Culture, Customs and Etiquette in Australia

Society & Culture

Australian Modesty

• Australians are very down to earth and always mindful of not giving the impression that they think they are better than anyone else.
• They value authenticity, sincerity, and loathe pretentiousness.
• Australians prefer people who are modest, humble, self- deprecating and with a sense of humour.
• They do not draw attention to their academic or other achievements and tend to distrust people who do.
• They often downplay their own success, which may make them appear not to be achievement-oriented.

Mates 

• Australians place a high value on relationships.
• With a relatively small population, it is important to get along with everyone, since you never know when your paths may cross again.
• This leads to a win-win negotiating style, since having everyone come away with positive feelings helps facilitate future business dealings.

Multi-Cultural Society

• The initial population of Australia was made up of Aborigines and people of British and Irish descent.
• After World War II there was heavy migration from Europe, especially from Greece, Italy, Germany, the Netherlands, Yugoslavia, Lebanon, and Turkey.
• This was in response to the Australian policy of proactively trying to attract immigrants to boost the population and work force.
• In the last thirty years, Australia has liberalised its immigration policy and opened its borders to South East Asia.
• This has caused a real shift in self-perception as Aussies begin to re-define themselves as a multi-cultural and multi-faith society rather then the old homogenous, white, Anglo- Saxon, Protestant nation.

Etiquette & Customs

Meeting Etiquette

• Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed.
• A handshake and smile suffices.
• While an Australian may say, 'G'day' or 'G'day, mate', this may sound patronizing from a foreigner.
• Visitors should simply say, 'Hello' or 'Hello, how are you?'
• Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting

Gift Giving Etiquette

• Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbours on birthdays and Christmas.
• Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer!
• If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated.
• Gifts are opened when received.

Dining Etiquette

• Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a 'barbie' (BBQ).
• Guests to a barbeque typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. In some cases, very informal barbecues may suggest that you bring your own meat!
• Arrive on time if invited to dinner; no more than 15 minutes late if invited to a barbeque or a large party.
• Contact the hostess ahead of time to see if she would like you to bring a dish.
• Offer to help the hostess with the preparation or clearing up after a meal is served.