Dos & Don’ts for visiting Australia
Do's
Do recognize that Australia is a big country and distances between cities can be too long for normal driving trips.
Do acquaint yourself with the animal protection laws if you want to touch or hold the animals like Koalas. Holding Koalas in NSW is not permitted.
Do recognize the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people as the original custodians of the land. For Australians all speeches/statements begin by recognizing the same.
Do carry a photo ID; you may be asked to identify yourself.
Do follow the driving laws; driving violation fines in Australia are quite high.
Do understand that Australians shorten a lot of words. Australians are ‘Aussies’, McDonalds is ‘Macca’s, Football is footy, Woolworths is ‘Woolies’ Avocado is ‘Avo’.
Do observe punctuality. Australian put a lot of premium on time especially during formal meetings.
Do contribute to the shared expense or task, wherever situations permit. For instance, if you are taking a trip in someone else’ car, offering to contribute to fuel costs will be appreciated.
Storms and floods are frequent in Australia even in urban areas. Pay attention to the Australian Bureau of Metrology warnings. A red warning mean that you need to be prepared for evacuation. Avoid driving in flood warning areas.
Don'ts
Don’t bring food items through flight in baggage. Such items will be confiscated by the Australian Border Force upon arrival and there are heavy fines for the same.
Don’t mention the divisive topics of Australian society (e.g., refugees, Indigenous affairs, LGBTIO, religion, etc).
Don’t be overly argumentative. Australians tend to avoid the company of people who are too opinionated.
Don’t litter as it’s illegal in Australia. Especially don’t throw a cigarette but from your car window as many bushfires are caused by this.
Don’t ride a bike without a helmet.
Don’t go in the sun without sunscreen; the sun rays in Australia can be adangerous for your skin. Australia has second largest rate of skin cancer in the world.
Do not boast as it gives the impression that you see yourself as superior to others. Some Australians may find it artificial and conceited.
Don’t stare and stalk people.
Don’t swim in beeches outside the flag markers.