an australian customs guide

1 For a translation, call 131 450Customs Guide

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Contents

Australian Lifestyle

4 - 5

Australian People

6 - 7

AustralianHolidays

8 - 10

AustralianRoad Rules

11

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TrafficLights

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CrossingRoads

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Seatbelts inAustralia

4For a translation, call 131 450

Australian Lifestyle

Capital: Canberra

Population: Over 23, 000, 000

Language: English is the main language used in Australia. As a multicultural nation, there is no restrictions on languages in Australia and you may speak whatever language you wish. Australia offers a supportive environment where interpreters are easily available for Government services and other needs.

5 For a translation, call 131 450

GovernmentAustralia is ruled by a federal democracy where the people get to vote for who they wish. Australia is a safe place to follow whichever political party you wish and you are allowed to vote for whomever you want. Australians are freely allowed to voice their own personal opinions publicly without fear of censorship or punishment, as long as they follow the Australian law.

Religious FreedomAs a multicultural society, Australians are freely allowed to follow whichever religion they wish, as long as they don’t break any Australian laws. Religious intolerance in Australian is unacceptable. You are also allowed to not follow a religion if you don’t want to.

EqualityMen and women have equal rights and equal status in Australia. There is equal opportunities in jobs, professions, the military and the government for both genders. Men and women also equally share household responsibilities.


Australian people are very down to earth and laid back. They often say what they mean and are very fond of humour. They prefer modesty, humbleness and self-deprecation and are often distrusting of people who are the opposite.

Australian People

Eye ContactAustralians commonly use eye contact when they communicate with others as a sign of respect.

TouchingWhen greeting new people, Australians will often shake the right hand of that person with their right hand.

Touching between genders is acceptable as Australians will often hug or kiss each other on the cheek as a greating, when they have known each other for a while. Public displays of affection are acceptable in Australia and are common. Australians generally won’t touch someone they don’t know very well.

Please and thank youAustralians also say please when they are asking for something and thank you when they have recieved something or someone has done something for them.


RelationshipsAustralians place a high value on relationships. They often call each other by their first name or a nickname if they have known each other for a while. It is very common for couples to live with each other before they are married. It is also common for different genders to live together in share houses and dorms.

GreetingsAustralian greetings are mostly causal. If you are meeting someone for the first time, a handshake is generally how you greet them. If Australians know each other well, they might even greet each other by a hug or a kiss on the cheek.A common greeting in Australia is “How are you?”. This is done to enquire on the wellbeing of the other person.

Visiting other people’s placesAustralian hardly ever visit each other’s house without an invitation. When you are invited to a gathering, it is important to enquire whether you need to bring anything. It is common to usually bring your own drinks, especially if they are alcoholic, as well as a plate of food. The food can be anything from a salad to a type of dessert.


BirthdaysAustralians celebrate their day of birth every year. This is usually celebrated with a social event, such as a dinner or an event, with a gathering of friends and family. They are given presents as well as a cake with candles on it. It is common practice to sing the song ‘Happy Birthday’ before they blow out the candles and make a wish. If you are invited to a birthday party, it is common practice to bring a gift for the person whose birthday it is.

Australia DayAustralians celebrate the anniversary of the founding of Australia on the 26th of January. This is a national holiday where festivals and celebrations occur all over Australia. Australian flags are used as decorations and can also feature on clothing. Fireworks and barbeques are a common form of celebration on Australia Day.

Australian HolidaysAustralians celebrate a number of holidays throughout the year. This is a list of the main holidays in Australia, which isn’t necessarily all the holidays celebrated in Australia. Different States can have their own holidays.

26January


EasterAustralia celebrates the Christian holiday of Easter, which date depends on the Christian calendar of that year. Easter stretches over four or five days, depending on the Australian state you are in. The most common celebration of Easter in Australia is gift of chocolate. Children believe the Easter Bunny visits them and leaves them chocolates. Some Christians in Australia celebrate Easter through Lent and other religious celebrations.

ChristmasAustralians celebrate Christmas on the 25th of December every year. Christmas is a Christian religious celebration which celebrates the birth of Jesus. In Australia is a time for family and for giving. Parents leave children presents under a chirstmas tree which children believe are given by Santa Claus. Chistmas Tree. Christmas decorations are often put up in the months leading to Christmas. It is a nation wide holiday.

25December


New Year’s EVE New Year’s Eve is celebrated on the 31st of December in recognition of the new calander year starting on 1st of January. It is often celebrated with parties, parades, fireworks and a countdown at midnight for the start of the new year.

New Year’s DayA public holiday in Australia to celebrate the first day in the new year.

31December

1January


Australia enforces strict road rules when it comes to driving. Police moniter the roads and have the right to fine and even arrest you if you break any laws.

Australian Road RUles

In Australia, people drive on the left.

You need to have a driver’s license to drive in Australia. The process to obtain one is outlined in the Documents Guide.

Speed limits must always be followed. These are displayed on signs next to the road.

It is illegal to drink alcohol and then drive in Australia.

It is also illegal to use your mobile phone will you are driving.

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Traffic lights have to be followed, even when you are just crossing the road.

Red means stop and that you cannot go.

Yellow means slow down and stop if it is safe for you to do so.

Green means you are safe to go.

Traffic Lights


Always try to cross the road at a pedestrian crossing or at the lights.

Zebra crossings are marked with white or yellow stripes across the road and indicate locations pedestrians have right of way when they cross the road. Cars must stop to allow you to cross the road at any time.

Lights indicate when it is safe for you to cross. When you want to cross at the lights, press the button next to the road for the direction you want to cross. Some lights have a beeping noise to indicate when you can cross to blind people.

When the man turns green you are safe to cross.

When the man starts flashing, it means you cannot start crossing. If you are already crossing the road, you can keep going until you finish crossing.

When the man is red, it means you cannot cross.

Crossings


Seatbelts in Australia

In Australia, it is illegal to not wear a seatbelt when travelling in a car. The driver and all the passengers must wear a seatbelt otherwise they could face a fine. They are worn for the saftely of all passengers as they have the potential to save lives in an accident.

Children under the age of 12 should sit in the backseat for safety reasons. Up until the age of 7, children must use approved booster seats in the back of the car.

an australian customs guide

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