Common Scams & How to Avoid Them in Lyon, Auvergne-Rhône-Alpes, France

All Topics about Lyon All Cities in France

1. Pickpocketing at Vieux Lyon

Stay vigilant in the historic district, especially during peak tourist hours. Keep belongings secure and avoid displaying valuables.

Popular Tourist Spot: Vieux Lyon attracts a high number of tourists, making it a target for pickpockets.
Crowded Area: The narrow and crowded streets of Vieux Lyon can make it easy for thieves to blend in.
Distraction Techniques: Thieves may use distractions, such as dropping items on purpose, to divert your attention.

Use ATMs inside banks or shopping centers at Les Halles de Lyon. Be cautious of card skimmers on outdoor machines.

Outdoor ATMs: Outdoor ATMs may be more susceptible to card-skimming devices.
High Foot Traffic: Les Halles de Lyon is a busy market, making it an ideal location for criminals to blend in.
Covered ATMs: If using an outdoor ATM, ensure the machine and surrounding area are not covered or blocked, as this may indicate a skimmer.

Only take licensed taxis from designated taxi ranks or book with reputable companies at Part-Dieu Station.

Unlicensed Taxis: Unlicensed taxis may charge exorbitant prices or not take the most direct route.
Overcharging: Some unlicensed taxi drivers may overcharge unsuspecting passengers.
Verifying Licenses: Ensure the taxi has a visible license and check for proper identification from the driver.

Avoid unsolicited guides at Fourvière Hill. If you need assistance, ask for a licensed guide or use an audio guide.

Unsolicited Guides: Unsolicited guides may charge excessive fees and provide inaccurate information.
Licensed Guides: Licensed guides are regulated and have undergone training, ensuring you receive accurate and reliable information.
Audio Guides: Audio guides provide a personalized experience without the risk of encountering fake or pushy guides.

Be wary of cheap prices and questionable quality when shopping for textiles in La Croix-Rousse. Always purchase from reputable shops.

Cheap Prices: Counterfeit goods are often sold at suspiciously low prices.
Quality Issues: Counterfeit goods may not hold up to long-term use and can be of poor quality.
Reputable Shops: Reputable shops are more likely to sell authentic goods, ensuring a better shopping experience.

Buy tickets for the Parc de la Tête d'Or at authorized sales points to avoid ticket scams.

Authorized Sales Points: Tickets sold at authorized sales points are genuine and offer the best prices.
Fake Tickets: Fake tickets may not grant access to the park, or may result in fines.
Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can help ensure you have a legitimate ticket.

Be wary of street performers who ask for money in exchange for photographs. Take photos from a distance or wait for more affordable opportunities.

Unexpected Fees: Some street performers may charge excessive fees for photographs.
Pressure Tactics: Performers may use pressure tactics to make you feel obligated to pay.
Free Photography Spots: There are many picturesque spots throughout Lyon where taking photographs is free and easy.

Be cautious when giving money to beggars near the Saint-Jean Baptiste Cathedral. Some may be part of organized scams.

Organized Scams: Beggars operating in groups or with elaborate stories may be part of organized scams.
Donation Boxes: Donation boxes at the cathedral support local charities and are a more secure way to give.
Local Charities: Researching reputable local charities can ensure your donations go towards helping those in need.

Only purchase tourist bus tickets from authorized sales points to avoid scams. Be cautious of overzealous sellers on the street.

Authorized Sales Points: Tourist bus tickets purchased at authorized sales points are genuine and offer the best prices.
Overzealous Sellers: Some sellers may offer tour bus tickets on the street but these could be fake or overpriced.
Online Ticket Purchase: Purchasing tickets online can help ensure you have a legitimate ticket.

Avoid popular restaurants near tourist attractions as they may overcharge for food. Seek out local eateries and food markets instead.

Tourist Areas: Restaurants near tourist areas may take advantage of tourists by charging higher prices.
Local Eateries: Local eateries often offer authentic cuisine at affordable prices.
Food Markets: Food markets offer a wide variety of local foods at reasonable prices, allowing you to sample multiple dishes.

Be cautious when booking accommodations near the Rhone River. Ensure your chosen accommodation is reputable and safe.

Reputable Accommodation: Reputable accommodations have good reviews, offer secure locks, and provide a clean environment.
Safe Neighborhoods: Choose accommodations in safe neighborhoods with low crime rates.
Online Reviews: Online reviews can help you make an informed decision about the safety and quality of your accommodation.

Be wary of cheap prices when buying wine in the Croix-Rousse district. Authentic Côte-Rôtie and Beaujolais wines are more expensive.

Cheap Prices: Counterfeit wine is often sold at suspiciously low prices.
Authentic Wines: Côte-Rôtie and Beaujolais wines are famous for their quality, and authentic bottles will be more expensive.
Reputable Shops: Reputable shops are more likely to sell authentic wine, ensuring a better shopping experience.

Avoid unsolicited guides at Bellecour Square. If you need assistance, ask for a licensed guide or use an audio guide.

Unsolicited Guides: Unsolicited guides may charge excessive fees and provide inaccurate information.
Licensed Guides: Licensed guides are regulated and have undergone training, ensuring you receive accurate and reliable information.
Audio Guides: Audio guides provide a personalized experience without the risk of encountering fake or pushy guides.

Only rent bikes from reputable bike rental companies in the Confluence district to ensure safety and maintenance.

Reputable Companies: Renting from reputable companies guarantees safe, well-maintained bikes.
Safety Equipment: Ensure the bike comes with a helmet and proper safety equipment.
Proper Insurance: Make sure the rental company offers insurance to cover any damages or injuries.

Be wary of cheap prices and questionable quality when shopping for souvenirs in Place des Terreaux. Always purchase from reputable shops.

Cheap Prices: Counterfeit souvenirs are often sold at suspiciously low prices.
Quality Issues: Counterfeit souvenirs may not hold up to long-term use and can be of poor quality.
Reputable Shops: Reputable shops are more likely to sell authentic souvenirs, ensuring a better shopping experience.