Australian society is based on many different people with different cultures and it is often encouraged that everyone celebrate and practise their own individual custom practises. Listed below is a compiled list of customs that are commonly practised in Australia, when visiting Australia or any other country for that matter, it is good to research and learn some of the common customs of the country you’ll be staying in.

Like in many other cultures it is respectable to shake the right hand of the person or person’s you are greeting. Australian’s are also very respectful of maintaining eye contact with the person they are speaking to. This practise like with so many other cultures is a sign of respect, however it is seen as impolite to stare for a long period of time. While at work or in the company of friends it is very common here for one another to address each other by their first names. However, if meeting someone for the first time be sure to address the individual by their family name, unless instructed otherwise.  

There are no restrictions on clothing in public places, besides at the work place and most work places in Australian societies have dress codes and standards. For the rest of society the clothing seen worn not only reflects the individuals customs and cultures, but also the climate.

Again like many other countries, Australian word useage is a bit different than other countries, below is a list of common word usages you may encounter in Australia.

Chook - means chicken or hen

Cuppa - means cup of coffee or tea

Loo - means toilet

To Be Crook - means to be sick or ill

Bloke - means man

Politeness is admired in any country, Australia is no exception. Saying “Please” and ” Thank You” are always helpful when dealing with people, or when purchasing something from a store. When asked to join someone for a cuppa, it is considered polite to answer with “Yes, Please” or ” No Thank You”, in Australian cultures it is considered very rude not to say please or thank you. Spitting in the Australian culture is looked at as if you sneezed or coughed without cover your mouth, spitting on to the ground even outside is looked upon as being rude and unsanitary. It is also a sign of respect in Australian cultures not to be late and if you are to be late, it is expected that you get a hold of the person you are to meet to give them a heads up.  

Australian customs are not much different from ours here in the United States, it is about being respectful of one another and being polite, no matter what country you are in.