10 things to know for a first time visitor to Australia
Australia is an incredible country to visit, with beautiful beaches, vast landscapes, friendly people, unique wildlife and a relaxed lifestyle. But there are a few things that might surprise you if it’s your first time here. From the way Australians speak to how you pay for things, here are 10 things to know before you arrive.
Do they even speak English?
Yes… but sometimes it might not feel like it!
Australians speak English, but with a strong accent, plenty of slang, and a habit of shortening almost every word. “Afternoon” becomes arvo, “barbecue” becomes barbie, and “service station” becomes servo.
Don’t worry if it sounds confusing at first, you’ll get used to it quickly and you can use our guides to help you understands start using a few Aussie expressions yourself.
Friendly strangers
Don’t be surprised if a complete stranger greets you with: “Hey, how ya goin’?”
In Australia, this isn’t a deep philosophical question about your life, it simply means “hello.” Australians are known for being relaxed, informal and friendly.
You’ll often see people chatting to strangers in cafes, shops or while walking down the street. It’s part of the laid-back Australian culture.
G’Day is a common way Aussies say hello
Currency and payments
The official currency is the Australian Dollar (AUD).
A few helpful payment tips:
Even though Australia is becoming increasingly cashless, it’s still a good idea to carry a little cash.
$1 and $2 coins are especially useful on road trips for things like campground showers or washing machines.
“Tap and go” payments are everywhere. Contactless cards, Apple Pay, and Google Pay are widely accepted.
Even very small purchases like a coffee, are commonly paid for by card.
No tipping culture
One thing many visitors love about Australia is the lack of tipping pressure. In Australia, tipping is not expected, even in restaurants, bars or taxis. Hospitality workers receive fair wages, so they do not rely on tips like they do in some other countries. If you receive exceptional service you can leave a small tip, but it’s completely optional.
Watch the weather and the tides
Australia’s weather can change quickly, and conditions vary dramatically across the country.
If you’re visiting beaches, always pay attention to tide times, surf conditions and safety flags. In tropical northern regions, it’s also important to watch for seasonal weather events and marine life.
Time zones
Australia is a huge country, and as a result has multiple time zones. Some states also observe Daylight Saving Time between October and April. However, not every state participates. The following places do not observe daylight saving: Queensland, Northern Territory, Western Australia.
If you are travelling between states, always double-check the local time, especially when catching flights.
Electrical outlets
Australia uses Type I power outlets.
The easiest solution for travellers is to bring a universal power adapter with multiple USB ports so you can charge all your devices at once.
Mobile phone coverage
Mobile reception in Australia can drop quickly once you leave major cities.
The major mobile providers include: Telstra, Optus and Vodafone Australia.
If you plan to travel into remote areas, Telstra generally has the best coverage, especially in the outback.
Tips:
Buying a local SIM card is easy and can save on roaming costs.
SIM cards are available at airports, supermarkets and convenience stores.
You can also use an eSIM service such as Airalo for quick setup.
Internet and wi-fi
Here’s a fun fact: Wi-Fi technology was invented in Australia.
Free Wi-Fi is available in many cafes, hotels and public spaces, but coverage can be limited in rural or remote areas.
Tip: Always check with your accommodation to see if free Wi-Fi is included.
Transportation
Public transport in Australia is generally reliable and easy to use in major cities, including Sydney, Melbourne, Brisbane, Adelaide, Perth and Hobart. Most cities have networks of trains, buses, ferries and trams that connect the main suburbs and attractions.
Many cities are now moving away from reloadable travel cards and allow you to tap on and off using a contactless credit card or mobile wallet.
Check with the local transport guides below:
Sydney - Transport NSW
Melbourne - Transport Victoria
Brisbane - Translink
Adelaide - Adelaide Metro
Perth - Transperth
Hobart - Metro Tasmania
Outside major cities, however, public transport can be limited, so renting a car is often the easiest way to explore regional areas.
Distances between towns and attractions can be huge, so always consider and plan for this in advance.
Remember: Australians drive on the left side of the road.
Learn more about being an Aussie
If you’d like to understand Australians even better, check out our G’Day Galah Aussie Language Guides, packed with common slang, expressions and cultural tips to help you speak and understand Australian English like a local.
