American Reacts to AUSTRALIAN ETIQUETTE

[@aussie405]

When she said we treat everyone equally, we mean everyone. Staff at fast food restaurants and cleaners and garbage collectors are just as important as everyone else and we WILL judge people who treat them any other way. We are also taught to ask politely for things. "Please may I have an XYZ?" Not, "I want an XYZ." Finishing always with a smile and a "thanks."

[@bruceh9780]

There was a politician (Belinda Neale) and her husband a few years back that actually dropped a "Do you know who I am!?" at a restaurant when abusing the staff. It pretty much ended her career when that got out.

[@grandmothergoose]

@@bruceh9780 I created a bit of a stir once when the local mayor of my town expected special treatment and free entry into the place I worked at for no other reason than because he was the mayor. I refused and flat out told him, "I don't give a shit if you're the Prime Minister, you're not here on official business, so you can pay your way like everyone else." Of course that went quickly to my boss, and my boss's boss, both of whom stood up for me and thought it was hilarious. Only in Australia. :)

[@marionthompson3365]

@@bruceh9780 Yes indeed.

[@JohnMeffen]

Even the Black Fellers?

[@aussie405]

@@JohnMeffen sometimes not, which I personally find really frustrating. I am glad things are changing in that area, certainly in my lifetime there have been significant improvements but we still have a long way to go.

[@glennwatson]

I've lived in both Australia and the US (I'm Australian). Biggest etiquette difference is if you have a trades person come to your home in Australia (like a plumber) in Australia it's considered polite to offer a beverage like a coffee or tea (maybe even a beer) in the US I found a lot of trade persons were suspicious of that.

[@Mephiston]

Thats part of our english heritage shining through. I always offer house guests a beverage. Anyone that shows up for more than 5 minutes gets a "can I get you a drink or something?"

[@Gunzla33]

You always gotta offer a beer to a tradie! Otherewise youre not Australian!lol

[@margaretcaine4219]

When I was a child, my mother wouldn't even ask the tradesman, she'd just give him a tray with a little pot of tea, some milk and sugar, and a piece of cake.

[@trippalea888]

I was going to write this one too! It is considered rude to not offer your tradie or maintenance workers a hot or cold beverage at the very least, generally the offer will include something like biscuits and for regular home maintenance workers most ppl will always offer them a meal ( salad meat sandwich or a pie etc).

[@bonza6451]

How weird....

[@davidbarlow6860]

A normal tip in oz is " work hard and be good to your mother"

[@mariahewitt9787]

And treat people with respect.

[@tonygriffin3464]

Lol!! Brilliant!!

[@sandgroperwookiee65]

And look both ways before you cross the road 😁

[@kcrot2566]

You are nice

[@ShadowNymph2010]

What tv ad was that from? I loved it 😅

[@fathom6424]

It's very true that we all generally treat each other with 'equal' regard. I like that we do. However it's not that we treat each other 'politely' (Southern hospitality) it's that we treat each other like we were casual acquaintances. We don't generally speak to higher-ups in any different way than we'd speak to homeless person. It's all 'equal' - in general. And it's a very good thing.

[@kazuritribe]

If you catch public buses, we also say thanks to the driver when getting off. It’s worth saying gidday/morning when you get on too. This depends on which state you are in too!

[@chygwelanmeneth]

Yes, it's nice to call a thanks to the bus driver (provided the bus isn't too crowded). Just shows that you appreciate his work at getting you safely to the bus stop.

[@26scorpio66]

Nope. No tip!! Never.

[@brisgay]

Its a Brisbane thing!

[@itsjustmaddisen]

Yup. I definitely gave a lot of thanks haha. Most bus drivers are really nice and friendly that I’ve met at least.

[@carolinemcnulty6169]

@@brisgay we say thank you to the driver in Adelaide.

[@trippalea888]

Another etiquette thing down here is allowing ppl to cut in front of you at the supermarket check out line if they only have a couple of items and you have a trolley full of goods. It is considered rude to not offer the person behind you to go first if they only have say a bottle of milk and a bag of bread to buy, and you have a basket or trolley full of goods. Our mindset is that there is no point holding up the other customers, as you will take longer than the person with one or two items who will be quick.

[@IdoZatTimeInaVan]

Yes. 😀

[@janwalker8716]

They should go to the express lane or the self checkout, we don’t EXPECT to be offered to go ahead if we only 1or 2 items.

[@janwalker8716]

We don’t tipi never have, ever

[@janwalker8716]

In an Uber I wouldn’t sit in the front

[@trippalea888]

@@janwalker8716I disagree, it was very much a common courtesy for ppl to let others go ahead when they only had a couple of items, and was usually frowned upon when you would encounter the rare ungracious person who would not be so obliging. In fact my experience had always been that another shopper would offer to go in front of them in the rare situation where a that a boorish shopper was encountered.

[@dutchroll]

There is no tipping culture in Australia, as opposed to an occasional "keep the change because I can't be bothered waiting for you to scrounge around in your coin bag for a couple of dollars" culture when for example you might be paying cash for a taxi. It's considered pretty rude for restaurant staff to ask if you want to leave a tip when you do an electronic transaction to pay the bill. Most skip straight over that screen. I was once asked if I wanted to enter a tip and I just looked at the server and remarked "that's a bit of a cheeky question to ask a local don't you think?" after which he immediately apologised! Remember that service industry staff here are paid much higher wages than in the USA, together with mandatory annual leave, pension scheme (which we call "super"), etc. With our wage structure it is not expected that you tip so they can make a living, but it is expected that their normal service is of a reasonable standard.

[@nathnathn]

Annoyingly the companies have seemed to of started pushing their tip page more in their apps in the last few years. You have to be careful to change it to no tip before passing on.

[@cherylwellham3786]

Re queues...often at a shop counter we may just mill around. We just know who is next and indicate that...."you go, thanks, your're next" . Yes no jumping queues otherwise. Re tipping, just cam back from the US and tipping is up to 35%!!!!!! So expensive now.

[@ingleton20]

I don’t tip the bus driver, the librarian, the tradie, the hairdresser, at the bakery, or when I pay my bills, so why tip at a restaurant - they all provide a paid service. If the service is poor I don’t go back. Tipping is a guilt trip. I guess in the US people aren’t paid enough.

[@TwoPlusTwoEqualsFive32]

Just in general I don't tip on principal. Something that started as a "thank you for good service" optional thing in the US quickly became an expected and demanded thing that just got more and more and more over time and now not tipping or not tipping enough results in worse service were the staff will berate you or tamper with your food. I have had the same thing with companies, you would think if you work hard and put in the effort you will be rewarded? Lol nope, that extra effort just becomes the expected norm which is why quiet quitting has become a thing.

[@AnnaAnnaTT]

You are so correct re tipping. Asking me if I would like to leave a tip would put me off going to that venue ever again. It is over the top way TOO pushy.

[@sarahemf]

As a women I always sit in the back of a taxi or car for safety. Also indigenous people will shake hands softly it’s a sign of respect.

[@lynettegraves6261]

I was taught that too. Not to be rude, just to be safe

[@jessbellis9510]

Dropping cigarette butts on the ground is actually dangerous, especially during Summer where everything is extremely dry. Dropping a cigarette on the grass or while walking in any bush area risks the whole area going up in smoke if even a single ember is still lit.

[@rallymum5246]

Carry an old jar to throw them in and dispose of them when you get home.

[@daniellegibbs9441]

I’m pretty sure you can also still get two hefty fines issued if you drop a cigarette butt on the ground. One fine for littering and another for the risk of fire. It can be up to $11,000 if you chuck it out of the car window in a total fire ban.

