Making A Good First Impression
Although famous for their open-mindedness, there are still some things the Aussies frown upon. They despise pompousness and self-boasting. It is common for them to downplay their own achievements. They are very hard-working and they don’t like people who are full of themselves.
Formal addressing is also not very common, especially insisting on titles when you meet new people. Aussies show their appreciation through respectful behavior rather than through formal speech. So put a smile on your face, be kind and friendly, and you'll be golden.
Understanding The Locals
Formal communication shouldn’t be a problem, obviously, but if you go out with your new Aussie mates, you will be dumbfounded by the slang they use. Try to learn the meaning of a few words at least, so you don’t spend the whole evening silently sitting in the background wondering what the conversation is about. Though, being as friendly as they are, the locals will likely be happy to explain themselves and make a few jokes at your expense along the way!
You should never forget to wear sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat when going to a beach in
. This is where the ozone hole is the biggest, so the UV radiation is worse than anywhere else in the world. Australia
Considering their love for the beach, it is quite probable you will spend a lot of time there even if you are going on a business trip. So, never forget to protect yourself from the sun or you might end up looking like a lobster.
Don’t Let The Bed Bugs Bite
Although some believe that bed bugs only exist in children’s imaginations, bed bugs are a real danger in Australia. Due to the humid climate and a constant “supply” of humans, entomological variety in
is unbelievable. So even if you are staying in a luxurious resort, make sure you check the bed and the rest of the furniture for hidden guests. While this is not as important for downtown hotels in Sydney or Melbourne, if you are exploring the Australian Outback check your sheets thoroughly before you doze off. Australia
The Wild, Wild, Wildlife
The unique wildlife is one of the trademarks of
, but the cute animals you see in the pictures may not be so cute in reality. Australia is beaming with exotic endemic species but only a select few of them are sweet and cuddly as you imagine them to be. Most of them are actually poisonous snakes and scorpions, and let’s not forget to mention the crocodiles. Australia
Even the cuties like koalas and wombats bite when they feel threatened. The kangaroos are something to watch out for, especially when driving through wilderness at night. If you hit one, the impact can seriously damage your car and injure the passengers. Never try to get closer and pet one because their kick is so strong it can kill a person instantly. As if the terrestrial beasts weren’t enough, the coastal area of the sea is swarming with poisonous jellyfish and octopuses, sting rays, and even sharks.
In other words, remember to wear adequate clothes and tough footwear if you are hiking through the wilderness, and don't forget to stay clear of exotic colorful fish when you go for a swim. A smart thing to do is to carry a bottle of white vinegar to the beach, especially from October to April. It is great for soothing irritated skin if you have been stung by a jellyfish.
Tipping The Waiter
This is one of the biggest differences between American and Australian culture. The Aussies consider tipping to be unnecessary since the people working as bartenders, waiters etc. have decent paychecks. This is a lot different from the States where workers in service sector have minimum wages and depend on the tips to earn a decent salary. In
, the “tips” are included in the price of the service and you usually make an exception only if you are overjoyed with the service. Of course, in some Australian restaurants it is normal to leave a tip, especially if it is one that is frequented by tourists. Australia