How to Behave in Australia: A Newcomer’s Guide to Manners

When Amir landed in Sydney after a long overnight flight from Dubai, he was expected the big things to feel different — the weather, the accents, the roads running the other way. What surprised him most, however, were the small moments. A stranger held a door open for him. A bus driver wished him a “good arvo.” A colleague casually called the manager by her first name.

For many migrants, these early interactions reveal how Australia works: informal, friendly and surprisingly straightforward. But it can also be confusing if you come from a culture where hierarchy, formality or politeness are expressed differently.

This article breaks down the everyday behaviours Australians value — from meetings to manners, clothing, conversation and body language — so you can step into your new life confidently and respectfully.

Why Understanding Australian Behaviour Matters

New arrivals often focus on visas, housing and work. Yet what shapes your early months just as much are the cultural clues hidden inside daily interactions. Australia’s social fabric is built on fairness, modesty and a strong dislike of pretentiousness. People who speak simply, behave respectfully and show a little humour tend to settle in faster.

Many migrants say the biggest adjustment is how informal Australians are. Strangers chat at bus stops. Managers drink coffee with junior staff. Friends gently tease each other. It doesn’t mean people aren’t professional or respectful — it’s simply a cultural preference for equality and ease.

Because Australians value personal freedom and mutual respect, understanding these social expectations helps you avoid misunderstandings, build trust at work, and feel more at home in community spaces. For many newcomers, this shift becomes one of the most rewarding parts of living here.

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How Australians Communicate — The Do’s and Don’ts

Australians appreciate directness, but in a calm and friendly way. You don’t have to sugar-coat everything, yet you also rarely need to speak with formality.

What Works Well

• Speak plainly and honestly. Elaborate claims or aggressive selling are usually met with quiet scepticism.
• Use humour where appropriate. Light-hearted comments help ease tension, especially in meetings.
• Take things at face value. If someone says “no,” they mean it respectfully, not rudely.

What to Avoid

• Don’t boast. Australians tend to downplay their own successes and expect others to do the same.
• Don’t assume everyone wants your title. CEOs, professors, directors and interns often go by first names.
• Don’t take teasing personally. Gentle banter is a sign of inclusion, not disrespect.

And for many migrants, this part surprises them: Australians rarely express admiration directly. Even when they are genuinely impressed, their reaction can be subtle. If someone compliments your work, it’s usually sincere — they’re just not expressive about it.

Meeting People — Greetings, Personal Space and Polite Behaviour

A simple handshake and a friendly smile are the usual starting points when meeting someone new. Australians typically avoid hugging or kissing unless you already have a close relationship.

Topics People Prefer to Avoid at First

Asking about:

• age
• marital status
• salary
• religion
• why they don’t have children
• where they live
• can feel uncomfortable in early conversations.

Eye Contact

Looking someone in the eye shows you’re listening — a sign of respect, not confrontation.

Politeness

There are three words that hold Australian society together:

• please
• thank you
• sorry

Using them is essential, even in short interactions such as buying coffee or asking for directions.

Queues

Australians queue everywhere — bus stops, supermarkets, clinics, government offices. Cutting the line is considered extremely rude.

Punctuality

Arriving late without notice creates the impression that you’re unreliable. If you’re running behind, a quick message or call is expected.

For appointments like medical visits or job interviews, cancelling without telling them is taken seriously. People rely on communication and appreciate honesty.

Business Culture — Straightforward, Modest and Collaborative

Australia’s business environment is professional, but not stiff. Meetings begin on time, run efficiently, and usually finish with clear action points. People appreciate concise explanations rather than long presentations.

Decision-Making

Despite being straightforward in conversation, Australians often make take a while to make business decisions. Senior leaders consult staff, seek opinions, and prefer consensus over hierarchy.

Sales and Negotiation

Hard-selling tactics usually push people away. A factual, calm explanation of your product or service builds more credibility than enthusiasm or pressure.

Work Hours

The typical workday runs from 9 am to 5 pm, Monday to Friday. Most workplaces respect work–life balance, and it’s normal to leave on time unless your job requires otherwise.

Best Time for Business Travel

If you’re travelling to Australia for work, March to November is ideal. December to February is summer — major holidays, school breaks and peak tourism.

A Migrant’s Anecdote

Nour, a software engineer from Jordan, once prepared a long sales pitch for her new team. Before she finished the second slide, her manager said, “Got it — what problem does it fix?” She later laughed remembering how relieved she felt when she realised Australians prefer simple, clear, honest communication.

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Clothing and Presentation — What’s Normal in Australia

Australia’s multicultural society means people wear everything from business suits to saris, hijabs, turbans and traditional island dress. Clothing choices are personal and respected.

General Style

• Everyday clothing is comfortable and casual.
• Suits and formal attire are usually reserved for business meetings or special events.
• Cleanliness and neatness matter more than price or brand.

Workplace Clothing

Some jobs require:

• uniforms
• safety boots
• high-visibility vests
• hard hats
• These rules are tied to safety laws, not personal preference.

Sun Safety

Australia has high UV levels and a significant skin cancer risk. Hats, sunscreen and covered clothing are common — especially in summer. Many schools require hats as part of the uniform.

Dress Codes

Certain venues such as clubs or theatres may expect tidy attire and closed-toe shoes. Signs at entrances usually explain the dress code.

Language, Slang and Social Expressions

Australian English is full of shortened words, casual phrases and quirky humour. At first it might sound confusing, but most people are happy to explain.

Common Expressions

• “Bring a plate” – bring food to share.
• “BYO” – bring your own drinks.
• “Corkage” – a small fee for bringing your own bottle to a restaurant.
• “No worries” – it’s fine / you’re welcome / don’t stress.
• “See ya later” – goodbye, not a promise to meet soon.

Shortened Words

• brekkie = breakfast
• footy = football
• arvo = afternoon
• servo = service station

Don’t be embarrassed to ask for clarification. Australians admire curiosity and will often laugh with you, not at you.

When Lin from Vietnam attended her first staff BBQ, she received an invitation that said “BYO and bring a plate.” She panicked and thought she needed to bring a pile of plates. After asking a colleague, she realised it simply meant bringing a dish to share and her own drinks.

She arrived with homemade spring rolls, which disappeared in minutes. That afternoon was when she finally felt she belonged — laughing, misinterpreting Aussie slang, learning names, and sharing stories about life before migration.

Moments like these help many newcomers understand that Australian life is less about rules and more about participation, kindness and humour.

Conclusion

Fitting into Australian society doesn’t mean changing who you are. It simply means understanding the local rhythm — modesty, honesty, humour, respect and a relaxed approach to social interaction. With time, the unfamiliar becomes familiar. A friendly nod from a neighbour, a quick chat on the bus, a colleague joking on a Friday afternoon — these small gestures build the foundation of your new life. And as you find your place here, you’ll discover that Australians value exactly what migrants bring: resilience, openness and a willingness to connect.