What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Australia?
We asked people in Australia if they could share any humorous cultural blunders they commited. For new expats, keep in mind that these incidents are an inevitable part of expat life. Learning to laugh about them is the key!...
"No I didn't. I'm not sure that is possible with Australians they are so laid back," wrote a member who made the move to Brisbane, Australia.
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"It is important to respect Australia's cultural diversity. Respect Indigenous Australian culture by understanding the Stolen Generations, the history of land dispossession and the effects of colonisation. Avoid using condescending language such as 'mates' or 'g'day' to All Australians, as this might be perceived as patronising. Refrain from commenting on the accents of Australians. Similarly, respect social and cultural boundaries, such as only entering someone's home after being invited, and respecting the personal space of others. Finally, trying 'Australian' delicacies, such as Vegemite, kangaroo and emu, can be a great way to experience the culture," explained one expat living in Australia.
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Other Questions:
- What do I need to know before retiring in Australia?
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- Is there a lot of crime in Australia?
- Is there a lot of diversity? Are people in Australia accepting of differences?
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What cultural faux pas should I try to avoid making in Australia?
If you live in Australia, newcomers to Australia would love to hear your answer to this question.
About the Author
Betsy Burlingame is the Founder and President of Expat Exchange and is one of the Founders of Digital Nomad Exchange. She launched Expat Exchange in 1997 as her Master's thesis project at NYU. Prior to Expat Exchange, Betsy worked at AT&T in International
and Mass Market Marketing. She graduated from Ohio Wesleyan University
with a BA in International Business and German.
Some of Betsy's articles include 12 Best Places to Live in Portugal, 7 Best Places to Live in Panama and 12 Things to Know Before Moving to the Dominican Republic. Betsy loves to travel and spend time with her family. Connect with Betsy on LinkedIn.