CULTURAL DO’S AND DON’TS IN AUSTRALIA
When it comes to culture, every country in this world is different. The practices and culture you see in the USA will be very different from what you see in Australia. For example, see the coffee culture in both countries. How the locals in both countries like their coffee different. If we talk about Australia, then there are many things which you will find strange in the first place, but eventually will get used to it. From Aussies informal way to their transport system to their eating ways, you’ll find these things very different than your home country.
Beautiful smelling diffusers in Foodland,, Australia
When I went to Australia for the first time, the culture there really shocked me. From traffic rules to their eating habits, I have never experienced those things in my life before. But gradually, I started learning more about it and today I can say that I too follow a majority of the stuff Aussies do and I absolutely love it.
Do you want to know the Do’s and Don’ts in Australia? Then read below my list of few things and why you should follow them while you are in Australia.
Things you should NOT do in Australia
- Don’t forget to keep your identity copy with you
It’s important if you keep at least one id copy or original id with you. It can be your student card, your driver license or any other important document. You may need them anywhere. I used to carry my university card as I traveled on buses and anytime our tickets could be checked along with our id cards. This is done to check whether all the passengers have paid for transport or not.
- Don’t eat food in public transport
Only take away coffees are allowed in public transport
It’s prohibited to smoke, drink or eat something in public transports including buses and trams. Some of the stores have also mentioned to not bring any food inside. I remember most of the buses had special notice pasted behind driver seat saying ‘no food, drink or smoking is allowed inside’.
- Don’t be too formal
Don’t be shocked when someone calls you by your first name regardless of your age. Aussies are bit informal and they don’t like you to call them sir, madam or anything else. This is what they told me on my orientation day when I called a senior lecturer by saying ‘Sir’ and he corrected me saying you should call everyone by their first name in Australia whether it’s your teacher, manager or anyone else. They don’t mind it at all.
- Don’t be surprised to see nude person on beach
Sea Cliff beach in South Australia
Yes, that’s true. There are many beaches in Australia where people go without wearing anything. If you come across any such beach, don’t be too shocked to see that as it is allowed at few places in Australia.
- Don’t visit anyone without appointment
Want to go to a doctor? Or visit anyone? It is recommended to not go without making an appointment. Always make a call before you visit someone. This is a part of great Australian culture.
- Don’t leave tips
Great food and no tips
Tipping is not really compulsory in Australia. Aussies pay enough to their waiters due to which they don’t really have to rely on tips. Don’t worry; you are going to get great service even without giving tips. If you are willing to pay them anything by yourself, you can do that but they seriously don’t need it.
Things you should DO in Australia
- Carry sunscreen with you
Hiding behind bus stop in scorching heat
Australian scorching heat can make you very tan and you can also have sunburn if you are under the sun most of the time. It is recommended to use a good sunscreen for your face and body when going outdoors to avoid tanning and sunburn.
- Use seat belts in Australia
Do you often drive without a seat belt in your home country and never get caught? Well, that’s not the case in Australia. You are most likely going to be fined if you are driving without wearing a seat belt in Australia in the front car seat. Those who drive cycles, they must wear a helmet.
- Waiting for the passengers on public transport
A well mannered dog who sat quietly next to me in tram
In Australia, if you are catching a bus, tram or a train, you should wait for the passengers to come out first. After they are done, you can go in. You can’t really run into it straight away. Also, buses and trams have special seats in the front for the elderly, disabled and pregnant ladies. If you are sitting on that seat, it is preferred to leave the seat when you see someone needing it.
- Follow the queue
Australians follow their rules strictly. If you see a queue in front of any place you are willing to go, then you’ll have to follow it without pushing anyone in front of you.
- Use slangs
Aussies use lots of slangs. They say ‘Ta’ instead of ‘thank you’ and likewise many other short forms of different words. You’ll also get to hear ‘mate’ a lot of times from Aussie people. G’day mate, hello mate, what are you doing mate? Etc. Trust me, you’ll get used to all these things.
- Use pedestrian crossing
Bus stop outside my university
Like other countries, you can’t really cross the road in Australia anytime. They have pedestrian crossing everywhere. You have to push a button which is fitted on the sides of roads and when it shows you signal, you can cross the road. No car can drive while you are crossing. Isn’t it a great thing?
Are you planning to go to Australia and want to know about its culture? Then follow the things I have mentioned above. I have lived in Australia for a long time and trust me, all the things I have told you are absolutely true. You are going to experience all this in Australia and I’m sure you are going to love every bit of it. Don’t be shocked with any cultural change. You’ll have a hard time at first, but slowly with the passage of time, you’ll also learn and follow the Australian culture from its amazing coffee to traffic rules to eating habits.
Mount Barker, South Australia
Whatever you find offensive or inoffensive in Australia, it may be very different than other parts of the world including your home country. Visit Australia and enjoy its amazing culture. Have a nice trip 🙂
