Is Adelaide safe for tourists?

Adelaide is mostly a relaxed and easygoing city, but it’s not free from its share of crimes. While we locals are proud of once being labelled the safest city in Australia, we still advise you to be cautious around here. 

We’ve compiled crime statistics, safety dos and don’ts, and some common scams to avoid in Adelaide. No matter the season or event, it’s best to always remember these!

How safe is Adelaide compared to other cities in Australia?

Adelaide consistently ranks as one of the safest cities in Australia according to numbers by Numbeo. It ranks as the second-highest scorer in the safety index among other state capitals of Australia.

Maintaining these numbers is a tough job, and we’ve got the local SA police to thank for it. If you’re ever in a jiffy, refer to their emergency contact lines available here.

Adelaide Crime Statistics

Adelaide is one of the safest cities in Australia, as we can see from its low levels of crime according to Numbeo. 

As we can see from the statistics above, we locals generally feel safe in the city. It’s no wonder why our nightlife and live music culture is well and alive. 

Another indication that Adelaide is safe is that it was labelled as the safest city in Australia back in 2013.

Home Safety in Adelaide

Whether you’re renting an AirBnB or staying over at a relative’s home in Adelaide, there’s no need to worry. The city has consistently scored low in crime statistics related to homes. 

According to South Australian Police and statistics from Numbeo, Adelaide has high levels of home safety. 

Adelaide provides a lot of resources for residents to report cases of domestic violence and for requesting assistance for domestic abuse intervention. 

It also has the Safe at Home Program which helps women and children at risk of homelessness after home abuse.

Personal Safety in Adelaide

Personal safety index is a great indicator of how locals feel in the area. The good news is that Adelaide is among the highest scorers for this in Australia based on numbers provided by Numbeo.

The day is a perfect time for you to visit the different wineries, restaurants, and public spaces of Adelaide. During the night, we recommend you visit the different pubs and bars scattered throughout the city.

Which suburbs should tourists avoid in Adelaide?

We’d love for you to explore every part of the city. However, there are some parts of Adelaide that are less recommendable because of its high crime index. 

These include the suburbs of Bolivar, Gepps Cross, and Elizabeth, according to SA police statistics from 2021–2022.

On the other hand, the safest suburbs in Adelaide are Rosslyn Park, McLaren Flat, and Stonyfell, according to Canstar. The latter two are fantastic spots for tasting Adelaide’s finest wines, so don’t forget to try some! 

Health Safety in Adelaide

Adelaide’s health safety protocols for tourists is a bit more relaxed now. Below, you can view some of the city’s rules for international travellers for 2023:

• COVID-19 testing. As of writing, international travellers are no longer required to submit evidence of a negative COVID-19 test or proof of vaccination.
• Wearing masks. The Adelaide Airport does not require the use of masks within its vicinity anymore
• Travel insurance. Visitors to Adelaide aren’t required to get travel insurance, but it’s highly encouraged by the local government.

In relation to the last bullet, there are a lot of companies offering health insurance for tourists. It’s inclusive of hospital visits and online consultations with doctors, which we recommend you check out. 

Does Adelaide Airport require face masks?

As of March 2023, Adelaide Airport doesn’t require face masks in their terminals anymore. 

However, the airport still follows stringent protocols to ensure that our guests will be safe through regular decontamination of their facilities and the vaccination of their employees. 

Is Adelaide safe for disabled tourists?

Adelaide is accessible for disabled tourists because many tourist spots have wheelchair access. They also have the Australian Accessible Tourism Alliance which advocates for improving the accessibility of many locations in Australia. 

To be safe, it’s also best to avail medical insurance as you enter Adelaide. 

How is Adelaide’s health index compared to other cities?

According to numbers from Numbeo, Adelaide has the second-highest health index among capital cities in Australia. It’s why the health facilities, equipment, and costs in the city is of top-notch quality. 

Is the nightlife in Adelaide safe?

Adelaide’s nightlife is generally safe and filled with live music. 

However, do be wary of some parts of Eastern Adelaide, which includes the suburbs of Magill, Norwood, and Magill, as, within the city, these have the highest number of crimes at night. 

If you’re a tourist, be sure to book a hotel/motel that’s close to where you’ll be partying. We recommend those close to the CBD and those which are easily accessible by public transportation. 

What are the do’s-and-don’ts as a tourist in Adelaide?

