In Australia, business and social situation etiquette and manners are, broadly speaking, very similar to those of other Western cultures but there are a few subtle but significant differences. Many of these ‘rules’ pertain to how an Australian perceives his own individuality and national identity and equally applies to what will be expected of others.

One subject, perhaps more than any other, defines the perception of manners and etiquette; it dominates many interactions with others - it is that of equality. A person’s standing in a community or among a group of peers has nothing whatsoever to do with wealth, social status, career position or academic achievement. These things do of course have some importance but they are not used to judge or define someone’s acceptance into a business or social situation and they are not displayed openly. In fact anyone observed discussing or bragging about such things risks becoming a social leper. It will be construed as considering oneself above or better than others and this is not acceptable.

This number one rule extends to many other situations such as when taking a taxi - customers who climb into the back of a cab are considered ‘uppity’ so be sure to get in the front seat with the cabbie.

It also applies when down the pub – rounds are brought in strict rotation. Trying to buy extra rounds is frowned on as much as trying to skip one when it is your turn. In the first instance it could be considered a show of extravagance or a way of trying to show you have more money to spare rather than an act of generosity.

The same applies with clothing especially in business situations. Smartness is expected as the norm but any show of overtly designer clothes or ostentatiousness would be seen as an announcement that you consider yourself important and are flashing your wealth. In certain parts of the country such as the tropical north, shorts are acceptable wear even in business situations. Another slight difference in the business arena can also be traced to the equality issue. It is unusual to use surnames – first names will normally be used and expected to be given in return even on initial contact.

This heavy play on equality is in no way forced but an innate part of Australian perception and has led to some claims of violations of protocol when foreign dignitaries have visited the country. Furthermore, respect must be earned and is not automatically applied just because someone has a supposed elevated position.

Australians are typically a very forthright, open and honest race and this bluntness and directness can sometimes be construed as rudeness on first visits to the country. Equally, even on first meetings, Australians will make what can be viewed as quite personal jokes about your nationality, appearance, speech etc but if you want to fit in you will have to roll with this. Australians have little patience with those who easily take offence or who act subserviently to them. If somebody is teasing you, you will be expected and respected for giving as good as you get.

If you are invited to somebody’s house to eat then it is considered totally unacceptable to arrive without some alcoholic contribution and beer is usually as accepted as wine, more so if the occasion is a barbecue. Sometimes hosts will expect you to bring some food contribution too so if unsure then check in advance.

Tipping is completely optional and most Australians wouldn’t consider doing so unless they had received exceptional service.

Perhaps nowhere in the world is so much emphasis put on the importance of friendship and this extends to both men and women. It is quite common for a women to have many male ‘mates’. The unwritten rules demand extreme loyalty and standing up for/sticking by your friends no matter what. Relationships between friends are given as much, and in some cases more, significance than those with family members. Letting a friend down is one of the worst crimes you can commit in the eyes of an Australian.

It is considered extremely bad ‘form’ or manners to moan and ‘whinge’ particularly about personal problems. Australians will maintain a hard exterior regarding suffering whether it is something as trivial as an uncomfortable bed in a hotel or as serious as a nasty accident. This attitude extends to both sexes and woman are expected to be as emotionally tough as men. Between close friends or family members this may of course be relaxed.

Australia is now quite a mixed pot of cultures and as such there will be variations in etiquette and manners from one individual to another. Australians who are first generation immigrants or those of mixed culture may have some variations to the standards discussed here. Furthermore, the original indigenous people of Australia – the Aborigine – have other customs, manners and social etiquette rules which are distinctly different.