Disclaimer: These misconceptions or truths are based on my first and only trip to Paris and to also forewarn first time travellers to Paris. 

Paris, popular for being a romantic city, has been on many people's bucket list. But here are some truths to note when planning your first trip to Paris.

1. The most beautiful city on earth! Hold that thought, it's beautiful BUT the city smells like pee. My worst encounter with the "pee-scent" was at the metro. Dogs poop everywhere, which I presume they pee everywhere too, made worse by lack of public toilets and its metros which are home to the homeless. The weather was cold, but yet, the aroma of pee is everywhere. Can't imagine how would it smell on days that are hot.

2. Go ang mo country, people are more polite when hopping on and off the metro right? Sorry, but politeness won't get you to your next destination during peak hours. If you are travelling with a partner, please stay close to each other and squeeze your way through as if your life depends on it. If can, by all means, please avoid peak hour trains.

3. I can't wait to wear my pretty floral summer dress in Paris. The general perception - Paris is a city of fashion runway. But people wear casual clothes too - jeans, t-shirts, flats. The last thing you should do is to seek attention by unintentionally announcing "HELLO! I'M A TOURIST!", which leads to the next misconception..

4. Europe is so safe. You are going in for a huge disappointment. There are gangs of very skilled pickpocketers who prey on tourists with scams. My trick, sewed inner pockets into my pants. The exact location - between your pants and your undies. Your phone, passport and money will guaranteed be safe unless someone takes your pants off. Lol. It looks abit unglam when taking things out from your pocket, or digging for money, because it literally looks like you are digging from your undies, so wear a longer shirt to cover your act or face a corner when doing so. Hanging a camera over your neck or camera bag over your shoulder should be fine but don't ever take it for granted. Yes, I did mention to avoid attracting attention as a tourist, but dressing like one is a double whammy!

5. People are so friendly! Yes and No. If somebody speaks to you on the street, or approaches you because you have "dropped" something, or asks for direction, your valuables will probably be gone within seconds. There's really no reason to speak to you because they are more comfortable speaking French and why would anyone ask an Asian for direction in Paris! I mean, there are asians leaving in Paris, but if I'm lost, I would have gone straight to someone who looked more European. So, walk the streets with confidence, do not be friendly and do not have eye contact with anyone!

6. Aww! The kid standing next to me is so cute! And you are in for another scam. They are well trained pickpocketers!

7. But the kid is with his/her daddy & mummy. When I say that kids are well trained pickpocketers, ever wonder who trained them?

8. It should be safer if I travel in groups right? I've known of people who visited Paris by tour and have also fell prey to pickpocketers. So don't ever lose sight or lose touch of your valuables.

9. But if really anything happen, all these ang mo countries have very reliable police. Huge disappointment, again! Scams are so rampant that every case reported to the police is just "another normal day at work, I can't wait to end my shift".

10. Paris so high class, taxi must be top class. They have con-man taxis too, bringing you through longer route and further from where you originally came from. If you do not have data connection, use the gps on your google map to monitor if the taxi is going to a totally different direction. Otherwise, take the bus or walk! After all, there are more to explore by foot.

All countries have its flaw, so do not let these truths stop you from planning your trip to Paris. So long as you are aware and prepared, you are ready! Especially when it comes to pickpocket, it's such a party pooper that you've lost your phone, because you cannot instagram a table setting picture of your croissant, coffee and French dessert in a Parisian cafe. #instagramaddict

There's just something beautiful with its vibe, so why let these 10 truths stop you?