As a tourist in Adelaide, we recommend following some of the do’s-and-don’ts so that you’ll have no problem when interacting with the locals. 

Safety Dos

Know that we drive left

Aussies drive on the left side of the road. Like many things, it’s a leftover from the former British rule of our country. 

It may take some time to get accustomed to being a tourist, especially if you’re from the US or Germany. We advise you to be familiar with driving on the left first before renting a car. 

Wear sunscreen

We locals know that if there’s anything constant in Adelaide, it’s the sunshine! Even on rainy days, its light can be damaging to unprotected skin. 

Slap that sunscreen on, wear a hat, and seek some shade when in Adelaide if you don’t want to end up with sore skin (trust us, we’ve been there!). 

Bring your ID always

The rush of visiting such a vibrant city can make forgetting the essentials so easy, but if there’s anything you should never leave behind, it’s your ID!

From pubs, bars, museums, and restaurants, your identification may always be requested. Even locals are sometimes asked for it, so don’t forget to bring yours along. 

Safety Don’ts

Don’t touch the native animals

We get it. Australia-native animals like koalas and kangaroos are some of the cutest in the world, but don’t get fooled by their cartoonish faces, as they can be dangerous!

Kangaroos pack a mean kick, and koalas can easily get stressed when touched by a stranger. Only state-accredited natural parks allow touching of the latter, but you’ll need to be supervised by a trained park ranger. 

Don’t throw a cigarette butt improperly

One of Australia’s biggest headaches is the high number of bushfire occurrences here. Most usually start because of improperly-thrown cigarette butts, so don’t forget to dispose of them properly. 

Don’t ride a bike without a helmet

This may come as a shock for some, but Australia actually has stringent regulations that require you to always wear a helmet with a bike. This is under Rule 256 of the Australian Road Rules. 

Don’t drink and drive

We Adelaideans will always encourage you to drink your heart out as you try our finest wines and bottles. But always have someone sober to take you home, as we don’t tolerate any form of drinking and driving. 

What are street scams in Adelaide to avoid?

While Adelaide is one of the safest cities to visit in Australia, it still has its fair share of street scams to avoid. We’ve compiled some of the most common ones, along with tips on how to avoid them. 

Overcharging Taxis

Overcharging taxis are not unique to Adelaide, but they can definitely be found in the city. These pesky drivers use illegal methods to hike the fare. 

To avoid falling into the scam, use applications that can provide an estimate for the final fare, such as Waze or Google Maps. Also, try asking around the locals first before riding a taxi so that you can get firsthand guidance. 

Phone-break Scam

Another scam we’ve seen over the years is the phone-break/picture scam where someone asks you to take a picture of them with their phone. They will then drop it as you return it and force you to pay for the damage. 

To avoid this, respectfully refuse these requests. You can also ask if you can simply take the photo on your phone and then send it to theirs. 

ATM Scam

If you’ve fallen short on funds and happen to use an ATM, absolutely refuse anyone who attempts to assist you. There’s a high chance that they’re simply preying on tourists under the guise of helping you to “avoid local bank fees.” 

To prevent this, ask for a friend to be on your guard as you get your money. Also, it’s best to budget your funds beforehand to avoid having to use an ATM machine. 

Bird Poop Scam

There’s a common scam nowadays that usually happens in natural parks. Someone may put white paste that looks like bird poop on your clothes, and they will then suggest cleaning it for you. 

We advise you to avoid their attempts of going near you, as it can be a means for them to pickpocket you. Keep your distance from people you don’t know at all times. 

“Closed Attraction” Scam

Another common scam in Adelaide related to taxi drivers is when they tell clients that the attraction they’re going to is closed for the day. They will then lead you to another location which they’re affiliated with so that they can receive a commission. 

We suggest that you check the opening hours of the attraction you’re going to before booking a taxi. Also, confirm your location before riding a taxi so that you’re sure they won’t attempt this scam. 

Bar Scam

Adelaide has a lively nightlife, but be sure to be extra vigilant when visiting one of the bars. After all, there are some people posing as a pair of friends who’ll invite you to a bar whose owners are accomplices to the crime. 

There, you’ll be charged double or thrice the right amount. If you don’t cooperate, you’ll even be escorted by a guard to a nearby ATM for you to get cash. 

If you think that you’ve been a victim of a scam while visiting Adelaide, immediately contact one of their scam hotlines.