Customs

Greeting

In Australia most of what you'll hear people say is "G'day" but since you don't have their accent, I recommend to not pretend you have one. You can say "Hi". If it's someone that you're formally meating call them by their title such as, Mr, Mrs, Sir, so on and so forth. If you just wave at someone from a distance it is an acceptable greeting.

Languages

There are about 200 different languages are spoken in Australia like: Italian, Greek, Cantonese, Arabic, Vietnamese, and Mandarin Chinese. Also about 40 Indigenous languages.

Gestures

Hand gestures in Australia are very western like yawning. When one yawns you cover your mouth and excuse yourself. Also pointing at someone can be considered rude. Give people their personal space, especially Australian men. Don't interrupt a conversation, that is also considered rude. Don't have your phone out while speaking with someone especially if you're playing a game or texting. Also please don't stick your middle finger up, that is considered an insult and very rude. If you do that in a public setting, like a restaurant, you may be asked to leave.

Visting

When visiting you may be offered coffee and a light snack, just accept it nicely. One thing you shouldn't do is arrive unannounced during times to eat. Always ask first. When visiting you should try to bring something, like Lamington. You may be invited to a "Barbie", which is just an Australian BBQ. When you're invited to a "Barbie" it's just like an American BBQ. You can be bring meat or a dish or beer or just something to share.

Eating Etiquette

When eating at someone's home you don't ask for seconds. You wait until the host says you can. The style with utensils is the same as America. You do not automatically leave when you're finished you wait until everyone is done. When you're at someone's home you will most likely be served instead of serving yourself. At a restaurant when you would like your plate cleared you put your utensils on top and set it on the side.