[@michaelreifenstein2114]

when there is a big fire risk there will be adds on radio and TV for a number to call to report people throwing cigarette buttts out car windows. bushfires in summer can be very very bad.

[@brycebenn4301]

Eclipse mints metal container😉

[@lynettegraves6261]

@@brycebenn4301Amen! For ash and butts, I’ve always got my empties ready

[@Preservative_Free_Can_We]

My dad used to make friends with every taxi driver he ever got in a car with, and so now I do it as well. It costs nothing to treat someone human.

[@aussieaussie4453]

I visited the USA in 2012. As the taxi driver was putting my luggage in the car, I went and hopped in the front seat. (hopped in means got in, not literally hopping lol). Eventually the taxi driver came to the front of the vehicle and said, "Excuse me Ma'am, but I'm driving." 🤣 I had hopped in the front seat, but on the wrong side 🤣

[@satihadadog5903]

😂 oops

[@jocelynhunter2359]

🤣

[@Mav_F]

I get Americans doing that to me. When I see them heading to the front, I say loudly, wrong side sir. Its men who do it more so.

[@pia4432]

Lol…dummy😂

[@emmjay22]

Umm....the steering wheel right in front of you didn't give it away? 😅

[@jenny-ug4kg]

We also say "bring a plate" we do this at large get togethers, family gatherings, group gathering, or street party, which means bring a plate of food like some nibbles , cake, cheese platter, dip & crackers, what ever you fancy. everyone shares this food. I had some one bring an empty plate once.

[@IdoZatTimeInaVan]

Probably my newly arrived Dutch mother in-law. The neighbours were trying to help her feel welcome so threw a morning tea for her. Everyone was asked to bring a plate, so she did. 🥰🥰🥰

[@SharonBraybon]

A friend of mine was asked to " bring a salad " to a bar b que- he brought a tin of beetroot !!!!😅 All good 👍

[@trevorthomas1570]

She’s right, but like many things, these aren’t rules. A lot of people would sit in the front of Ubers and Taxis, but there’s no offence to sitting in the back. Australia is pretty laid back and friendly. You’ll find they’ll often strike up a conversation with the Uber driver. When it comes to BYO alcohol, often guests will leave their surplus beer/wine as a thank you when they leave your party. Again, it’s not a rule, people just do things out of respect for one another. Same as escalators. If you do stand with a mate a notice that someone wants to walk passed, people will generally stand aside and let you go ahead. Same when standing in line at a grocery store. If you see someone with one one or two items, often people will let you go in front of them.

[@novocastriangirl8418]

Hi just a couple of real important things they forget in these videos. 1) DOGS - There are no free roaming dogs in Australia. All have to be registered and owner fined if not. The only dogs you'll come across will be ones that have escaped from their yard and the ranger will soon round them and any street dogs up. 2) RABIES - No rabies in Australia 3) CROCODILES - Only in the northern part of Australia no lower then Rockhampton Qld 4) MAIL - Postman do not deliver mail to your front door of a residential premises unless it's a parcel or a registered mail. Most posties ride Motor Bikes, Pushbikes or solar powered vehicles on the footpath (Nature Strip). 5) CAR REGISTRATION AND INSURANCE - You do not have to carry these. You have to have your licence on you at all time. 6) BEING SUED IN A CAR ACCIDENT - Cannot be sued for injuries sustained in a car accident. (Now if you bash the guy for running into your car and break his nose then he can). We have No fault Insurance which we pay when we register the car. 7) WORLD WAR 2 - Darwin NT (by planes), Newcastle NSW (by ship) were bombed by the Japanese. Also Sydney Harbour was invaded by Japanese mini subs. 8) STATE OF ORIGIN RUGBY - Queensland has many toads whilst New South Wales has may cockroaches. That's why they are Qld Toads and NSW cockroaches. 9) ICED COFFEE - It is NOT black coffee with ice cubes in it. It is a cold coffee flavoured milk extremely popular in Darwin NT. 10) Garbos (garbage men) - Garbage mostly collected by one person driving an automated garbage truck. SHORTENING WORDS - Get used to it we shorten everything. Most of these are for the large cities. (Please include others that might come to mind)

[@newbris]

@@novocastriangirl8418 not compulsory for license in Qld I don’t think

[@paulkrnash7172]

Leaving your excess alcohol is colloquially called a "host tax" as a sign of respect & appreciation for them hosting. Again no compulsion, but of course will be appreciated. I reckon you would fit in pretty well downunder. You question many points,which is healthy. I think you have broken the ice to realise we are not all feral convicts. I worked in USA many years ago & fitted in.

[@novocastriangirl8418]

@D G That’s right it was Broome I think

[@novocastriangirl8418]

@@newbris I think if you don’t have it on you they give you grace of 48 hours to produce it at their police station. Just moved up from NSW who are much stricter.

[@lindyralph8792]

As someone who has worked in hospitality for a long time I have thoughts on tipping. Personally I don’t tip in cafes or casual dining settings unless the service was particularly good. In a high end restaurant I always tip 10 % if the service is great, which it usually is. We work hard to make the dining experience special in fine dining and it’s nice to feel appreciated.

[@heritagehorsedrawncarriage1069]

We were tourists visiting the Tesselated Pavement (a stunning natural wonder) in southern Tasmania. We were on a guided tour. We all get out of the bus and the guide starts telling us how the rocks were formed. This Chinese man opened a cigarette packet and threw the plastic covering and foil insert on the ground and lit up! We were furious. My partner picked it up and gave it back to him and said, "we don't do that here. You don't throw rubbish on the ground, you put it in the bin." Hopefully he learnt his lesson. You don't litter, ever! And smoking is very limited here too. Many places have banned it altogether. Please put your butt in the bin if you must have this habit!

[@A_nony_mous]

Absolutely on the littering. I may be a smoker but I'm not a pig. My cigarette butts go with me in my pocket/wallet or in the nearest bin (trash can to Americans).

[@frenchys_prospecting]

Hi, Australian that smokes. My butts always go in a bin. Not only is it disgusting and harmful to wildlife it can also start devastating fires.

[@carolinemcnulty6169]

I ran after a young immigrant mother to return to her the banana skin she tossed onto my neighbour's kerbside garden. She was astonished but she took it with her.

[@jaggirl]

Especially not in beautiful natural bush settings.

[@tameelah3839]

The area you are talking about the Tasman Peninsula is very dry and in 2013 we had bushfires down that way. Alot of us were trapped because there is only one road out of that area and we had to wait for the all clear. I have heard of quite a few fires starting from people tossing their smokes out of the windows in the 80's and 90's too.

[@seldon73]

Hey Ryan, believe me when I say that when you do come to Australia, you wont want to tip. When you see what it costs to eat out at a hotel or restaurant, you will be shocked. Also wages here are quite high which is why there is no reason to tip.

[@Linda-bg5vd]

A lot of staff also don't like it

[@jaykingsun7093]

Not sitting in the back of a taxi is to do with us treating everyone as equals. That way you're not treating the driver like your servant.

[@carokat1111]

I prefer to sit in the back as woman just to feel safer, but I make a point of chatting to the driver and being friendly.

[@pierrebornholm5599]

You can do either, it’s not a big deal. I doubt a driver would get offended if you sit in the back.

[@barnowl5774]

@@carokat1111 Agree!

[@barnowl5774]

@@carokat1111Agree!

[@winter4097]

@@carokat1111 I used to sit in the front, and had a few creepy encounters, and then when covid hit, I stopped feeling like I needed to sit in the front to be respectful. Now I do the same as you, I’m super friendly, and usually round up my fare so they get a little tip because I pay cash

[@Cindy-xg6yn]

I'm in Australia and always sit in the back of an Uber. I also use the Ola app and I think it recommends you sit in the back. I think it's probably better to sit in the back when you are in a stranger's car. I guess people have different preferences and varying levels of comfort.

