Australia is regarded as the safest place around the globe for tourism and travel. It offers such an exquisite and novel combination of natural and man-made wonders as well as versatile recreational activities that is hard to find anywhere else. The country is deemed safe because of its stable political environment, welcoming climatic conditions, warm and courteous public, low crime rate and well-maintained infrastructure.
That being said, it is however, important to acknowledge certain pointers and guidelines before embarking on an expedition to explore this magical place called Australia. We have compiled a list of potential do’s and don’ts so that your Australia touring experience becomes utterly rewarding, fitting and uncomplicated.
Do’s:
- Wear seatbelts while driving and helmet if cycling because it is mandatorily required by law in Australia.
- If travelling alone, males are required to sit at the front seat with the taxi driver whereas women should avoid sitting on the front and use the backseat of the taxi instead.
- Establishing eye contact is part of Australian culture so you must always look directly into the eyes of speaker while making a conversation.
- If you are visiting Australia for business purposes, do wear dark color full suit at the meeting and women should wear a decent blouse and crisp skirt.
- Tipping is allowed only if you have had really enjoyed the service but it is not customary and in fact deemed as an indecent act.
- If invited at someone’s place, you must take a bottle of wine or beer along for the host because it is a tradition there.
- Always greet an Australian with a smile on your face and shake hands both at the start and end of the meeting.
- Do keep your valuables, important travel documents such as identity card and passport, embassy phone number and all important phone numbers in your hand carry.
- Summers can be really hot in Australia so do wear sunblock if going out during daytime.
Don’ts
- Although Australians are pretty informal inherently but there are certain gestures that are prohibited in public such as raising the middle finger, blowing nose in public or hugging or patting other men on the road.
- In Australia, expect to be addressed by your first name both at business meetings and personal meet-ups. In fact, professional titles are usually disregarded as being pretentious.
- Unannounced visits are not a part of the Australian culture so always do inform the person you wish to meet in advance.
- Eating, drinking and smoking is prohibited in public transport, shopping malls and public buildings.
- While dinning with an Australian family or at a restaurant, never rest your elbows on the table.
- When swimming at a beach, don’t go beyond the red and yellow flags boundaries because these indicate the end of safe zone for swimmers.
- Refrain from exchanging currency from unlicensed sources and same holds true while booking a taxi or transport.
- Don’t leave your valuables and travel documents at the home of somebody you don’t know or don’t trust.
