Australia‚ Don’ts
- Do not forget to carry photocopies of your identity and other essential documents wherever you go and leave copies with trust family back home.
- Do not bring with you prohibited items, such as meat, packaged, dairy products or fresh fruits and vegetables.
- Do not eat, drink and smoke on public transports, most stores and public buildings.
- Do not blow your nose in public which is socially unacceptable.
- Do not swim outside the red and yellow flags at beaches for your safety. These flags designate safe areas.
- Do not swim in the ocean until you have checked the warnings posted on the beaches.
- Do not hire any vehicle from unlicensed operators.
- Do not be surprised by what they wear or not wear on the beaches. Lady Jane is the nude beach in Sydney.
- Do not be offended being addressed by your first name. In Australia, first names are used both in personal greetings and business correspondence. Professional titles are not prominent in Australian business culture, and are sometimes dismissed as pretentious.
- Do not touch, pat or hug other men in public which is considered socially unacceptable.
- Do not visit without appointment. Unannounced visits are not part of Australian culture; always make a call before you wish to meet the people.
- Do not be surprised if you are asked to bring your own beer and meat for the grill when invited to a barbecue in Australia. Barbecues are a big part of Australian culture, people will typically bring their own beer or wine for their own consumption.
- Do not put your elbows on the table when eating, and do indicate that you are full by putting your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the utensil handles facing right.
Australia‚ Do’s
- Do carry a list of emergency phone numbers and your embassy contact information.
- Do make sure you wear waterproof sun cream to avoid sunburn when outdoors.
- Do keep your valuables in the safe deposit of your hotel room safely.
- Do change money from a recognized moneychanger such as a bank or at airport.
- Do use the seat belts while driving in Australia, which is mandatory. If you are cycling then you must wear a helmet.
- Do sit in the front with the taxi driver which is customary for men in Australia, but a woman travelling alone should sit in the back left passenger seat of the car.
- Do wear casual clothing if you‚re not going to a business function. For business functions, wear a dark business suit and tie for men or a skirt and blouse or a dress for woman.
- Do greet with a smile and a handshake. It is customary to shake hands at the beginning and end of a meeting. ‚G‚day, mate‚ (pronounced G‚die mite) is a popular casual greeting, particularly between individuals who have already known each other.
- Do maintain personal space and keep an eye contact when speaking to an Australian which is important in their culture.
- Do learn some knowledge of major sports and how the local team is getting on if you want to associate with Australian males. Sport is supreme in Australia.
- Do bring your own beer at a restaurant except for more upscale restaurants. Bringing your own beer is acceptable and cheaper.
- Do tip if you enjoyed the service. Tipping is not the general custom in Australia, waiters, porters at airports and taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
- Do feel ‚at home‚ when invited to an Australian house. Australian hospitality tends to be very informal, and you will be encouraged to serve yourself.
- Do expect a barbecue (‚barbie‚) if invited to someone‚s home for a meal. Do bring beer or a bottle of wine for the host which is customary. Do bring your own wine or beer for yourself if going to a barbecue. At more informal barbecues, you might be told to bring your own meat.