Safety guide in Bordeaux

1. 1

   Be Vigilant in Crowded Areas

   essential

   Exercise caution in popular spots like Rue Sainte-Catherine, Place de la Bourse, and during events. Pickpockets often target distracted individuals in these busy zones, especially around tram stops.

2. 2

   Secure Belongings on Public Transport

   essential

   On TBM trams and buses, particularly lines A and B late at night or during peak hours, keep bags zipped and close to your body. Phone snatching is not uncommon if devices are left exposed.

3. 3

   Mind Your Surroundings at Night

   recommended

   While most areas are safe, certain parts of Saint-Michel, the immediate vicinity of Gare Saint-Jean, and isolated streets can feel less secure late at night. Stick to well-lit, busy routes if possible.

4. 4

   Avoid Walking Alone Late

   recommended

   If returning home late, especially after socialising, consider using a taxi, VTC (like Uber), or walking with a friend. Personal safety is paramount, particularly if you're unfamiliar with the area.

5. 5

   Be Aware of ATM Skimmers

   essential

   When withdrawing cash from ATMs, particularly those in less supervised areas, always check for suspicious devices attached to the card reader or keypad. Shield your PIN carefully.

6. 6

   Trust Your Instincts

   essential

   If a situation or individual makes you feel uncomfortable, remove yourself from the situation. Your gut feeling is often your best safety tool, especially in unfamiliar settings.

7. 7

   Plan Your Routes

   nice-to-have

   Before heading out, especially to new parts of the city, familiarise yourself with the route using a map application. This helps you appear confident and less like a lost tourist.

8. 8

   Avoid Displaying Valuables

   recommended

   Try not to openly display expensive phones, cameras, or jewellery in crowded areas. Keeping them out of sight reduces your attractiveness as a target for petty theft.

9. 9

   Be Cautious with Offers of Help

   recommended

   If someone approaches you offering unsolicited help with tickets or directions, especially near tourist attractions or transport hubs, be polite but firm. It could be a distraction for a scam.

10. 10

    Learn Basic French Phrases

    nice-to-have

    Knowing phrases like 'Au secours!' (Help!), 'Appelez la police!' (Call the police!), or 'Non, merci' can be incredibly useful in emergency situations or for warding off unwanted attention.

1. 1

   Beware of Fake Housing Listings

   essential

   High demand for shared housing makes newcomers vulnerable. Always verify listings in person or through a trusted agency. Scammers often pressure for deposits without showing the property.

2. 2

   Verify Landlords and Agencies

   essential

   Before signing any 'Bail de location' or 'Contrat de colocation', ensure the landlord or agency is legitimate. Check reviews and official registrations, avoiding deals that seem too good to be true.

3. 3

   Be Cautious with Online Marketplaces

   essential

   While platforms like Le Bon Coin are popular, they are also fertile ground for scams. Never send money before seeing the apartment and meeting the landlord/housemates in person.

4. 4

   Understand the 'Garant' Requirement

   essential

   Scammers may exploit the 'garant' challenge. Only provide sensitive financial documents to verified parties. Consider services like Garantme or Visale if you lack a French guarantor.

5. 5

   Guard Against 'Petition' Scams

   recommended

   Individuals, often near tourist areas, might approach you with a clipboard asking for signatures for a 'petition'. This is frequently a distraction tactic for pickpockets or a demand for money.

6. 6

   Avoid Unsolicited 'Help' with Tickets

   recommended

   At tram stations, if someone offers to help you buy tickets, politely decline. They might attempt to short-change you or distract you while another person pickpockets you.

7. 7

   Secure Your Digital Dossier

   recommended

   When preparing your 'dossier de location', be mindful of sharing personal documents. Only provide copies to trusted real estate professionals or directly to verified landlords.

8. 8

   Protect Your Identity Online

   essential

   Be careful what personal information you share on social media or online forums. Scammers can use this data for identity theft or targeted phishing attacks.

9. 9

   Refuse Suspicious Packages or Favours

   essential

   Never agree to carry packages or hold items for strangers, especially at transport hubs. This could unknowingly involve you in illegal activities.

10. 10

    Use Official Housing Platforms

    essential

    Prioritize official university housing services (CROUS), reputable real estate agencies, or well-known co-living platforms specific to students and expats in Bordeaux.

1. 1

   Know Emergency Numbers

   essential

   Dial 112 for all emergencies (pan-European), 17 for police, 18 for fire brigade (sapeurs-pompiers), and 15 for medical emergencies (SAMU). These are crucial for immediate help.

2. 2

   Locate Nearby Pharmacies

   essential

   Familiarize yourself with the nearest 'Pharmacie' for minor ailments or first aid. For after-hours needs, look for a 'Pharmacie de Garde' (on-call pharmacy), usually indicated by a lit green cross.

3. 3

   Understand Healthcare Access

   essential

   Register with a 'médecin traitant' (general practitioner) to access the French healthcare system efficiently. For serious emergencies, head to the Urgences (Emergency Room) at CHU Bordeaux.

4. 4

   Carry Identification Documents

   essential

   Always carry a copy of your ID (passport, visa, or residence permit) and your Carte Vitale (if you have one). This is important for identification and healthcare access.

5. 5

   Inform Someone of Your Plans

   recommended

   If you're going out alone, especially at night or to an unfamiliar place, let a friend or housemate know your itinerary and expected return time. This provides a safety net.

6. 6

   Use Official Taxi Services

   recommended

   For reliable transport, especially late at night, use official Bordeaux taxis or reputable VTC apps like Uber. Avoid unmarked cars offering rides, which can be unsafe.

7. 7

   Report Incidents Promptly

   essential

   If you are a victim of theft or assault, report it to the local police (Gendarmerie or Police Nationale) immediately. They can be found at various commissariats throughout the city.

8. 8

   Learn First Aid Basics

   nice-to-have

   Consider taking a basic first aid course. Knowing how to respond to common injuries can be invaluable, both for yourself and others in an emergency.

9. 9

   Keep Emergency Contacts Handy

   essential

   Store emergency contacts (family, friends, embassy/consulate) in your phone and also have them written down in case your phone is lost or damaged.

10. 10

    Understand Victim Support

    nice-to-have

    If you experience a crime, organizations like France Victimes 33 can offer support and guidance through the legal process. Knowing these resources can be very helpful.

• Always validate housing offers in person or via trusted agencies; fake listings are unfortunately common on sites like Le Bon Coin, targeting international students.
• When using TBM trams late at night, especially lines A and B, consider seating near the driver for added comfort and security, particularly if you are alone.
• Learn basic French phrases for emergencies. Even a few words can significantly help when seeking assistance from locals or authorities in a stressful situation.
• Keep an eye on your belongings in popular tourist spots and markets like Marché des Capucins, where pickpockets operate swiftly and blend into the crowds.
• Familiarize yourself with the 'Pharmacie de Garde' system for after-hours needs; look for the green cross light after dark or check online for the nearest open pharmacy.

The advice provided is specifically tailored for Bordeaux, considering its unique urban layout, specific public transport network (TBM), and common challenges faced by its significant student and expat community. The high demand for housing, coupled with the French 'garant' system, makes newcomers particularly susceptible to scams, while crowded areas and tram lines are known spots for petty crime.

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