[@A_nony_mous]

I feel more comfortable in the front seat as a female. Rear seat makes me feel vulnerable to such things as child locks. Also rear seats kind of feel like the driver is my personal chauffeur - and he's NOT my servant fhs.

[@kerensabirch5214]

I've lived in Australia my whole life (apart from travelling) and the only times I have ever tipped here have been with waiters or waitresses if I thought the service was exceptional. Our base wage is higher than many other countries so tipping is not necessary.

[@A_nony_mous]

Ditto, in fact I've seen on my travels some countries consider tipping as an insult.

[@Twinkler205]

I found working in a service industry (not food but beauty) instead of tipping if you have a good relationship with repeate clients some would generously give a Christmas card with money at the end of the year as a gift instead of a tip or would eve just buy a gift for you instead of giving cash either way some people are absolutely lovely even though it is not expected.

[@Roszarie]

I tipped a pizza guy who delivered late late late in the middle of a storm. We both appreciated it.

[@gemnfert]

Similar to the rubbish collector. It is traditional for many to give the trash collector a six pack at Christmas

[@rogerramjet6429]

@@gemnfert traditional? Never heard of a single person doing that in my 54 years in Australia. Most of us have more on from people manually picking up bins to be put in a truck, a very many years ago.

[@aussieanne6812]

As an Australian I’ve never really thought about our “etiquette” - I prefer to think about these things as good manners. From the comments it looks like TIPPING is the big difference between US and AUS. My friends and I only tip if we go to a restaurant and the service and food are way above average. Tipping in the US is something I’ll need to find out about ‘cause I’ll be holidaying there soon. Wish me luck 😎🇦🇺

[@katetoner3077]

It's really nice to hear the views of someone who was born elsewhere and moved to Australia to talk as she has. Obviously been a good move for her.

[@charlesbrewer6552]

Tipping is usually reserved for the waiter or waitress at a restaurant and ONLY if they give really good service. Tipping is not usually expected.

[@jogould1045]

i think in Australia it is all about respect. Respect for the individual, respect for the rules. Be polite to others and you will be fine. Tipping is not a culture in Australia, peoples wages do not depend on tips, everyone gets at least minimum wage. We tend to only tip if the service provided was good.

[@sibertiger1970]

Aussie here. When I used to smoke, if I was walking, I'd break off the list bit to stomp out and I would carry the butt to the next bin I saw

[@miniveedub]

The anti litter thing evolved in the late 80s around the time of our Bicentennial. The first really large scale event was a Clean up Sydney Harbour Day organised by yachtsman Ian Kiernan when 40,000 volunteers pulled some 5,000 tons of rubbish out of the harbour. People were pretty shocked by how much rubbish there was and the following year there was the first Clean Up Australia Day. There has been one every March since then with volunteers turning up with rubber gloves and rubbish bags to sites all around the country. The amount that was collected the first few years was pretty shocking and I think it made people a lot more aware of the mess their litter made and anti littering ad campaigns reinforced it. It’s now considered very antisocial to just throw your rubbish on the ground.

[@vpdownunder9032]

Unfortunately, the kids around here seem to have never been taught those rules. I've seen them drop rubbish on the ground when there's a bin a few feet away, I quickly and loudly call them on it and make them pick it up but you'll see the same kids doing it repeatedly. Maybe if the cops actually fined them it may make a difference.

[@vpdownunder9032]

@@andreasL4114 There's 2 CCTV cameras in this little rural town in the main street and the school would just laugh at you :(

[@adrianlemke9965]

In some states there is an on the spot fine for littering.

[@IamPINKIEDaniels]

My first thought was the keep Australia clean campaign

[@StormTalara]

And when i was a kid (80s/90s) detention was picking up rubbish in the playground.

[@thebigbadwolfe_27]

Don't forget to say hello to the driver when you get on the bus and thank you when you get off.

[@dianacasey6002]

Especially when they manage to pull up in a manner that makes getting of a treat. We like that.

[@mchoi4369]

When I was in uni, I worked at a coffee shop at the airport and Americans will always try to leave a tip after buying some coffee and breakfast. The register system isn't one where you can leave a tip (back in those days) so I told them I can't accept the tip (the cash won't reconcile to the sales at the end of the day which would cause more questions). I remember a couple of guys insisted to give me the extra money as tip which I didn't accept. In the end I told them to donate it to the charity box in front of the register, and I could tell by their expressions that they were very confused! It was quite funny.

[@doodeedah6409]

Lol I saw this exact interaction at the airport in Sydney, an American insisted to give a tip that the barman refused. The American winked and nodded like “it’s ok, it’s on me”. The barman got so annoyed and shoved the money back onto the table, to the confusion to the American. Meanwhile I had received a free glass of beer for unclear reasons (I think he poured the wrong beer) and I didn’t even think about tipping him. 😂

[@Dug6666666]

I don't know how this compares with the rest of the world, but in Australia it is considered good form at a checkout with a conveyer belt to put the partition thing behind your shopping for the next person. Forgetting to do so and the next customer has to reach over your shopping to do it for you creates a socially awkward situation requiring you to apologise in a friendly manner to relieve the situation.

[@peterdevenny4525]

in the '90's I used to take a short taxi ride with my shopping , total was about $3 for the trip, always gave the driver $5 , after a short while the drivers got to know me and they would go the extra yards to help me with my shopping to the door, respect earns respect here

[@marionthompson3365]

Respect earns respect. That's exactly it.

[@paulp1450]

Australia is a predominantly/strongly middle income country. We don't have as many rich (and poor) as the U.S does, on a per capita basis. Most people treat everyone else the same, class structure is definitely less defined here than in the U.K or the USA. I've lived in the U.S. Butlers and Nannies are also rare in Australia, even for those that have money. I've seen staff in a hotel, the person opening the door, get combative with a tourist whom appeared to give them the 'come here servant, look after this for me' without proper acknowledgement of that person, it's a big no no here. Doesn't matter station, position or wealth. A doctor/lawyer will happily greet and talk to the taxi driver as any other person, talking down to anyone, regardless of station or position, is, in the very least, frowned upon.

[@cathyshort]

We actully have no problem letting someone in the supermarket go in front of you in the line if they only have one or two things to purchace and tipping isnt such a big thing simply because we pay people much better than in America.

[@NeilJR]

Not exactly true. Many USA states’ minimum wage is about equivalent to ours, some even higher.

[@Yumm...]

@@NeilJR im gonna need to see a source on this. I’ve had family from parts of Europe come here and they found things more expensive but when applying for jobs they realised they also earn a lot more here for those same jobs (hospitality, grocer, etc)

[@Kayenne54]

I always check to see if the person behind me is less burdened with groceries, especially if my shop is large. If it looks pretty equal, take your turn lol.

[@candycanessongs]

@@Kayenne54 Same. If they are old or pregnant though I give them priority .

[@rookere1604]

@@NeilJR that's just a straight up lie lmao

[@poizen-ivy]

About the only time, I have ever tipped anyone was at a restaurant and the food and service were outstanding, with our large group. Or told the barman to keep the change from my round of drinks at the bar/pub. Otherwise, I don't tip.

[@rozlynedwards2551]

Also about tipping, we have a jar on the counter at the local 7/11, not for tipping but it is ‘give a dollar if you have one spare, take a dollar if you need one’. It is always 2/3 full.

[@workphone1607]

I love that. ❤

[@caro.k2958]

A big thing I noticed when traveling is how close people stand when talking to you! Drove me nuts. Kept having to back off. That was when I realized how much bigger our personal space is!

