Australia Etiquettes and 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. If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
Many invitations to an Australian home will be for a barbeque. 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.
Watch your table manners!
Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.
Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
These are some of the well known customs in Australia.
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. If invited to someone's home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette
Many invitations to an Australian home will be for a barbeque. 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.
Watch your table manners!
Table manners are Continental -- hold the fork in the left hand and the knife in the right while eating.
Indicate you have finished eating by laying your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the handles facing to the right.
Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.
These are some of the well known customs in Australia.