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Sydney Safety Guide

Is Sydney Safe?

Learn how locals scam tourists in Sydney and how to avoid becoming a victim. Below you'll find Sydney crime statistics — the probability of being robbed or attacked, information about corruption in Sydney, safety tips and precautions.
Daytime Safety:
         
Nighttime Safety:
         
Comfort Rating

In terms of safety, you'll find Sydney quite secure during the day. Still, take a moment to review our guide on common tourist traps. Evenings require increased attention, though main tourist areas remain generally secure.

 
Robberies and Theft: low
Armed Robberies: low
Assaults: low
 
Corruption: low
Drug Issues: moderate
Beggars: moderate
 
Vandalism: moderate
Theft from Cars: low
Car Theft: low


Local Scam Alert: What to Watch For

Transport Ticket Scam (High Risk) - Unscrupulous individuals may attempt to sell you invalid or fake Opal cards or tickets while arriving at Central Station or Circular Quay. Always purchase your Opal cards from official vending machines or retailers to ensure they are legitimate.

Taxi Driver Scam (Medium Risk) - In some cases, taxi drivers may intentionally take longer routes or claim the meter is broken at popular tourist spots such as Darling Harbour. Use rideshare apps or ask for a fare estimate before starting your trip to avoid being overcharged.

Street Performer Donations (Medium Risk) - Street performers in busy areas like Pitt Street Mall might pressure you into making unsolicited donations after a performance. Enjoy the act, but be mindful to avoid engaging or giving money unless you choose to.

Restaurant Bill Tricks (Medium Risk) - Some restaurants near tourist areas, like The Rocks, may add unexpected service charges or 'admin fees' to your bill without clear prior notice. Always ask about additional charges beforehand and double-check the bill before paying.

Fake Charity Solicitors (Low Risk) - You may encounter individuals in popular public spaces like Hyde Park claiming to represent charities and asking for donations. Politely refuse and donate only to recognized organizations you have verified.

ATM Skimming (Low Risk) - Some ATMs in less-trafficked areas could have skimming devices that capture your card information. Always use ATMs located inside banks or well-lit, busy areas and cover your PIN while entering it.

Currency Exchange Scams (Low Risk) - Be cautious when exchanging money with roadside currency exchange vendors near tourist hotspots like Bondi Beach, as they may offer poor rates with hidden fees. Use reputable exchange services or ATMs that give you local currency at a fair rate.


Scam Types and General Tips

Complete Guide to Scam Types


Tourist Reviews

All photos and texts belong to their authors
@karin_samsonova
« In Australia, it's not that easy to get a dog. 1) If you're renting an apartment, you need to get permission from the landlord. 2) Even if the landlord is on board, some apartment complexes have a strict no pets policy. For instance, in our building, there are no dogs allowed. My friend's boss sold his house and is building a new one, so now he has to rent an apartment and is struggling to find one that allows his two cats. »
karin_samsonova ©
@karin_samsonova
« I look at photos of scary spiders in my feed and want to confess that in my 1.5 years in Australia, I have only seen one indoors, in the office, with long legs. When we (the newcomers) screamed and searched for a container to catch it, my Australian colleagues rolled their eyes, saying, "just a regular spider," and then skillfully caught it and tossed it out the window. Based on their ease with the situation, there must be spiders around, but they keep their distance from me. By the way, there was recently a news story about neighbors hearing a woman's scream and calling the police, thinking a man had killed his wife, but it turned out he was just battling a spider and yelling like a little girl. 🕷️😱 »
karin_samsonova ©
@the_rkd
« Drinking alcohol can get you heavily fined, regardless of who you are or what you do. »
the_rkd ©
@katrin_from_aus
« Today is such a warm summer-like day..☀️ I've always thought that sand and beaches were the safest places from insects) But I underestimated the Australian fauna) On our way to the beach, we walked along a sandy path by the rocks, and my attention was caught by huge red ants, the size of a fingertip, scurrying around my sneakers! The reaction was so instantaneous that Vasilisa, who had been asking to be picked up for the last 15 minutes, immediately found herself on my shoulder, while my sneakers turned into speedy boots, racing across the Australian sands! My insect phobia did not fail me—according to online sources, these ants are venomous and aggressive) At least they don’t fly! »
katrin_from_aus ©
@keoshenka
« In Centennial Park, there's a large colony of bats and flying foxes, which look quite fascinating. They hang out on the trees in clusters, making squeaking sounds that can send chills down your spine. They were collected from all over the city, with special signals to guide the bats and foxes to their new home. Flying foxes and bats are natural reservoirs of rabies, and locally, they also spread the Lyssavirus, discovered in 1995. There have been only three recorded human cases, all of which were fatal. You can become infected through a bite or scratch, so the government warns people not to feed them. Today, after watching a movie, we came face to face with one of those foxes—what were they doing hanging out on our tree in the city? 🦇🌳 »
keoshenka ©
@keoshenka
« In Centennial Park, there's a large colony of bats and flying foxes, which look quite fascinating. They hang out on the trees in clusters, making squeaking sounds that can send chills down your spine. They were collected from all over the city, with special signals to guide the bats and foxes to their new home. Flying foxes and bats are natural reservoirs of rabies, and locally, they also spread the Lyssavirus, discovered in 1995. There have been only three recorded human cases, all of which were fatal. You can become infected through a bite or scratch, so the government warns people not to feed them. Today, after watching a movie, we came face to face with one of those foxes—what were they doing hanging out on our tree in the city? 🦇🌳 »
keoshenka ©
@keoshenka
« In Centennial Park, there's a large colony of bats and flying foxes, which look quite fascinating. They hang out on the trees in clusters, making squeaking sounds that can send chills down your spine. They were collected from all over the city, with special signals to guide the bats and foxes to their new home. Flying foxes and bats are natural reservoirs of rabies, and locally, they also spread the Lyssavirus, discovered in 1995. There have been only three recorded human cases, all of which were fatal. You can become infected through a bite or scratch, so the government warns people not to feed them. Today, after watching a movie, we came face to face with one of those foxes—what were they doing hanging out on our tree in the city? 🦇🌳 »
keoshenka ©
@keoshenka
« We are so happy today! ^•^ It's warm, sunny, delicious, and the water is so warm! The sand is painful to walk on. The waves are massive, swimming is prohibited, but of course, everyone is in the water! We went in a couple of times, got hit by a wave, and had a swim. ^•^ Mr. Keoshchenka lost his glasses in the water >•< Manly is our favorite beach right now. »
keoshenka ©
@otvalichudovische
« It's a huge sandstone. Approaching the cliffs is dangerous; you could fall into the ocean from a very high place :) »
otvalichudovische ©
@beshkareva
« Sydney Beach. Let me tell you, even though Australia is surrounded by seas and oceans, swimming there feels a bit scary. Those intimidating signs: beware of sharks, beware of jellyfish (and they have some really dangerous species: five minutes after "contact" and that's it), and closer to Brisbane, there's even "beware of crocodiles," which can float through the city during annual floods and accidentally swim into people's homes. In short, I didn't swim there. I spent a whole month without hitting the water, only lounging by the pool. The photo shows the net they set up to cordon off swimming areas. When there are a lot of people on the beach, it looks pretty funny – everyone crowding into one spot. »
beshkareva ©
@aleksanews
« Today I saw a tide for the first time in my life. At first, we didn't even notice it, but then the water started to wash over our sandals. It was very sudden. We managed to escape and watched this natural wonder from a safe distance. 🌊😊 »
aleksanews ©


Sydney Travel Guide