[@bobbythorman7421]

Yes it is a big country,leave some room.

[@karenmccarren4604]

I work in a department store and if I'm on the shop floor and a customer stops to ask me something, they're nearly always right in my face. It drives me mad and what's wors ie that if I step back, they step too so they're still in my face.

[@tanyabrown9839]

As an Australian who is now in her 50s, I can remember tipping only THREE times in my life and all these times were when I was given way beyond any form of normal service, so when I tip it means "you are truly amazing" eg Im scared of mice and had one caught in a trap but had noone to come and get rid of it for me so I came up with the idea of phoning for a pizza to see if the pizza delivery guy when he got here, could be talked into taking it out and disposing of it. The pizza guy happily did this for me (to my horror thou he didn't wash his hands afterwards and went straight onto his next delivery after touching dead mouse.. bad etiquette lol, practice good food hygiene standards!!!) so I gave him a tip for helping me with mouse during pizza delivery (enough for him to go to a bakery and buy some lunch). Another time I was out with a group and we got the most amazing waiter, who had us nearly wetting our pants with laughter from jokes as he did his normal job.

[@TWR1988]

We are friendly with one another, because we don’t have to wonder who is ‘concealed carrying’; even a person in mental health crisis’ is more likely to be approached; because we don’t have to fear our safety as much (for example; are they gonna shoot us if we try to help?) We sit in the front of the Uber; because the driver doesn’t have to wonder who is going to shoot them; it takes a psychiatric clearance, criminal history check, and proper training on the safe use, and correct storage of a firearm (we don’t store a weapon, loaded or not in our nightstand, or under the damned car seat for a child or mentally unstable and possibly suicidal (or even homicidal) person to access). The misinformation that civilian Australians don’t own weapons, is ridiculous; it’s just we tend to exercise commonsense and aren’t brainwashed to feel entitled;.. Unless we actually need a high lethality weapon (for agricultural culling, armed forces, hobby hunting etc) we don’t bother with the effort. We don’t tend need a weapon for self defence; because people flagged as dangerous, don’t tend to have a high lethality weapon. Imagine that

[@PitterPatter100]

Well pointed out. We feel safe in Australia for the very fact that people don't carry fire arms on them. It seems horrific that any Joe Blow or Mary Ann can have a loaded weapon on them. No wonder Americans are wary of one another and afraid to walk anywhere or drive with unlocked cars. The only time I as a woman would feel afraid or just somewhat anxious would be walking alone in the dark by myself. Even then I would be safe 99% of the time, unless it's some unsafe area in a city somewhere. We are very fortunate to have good gun laws in this country. My son in law has guns but they have to be stored in a gun safe, and the ammunition has to be actually kept in another place away from his home.

[@Reneesillycar74]

I think this lady did a great job explaining Australian etiquette. I’m a person that walks up escalators & if people are blocking the way I’ll just say a polite “excuse me” & off I go. I’d prefer not to have to but hey it’s not a big deal. One thing I’ve learnt to do is when at a counter waiting & there’s no queue as such, just people spread across the counter, I will speak out politely if someone gets served before those who have been waiting patiently. Not just for myself but also for others. Generally that person knows they’re pushing in but quickly backs down when confronted 😂 It’s just one of those things I dislike 🤷🏼‍♀️

[@liesha7495]

Yeap, mostly at Woolies Deli "Oh, I think the lady in the Red jumper was first." Everyone but the person pushing in smiles a thanks.

[@Reneesillycar74]

@@liesha7495 Exactly! 😁

[@rabtrenkz2257]

Me too ❤️

[@aksujay8255]

As well as if you enter somewhere not busy with a few people or someone near the counter just to nicely ask if they are next, you'll most likely get a smile and they'll let you go first if they haven't decided on what they want yet.

[@malialutu7857]

Sorry I'm one of those people that block. I sometimes forget to stay on the left bc whenever I go up the escalator I like to look up where I'm going when I'm going up. But I can't see bc there's sometimes those tall people in front of me so I'll move to the right side so I can see more clearly. 😅😅😅

[@theresakeys2420]

Lots of shops have a charity jar on the counter for small change. Supermarkets ask if you’d like to round up with proceeds going to a selection of charities.

[@tst4783]

When I lived in Sydney I had a gym friend, we would spot for each other and chat . When I left he gave me his card, I was absolutely floored to learn my gym friend was a QC. Queens Council , very high ranking lawyer.

[@rogerramjet6429]

The sort of power position that paedophiles orient towards.

[@mareky1234]

Correction. A Very Very Very high ranking lawyer

[@PreciousRubi]

Do they get called KC's now that QE has departed this mortal coil? 🤔

[@katymcdonald5481]

@@PreciousRubi they changed it to SC or Senior Council about 20 years ago.

[@nine9nine9]

@@PreciousRubi theyre called KC now in qld, but in all other other states its been changed to SC I think

[@Mayfrancisxavier]

We sit in the front of Taxis, Ubers etc. as we don't like to feel like we are being "served" by someone and the driver is not "good enough'" for us. The most important point in this video is how we treat everyone the same and hate "Class Systems." Also, you can tip and it's a novelty when we are, but it's really just an extra bonus because we are paid a good minimum wage in Australia.

[@TheBeautifulTempest]

yep, the general rule is keep left unless overtaking. Whether it be with driving or even walking (including escalators)

[@liamschulzrules]

The escalator thing doesn't happen in Adelaide. We are way too sleepy here and if the way isn't clear we are happy to be patient and wait for the little show ride to finish

[@naughtscrossstitches]

@@liamschulzrules I've found it doesn't happen much in shopping centers up in brissie, but if you're around the city center during peak hour you had better follow that rule!

[@theChickenstones]

By all means, an attentive waitress or waiter in a formal restaurant can be tipped. 10% is the accepted norm. The tip usually is shared between all the wait staff at the end of the shift. Otherwise tipping is not expected Ryan.

[@grandmothergoose]

Tipping: When she says you don't have to tip, don't tip. The reason it's left open to choice like that is because we've given up on Americans who can't comprehend the idea. It was literally causing embarrassment, confusion and even full blown arguments in hospitality and service venues, so to save that from happening, most businesses in the hospitality and service industry now allow people to tip if they really feel they have to do that to make themselves feel better. Some hospitality services let their employees keep the tips they get, but I've also known some to collect the tips in a jar and donate the money to charity. Treating people equally: Of course not everyone does, but those that don't end up eventually getting pulled up on it, commonly in public in embarrassing ways, so avoid making that mistake. We have strong laws against discrimination, and we have a culture whereby we don't judge people by their income, job, fame, or social status. We don't care how famous, rich and important you think you are, we will judge you based on how you treat the wait staff, the cleaner, and the homeless bloke on the street. Some famous celebrities love Australia because we let them be what they really are: just another person. On the flip side, some famous celebrities hate Australia because we won't let them get away with their over-entitled BS. Uber: also applies to taxi cabs. Yes indeed, you can ride shotgun over here in taxi cabs and ubers. In some places some taxi companies have put up a clear screen between the driver and the front passenger so the driver can't be easily attacked by the passenger (yep, it's there to protect the driver, not the passengers), because that sadly has happened a few times over the years in some places, but most ubers and many taxis don't have that. Sitting in the back, the driver won't care, they've dealt with all sorts of strange people, but sitting in the back when there's a front passenger seat available can be perceived as being pretentious and snobby. There's also unwritten rules about riding shotgun when with friends and family here as well. Elder relatives of the driver (parent, grandparent, aunt/uncle) and people with disabilities get first priority for the front seat, followed by the driver's partner, then mates/friends, kids of course are always in the back. So if you're going somewhere with a friend and their elder relative or partner or a disabled friend is joining the car pool somewhere along the journey, don't be surprised or offended if you're asked to sit in the back seat when it's time for the other person to get in the car. The priority list can get a bit complicated with some groups/friends/families, but every group has their priorities, don't question it, just go with it.

