Question about Laws and Prices in Australia compared to America?

Question

I was wondering what are some of the major law differences in Australia that would shock Americans if they moved there?

And, is it illegal to smoke cigarettes there?

What are some common prices of foods compared to America? I mean here the price of food is a third of our paycheck, is it higher there, or cheaper?

Milk is almost $5 a gallon, gas $3.96, Shampoo $3, so on.

Also, is English the common spoken language?

Any help is appreciated.

Answer 1

The laws here in Australia, I believe arent has hard as the American laws.

As for smoking, it is illegal to smoke in bars, nightclubs and I think some cafes.

As for food, its not as expensive. Weekend Markets are always cheap, and you can save heaps, also fruit & vegie markets throughout the week are cheaper, as well as butchers, its easy to shop around and find cheap stores, which will soon become your favourtie stores.. Fuel here in Perth, WA is about $1.40-$1.70 (rough guess)

English here is the #1 language in Australia...

*Edited*

I was asked to buy a carton of ciggies for my man's mate, and it cost $98, they were Benson & Hedges, which is a more expensive brand I think, needless to say, I almost fell over when the cashier told me the price, so Im not sure if its cheap for you... Pack of 20's ranges from about $8 - $13 I think.

As far as Insurance goes (car & health), this is the best I could do, so hopefully this webiste will give you the answers that you need:

http://www.rirdc.gov.au/farmersguide/RRG...

Answer 2

The different between Aussie land and USA from an Aussies point of view.

Everything is different.

Food is Food and you will cope.

Petrol (gas) is currently $1.69 L , due to be $2.00 by xmas.

I dont know why shampoo is an issue.

There is little or no tipping when you eat out. Wait staff get paid about $16-25 an hour. So bugger the tip.

We have our own special sport call Australia Football (National comp).

Everyone here speaks english, but more than 50% of the pop are born outside of Oz or have a parent born outside of Oz.

And you can Smoke. There are laws about where you can smoke. But in your own home and outside the shops and on the street you are fine.

Big binge drinking culture.

Smaller Dating culture.

Aussies are also physical bumless.(so if you like bums dont bother)

We drive on the other side of the road.

There is a thousand thing.

What state are you thinking about moving too?

Answer 3

I recently went there. The food, goods and other product prices are much more affordable and since the aussie dollar is doing so well, it's good value for money!

I don't think it is illegal to smoke, but maybe in certain areas, like near schools and other places with young lungs.

You can get arrested for jay walking !!! :O

English is a common language, and so is spanish (lots of mexicans)

Did you hear that story on the news late last year or early this year? Where some american lady was sueing a man for abuse because he threw a snowball at her? ha!

The scary thing is, that they were all taking it seriously :S

Answer 4

Planing on moving here.

Yes, English is the national language - however, you may encounter some problems with the 'stranlian' speakers - I was born her and I cannot understand some people who slur their words and run words together or use blue collar/ocker words.

For prices - $1.80 per litre (you do the conversion).  The cost depends on where you are city, bush, regional.

Bread varies from $2.00 a loaf to $4.50 a loaf - depends on type and brank.

Milk varies from $1.00 a litre (generic 2 litre buy) to $2.10 for half a litre upmakret brands.

Rent is about 30-40% of your pay cheque (that's how we spell it in Australia).

Public transport fares varying from around $2.50/$4.50 one way - depnding on lenght of journey and city.

No, it is not illegal to smoke cigarettes.  However, most of the country prefers you do that all by yourself down the back yard far, far away from everyone else.  It is illegal and heavily penalised via fines for smoking in SOME public places, - different States have different laws.  I think it is about $13 for a packet of the better brand cigarettes - that is a standard put it in your shirt pocket pack.

Trying looking up Coles, Woolworths, Aldi in Australia for food prices.

Good luck.

Answer 5

I think they have national health