Australians Point Out 25 Of The Biggest Culture Shocks Tourists Experience

A place most people are familiar with is Australia, which is simultaneously the smallest continent and the sixth-largest country in the world. Home to approximately 27M people according to a World Bank report (2024), Australia has one of the highest foreign-born populations worldwide. Renowned for the Great Barrier Reef, the Sydney Opera House and its thriving Kangaroo population, Australia has long been considered a megadiverse destination that sees many travellers visiting in search of adventure.

Recently, a curious Redditor inquired on the r/AskAnAustralian subreddit, “What are some things a foreigner or immigrant would find strange or not know about Australians/Australia?” The poster went on to further add that they were seeking what to avoid or things that Aussies would do differently, etc. People were quick to chime in with insightful suggestions, and we’ve rounded up a few top picks in the gallery below.

#1

Image source: Aussiechimp, Getty Images / Unsplash

If you are invited to a party or bbq and asked to “bring a plate” it means bring some kind of food to share.

#2

Image source: brezhnervous, Kiros Amin / Unsplash

We don’t do patriotism like America…that level of flag-wavery is deeply unsettling.

#3

Image source: bmquietachiever, David L Smith

It’s not that unusual to see someone walking around in public spaces such as a shopping centre or city streets barefoot.

#4

It’s not cool to talk down to hospitality workers, cleaners etc

I was at a lift once and an American woman got in and started having a go at the attendant operating it. Basically why was he doing such a low status job. I told her “he was lucky enough to meet interesting people like yourself “ I think even she was able to detect the HEAVY sarcasm and shut up.

Image source: TheTwinSet02

#5

Image source: TinosCallingMeOver, Lala Azizli / Unsplash

We don’t really do tipping much, because we have labour laws that make sure people are paid properly by their employers (in theory at least).

#6

Image source: billbotbillbot, Getty Images / Unsplash

So, so many! I’ll just offer one:

We generally look down…. way down… on what we used to call “skiting”, but is probably more commonly known these days as “boasting”. That cheery self-aggrandising cataloging of one’s achievements and abilities, meant to underline how great one is, that American society seems to actually encourage under the banner of “self confidence”, is usually perceived here as “bragging”, and in general has the opposite effect from that intended by the brag-ee: we roll our eyes and our opinion of them goes down, not up.

Some related phrases admonishing this behaviour you might encounter:

Don’t big-note yourself

Don’t put the dog on

Don’t blow your own trumpet

Don’t be up yourself.

#7

Image source: schottgun93, Sandra Seitamaa / Unsplash

“yeah nah” = no

“Nah yeah” = yes.

#8

Image source: Brazen78, Brooke Cagle / Unsplash

We swear a lot. Like a lot a lot.
We casually drop the ‘c’ word into conversation without even thinking about it.

#9

Image source: 4L3X95, Curated Lifestyle

Australians seem to naturally add inflection to the end of sentences. We’re not asking you a question, that’s just how we talk.

#9

Image source: ColdCamel7, Kenan Buhic / Unsplash

We give everybody nicknames. Few people get called by their actual given name. If someone gives you a nickname, it probably means they like you.

#10

Making small talk with the person at the register of a supermarket or shop is common and considered polite. Just keep it light and finish when they’re finished scanning or bagging.

Image source: starrydreampuff

#11

Image source: anon, Getty Images / Unsplash

We are a very informal nation. Almost everyone is addressed by their first name, even some teachers.

#12

An entree is a starter, not a main course.

Aussies are fairly self deprecating.

Being asked hows it going isnt really asking how its going, its just a way of saying hi.

Too easy is a response to say we will do it, its not necessarily easy.

You will likely be given a nickname.

Regions have different names for the same foods and can get very snippy about it – ie parma/parmi, potato cake, potato scallop

Ordering beer is slightly different state to state.

Image source: notwhelmed

#13

We say
‘ I reckon …’ which a lot of other English speaking countries don’t get.
We say ‘yeah yeah’ when we’re listening just to say we heard. But in the US people will think you want to actually interrupt or say something.

Image source: learoit

#14

Image source: Touchwood, Rich Smith / Unsplash

We walk on the left. Stand to the left of escalators.

#15

Image source: The_Bad_Man_, Priscilla Du Preez 🇨🇦 / Unsplash

Asserting your religion is frowned upon. We don’t care about your invented fairy tale. Keep that private.

Never ever tip its incredibly disrespected and insulting unless you actually appreciate the service, even so tip ONLY the person who served you not the business.

Our government is deeply hated.

Not learning the customs and language is a fast track to being distrusted.

#16

Image source: Aussiechimp, Natalia Blauth / Unsplash

A lot if people called “dinner” “tea” so if someone asks you over for tea they mean a full meal.

#17

“The Australian Dream” — the desire to own a house is almost universal. But the way Australians are obsessed with property is truly something else (at least to a recent migrant like me). Expect it to be a part of almost every lunch conversation, everyone’s life goal is to have a 30-year mortgage for a “free standing 4-bedder with a big backyard”. Anyone renting or living in an apartment is, basically, considered not “living”.

Image source: anon

#18

Image source: bloodofchrist, Christopher Burns / Unsplash

That Australia is one of the most multicultural countries in the world. I think because of poor media representation, Australia is depicted as a overly majority white place when that’s really only the reality in small towns. Even in small towns I always seem to find at least 1 chinese family running a Chinese takeout and same for Vietnamese hahah.

#19

Aussie: “Easy as, mate!”
Me, an immigrant: *Easy as mate?!?!*

Aussie: “Sweet as!”
Me: *Sweet as what???*.

Image source: anon

#20

The fact we’re hardly a religious nation yet we get Good Friday and Easter Monday as public holidays. My in laws are catholic Americans and think this is so absurd due to the USA being far more religious and they don’t get either as a holiday.

Image source: anon

#21

We always sit in the front of the taxi/uber.

Image source: whatssaid

#22

To elaborate on the ‘no tipping’ comments

Sometimes business will have a small ‘tips’ jar at their register, it’s mostly used for any small change when paying with cash if you actually appreciate the place/service :).

Image source: Paigelainey297_