[@linesydclb8845]

Yes for us it is the elderly or the least mobile up front but then the priority goes to the person with the longest legs.🙂

[@liesha7495]

My mum hates Scotty Cam because of the way he talked to me once during a phone call. He pulled the "Do you know who I am?" card. Which had me just restating the policies 😂

[@InternerVodkaAunt]

All excellent points, although I will add that is one person is very tall they may get the front passenger seat, but that would be very tall, in a small car, and no elderly relos

[@belindahutchinson5333]

Believe me when I was a young woman.. taxi drivers used to come on to me all the time! Some even parking over to the side of a dark road at night and asking me to sit in the front with them. One driver dropping me home parked in my driveway and asked me if he could sit in the back seat with me..His girlfriend had just broken up with him so he needed some comfort.. a good lot of them can be very sleazy. We are taught to sit in the back seat, have our phones on us.. Now I'm middle aged.. things have changed to being called a retarded old mole I wasn't even doing anything untoward. he was nasty! Thankfully not all taxi drivers are like that.. The last thing I am is a snob 🤣

[@grandmothergoose]

@@belindahutchinson5333 I'm sorry to hear that has been your experience. Where are you from may I ask?

[@pia4432]

Want to add something…Australian men will often sit in front of the taxi…not women. Everyone says thank you when getting out too…this extends to buses.

[@rosalynmoyle3766]

Sometimes there is a tip jar on a counter in coffee lounges, eateries etc. This is then shared amongst staff. Its optional. Otherwise, tipping doesnt exist. Even can sit up front in taxis as well. local regional drivers will help you load groceries or walker frames for the elderly. Cant speak for city.

[@cherylmccloud8709]

Are you kidding? Tipping does not exist?? We must live in two different Australia's!😅

[@stevenbalekic5683]

@@cherylmccloud8709 I've never tipped in 40 years.

[@stevenbalekic5683]

Yes, taxi drivers are generally pretty good even in cities helping customers with their things.

[@rustygear447]

@@cherylmccloud8709 I only tip delivery people a few times when it's raining heavily.

[@metalmagic03]

The jar is mostly to get rid of coins which are pretty well useless when a pie will set you back $5+. Also blokes wallets dont always have coin pockets so we just ditch them in the jar.

[@lgh2052]

We tip in Aus if we get good & or friendly service. You don't have to, but a lot of us do. Usually it's for local small restaurants & cafes & bar staff rather than fast food chains. You might see a tip jar on the counter near the register as you pay to give you the option. You usually don't leave your payment on your table unless it's a fancy place. You quite often go up to the counter to place your order & then go back to the counter to pay once you're finished in cafes, etc. Some still come take your order while you're seated, but it's often not the case. All food delivery drivers can be tipped no matter who they are delivering for. Taxi drivers can be tipped too. I've lived in regional Aus most of the time so no uber & apart from covid I've always sat in front with the taxi driver, though I ask if I can first. In cities taxis are more likely to have plexiglass shields between front & back, so you have to sit in the back.

[@DaughterofmyMum]

Awww... what a trip down memory lane! that was soo many years ago.. I've been in Australia for almost 10 years ago!..... This channel has gone through three name changes since then! hahah Thank you!!!!!!!

[@jamestweeddale1301]

You don't have to tip in Australia because in Australia we give service people a decent wage, you tip if you get good service and only if you want to.

[@CallsignEskimo-l3o]

When you swim laps, you also swim on the left side of the lane.

[@ladymanners618]

Australian born & bred 🇦🇺 I always tip excellent service to acknowledge it, not just automatically. I started when my brother was a waiter at the Hilton and we had discussions about it. I always sit in the back of taxis, though I enjoy driving so I don't use many.

[@barnowl5774]

In Australia we do not pronounce the R sound strongly. We have a somewhat lazy accent. For example, regarding the city of Melbourne, 'MelbORn' (is what we hear from Americans of the US) whereas Aussies pronounce it as 'Melbn,' where you cannot even hear the R sound !(Brisbane/Brisbn, Darwin/Darwn are the same endings, etc.)

[@nexus3180]

It's like the English pronouncing Bathurst, they pronounce it as in taking a bath or the city of Bath in England 'BATHurst'.

[@chygwelanmeneth]

Spot on barnowl. So, Ryan, sit in the corner and say twenty times: MEL-BN Not "Mel Borrrrne" !

[@A_nony_mous]

@@chygwelanmeneth Yes, and Addle-aide not ADELL-aide as I heard him say reading from a map once. Bris-BANE makes me chortle too.

[@AC-kc2qt]

True! In uk they pronounce their place names ending in bourne as born Its another Aussie pronunciation abbreviation and polite to say as the locals do (melbin) (brisbin) 😂when you are talking about us

[@AC-kc2qt]

@@chygwelanmeneth 😂

[@StephyPaige98]

The base wage it really good here. Waiters/waitresses at minimum wage earn about $24+ an hour (depending on age, teens probably make less), they raised the minimum a while ago so could be more. Sometimes places have a tip jar at the till when you pay but if people tip it’s usually because they have some change and they were very happy with the service so they chuck the change in the jar.

[@TheProteanGeek]

Here in Australia we used to have an anti-tipping culture. People used to get offended if you tried to give a tip. It was taken as an insult as if you think they need more money because their job doesn't pay enough. That went away over the last decade to some degree. It is not normal but people are more happy to take the extra money. Very rarely you'll see a tipping jar at some bars and restaurants and bars if anything. Also with Uber/Uber Eats and things like that the option is there on the app and I am not sure if many people use it.

[@pascalswager9100]

The tipping thing would do My head in, if I was obligated to do it all the time. Most Uber's are happy with a good rating though. I used to work in hospitality in the early 2000's and this one guy used to give Me half of what he won, that was pretty cool. The best thing was I was not obligated to share with other staff, cause they wouldn't if it was them!

[@elizabethpilarski1076]

In my experience that wasn't the case with tipping in the 90s. I worked in hospitality and got lots of tips. It wasn't an insult it was a sign that you were good at your job because tipping isn't expected. I still tip if I get good service but these days it doesn't go into the individual that's doing a good job, it gets split between all. So your tip could end up going to a bludger.

[@kerensabirch5214]

@@pascalswager9100 I worked in UK for three years before someone told me I was supposed to tip my hairdresser. She got paid to cut my hair so I'd had no idea I was expected to tip her as well!

[@michaelpillingnow]

@@kerensabirch5214 that's horrible. The point about not tipping in Australia is that people legally have to be paid a living wage and should not need tips. Equally it's perfectly reasonable and expected that the price stated is the price. How else can someone budget? It's shocking to me that the UK has sunk so low with wage equity.

[@gregduncan3242]

I always tip the food delivery drivers because they're not being paid a 'wage' and I've seen reports about how poorly their 'fee for service' works out. Apart from that I'll round up on a bill if I'm paying cash because I don't want to be carrying coins around from being given change. But generally I just swipe the phone when the payment machine is put in front of me

[@edwardlansdowne291]

The thing about tipping here in Australia is that as a general rule we don't tip.We have a minimum wage that ensures that everyone can live a decent life. The minimum wage is about $25aust or just over $16usd per hour. So while getting tips is nice, its not necessary to survive.

[@tuijakantola6550]

Interesting, it sounds like I could get by well in Australia, we do the same here. But we stay to the right 😀 Greetings from Sweden.

