Australia Custom
Australia Custom
Australian Etiquette & 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 neighbors on birthdays and Christmas.. Trades people such as sanitation workers may be given a small amount of cash, or more likely, a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer. If invited to someone’s home for dinner, it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. A good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated. Gifts are opened when received.
Dining Etiquette. Many invitations to an Aussies home will be for a ‘barbie’ (BBQ). Guests to a barbecue typically bring wine or beer for their personal consumption. 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 barbecue 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.
Business Etiquette and Customs in Australia Relationships & Communication . Australians are very matter of fact when it comes to business so do not need long- standing personal relationships before they do business with people. Australians are very direct in the way they communicate. There is often an element of hum-our, often self-deprecating, in their speech. Aussies often use colorful language that would be unthinkable in other countries. self-deprecating adjective done in a way that makes your own achievements or abilities seem unimportant. He gave a self deprecating shrug. Appointments are necessary and relatively easy to schedule. They should be made with as much lead time as possible. Punctuality is important in business situations. It is better to arrive a few minutes early than to keep someone waiting. Meetings are generally relaxed; however, they are serious events. If an Australian takes exception to something that you say, they will tell you so. If you make a presentation, avoid hype, making exaggerated, claims, or bells and whistles.
Category: Life Style