The 18 BIGGEST MISTAKES Tourists Keep Making in AUSTRALIA (AVOID DOING THIS!)

[@livingsimplyaustralia]

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[@paolafrancesca7082]

Hi Martina! I'm visiting friends for the first time in March and I really want to bring for them some presents such as wine and dulce de leche 🥺 + some wool art from my country! Is this prohibited? In other countries if it's sealed it's ok, but after your video I have the doubt for Australia!? 🙏🏻🩷 Thank you for your content! It is really helping me for my trip! ☺️

[@livingsimplyaustralia]

​@@paolafrancesca7082 Hi! Those things should be fine as long as they're sealed as you say. Dulce de leche is generally fine too but you may need to declare it. If in doubt though, check the Australian Border Force website on what you can bring or not - www.abf.gov.au/entering-and-leaving-australia/can-you-bring-it-in/categories/food Hope it helps!

[@CooperHamlyn-f6y]

Hello @livingsimplyaustralia, I'm Cooper Hamlyn I'm 20 yrs old and i have Autisum and cerable plausy, I'm pleased to meet you I'm from Quilpie Queensland Australia.

[@paolafrancesca7082]

@@livingsimplyaustralia thank you so much!!! Didn't see this answer until today!! So sorry for not having read it before!!! 🙌🏻🩷 I will go through the site anyway as you say but your answer relieves me so much!!! 🥹🙏🏻

[@LinguaPhiliax]

8:20 In fact, sun protection is _so_ important here that primary schools have to enforce a "No hat no play" rule, where children are not allowed to play in the sun if they don't have a hat.

[@ThePrinceofkindfulness]

Only in summer and spring though- They tried having it all year and kids got really sick

[@NullaNulla]

Whilst that came in maybe just after my time at school, I have heard of it and heard of my eldest son being "in the poop" for not taking a hat to school when he was in school.

[@onlyleavingfootprints]

Garbage. Come to Queensland and see how hot it is all year around that it is important everyone wears hots daily ​@@ThePrinceofkindfulness

[@sara_387]

@@ThePrinceofkindfulness Queensland it's definitely all year round. Queensland has UV levels 3 and above all year round. You're possibly talking about southern states, in winter, when the UV levels dip below 3.

[@jonathancuthbertson9850]

Regarding customs and biosecurity. I recommend you declare everything, if you are unsure if the item you have falls into a restricted category just declare anyway. If you declare it and its prohibited, you won't get in trouble (unless its explosive or something extreme). They will just check the item and tell you if you can bring it into the country or not. If you can't then they will confiscate it and let you go on your way, without any fine or legal issue. If you don't declare it and they find something restricted (and they will find it) that's when you get into trouble.

[@aussieragdoll4840]

Agreed. If in doubt, answer yes to the questions. If the item is allowed, you won’t get into trouble. But if the item is prohibited, if you have declared it by saying Yes… they will just take it away & explain why you can’t have it… but if you say No and it is prohibited, the fines are well over A$1,000. That’s an expensive mistake to make.

[@mariabromwich8897]

Absolutely! I came here to say the same thing. Particularly foodstuffs. I’ve seen people pulled up because they didn’t declare a small pack of biscuits they kept from the flight. While they weren’t fined, they were warned that they could have been and to be sure to declare anything edible. Border security is taken VERY seriously here, as there are many pests we don’t have here that could decimate our flora and fauna if they got in. It’s bizarre some of the things people try to bring in- a bag of oranges springs to mind. AND they were in the ‘nothing to declare’ line. I mean, why?? We have oranges here! We are a multicultural country and have many specialty shops that sell foods often not available in Western supermarkets. If in doubt, declare it!

[@axelknutt5065]

Even the giant Toblerone from Duty Free ?

[@driveboy317]

yeah look at what the chinese have in their bags when you watch border security

[@mariabromwich8897]

@@axelknutt5065 Yep. You’d think they’d make an exception, but no, even gotta declare the duty free Toblerone!

[@Damalon01]

As an Australian I condone this message. I offer only one slight change: Yes, we Australians like to have dinner between 5:30 PM and 9 PM but I would not say we like to have it early. Rather I would say other cultures prefer to have their dinner very late :P

[@negljbreakergaming]

As a Canadian I agree, that is a very normal time to have dinner

[@peteh3313]

Great video, thanks. It's also worth tourists knowing that we have a swimming culture, kids are taught to swim, as well as water safety at a very young age. That's why they are better prepared for the beaches than your average tourist. Mandatory fact: Australian humour is perverse, we named an aquatic centre after the only Prime Minister that disappeared... while going for a swim.

[@TheKazragore]

We also make heavy use of sarcasm and irony, as well as self-deprication.

[@LillyGrace8]

Maybe also our colloquialisms and swearing would be a good thing to warn people about and that we are not being offensive. Also, maybe clear up that AFL is Footy in Vic but can be NRL, ARU (at a stretch) or soccer in other cities/ states. 😅

[@vikiai4241]

@@LillyGrace8 Despite being NSW born and raised, I like AFL better than rugby. The rules promote a lot more actual foot to ball play. 😀

[@robinharwood5044]

Excellent advice. Do watch out for the drop bears, though.

