Australian Etiquette

Primary Language

73% is English

Primary Language

Greeting and Touching

• Australians are not very formal, just shake hands and smile.
• First names only.
• If you are out at an event, introduce yourself to new people.
• They say G'day or G'day mate, you don't.
• Close friends kiss each other on the cheek or exchange quick back slap or hug.
• However, if you don't know them, don't touch them

Greeting and Touching

Punctuality and Openers

• Punctuality

-arrive a few minutes early

• Openers

-Business cards, but keep it factual.

-Gifts are accepted, opened immediately.

Faux Pas

• Don’t bring up business while going out for a drink.
• Don’t talk about politics, aboriginal issues, immigration, or religion.
• Don't comment on accent.
• Don't try too hard to sell your product.
• They may self-criticize, but you shouldn't.
• Don't rush them.
• Don’t schedule meetings past business hours or in tourist season.

Faux Pas

Body Language

• Point with your index finger.
• The middle finger is rude in Australia.
• It is very rude to point at a person regardless.
• Australians beckon people by waving them over with palm facing up.

Body Language

Space and Noise Level

• Arms length away
• Don't have a noise preference, but they are loud

Space and Noise Level

Eye Contact and Who Pays the Bill

• They like strong I contact.
• When at a restaurant, the bill is split.
• When you're out at a bar, then Australians take turns buying 'rounds'.

Eye Contact and Who Pays the Bill

Appropriate Dinner Ettiquete

• Bringing host/hostess gift is customary.
• Check the dress code.
• Arrive on time, not too late or early.
• Offer to help the hosts with the preparation or clean up.
• Utensil position:
• Fork in the left hand and knife in the right while eating.
• Lay your knife and fork parallel on your plate with handles facing to the right when done eating.
• Keep your elbows off the table and your hands above the table when eating.

High or Low Context

Low-Context

High or Low Context

Links

• https://racismnoway.com.au/about-racism/australias-cultural-diversity/diversity-of-language/#:~:text=The%20majority%20of%20Australians%20speak,speak%20only%20English%20at%20home.
• https://www.todaytranslations.com/consultancy-services/business-culture-and-etiquette/doing-business-in-australia/#:~:text=Greetings,'Hello%2C%20how%20are%20you%3F
• https://culturalatlas.sbs.com.au/australian-culture/australian-culture-communication
• https://www.commisceo-global.com/resources/country-guides/australia-guide
• https://www.reddit.com/r/AskAnAustralian/comments/utkozt/why_do_australians_speak_so_loudly_even_louder/
• Communicating in High Context vs. Low Context Cultures

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