[@steelcrown7130]

...Only since 1976 of course, when you changed driving sides!

[@sigmaoctantis1892]

@@steelcrown7130 I thought it was much earlier but had to check first. It was 3rd September 1967.

[@Hully983]

Gidday mate from albury Australia ❤️🇦🇺👍

[@JennyMillikan]

When i got into a taxi, i naturally sat in the front, the driver nearly flew out his side of the car then got back in and said you must be an Aussie.

[@andrewstrongman305]

In Melbourne, tourists, particularly Asian tourists stand out because they typically walk in large groups taking up the whole width of the footpath. Also, I had to take a taxi yesterday and getting into the back never crossed my mind.

[@barrycopas1671]

Must be a Victorian thing, we were sightseeing along the Great Ocean Road, and a group walked along the entire footpath, didn't move to the side to let anyone through, oncoming people had to make way for them, I found if you made eye contact with them, turned half on, and shouldered them in the chest, that was enough for my 8 year old daughter to follow me through. Selfish sods.

[@Londronable]

I went to school in Ghent in Belgium which has a lot of Historical landmarks. During the week I never noticed tourists but I once went during the weekends and there were Asian groups everywhere seeing the Cathedrals and the like. Living rather rural that's something I always feel odd about.

[@Delsin4077]

@@barrycopas1671 I did a tourism course to be a tour guide and was told that Asian tourists are one of the worst groups to have as a lot don't speak English and always take up the full footpath even when asked by the guide not to they always have one person who speaks English that person always has a flag on them and they always try to haggle with shopkeepers even Asian ones

[@trishgrant2715]

As a woman I usually get in the back if it’s a male driver.

[@KoKoNuTz232]

thats the most annoying thing! Not just asians, but these days heaps of people do it. I mean why do you have to walk next to each other and take up the whole footpath. I get so annoyed by that, now i just say Excuse me can i go past you?

[@larsonsteenholdt1581]

We do tip but only probably once a year where the service is tops.

[@tok314]

I'm from Melbourne and I think I only really tip in a really nice restaurant when the food and service has just been exceptionally good - otherwise I don't ever tip for anything and that is normal here.

[@danuta4232]

Tipping ... we do tip. There are tip jars at restaurants, and you can give a tip directly to your waitperson. But, it is not part of the salary for the waitstaff. It is usual to tip about 10%, when you do tip, or by rounding up the bill to the next $10 mark if there is a few dollars in it, or going to $100 if the bill is $80 or higher. But you usually only tip when the service is particularly good, or maybe if it is your local cafe that you always attend and you want to show that you really appreciate the staff being kind to you all the time. I did that last week when I dropped $10 in the tip jar. They always bring me tea in a pot and they know our standard orders now, so that is nice. I also tipped the delivery guys when they installed my new washing machine on New Years Eve. Sure, they would get penalty rates for Saturday, but it ended up being a bit tricky, and I don't drink so there weren't any beers to give them a couple, and lots of people don't drink these days, so it isn't regular to give a traddy a beer to takeaway for an extra good job. You might offer a coffee or a cold drink, but tipping is good too. In that case, I split a $50 between the two delivery guys. They didn't want to take it, but it is ettiquette for them to refuse. Then it is polite for me to insist. Now I am in my 50s, I can do the elder woman thing and really insist. But you apologise for it not being enough at the same time, because really, it isn't enough for the service we get from a good tradey, handyman, or delivery person because I can't do what they just did. So, they get to be nice and go beyond, and I get to be nice and go beyond, and it is a really good feeling for all of us. Just a great day, right? Uber ettiquette is tricky. Some drivers want you to sit up front, afterall, they aren't servants. The general rule of treating everybody equally means you don't make people feel like they are less than. So, you need to treat everyone in a friendly manner, and give them the ability to chat with you and you need to appreciate their kindness because they came and picked you up when you needed a lift. But some drivers don't like you sitting in the front. And they can be quite offended. So, it is best to ask if they mind you sitting in the front with them, or sitting in the back, or wherever you would prefer to sit. I would probably ask if they mind me sitting in the front, because you tend to assume that you would sit in the front with anybody unless it made them uncomfortable. But ask in a way that they know it is ok for them to refuse. Because, nobody wants to offend anybody in Australia. Everybody tends to want to be helpful. So, uber can be tricky, because who knows what to do.

[@KK-sq8pj]

Hey Ryan - a suggestion for a video- look at Australian leave entitlements - sick leave, holiday leave, maternity/paternity leave, long service leave and minimum wage. That’s one major reason why no tipping expected due to decent wages.

[@A_nony_mous]

That should be a compulsory watch for every US citizen, ESPECIALLY the ones that insist their country is the "free" country. Free to get sick and die to avoid bankruptcy and all to avoid the horror of paying 2% extra tax for a subsidized health system. If you really look into it, some countries have far more leave entitlements than we do.

[@suzemartin5194]

Plus bereavement ( Maori have x3day funerals) and compassionate leave.. 😮

[@karenmccarren4604]

We went to the US for 8 weeks back in 2017. We both took half annual leave and half long service leave. Whenever we spoke to Americans and they asked about our trip,...how long, where we were going etc, they always assumed we were retired and couldn't believe that we were getting paid the whole time we were away. Wouldn't have been able to do that trip if we didn't have that paid leave.

[@Semajsenrab72]

Re: taxi, uber. We all sit next to driver, we always have a chat with them. They are not our servant, they are doing their job so we treat them like anyone else. Even getting on a bus, tram where you see the driver, say hi, and as you get off, it is common to say thank you to the driver. It is ingrained in you as a small child, they are no better or lower than you.

[@Semajsenrab72]

@@tillstar74 have had tourists look confused when people getting off at the doors half way down the bus, shout out "Thanks" or "Thank You' when getting off, may be after they see it happen often enough they may do it too

[@carokat1111]

I never tip. Period. I think she captured our cultural rules very well.

[@SiilanPies]

I like to tip somewhat frequently, as I'm a hospitality worker. I know how annoying it can be to receive the 20th cocktail order on a busy Saturday. So if I'm out and ordering drinks on a busy night, I like to tip the bartender making all the cocktails as a thank you and as a sign of sympathy.

[@vpdownunder9032]

If I have spare cash and the service is exceptional I tip, but it has to be outstanding service.

[@A_nony_mous]

@@vpdownunder9032 Outstanding not meaning coming over every few minutes asking is there anything else we need. That's seen as a dis-service here.

[@vpdownunder9032]

@@A_nony_mous Definitely, that's just being bloody annoying.

[@SchottGunPhotography]

@@SiilanPies former hospo worker here - i don't like tipping unless the service was absolutely bloody amazing. When you tip, you're giving a short-term gain to the employee, but in the long-run you're proving to the employer that they don't need to raise wages. I don't want to set that precedent so normally won't tip.

[@travelsolo2677]

Taxi drivers like us to sit in the front for a chat, if you sit in the back you are looked on as a snob

[@seanoff2007]

My 19 yo old daughter working in a bar on a sat night pulling near $35 /hr just wouldn’t expect to be tipped.

[@danielsimpson6885]

I think waitresses in America get about $2 an hour, I believe the same is true for bartenders. they 100% rely on tips.

[@Roamingfriend78]

Mate I love this channel..... Thanks We don't normally tip... It's not expected that's for sure.. You would fit in here for sure mate...

[@kayemcmullen]

If you happen to have different cultural values to the average Aussie and you think you may have made a faux par remember a “sorry mate” will usually defuse most situations. Our standard reply is “no problems mate”. If in doubt about tipping ~ for exceptional service leave 10% but usually leave nothing. Australia is expensive because of the high rates of pay, no need to tip.

