We’ve all been hit with that terrible sinking feeling – you locked yourself out of your apartment, or you fear your keys were stolen. Either way, you can’t enter your home. It’s inconvenient and stressful. But don’t worry—there are practical steps and tips to handle this situation without breaking the bank.
If you’ve planned, you might have left a spare set of keys with a trusted friend, family member, neighbor, or the concierge in your building. If so, reach out to them first. If not:
If you’re locked out after business hours and unable to access your flat, staying with a friend or booking a hotel might be the most economical solution for the night. Avoid making hasty decisions that could lead to unnecessary expenses. Locksmiths who come at night or on weekends usually charge higher rates.
Emergency locksmith services can help, but they often come at a high cost, especially if you call the numbers listed on SOS flyers found in your mailboxes. These locksmith services can charge anywhere from 150€ to a shocking 2,000€ depending on the time of day and the job's complexity.
Here's a list of reliable, reasonably-priced locksmiths available around the clock:
Serrurier Mozart (24/7):
La Cle du 11ème:
Société ABA Serrurerie
Unlocking a Simple Lock: If the door is not fully locked (just closed), many locksmiths can use tools like x-ray sheets to slide the door open. In such cases, you'll only need to pay for their visit.
Replacing the Cylinder (Barillet): If you need to change the lock, replacing just the cylinder is usually cheaper and quicker than changing the entire lock system.
credit photo @Christian Stahl
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