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When I came to Sydney, Australia, I found the people incredibly friendly and helpful. Many people often regard Australians as some of the friendliest people in the world, always ready with a smile and a kind word. They are also clean and polite, making public spaces like transport exceptionally pleasant.
You’ll often hear them say “sorry” and “thank you,” and they always try to use these words as early as they can. When you get on a bus, it’s common to greet the driver with a “morning” or “evening,” and when getting off, always say “thank you.” On public transport, people keep noise to a minimum, ensuring a peaceful journey for everyone.
Additionally, Australians are environmentally conscious, so you won’t see much litter on the streets. Below, I discuss some common faux pas I have experienced.
1. Never take an open stubby to a job interview.
2. Always identify people in your paddocks before shooting at them.
3. It’s tacky to take an Esky to church.
4. If you have to vacuum the bed, it’s time to change the sheets.
5. Even if you’re certain that the will includes you, you should avoid taking your ute and trailer to the funeral.
6. When decanting wine from the box, tilt the paper cup and pour slowly so as not to bruise the wine.
7. If drinking directly from the bottle, hold it with only one hand.
8. A centerpiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
9. Don’t allow the dog to eat at the table, no matter how good his manners.
10. While people need to clean their ears regularly, they should do this in private, using their own ute keys.
11. Even if you live alone, deodorant isn’t a waste of money.
12. Extensive use of deodorant can only delay bathing by a few days.
Dirt and grease under your fingernails is not acceptable. It changes the taste of finger foods. If you are a woman, it can distract from your jewelry.
14. Crying babies should be taken to the lobby and picked up after the movie ends.
15. Refrain from yelling abuse at characters on the screen. Tests have proven they can’t hear you.
16. Livestock is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
17. For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A tracksuit with a cummerbund and a clean football jumper creates a tacky appearance.
18. Though uncomfortable, say “yes” to socks and shoes for the occasion.
19. Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles, even if your gun’s loaded and the roo’s in your rifle sight.
20. When entering a roundabout, the vehicle with the largest roo bar doesn’t always have the right of way.
21. Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
22. When sending your wife down the road with a petrol can, it’s impolite to ask her to bring back beer too.
23. Attempting to talk to strangers on public transport is generally considered a major faux pas.
24. Standing on the right or blocking the escalator will annoy the people in line behind you.
25. Never mention “shrimp” and “BBQ” in the same sentence.
26. Don’t talk loudly on public transport.
27. Always say thank you to the bus driver when getting off.
28. Avoid conflicts about whether Sydney or Melbourne is the best city to live in.
29. Don’t litter on the roads or anywhere outside.
30. Follow road signals carefully.
31. Avoid making noise at night.
1. Open Stubby to Job Interview: Never take an open stubby (beer bottle) to a job interview.
2. Identifying People: Always identify people in your paddocks before shooting at them.
3. Esky to Church: It’s tacky to take an Esky (cooler) to church.
4. Vacuuming the Bed: If you have to vacuum the bed, it’s time to change the sheets.
5. Funeral Etiquette: Even if you think you are in the will, it is rude to bring your ute and trailer to the funeral.
1. Decanting Wine: When decanting wine from the box, tilt the paper cup and pour slowly to avoid bruising the wine.
2. Drinking from the Bottle: If drinking directly from the bottle, hold it with only one hand.
1. Table Centrepiece: A centrepiece for the table should never be anything prepared by a taxidermist.
2. Dog at the Table: Don’t allow the dog to eat at the table, no matter how good his manners.
1. Cleaning Ears: While ears need to be cleaned regularly, this should be done in private, using one’s own ute keys.
2. Using Deodorant: Even if you live alone, deodorant isn’t a waste of money.
3. Bathing: Extensive use of deodorant can only delay bathing by a few days.
4. Fingernail Cleanliness: Dirt and grease under your nails is not acceptable. It changes the taste of finger foods. If you are a woman, it can also distract from your jewelry.
1. Crying Babies: Crying babies should be taken to the lobby and picked up after the movie ends.
2. Yelling at the Screen: Refrain from yelling abuse at characters on the screen. Tests have proven they can’t hear you.
1. Livestock as a Gift: Livestock is a poor choice for a wedding gift.
2. Groom’s Attire: For the groom, at least, rent a tux. A tracksuit with a cummerbund and a clean football jumper creates a tacky appearance.
3. Socks and Shoes: Though uncomfortable, say “yes” to socks and shoes for the occasion.
1. Dim Headlights: Dim your headlights for approaching vehicles, even if your gun’s loaded and the roo’s in your rifle sight.
2. Roundabout Right of Way: When entering a roundabout, the vehicle with the largest roo bar doesn’t always have the right of way.
3. Towing Cars: Never tow another car using panty hose and duct tape.
4. Petrol Can: When sending your wife down the road with a petrol can, it’s impolite to ask her to bring back beer too.
1. Talking to Strangers: Attempting to talk to strangers on public transport is generally considered a major faux pas.
2. Escalator Etiquette: Standing on the right or blocking the escalator annoys the people in line behind you.
3. Talking Loudly: Don’t talk loudly on public transport.
4. Thanking the Bus Driver: Always say thank you to the bus driver when getting off.
1. Shrimp and BBQ: Never mention “shrimp” and “BBQ” in the same sentence.
2. Overly Formal: Australians tend to be relatively informal and laid-back in their interactions. Being overly formal or uptight may come across as insincere or distant.
3. Arriving Late: Punctuality is important in Australian culture. Arriving late without a good reason shows disrespect.
4. Making Fun of Slang or Accents: Australians are generally proud of their unique slang and accents. People may view making fun of them as rude or disrespectful.
5. Assuming Knowledge: Never assume Australians don’t understand the world outside their own doorstep.
6. Sydney vs. Melbourne: Avoid conflicts about whether Sydney or Melbourne is the best city to live in.
1. Littering: Australians are generally environmentally conscious, and it’s important to respect the natural environment. Make sure to dispose of waste properly.
2. Conservation: Follow local conservation guidelines and be mindful of your impact on the environment.
3. Road Signals: Always try to follow road signals carefully.
4. Noise at Night: Avoid making noise at night.
1. Respect for Traditions: Show respect for Aboriginal traditions and customs. Avoid making insensitive remarks or jokes about indigenous Australians.
1. Cleaning Up: Follow local customs like cleaning up after yourself.
2. Designated Swimming Areas: Respect designated swimming areas.
3. Mindful of Others: Be mindful of other beachgoers.
1. Not Obligatory: Tipping is not as common or expected in Australia as it is in some other countries. While customers appreciate tipping for exceptional service, they do not have to do it.
1. Mate: The term ‘mate’ is widely used and is the default for addressing somebody you don’t know yet.
2. Swear Words: Australians often use swear words as terms of endearment. Be cautious with your usage until you understand the context.
3. “How Are You?”: Do not give a long and/or honest answer to “how are you” or “how has your day been.” Learn the stock answers quickly.
4. Learning English: If necessary, work hard to improve your English. You can also change your accent for clearer communication.
Australia is a vibrant and diverse country with its own unique social norms and customs. Aussies usually display a laid-back and friendly attitude. You can improve your experience by understanding and respecting their cultural etiquette.
By avoiding these common mistakes and embracing the local way of life, you will connect better with people. This will help you enjoy your time in this beautiful country. Remember, a little respect, politeness, and a real smile can make your stay in Australia truly special.
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