[@A_nony_mous]

Rounding up to next dollar is considered leaving a tip. With the fair wages that we have even a fifteen cent tip is seen as overly polite by some.

[@1000teresa4ever]

The reason why tipping/gratuities are not normal is because generally minimum wages in Australia are so much better. Generally starting at $21 per hour Australian (about $14USA). Plus extra such as sick leave, holiday leave, weekend rates...

[@bluejhaygrl]

Australia, NZ, Japan, UK, parts of Africa, and parts of Asia, drive on the left, the majority of the world drive on the right. Yes, you treat everyone equally, everyone's job is important, and your pay packet does not dictate whether you are a decent person or not, we are all decent until proven otherwise.

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

Unless your on jobseeker then it will be assumed that you are an alcoholic drug addict that has never worked even once and has no intention of working.

[@streaming5332]

The UK is most of the world

[@Gerryjournal]

Tipping is exclusively for exceptional restaurant service. No taxis, no doorman, nothing.

[@divid3d]

there's zero expectation to tip in aus. we may tip wait staff at restaurants (often just rounding up the payment a few dollars to a nice round number, or maybe tip more if the service was incredible and you think they deserve it) but there's no judgement at all if you just pay the billed amount. we may also tip on the uber eats app etc (i was during covid in particular out of appreciation for those working so the rest of us could stay at home) but again, you don't have to. I've never tipped service staff at hotels anywhere besides the US. bars and cafes will often have tip jars where you can throw your change in if you want, but again, it's up to you.

[@deannatroy8113]

I know one hair dresser who gave a great head massage when washing a clients hair and she loved it so much that she gave a $20 tip to her. That was the only tip that that hair dresser had had in her whole life. You don't have to tip, but if you have lots of money and feel like rewarding fantastic service, then you can, but you will probably have to push the tip onto the person to get them to accept it. Some people don't like carrying coins around (especially 5 cents or 10 cents), so they will say "keep the change", and as the till will be out if they leave it in the till, the staff will put the coins in a jar and when they have enough, they will buy all the staff a cake or something. If you never ever tip, no one will ever bat an eye and you will still get the exact same service.

[@loumac1302]

No one will yell at you for walking on the right instead of left, but if you cut in in a queue, no one will let you get away with that. Tipping is only in restaurants when the service is really good.

[@bloodirose]

Never seen queue cutters not get away with it, at least not getting shit from others in the line… Most I’ve seen is greezies and snide comments muttered to friends.

[@miniveedub]

@@bloodirose it might depend on where you queue. Older people who are sick of being overlooked and ignored will often speak up loudly and say “I an next in line not this person” if someone shoves in front and I’ve heard people saying “Oi, get to the back of the line” to queue jumpers.

[@julianskinner3697]

No it's never tip

[@maxsmart645]

Pay for a Hotel Housekeeper is $29.37 per hour in Australia. You dont have to tip. Why its controversial is when you work a job the Americans tip at you don't want them to know the tip isn't required because its nice to have the extra money lol

[@robynmurray7421]

Taxi and Uber drivers probably wouldn't be offended if you sat in the back, especially if there are two people who would want to sit together in the back. But if it's just you, it might look snobbish to sit in the back alone, as if you are the Queen. This goes for everyone. I've seen Prime Ministers and other members of parliament in Commonwealth cars sitting up the front next to their drivers.

[@melanieprice]

Yes it’s like a form of respect for the driver.

[@alexradojkovic9671]

You only sit in the back now a days, if you are social distancing due to covid concerns.

[@gregduncan3242]

I sit in the back if I'm particularly tired (eg home after a long plane flight) or not feeling like talking for whatever reason. Sitting in the front has an expectation of at least a cursory conversation.

[@xscapeartistry5332]

I used to always sit up front of taxis, until I started travelling overseas and found that habit put me in some really awkward situations (taxi driver hitting on me). So I stopped all together and now I always sit in the back.

[@esmeraldagreengate4354]

No it doesn't. Ever been creeped on by a taxi driver? I sit in the back.

[@Shazzadut1]

Two things were the dumbest things said to me by yanks. Both when I used to work at Sydney Opera House. The first was ‘how do they open the roof to play tennis in here’… And the second was ‘how high above sea level are we?’ When we were standing inside the foyer of the Opera House, which is literally feet above the Sydney Harbour…

[@suekennedy1595]

Would be fun to see the tennis at the OPERA a house though.

[@WylieKiote]

I don't think either of those things are dumb! If you don't live here, you wouldn't know those things. I have to say the first one would have made my laugh through, as the Opera House is based on a yacht with the sails, I would have given them that information & then told them, we have guys on the pulleys that lower the roof sails down to ground level, & when they said wow really? I'd have to say, no just messin'. 🤣🤣 I remember once in the U.K. we'd gotten the train into London to go see Buckingham Palace, as we came up out of the subway we asked a policeman for directions, he sent us on our way with the "wrong" directions, but we didnt know 🤷‍♀️, & then he caught up to us shortly after & said sorry just kidding it's this way, pointing to the opposite direction. My husband wasnt impressed & stormed off while I saw the funny side & burst out laughing! I had a chat with the copper, & thanked him for making me laugh. But it was the joke, he must get asked that question 1000 times a day, everyday & was so sick of it, thinking how can you miss it, it's a f'kin' palace ffs!! My husband took offence, but I found it hilarious, it's something Aussies would do in a similar situation, so it made me feel at home in another Country!

[@deborahwellman5079]

The fact is when i was a child , over 20 years ago there was a big anti rubbishing campaign on tele vision and there used to be always signs everywhere stating a fine for dropping rubbish. I am sure there are still some somewhere. In our town we have a lot of tourists come , and you can see rubbish dumped on macdonalds parking areas or in the store coffee cups or even at beaches....disgusting they should bring in the fines again.

[@liesha7495]

I often report people for dropping litter/cigarettes out their car windows. If you are in Victoria you can report through EPA's website. They do actually enforce the reports they receive. Years ago I had a friend get a fine for dropping a cigarette out his car(This is what made me report people for littering as I had no idea).

[@Mephiston]

I'm sad that clean up australia day isnt really a thing anymore.

[@treadingtheboards2875]

I'm from Melbourne. When I am shopping at the supermarket and have a trolley full of groceries, if someone behind me only has a few items in a basket, I'll wave them ahead of me, and I have had that done to me, I once did that to 3 people. When I am walking around the streets and someone passes, they are total strangers and we have never met, but we pass a quick G'day to each other. In a store, large or small, 9 times out of 10, the cashier, the shop assistant or salesperson and I will have a quick chat about anything, as if we have known each other for years. I have even had major conversations with total stranger who have joined me at my table, when I am just seated having a cup of coffee in a mall. This is nothing unheard of.

[@Globeglider]

You missed most importantly, you must give a one-finger wave to locals when driving past them, particularly in regional areas. YES! littering is a big no no! Aussie service staff get minimum wage here 20-$25hr so they don't need the tip to survive. Handshakes have dropped off since covid... and personal space has increased.

[@raymondbabb1970]

Sounds like we flick the bird to locals when we drive in regional Australia, which of course we do in some towns. (Hello Mt Gambier)

[@julie68au]

we call that the Bendigo wave 😆😉

[@Globeglider]

@@julie68au In Castlemaine, so I'll give you a wave when I drive to Benigo.

[@Globeglider]

@@raymondbabb1970 lol, not that type of single finger.

