Australian Etiquette: a few dos and don’ts you should keep in mind

Every country has its own kind of culture, language and customs. Those cultures differentiate native people and foreign ones. Immigrants are differently treated, differently looked at and experience different outlooks. Foreign nationals feel like outsiders in a new environment until they get to know how to behave properly. You might get bullied, teased or laughed at for your every reaction. To save yourself from such embarrassment it is necessary you do enough research on the culture of a new country. If you have made up a mind to move to Australia following are social and business etiquette to be followed

Business etiquette

-Australians take punctuality very seriously. Never get late to your office and don’t forget to apologize in case of reaching late for work. Being ten minutes early is considered to be on time. Being late for work is unacceptable in Australia.

-Don’t spit or blow your nose in the public area. Make sure you use tissues.

– Say ‘excuse me’ if you happen to burp or blech in the public

-Wait patiently for your turn in a queue while taking food in a business meeting
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-Treat everyone equally regardless of birth, religion and their origin at work. Don’t display favoritism or nepotism.

-Hugging and kissing strangers are not acceptable.

-You should follow a proper dress code. A business suit or some smart dress is preferred.

You shouldn’t wear a T-shirt under the jacket to work.

-Speak up even if you have different opinions than your boss.

-Make your business conversation meaningful

-Australians do vast research on people before meeting them. Experienced people are held in high esteem

-Meetings are never arranged on Friday

-using mobile in business meetings is considered unprofessional. Pay serious attention to what others say.

-Make eye contact while speaking, it is regarded as a positive gesture.

Social etiquette

– While eating never say I am full. It means one is pregnant.

-Keep in mind that Barbecue is the most popular dish in Australia

-Australians hold a fork in the left hand and knife in the right hand while dining. The knife and fork are laid parallel to one another across the right side of the plate when you finish up your meal.

-Generally, who invites the guest pays the bill in the restaurant

-You are supposed to help your meal host if you are invited to their homes for a meal.

– The dining table manners are putting your elbows off the table and hands above the table.

-If you are invited for meals carry flowers or a bottle of wine as a gift for your host.

-If anybody teases you it’s better to retreat or respond with kind words

– Laughing at somebody’s accent is rude.

– Don’t make a mistake of exchanging gifts in a first meeting

– Australians are very up to date with latest fashion trends

-Address people with Mrs. Mr and Ms during the first introduction

-Don’t forget to carry your identification documents while going on a holiday.

-Smoking, drinking or eating is unethical while driving or when at stores

— Australians don’t accept uninvited guests. Call before you meet someone

– Do not hug, touch, pat other men in public. It is a disrespectful gesture.

-Showing V for victory means to ask for two beers to the barman
English is a medium of communication but there are many standard terms you need to get used to. Australians use colorful language.

Some of the Australians slangs:

Afternoon – Arvi

Barbie – Barbecue

Mosquitos – mozzie

Hard yakka – Hard work

Crook – feeling ill

Flat-out – really busy day

Mate – friends

Shoot through – Leave the place or scene