A Guide to Australian Culture and Customs for Expats

If you are thinking about moving to a new country from the UK, then you may think that Australia is the perfect choice. It allows you to make a fresh start in a brand new country, but one that doesn’t feel all that different to living in the UK.

If you’re planning your relocation, our experienced international removals team is here to help make your move to Australia smooth, secure, and stress-free. We take care of everything from expert packing and shipping to customs advice and door-to-door delivery.

Whilst there are lots of similarities between life in the UK and life in Australia, it is worth noting that there are also many differences that make each country unique.

This means that even a move to Australia will involve adapting to some new cultures and customs.

To help you adjust to life in Australia, we’ve put together a guide to Australian culture and customs for expats, highlighting the key cultural norms and local practices you should understand before making the big move.

Social interactions

One thing that is very important for those who live in Australia is friendship. In fact, loyalty to those whom you care about is one of the main things that Australians are going to look for in people that they want to connect with. 

Whilst interactions can seem like they are casual and low-key, this is more about the nature of Australians, rather than how they feel about their friends. There is also a strong sense of community and support for those around them. 

It is worth noting that one common way that people get together in Australia and catch up is at a barbecue. This is, as the name suggests, a barbecue that is often held in the back garden of homes and has all the homeowner's friends invited. 

Despite being casual-natured in the way that they deal with friends, it is important that people who live in Australia are timely and ensure that they are not late on a regular basis. 

Workplaces  

Compared to other countries around the world, workplaces in Australia are generally less formal than those in other cultures. Whilst the work needs to get done, there may be a more relaxed approach to how you dress and come to work. 

It is also valuable to Australians to ensure that you are direct and honest in what you say within the work setting, anyone who is seen to not be honest in their interactions in the workplace is often not trusted by their colleagues. 

Humour 

One thing that has to be said about Australian people is that they have a dry sense of humour. There is often banter between friends, which, at times, can seem to be pretty cruel, however, it is always seen in jest. As well as offering somewhat cutting comments to friends and family members, Australians are also known to be quite self-deprecating. 

Heading to the beach 

If you ever watch a TV show that has any part of life in Australia in it, then there is a good chance that those Australians are going to be on the beach at some point. Beach culture is strong in this country, and much of the spare time that they have is spent in social groups or events on the beach.

That said, whilst they love to spend time outdoors, those who live in Australia are known to take skin care very seriously and do as much as they can to protect themselves from the harmful effects of the sun beating down on them. 

Proud of their heritage 

Another thing to be aware of when spending time living in Australia is that they are proud and protective of their rich indigenous culture. They recognise, even if they do not necessarily have direct links, the importance of those who called the country their own, both historically and culturally. 

This means that you need to take the time to not only show an active appreciation for indigenous life, but also learn as much as you can about their lives and what they, as people, may have been through over the years. 

An easy-going approach to life

It might sound like a bit of a cliché, but Australians really are known for their laid-back, easy-going nature, and with good reason. They tend to look on the bright side of life, maintain a positive attitude, and often use humour to navigate stressful situations. It’s a mindset that’s both infectious and deeply ingrained in the culture.

This relaxed attitude also shows in the way Australians communicate. Slang is a big part of everyday conversation, even in more formal settings like the workplace. It might take a little time to understand all the expressions, but don’t worry, most expats find that they pick it up quickly. Before long, you’ll be throwing around Aussie phrases like a local.

Wrapping Up: A Guide to Australian Culture and Customs for Expats

Now that we have helped you learn the customs and cultures that come with life Down Under, the only thing left to do is make the leap and start your move to Australia. You may also want to explore our article on the best cities to live in Australia for expats to find the ideal place to call home once you arrive. If you are worried about how you will manage this and what you are going to need to do to ensure that your move is as easy as possible, then why not get in touch with us here at Pinnacle Removals? 

We know what it takes to ensure that any move, be it to the next street or thousands of miles away, is as smooth as possible!