[@grandmothergoose]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣 How about for the sake of kindness to people from other countries we specify that the single finger wave is the act of lifting one's index finger off the steering wheel as a little wave to oncoming vehicles on long country road drives. In some areas it's two or three fingers. Not the bird finger. Don't give people the bird finger whilst driving unless you want to see some road rage. Aussie road rage can be funny to watch (people will literally get out of their vehicles at stop lights in the middle of a major road to punch on - see Dashcam Owners Australia for examples of that), but it's not funny to be a victim of it.

[@salami4342]

Tips are usually reserved for exceptional service. Uncommon but a very meaningful way to say thanks for a good meal / etc

[@velvetandchester]

I find if a tip is offerred in Australia it is because someone in the dinning party has made a fool of themselves and everyone was embarrassed so the tip is an apology.

[@wayupnorth8367]

The MOST IMPORTANT thing in Australia is to say PLEASE and THANK YOU. It is polite and respectful to say please and thank you, we look down on people who have not that respect.

[@theBallisticMystic]

I do the 'keep the change' thing with taxi drivers and pizza delivery, and drop change in the tip jar if I feel extra good about the service. The stairs/escalators thing is super important during peak times at train stations. You do not want to interrupt the flow of 'the army of crows' (as I used to call it in my head, coz office people wear a lot of black) when they're trying to get to and from their job. Then again I guess this is the same for every country Edit: And as a woman, I never even consider sitting in the front of a taxi, though other women might be comfortable with it. It was always the guy that sat with the driver, in my experience

[@liesha7495]

If I am in my local town getting a taxi I will sit up the front. If I am in the city with drivers I don't know, I sit in the back.

[@oakdeneemporium6014]

I always sit in the front and I’m a woman. It seems rude to sit in the back to me.

[@BruHaHa5283]

"Army crows" hahaha love it! and yes, we do wear quite a bit of black..

[@jesslee5904]

We have tip jars so if you get great service and you want to tip you can but all our staff are paid well so they don’t expect it. The staff will usually use the tips to pay for after work drinks together

[@Aussiegirl54]

Thank you for your wonderful Australian videos!! Have to say that you don't need to worry about people getting annoyed about the whole walking on the left thing. Us Aussies are more laid back than that, except for stairs maybe. Love your show !!

[@stevenbliss989]

Front in Taxi's also, rare to sit in the back for either! Chatting with the driver is also common.

[@Ozzcaddy]

We also sit in the front of taxi's, where that is a no, no in the US. Back to the traffic subject that this person did not highlight, is crossing the road. If from the US and you are crossing a road in Australia without any formal pedestrian crossing, you must look to the RIGHT first, then LEFT, then RIGHT again, as the traffic (left side of road) is coming towards you from your right. In the US as you drive on the right, the traffic is coming from your left, so you would look Left, Right, Left. I spent 6 years in the US (based in Murray, Ky) with coming back to Australia for 3 months each year. To remind me to drive on the correct side of the road in either country in 2-way traffic, I made sure as the driver I would be closer to the centre of the road, and not the kerb or gutter side. As a pedestrian, the same courtesy that applies to escalators, also applies to travellators (flat moving walkway) stay left unless you are actually walking and passing others. This etiquette also applies to normal steps, stay left on the steps and allow faster people to pass you on your right whether going up or down the steps. We don't normally tip because the wages are higher here than those wages paid in similar jobs in the US.

[@beverleyferguson8942]

We tend to drop any change (Coins) into a tip jar if there is one near the register. If you pay the bill with cash. Of course if you pay by card you don’t normally bother.

[@phunkmonkeycookiegarage7773]

I did a little time doing Pizza delivery here in Oz and I was actually shocked at how many people tipped me lol. Getting 5 bucks for a delivery was very common. Now whenever I get a Pizza delivered, I always feel obligated to tip lol

[@Hully983]

Yeah especially after a long day at the footy yep we tip our delivery drivers won’t the Menulog ones .. there getting paid ridiculous money for overpricing if you do Menulog there prices are higher than if you order by phone ! So we ring our take away then get it delivered or pu !! We just pay the $34 give $40 to driver with no charge these young blokes are so polite in our town !! Now getting a lot of older guys since Covid hit … as there’s to many jobs now vacant you can get work anywhere here atm people are using Covid payment not to work why our stocks are low cmon aussies get back to work !!! Stop using Centrelink 😜

[@graenicholls4657]

I worked in cafes, bars and restaurants for 20yrs, in Sydney, melbourne, Brisbane and a few regional areas too. It was very common to get tips over that time and often was a great bonus at the end of the shift. I feel bad if I don't tip for good service too.

[@marionthompson3365]

Absolutely. Doing good deeds promotes others to do the same. It costs nothing to be kind, polite and courteous.

[@linesydclb8845]

We would tip a pizza delivery driver. I think it is a perception of either receiving minimum wage, being a student, or working a second job.

[@workphone1607]

It’s nice to do, but not an expectation.

[@aussieragdoll4840]

In Australia, we only tip if the service is excellent. Then it is an extra reward. The minimum wage here is over $21/hr. A former Australian Prime Minister (Kevin Rudd) always sat in the front seat of his official car. We sit in the front seat in taxis too.

[@kimscott1241]

With tipping, in restaurants/cafes/bars etc I only tip for what I feel is exceptional service. If I'm with a large group and we're paying together and everyone puts in cash, we wouldn't ask for change because serving a large group is harder. If paying for a taxi with cash, say a $36 ride, I'd give $40 and say keep the change. Its more a convenience thing rather than a "tipping culture". Also, in restaurants here tips are often shared around, so if I'm tipping a specific server for amazong service, I don't do it with the bill, I wait and give it directly to them on the way out.

[@annab5961]

Kim Scott , Well you are just making it hard for the rest of us who are on a pension and certainly could not afford to tip. Don’t try to change our non tipping culture please !

[@Raven-fh2yy]

If you go to the pub and get drinking with a group you may gete involved in what we call a shout... a Shout is when one member of the group pays for a round of drinks... the implication of this is when it is your turn you do the same... it is frowned upon if you order a top shelf drink during everyone else's shout and then when it is yours you get a glass of water or somesuch its best practice if you drink what everyone else is drinking no matter who's shout it is anyway... it's more often than not beer... if you have to leave before your turn comes it is expected that you will leave enough cash for your shout so as to pay everyone back for buying you drinks.

[@alankohn6709]

I drove a taxi for 2 years 95% of the time there was someone sitting in the front seat.

[@bleukreuz]

Tip is included in the service taxes and printed in the bill you received. But a lot of the times, these taxes may already be included in the food and beverage price too to make it easier. Some cafes or restaurants do have a tip jar next to the cashier register if you really want to tip the staff (this will be split equally).

[@cryptomonkey6142]

In Australia we don't have a tipping culture because our minimum wage is much higher than places like the US and that allows people to live on their wages without receiving tips. That said it is quite acceptable to tip if you have received exceptional service and wish to show your appreciation.

[@chrisjess1569]

When my husband was in hospital for months, we regularly gave chocolates to all staff. This of course, included the cleaner - who told us she liked going in to his room just to chat with us.

[@rozlynedwards2551]

There is no expectation anywhere to tip. I have occasionally said to a taxi driver or waitress to keep the change, but that is it. I live in Brisbane by the way.

[@jayweb51]

If the service by your waiter/waitress is really excellent then you would tip. In most establishments, the staff normally share tips by putting in a jar; and do something together after work.

[@phantaztik]

I used to work in a cafe where we occasionally had Americans come to eat. The first couple of times they gave tips/keep the change I tried to give it back, asking are you sure a couple times.

[@kathleenmayhorne3183]

I live in a small town, we walk on the side the shop we are going to is. You do have to look to the other side, left, right, left, to check before crossing the street. When you are tired, you can forget which side to drive on, be careful. Buses of tourists can die that way.