What are some things I should avoid doing in Australia?

Question

Anything from hand gestures or body language to words I should avoid. I'm going for a year as an exchange student and don't want to offend anybody. I'll be living near Renmark South Australia if that makes any difference. Tar (Thanks)! :)

Answer 1

You do not need to worry about this. Us Aussies do understand culture shock and don't get offended that easily.

Generally, if you spek english, most of how you behave (body language) and words are pretty much the same as most western world. And if you do something "not quite right", people will tell you.

A few things worth knowing though... hospitality is very big in Australia. We believe in a "fair go" and are helpful to one another. We look after each other in the community. So you need to develop that friendly, helpful attitude.

And... if you are american, "thongs" are what we wear on our feet! LOL

"Bring a plate" means bring some food with you to .. whatever you are going to (eg a party, a bar b q)

And you need to eat vegemite at least once.

Hoep this helps.

Answer 2

Hitch-hike. A very dangerous thing to do as most people end up dead. Sorry!!

Answer 3

Getting in a Kangaroo pouch. : )

Answer 4

We're pretty easy going, just don't burn the flag k.

That would be bad.

Answer 5

you might get laughed at if you say you're "rooting" for someone / something!

Answer 6

No I can't think of anything that would be offensive.  We are that multicultural everyone just does their own thing.

Answer 7

Just be yourself as we accept people as they are.  Please do not try to criticise us or compare us to other countries as we are all different.  Our way of life is unique so respect this.

Answer 8

You will be hard pressed to offend anyone in country SA!

Probably the best thing to do is just go with the flow. Country people are an honest breed and will probably want to help you fit in and show you a good time.

It is also hot up there in Summer - we have just had a record heatwave here in SA. Next Summer will probably be even hotter, hope you like the heat..................

Answer 9

Hmm nothing. Do whatever you want, we're not easily offended. We might just think you're a tool, however, if you continually say Gday mate and try to speak in an Aussie accent. :P

Answer 10

Don't drink and drive.

Answer 11

One thing to remember...........If you are planing on going for a swim at the beach, make sure it has life guards on it and swim between the red flags. So many tourist drown or are swept out to sea because they have no idea on how strong our under water currents and rips are. Don't say you were never warned and have a good time.

Answer 12

You should probably just go with the flow, SA people are pretty laid back folk and don't really get offended that easily.

But what ever you do, being in Renmark, it bloody hot in summer. Just remember to SLIP, SLOP, SLAP!!!

(slip on a t-shirt, slop on some sun screen and slap on a hat)

Answer 13

We are pretty thick skinned not easily offended. Have a good time don't forget to wear  sunblock  you dont want to get sunburnt. Cheers

Answer 14

Watch out for the 12 venomous snakes

Answer 15

Ummm don't try act australian (preety sure everyone hates people who try to act australian but who really arnt) , just embrace our culture.

Oh and make people laugh and get on the grog

If ur going swiming make sure you KNOW HOW to swim, dont swim in the northen terriorty waters/oceans lol crocs in there.

Answer 16

Nothing whatsoever. Australians are easygoing and not easily offended.  They're used to people coming from all over the world, they think nothing of it if people have different customs etc. Just behave as you normally would.

Hopefully it rains before you go to Renmark, because it's in a severe drought and the Murray River that it lies on has insufficient water at the moment for irrigation of the surrounding farmland. It's a grape and orange growing area, about 3 1/2 hrs drive from Adelaide.

Have fun

Answer 17

Well something i've noticed is that we like a good laugh and we easily laugh, so be yourself, have fun, and like everyone else is saying, embrace our culture :).

All the best!

Answer 18

I think you will enjoy Australia. The most important thing is to embrace Australian culture - by that I really mean our unique blends of all cultures mixed into one! =)

It's really fun. You will prob end up making friends from all over the world.