Surrounded by Park Lands and easy to navigate, Adelaide enjoys an excellent standard of living, making it a safe and trouble-free place to visit.

Before you leave home make sure you are covered in the event of an emergency. They can leave a large dent in your holiday budget!

If driving, consider emergency breakdown cover for your car. Australian residents are covered for public health care under Medicare. While Australia does have reciprocal healthcare agreements with several countries, make sure you check before you leave home and take out appropriate travel insurance. Students should arrange an Overseas Student Health Cover (OSHC).

If you have been in a yellow fever infected country or zone, you will need to be vaccinated within six days before leaving for Australia. On arrival, customs officials may ask for your international vaccination certificate.

Adelaide has consistently ranked in the top 10 “most liveable” cities, and this is in part due to its safety record. While it is generally safe to walk around the city at night, normal safety precautions such as walking in a group and being aware of your surroundings apply.

Adelaide has a network of CCTV throughout the city and has several Automatic External Defibrillators (AED)s located throughout the city for use in the event of a cardiac emergency. 

Australia and Adelaide has a high international standard of safety and hygiene regulations for its food and water supply.

It’s safe to drink the Adelaide tap water and you’ll find multiple drinking fountains in the malls and public squares across the city and throughout the parklands. However, the water in fountains and the River Torrens is not suitable for drinking.

Adelaide has a booming food truck scene and it is regulated to the same high standards as any food outlet, so don’t be afraid to indulge!

If you do get sick while in Adelaide, it is best to see a doctor in the first instance.

University students should check for on-campus medical centres.

Globe Medical in Hindmarsh Square, Adelaide City General Practice opposite the Rundle Mall tram stop and Gouger Street Medical Centre (who speak Chinese and Mandarin) cater for international visitors and students. You will need to pay a fee which may then be claimable on your travel insurance.

Hospitals are busy places and should be used in case of emergency only. If you need an ambulance call 000 (112 from a mobile phone). The main hospital in Adelaide is the state-of-the-art Royal Adelaide Hospital.

Royal Adelaide Hospital

For children, and women experiencing emergencies relating to pregnancy and childbirth, there is the Women’s and Children’s Hospital.

Women’s and Children’s Hospital

On arrival at the hospital Emergency Department, you will be assessed (triaged) in a ‘Quick Look’ area to ensure the most seriously ill or injured patients are prioritised for treatment. This means that patients with less urgent conditions may wait longer for treatment.

Fees apply to non-Australian residents which may be claimable on your travel insurance.