From laid-back social rules and unspoken etiquette in Australia to everyday habits that define the country’s culture, there are plenty of small details that surprise newcomers. Knowing what Australians value, how they communicate, and what’s considered normal can save you from awkward or frustrating moments, and help you have a much more pleasant trip.
Whether you’re planning a short visit or a longer stay, this guide covers general etiquette and customs, insider tips, potentially life-saving advice, and some fun facts about Australia.
Australia has fun slang words that tourists love to test out, but it can come across as patronising. However, it’s still important to know common slang words to avoid confusion.
Have you ever heard of jokes about Australia, such as it being the “land of nope” or that “everything down there can kill you”?
Well, Oz does indeed have some of the most venomous wildlife in the world, including the inland taipan (the world’s most venomous snake), deadly box jellyfish (an excruciating sting that can kill humans), and Sydney funnel-web spiders (a large, aggressive, and venomous spider).
A key to a mutually beneficial trip is respecting local culture and following proper etiquette, and Australia is no exception. Here are the most important etiquette rules in Australia you should follow.
✅ At beach areas, it’s normal to walk around barefoot or in only a swimsuit
✅ Greet your driver when taking public transport
✅ Always queue and wait for your turn
✅ Respect nature and wildlife. This means no littering and no approaching wildlife for whatever reason
✘ Don’t take up more space than you need on public transport (don’t put your feet or bags on the empty seat next to you)
✘ Do not talk loudly or play music on your phone or speakers
✘ Do not litter. It’s not just rude, but also illegal
✘ Do not spit in public
✅ Being underdressed is less embarrassing than being overdressed
✅ Casual swearing is common among close friends but still be mindful of overdoing it
✅ Upon meeting someone new, you can simply say hello and make eye contact. If it’s someone you might establish a relationship with (whether friendship or professional), shake hands
✅ Call people by their first names rather than their titles or formalities like “Sir” or “Ma’am”
✅ Always say ‘please’, ‘thank you’, and ‘excuse me’ when relevant, no matter who you’re talking to
✘ Men and women are considered equals, so while being chivalrous (e.g. opening the door for a woman) can be positively viewed, it can also be viewed as patronising
✘ Do not ask about people’s salaries
✘ Don’t yell, whistle, snap fingers, or wave at wait staff to get their attention. Instead, make eye contact and nod, or say “excuse me” as they walk by you
✘ Tipping is not a part of Australian culture
✘ Never invade people’s personal space
✅ If invited to someone’s place, always bring snacks or food or drinks (you can ask what can be brought)
✅ It’s not considered rude to decline food if not hungry, nor to leave some food on your plate, nor to clear your plate
✅ Offer to help your host clean up
✅ Be on time for meetings at restaurants, cafes, or work-related events. Even though Australia generally has a casual vibe, it’s important to respect people’s time. For BBQs and casual parties, you can arrive a bit later
✅ Take turns to buy your group a round at the pub, as everyone does it
✅ People split bills by paying for what they ordered, not by the number of people (this should apply everywhere to be honest, because otherwise someone always gets screwed)
✘ Never earlier than the invitation time
✅ Australia is a very diverse country, and many people are bilingual. Respect cultural differences and avoid stereotyping
✘ Avoid making jokes or bringing up controversial topics about race, religion, politics, and sex, unless you’re familiar with the person
✘ Discrimination of any kind is frowned upon
Australia is generally considered a safe country, though there are many animals and insects that can harm people, like venomous spiders, crocodiles, etc.
Australia’s most dangerous animals are the Inland Taipan snake, spiders such as the Sydney Funnel-Web, the Box Jellyfish, the Blue-Ringed Octopus, the Saltwater Crocodile and Sharks.
You can bring packaged snacks like cookies, chocolates, and chips, but you must declare animal products, meds, firearms, and large sums of cash (over $10k AUD).
One of the most important things to know about Australia is that it has strict biosecurity rules to protect its ecosystem. Hence, you can’t bring plants, fresh fruits and vegetables, meat, dairy products, eggs, or seeds.
