1) Australian slang - If you understand Australian slang, learning the Australian language will be much easier. Check out our Australian Slang page for assistance.

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2) Australian Bush - It is important to understand that the Australian bush is not a forest or scrub, but it is quite different in its nature.

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3) Bottles & Cans - In Western Australia, individuals can receive 10 cents for each bottle and can collected and taken to designated collection sites in exchange for cash. Many families take advantage of this program by collecting these items and exchanging them for extra money. If you are staying with a Host Family, it is advisable to ask them whether they are collecting these items before disposing of them in recycling. Moreover, if you are traveling by car, it is easy to register for the free program and earn some extra cash to help you during your vacation. Containers for Change Scheme

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4) Recycling - The recycling rules vary from suburb to suburb. Hence, it's important to ask your family about their specific system, which may involve 2 or 3 large outdoor bins and 1 small indoor bin.

Small Indoor Bin - food scraps, dust, etc.

Red Lid Bin - general household waste that is dirty.

(If your suburb doesn't have a Red Bin, then this would be put into a Dark Green Lid Bin with the garden waste.)

Lime Green Lid Bin - garden waste

Yellow Lid Bin - recycling (cardboard, paper, food containers)

※(Flimsy packaging that has come into direct contact with food generally goes into the Red Lid bin.

Brown Lid Bin - some suburbs are slowly introducing brown lid bins. These bins are for waste that doesn't fit smoothly into the other categories. Soft, easily scrunched-up plastic. Food packaging that has come into contact with food and would otherwise need to be washed before being placed in the yellow recycling bin.

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5) Australians and their word - If an Australian tells you that it is okay to do something, you can trust that they mean it. Australians tend to be straightforward and honest in their communication style. For instance, if an Australian driver tells you, "You can get in (the car)", it means that you can hop in the car right away. Similarly, if an Australian offers you the last piece of pizza, you can happily accept it without worrying that they may want it themselves. In Australia, people usually say what they mean and mean what they say, so you don't have to second-guess their intentions.

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6) Roundabouts - If you are driving, it is important to know that you do not need to wait for the roundabout to be completely free of cars. If it is safe for you to proceed without causing other cars to brake, then you can move forward. Usually, if no cars are approaching from your right side for 180 degrees, then you can use the roundabout.

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7) Keep Left Rule - If you are driving in Australia, it is important to remember that on all highways and freeways, you must keep to the left lane unless you are overtaking another vehicle. Even if you are driving at the speed limit, it is considered courteous to move over to the left lane if there is space available. In Australia, it is illegal to use your horn except in warning situations, meaning that you should not expect others to honk at you, but you may cause them to become angry if you use it unnecessarily.

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8) Turning right - In Australia, it is customary to move into the right lane about 3-5 kilometres before turning due to the Keep Left Rule. It is important to avoid moving over to the right lane as soon as Google Maps indicates your turn. Even if you are driving at the speed limit, it is necessary to let other drivers pass you by moving back into the left lane. Failure to do so may lead to an infringement.

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9) Rent Inspections -  If you are staying with a family that rents their house, then they will most likely have a rent inspection every three months. On the day of the inspection, it is important to ensure that your room is neat and clean. Remove any unnecessary items from the floor, wipe down all surfaces, vacuum the floor, clean the ceiling fan blades, windowsills and any glass window panes. 

 

Offering to help with other housework can help your Host Family pass their rent inspection. This gesture will be greatly appreciated by them.

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10) Water Bottles - It is common for Australians to carry a water bottle when they leave their homes. This is because beverages such as cool drinks and bottled water are usually expensive in Australia. A useful tip to save money is to freeze some water in the bottom of your water bottle overnight, and then fill it up with water before leaving your home. This will provide you with cool and refreshing water throughout the day.

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11) Sniffing and Slurping -  We have combined these two behaviours because they are perceived as equally impolite. While many Australians may understand that in several Asian countries, slurping noodles is a way to cool them off, it is still not acceptable to do so in Australia. Additionally, sniffing is considered impolite, and you should only do it if you are looking for a tissue. If you suffer from hay fever or allergies, we recommend that you visit a pharmacy to obtain something to stop your nose from running, or bring some medication with you.