Moving to Australia can feel like landing on another planet at first—beautiful, friendly, but full of unwritten rules that locals instinctively follow. As an expat, decoding these customs can be equal parts entertaining and confusing. Here’s a playful but practical breakdown of Australia’s top 14 unspoken rules from an expat perspective:

1. Respect the water! As an expat in Australia, you’ll quickly learn never to let a tap run needlessly. Australians value water deeply—leaving a tap running is as inappropriate as wearing shoes in an Asian household.
2. Driving etiquette matters. Expat drivers, take note: if another driver lets you go first, acknowledge it warmly with a thumbs-up, a nod, and a silent ‘Thanks, mate!’ Even pedestrians show courtesy by jogging across the street.
3. Speed limits aren’t suggestions. Aussies genuinely take these seriously. Expat drivers, don’t speed, don’t crawl, maintain safe distances, and forget you even have a horn—unless you’re about to collide (and even then, think twice!).
4. Beware the double dip. For expats in Australia, double-dipping snacks in shared sauce is about as welcomed as kissing everyone in the room on both cheeks.
5. Speak casually, blend quickly. Aussies prefer a laid-back, friendly manner of speaking. As an expat, drop the formality, pick up a bit of local slang, and you’ll feel part of the group in no time.
6. Don’t act like royalty. Even if your dad is a billionaire, expats should remember that humility and equality reign supreme here. No finger snapping or commanding tones allowed.
7. Always say please and thank you. Aussies are exceedingly polite. Embrace these little niceties as an expat and you’ll instantly boost your likability factor.
8. Invite your neighbours! Hosting a late-night party? Not inviting your neighbours is practically illegal and a guaranteed way for expats to annoy the locals.
9. Line etiquette is crucial. Skipping queues in Australia might as well be a declaration of war. If you’re an expat and confused, just ask politely, and you’ll avoid trouble.
10. Say ‘mate’ often. Adding ‘mate’ to your sentences as an expat not only boosts friendliness but signals respect and openness, even if your accent clearly reveals you’re not local.
11. Avoid loud phone calls on public transit. If you absolutely must answer, do it quietly or find an isolated spot. Otherwise, expats can expect disapproving stares.
12. Never show up empty-handed. Invited to a barbecue or dinner party? Expats should always bring a bottle of wine or beer—it’s simply good Aussie manners.
13. Respect personal space. Australians cherish their personal space. Even an accidental brush against a stranger warrants a swift apology from an expat.
14. Assist your driver. Help your taxi or Uber driver with your luggage—it’s common courtesy for expats here. Sitting comfortably while your driver struggles with your bags is just plain rude.

Bonus Points:

• Skip public selfies, especially in crowded areas—it’s awkward for expats and locals alike.
• Eating loudly or with your mouth open? Expats beware—you’ll practically be deported!
• It’s fine for expats to call your boss by their first or last name without formal titles.
• Always cover your mouth when coughing or sneezing, apologise, and excuse yourself, a must-follow rule for every expat.

Navigating life Down Under as an expat is an adventure, with each rule a chance to feel a little more Aussie. Dive in, embrace the quirks, and enjoy becoming part of the Australian story!