Living in Adelaide

South Australia is a sophisticated, modern and affordable place to live, work and study. The capital city of Adelaide has all the hallmarks of a major urban centre with modern and classical architecture, a bustling retail hub and a multi-cultural population.

Adelaide's classical architecture spans along North Terrace

New Yorker magazine once called Adelaide "the last well planned metropolis on earth" - and newcomers will soon realise this.
The city has wide streets and central squares ringed by 900 hectares of lush parklands.
In every sense this layout sets the scene for modern-day life in Adelaide. Traffic is rarely congested, people are relaxed and friendly, the air is clean and the public transport system can take you to the city’s white, sandy beaches or the Adelaide Hills within half an hour.

Climate

Because of its Mediterranean climate, Adelaide has hot dry summers and wet cold winters. Be aware of the harshness of the sun in summer and always wear a hat, sunscreen and cover up, particularly in the middle of the day.
It doesn’t snow in Adelaide but it does get pretty cold and wet in winter. Umbrellas and waterproof jackets are essential when you are out and about in the winter months.

Public Transport

Adelaide’s public transport system includes buses, trains and trams and all of this can get you to the far reaches of the city. You’ll find everything you need to know about Adelaide’s public transport including timetables and route maps at the Adelaide Metro website. Alternatively, pop into the Passenger Information Centre at 79 King William Street in the heart of Adelaide or phone +61 8 8210 1000.

Free city centre buses and trams
The free ‘terrace to terrace’ tram service takes you through the city centre and connects with the Adelaide Railway Station and UniSA City West Campus. Also look out for the City loop bus (99C) that can take you on a ride past art galleries, museums and universities.

Buying tickets
First buy a ticket and then validate it by inserting your ticket into the validating machine. Keep your ticket until the journey has ended and remember to validate the ticket on every journey (you could be fined it you don’t).

• Single trip and day trip tickets
  These can be purchased from the driver on all buses and conductors on the trams. They can also be purchased using vending machines on trains. A single trip is valid for two hours and can be used as many times as you like within this period. A day trip ticket lasts for one day.
• Multi-trip Tickets
  These save you money by giving you 10 trips for the price of seven. Multi-trip tickets are not available on vehicles but can be purchased from the Passenger Transport Information Centre, selected post offices, service stations, newsagents, convenience stores and the Adelaide Railway Station.
• Student Discounts
  All local and international students are entitled to a concession when buying tickets. You will need to show your student identification card to gain a concession and ensure you have your student card on you during your journey, as on-board inspectors may ask to see it.

Adelaide Connector

They Adelaide City Council also has a free bus service linking north and south Adelaide. The Adelaide Connector runs seven days a week (except public holidays) and generally during shopping hours.

Bicycles

Adelaide is a great outdoors city with good bike paths and cycling lanes, but there are a few things to remember before taking off on two wheels.

• By law you must wear a helmet at all times while cycling
• When using bicycle lanes or shared paths, always keep left and give way to pedestrians
• All bikes must be fitted with a working bell and brakes
• Font and rear lights are required for riding at night or during hazardous weather conditions – you must be visible from 200 metres. It is good idea to wear bright coloured clothing at all times.

You can hire free bicycles from the Adelaide City Council

Taxis

Adelaide taxis are clean and convenient. To get a taxi phone for a driver to collect you or look for taxi ranks located around the city. Taxi fares are fixed by the meter and are not negotiable. Taxi drivers do not expect tips. Find a taxi company at our Student Directory

Buying A Car

Planning to buy a second-hand car? Then visit Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website for information about consumer rights when purchasing a vehicle.

You can search for new and used cars at Cars Guide or The Trading Post websites.

The Royal Automotive Association (RAA) can also help by carrying out a mechanical check of the car. A small fee with be charged for this service.

Renting A Car

Driver's License
If you hold a present foreign driver’s licence, you can use it to drive in Adelaide if:

• You also hold a current driving permit
• Your foreign licence is written in English or is accompanied by an English translation of the details on the foreign licence; and
• • You have not held a current permanent visa under the Commonwealth Migration Act 1958 for more than three months and you have not been disqualified from driving in South Australia or elsewhere.
  
  Students, tourists and people working in South Australia on temporary visas are permitted to drive on their foreign licence only while it is current. If your foreign licence expires, you are required to obtain a South Australian driver’s licence.
  
  If you have permanent residency you are permitted to drive on an international driver’s licence for only three months. After that you are no longer considered a ‘visitor’ and will need to gain a South Australian licence. This requires passing a theory test to obtain a licence and a practical test may be required.
  
  Go to Transport SA for more information.

Important Information

Road Laws

By law, all people travelling in a motor vehicle are required to wear a seatbelt. Occupants older than 16 are responsible for their own seatbelt use. The driver is responsible for those under the age of 16. Tough fines apply so it’s best to ‘belt up’. It is also illegal to:

• Drive over the speed limit. Look out for speed limit signs – they’re generally set at 50km or 60km in residential areas and 100km or 110km in rural and regional areas
• Drive under the influence of alcohol or drugs (the legal blood alcohol level in South Australia is 0.05)
• Talk on a handheld mobile phone while driving
• Drive a motorbike without a helmet (passengers must wear a helmet too)
• Skate, rollerblade or ride a bicycle without a helmet.