Oceania·Australia

Is Perth Safe for Tourists in 2026?

Perth is generally safe for tourists relative to other popular destinations. Our database documents 13 scams, with only 1 rated high severity. Standard travel awareness applies — staying alert in crowded areas and using vetted transport covers the majority of documented risks.

Generally Safe

Overall verdict

13

Scams documented

1

High severity

Overall verdict

Generally Safe

Lower scam risk compared to similar destinations

Scams documented

13

High severity

1

Medium severity

9

Top risk type

Street Scams

Priority warnings

High-severity risks in Perth

These are the most serious documented scams — rated high severity based on frequency, financial impact, and confirmation across multiple sources.

Street Drink Spiking in Northbridge

high

Predatory individuals in Northbridge nightlife district offer free drinks to tourists or slip substances into unattended beverages at busy bars. Victims lose wallets, phones, and become vulnerable to further exploitation.

How to avoid: Never leave drinks unattended. Use buddy system when clubbing. Stick to mainstream venues with visible security. Be cautious of overly friendly strangers offering drinks.

Where: Northbridge entertainment precinct, Beaufort Street, Lake Street bars and clubs

By traveler type

Is Perth safe for you specifically?

Scam risk varies by traveler profile. Different types of visitors face different documented threats in Perth.

Solo travelers

Higher risk

Solo travelers are more frequently targeted because they lack the deterrent of a group. Stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share itineraries with someone at home, and avoid deserted areas at night.

First-time visitors

Higher risk

Unfamiliarity with local pricing, transport, and norms makes first-time visitors prime targets. Read the full scam database for Perth before arrival — knowing what scams exist is the single most effective protection.

Families with children

Lower risk

Families with children are less commonly targeted for scams involving nightlife or bar areas. Standard precautions apply: use vetted transport, keep documents secured, and brief children on not accepting gifts from strangers.

Budget travelers

Higher risk

Budget travelers spending time in hostels, using street food, and booking last-minute tours face increased exposure to accommodation scams, fake tour operators, and currency exchange fraud.

Where risk concentrates

Areas to be cautious in Perth

These locations are specifically cited in documented scam reports for Perth. Exercise heightened awareness in these areas.

Charity Clipboard Scam on Hay Street Mall

Along Hay Street Mall between Barrack Street and Forrest Place in the Perth CBD, and in the adjacent Murray Street Mall near the Perth City entrance

medium

Fake Event Ticket Sales

Social media marketplace listings, Gumtree Perth, local event group pages

medium

Street Drink Spiking in Northbridge

Northbridge entertainment precinct, Beaufort Street, Lake Street bars and clubs

high

Northbridge Bar Over-Pour Charge

Northbridge dining and bar strip along James Street and Lake Street, Perth CBD fringe

medium

Airport Unlicensed Taxi Scam

Outside the international and domestic terminals at Perth Airport in Redcliffe, particularly in the unregulated pick-up zone on the roadway outside arrivals.

medium
Risk breakdown

What types of scams occur in Perth?

Street Scams

Pickpockets, distraction thieves, fake petitions, and street hustles in tourist areas.

3

23% of reports

Tour & Activities

Unlicensed guides, fake tickets, bait-and-switch excursions, and ticket scalping.

3

23% of reports

Other Scams

Timeshares, fake police, charity fraud, and miscellaneous scams targeting visitors.

2

15% of reports

Taxi & Transport

Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists.

1

8% of reports

Restaurant Scams

Inflated bills, hidden charges, tourist menus, and food service tricks.

1

8% of reports

Accommodation Scams

Fake listings, bait-and-switch hotels, ghost rentals, and check-in fraud.

1

8% of reports

Online Scams

Fraudulent booking sites, phishing, fake reviews, and digital cons targeting travelers.

1

8% of reports

Money & ATM Scams

Card skimming, currency exchange fraud, dynamic currency conversion, and cash cons.

1

8% of reports

How serious?

Severity breakdown for Perth

1 High — 8%
9 Medium — 69%
3 Low — 23%
Before you go

Quick safety checklist for Perth

01

Before booking any tour or activity in Perth, verify the operator has verifiable reviews on multiple platforms.

02

Street Scams scams are the most documented risk in Perth — review those warnings specifically before you arrive.

03

Use app-based transport rather than street taxis, especially near Perth's main tourist attractions.

04

Keep a physical copy of your passport, travel insurance policy number, and embassy contact in a separate location from originals.

05

If you are approached by someone offering unsolicited help, tours, or currency exchange, politely decline and walk away.

06

Report any scam to local police and to your country's embassy. Even if recovery is unlikely, reports help maintain accurate travel advisories.

Common questions

Is Perth safe — answered

Is Perth safe for tourists in 2026?
Perth is generally safe for tourists based on our database of 13 documented scams. 1 of those are rated high severity. The most common risks are street scams, tour & activities, other scams. Millions of tourists visit Perth safely each year — preparedness is the key differentiator.
Is Perth safe for solo travelers?
Perth has documented scams that specifically target solo travelers. Key advice: stay in well-reviewed accommodation, share your itinerary with someone at home, use app-based transport at night, and avoid isolated areas after dark. Review the full scam list for Perth before traveling alone.
What are the most dangerous areas in Perth for tourists?
Based on documented incident reports, the highest-risk areas in Perth include: Along Hay Street Mall between Barrack Street and Forrest Place in the Perth CBD, and in the adjacent Murray Street Mall near the Perth City entrance. Social media marketplace listings, Gumtree Perth, local event group pages. Northbridge entertainment precinct, Beaufort Street, Lake Street bars and clubs. These areas are associated with street scams, online scams, other scams incidents.
Is Perth safe at night?
Nighttime risk in Perth is primarily concentrated around bar and nightlife districts, where overcharging, spiked drink incidents, and fake police are more common. Using official or app-based transport after dark and staying in well-lit, populated areas reduces risk significantly.
Is Perth safe for female travelers?
Perth is broadly accessible for female travelers with standard precautions. General guidance: use verified accommodation with secure entry, avoid sharing ride details publicly, dress in line with local customs to reduce unwanted attention, and keep emergency contacts accessible. Travel communities like r/solotravel and r/TravelHacks have current firsthand reports.
What scams should I watch for in Perth?
The top documented scams in Perth are: Charity Clipboard Scam on Hay Street Mall, Fake Event Ticket Sales, Street Drink Spiking in Northbridge, Northbridge Bar Over-Pour Charge, Airport Unlicensed Taxi Scam. The full database covers 13 individual scams across 8 categories. Reviewing each scam's description and avoidance tips is the most effective pre-trip preparation.
Should I get travel insurance for Perth?
Travel insurance is strongly recommended for any trip to Perth. Beyond scam-related losses, insurance covers medical emergencies, trip cancellations, and theft — all documented risk categories here. Look for policies that include 24/7 emergency assistance and explicit coverage for mugging or pickpocketing. Compare policies on comparison sites before purchasing.
Is Australia safe to visit in 2026?
Australia as a whole is a popular tourist destination with documented scam activity across multiple cities. Perth specifically has 13 documented scams with a generally safe safety rating. Check the full Australia country guide for a regional overview and safety comparisons across all covered cities.

Editorial note: This safety assessment for Perth is based on 13 verified scam reports in the Before You Go database, compiled from government travel advisories (US State Dept, UK FCDO, Australian DFAT), verified news sources, and traveler reports. Safety conditions change — always cross-reference with current government advisories before travel. Read our methodology →