots in the city will be cordoned off in the run-up to the Olympics, restricting taxi traffic.

“The biggest pitfall is transportation. It’s hard to find a solution, which is why the perfect hotel in a central location is key,” says Jonathan Alder, founder of travel management company Jonathan’s Travels.

“Crowds of this magnitude will be a challenge for Paris, especially in terms of traffic and congestion. For guests willing to pay for the top hospitality package, they have created a workaround that includes a special line that only applies to certain vehicles Lane. wealth.

If you plan to visit other parts of France before arriving in Paris, he warns you not to transfer from Paris’ main airports (either Charles de Gaulle or Paris Orly).

While taxis (with a “Taxi” sign on the hood) are a great option, public transportation is still the best way to get around the city. Road and station closures may impede certain routes, so the RATP and Paris Public Transport 2024 apps will be your best friend, providing real-time updates on which routes are working and which are not. Also, stay alert in case there are any protests in the area you are visiting. Don’t forget to allow enough buffer time for delays.

Other safe options include ride sharing, renting a bike (a Vélib pass may help) and exploring areas on foot.

In addition to taxis, Uber is also offering free ferry service across the Seine from July 12 to August 3.

Be careful with your euros

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When in Paris, be careful about how and where you access your funds. Tourists habitually convert local currency into their national currency to find the best deals when shopping and buying food. What is its significance? Exchange rates change every day, even if the changes are small, and using your own currency can come at a cost if you’re not careful.

Always have some (but not many) euros on hand and make sure to only transact in euros, even if the credit card machine prompts you to do so, London-based fintech company Wise said in a report on preparations for the Paris Olympics. It also warns against resorting to airport or hotel exchange offices, which will intentionally charge you more.

“Airports and hotels cater to a captive audience. Their exchange services will reflect this

Their fees are higher and their rates are lower,” the report said.

Other suggested tips include having a backup payment option in case your main card fails, and checking if your home bank has any affiliates in France that can cover some of the transaction costs.

There’s another thing people need to be aware of when exploring the streets of Paris – pickpockets.

“As the number of tourists in cities increases, petty crimes and scams targeting tourists are likely to increase,” said Johannes Thomas, chief executive of German travel platform Trivago, citing “friendship bracelet scams” at attractions such as Sacre. “For example. – Cole.

“Avoid showing any valuables or cash that might attract negative attention. Also, avoid street performances or street games, especially [ones] Money is involved as this is often a planned distraction to set up pickpockets.

Better safe than sorry

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No matter where you go in Paris, there’s no easy way to escape the crowds. So, Thomas said, the best thing to do may be to just accept it.

“Expect overcrowding, long queues and overwhelmed services at popular tourist attractions such as the Eiffel Tower, Louvre Museum and other major attractions. Expect price increases. Accommodation, food and transportation costs tend to increase during major events Soaring. Tourists may face significantly higher prices, especially for hotels and short-term rentals in central Paris,” he added.

Planning a trip during peak travel season often brings uncertainty—delays, last-minute cancellations, lost luggage, and more. Being prepared for every situation can be tricky, but travel insurance could be the key to giving you more control over your trip.

Rajeev Shrivastava, founder and CEO of VisitorCoverage, a travel and health insurance marketplace, said there are three types of risks people can face when traveling: financial, medical and travel. wealth.

“people [who] People who go on these trips make some huge investments, including tickets and accommodation,” Shrivastava said.

The risk of sudden cancellations, summer heat and rampant petty crime can become unnecessary stressors on a long-awaited trip. This is where travel insurance can help – it takes the burden off travelers and protects them in the event of unforeseen losses.

“Many policies cover many of these events,” Shrivastava said, adding that people consider insurance differently depending on how much they travel.

Another way to ensure safety is to establish emergency contacts that travelers can contact, Shrivastava said.

“Keep your family informed [or] No matter who you believe, no matter where you are, where you are going and what mode of transportation you are taking,” he said.

When in France…try to be French?

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Visiting Paris is more than just taking the right bus or staying in the right neighbourhood. It’s also about soaking up some culture and integrating into the city as much as possible. Noel Wolf, a language teacher and cultural expert at language learning platform Babbel, believes learning a few basic phrases can be a game-changer.

“Being able to communicate in the local language not only fosters cultural connections, but is also critical to ensuring the safety of travelers during high-stress, large-scale events such as the Olympics,” Wolf said.

Brushing up on your French will also come in handy to make you feel safer when asking for directions or assistance. Barber found in a survey that people often regret not knowing the local language, which adds to the stress of traveling.

“Travelers will also need to familiarize themselves with Paris’ geography and public transportation, so in the event of an emergency or getting separated from a traveling companion, attendees can have an overview of where they are in the city and navigate their way back home,” Wolf said.

Other etiquette tips, such as saying “Bonjour” and keeping your voice low in restaurants, can also be helpful to remember.

With that, you should be ready for summer in Paris. Travel safely, or as the French say, have a nice trip!