[@livingsimplyaustralia]

😂

[@imho2278]

Spare us that old unfunny joke

[@andynieuwenhuis7833]

​@@livingsimplyaustralia What you consider COLD Temperatures?? Here in Canada 17 C, is still shorts / tee shirt weather. We'll still be in some pants/ sweatshirts in Temperatures at 10 C. Thanks from Ontario Canada. It's currently about 8 C on Nov,3/24.

[@TheKazragore]

@@imho2278 It's an older joke, sir, but it checks out.

[@driveboy317]

@@TheKazragore its lame

[@discofrog69]

Very informative. Especially regarding our dangerous animals. Spoke to a person in the US after watching a tourist video about Adelaide in SA. They were concerned about crocodiles. I had to explain that if they wanted to see one, they would need to go to one of our zoos or travel around 3000km north.

[@gasdive]

Re, tipping. There's little tipping, but you should treat waitstaff as you would if a friend was doing the same thing for you. Thank them. Don't issue orders, ask. "Could I get a fork?", "would you mind if we moved to the window table?", "Do you think we could get the bill". If they say no, there's a reason. Say "that's ok, thanks though", just as you would if a friend said no.

[@cbjones2212]

This ^^. I worked hospo for a few years and the best way to get on the wrong side of wait staff is to issue orders.

[@NullaNulla]

You're going to be REALLY upset if I eat at yours then .. I'll be brutally honest with the reply if you DARE ask for or expect a tip, take that snoz back overseas. BTW folks if you tip here, you will be looked on extremely weirdly from others and might even be heckled by locals for reinforcing something that isn't native here.

[@HarryP457]

One of the best videos of this type I've seen. Accurate, concise and respectful. Thank you for this great content. On the topic of tipping, I seen plenty of reports that hospitality service isn't the best here. Well part of that is probably because we don't stand for much BS in Aus and the server isn't pandering to your ego because they need your tip to simply live. I've eaten in restaurants up and down the east coast of Australia in a 30+ year career doing events and have only once experienced what I would call truly bad service. If you have a problem, respectfully ask your server if it can be fixed and 99 times out of 100 you'll get the desired result. Make a scene though, and don't be surprised if you're told to F off.

[@Mark_Bridges]

That is excellent advice.

[@cookiecrumble4733]

people say our hospitality service is shit, but funnily enough, i like it a lot more than the rest of the world 😭 you treat hospitality workers as you would treat a human being. you ask them things, you don’t order them around and demand things. it feels like tourists come over here, and are expecting their culture, are rude to these workers (by our standards), and then throw a fit when the culture is different

[@HarryP457]

@@cookiecrumble4733 This is dead right. My wife worked in retail for over 40 years and the number of people, particularly those of foreign birth, who would treat her like some lower life form is ridiculous. Fortunately, having an asshole for a husband has armed her with a suitable vocabulary to deal with these people.

[@JohnHollands]

One reason for early dinners is that many people get up early in the morning to walk or surf or exercise. Don’t miss out on seeing the early morning culture by sleeping in. You can get a coffee at 6am too.

[@freeman10000]

Many Aussies get up quite early. In my job I often travel between 4am and 5am and the roads are often very busy. This morning I was in Scarborough, Western Australia at 5:30am and the carparks were almost full and there were people everywhere.

[@marievandoorn73]

Its also because the sunsets earlier than the northern hemisphere and we dont really have a long twilight so in summer it is often dark by 6.30pm in qld or 7.30 in other states with daylight saving.

[@TheResidentPotter]

@@marievandoorn73not sure where you are but it’s still light in Melbourne until 9pm during daylight savings at the peak and twilight is about 2 hours long where I am, it’s the best part of the day in my opinion!

[@marievandoorn73]

@ im in south east qld - near brisbane. Its 6.45 now nov 1st) and been dark for 30 mins. We dont have DS in qld and i guess the shorter days have a lot to do with being at the top of the country....... closer to the equator and all that. Sun went down 6.15 and completely dark at 6.30

[@notguilty1467]

or earlier!

[@ianes6377]

Excellent video - thanks! But a couple of clarifications, if I may. First, the *reason* that Australian border security is so vigilant is that it is an island nation with many, many unique species which are endangered by the establishment foreign plant and animal pest species. Basically the advice to visitors is this: do not attempt bring any food, plants, insects, animals or any living thing into the country. Full stop. Just don’t. If you get caught, you *will* be given a massive fine and you may be put straight back on the next plane home at your own expense. Just don’t even try. My second point is about tipping. You said it is optional in Australia and, well, yes no-one is going to stop you tipping but it is actively discouraged. Most people don’t know that the tipping ‘culture’ in the US is a direct consequence of slavery and, as there has been no significant slavery in Australia, hospitality workers are paid a living minimum wage. My advice? Just don’t tip. Ever. It’s not being mean-spirited, it’s just the cultural norm.

[@peppesimone4897]

You have no idea about tipping or service in Australia, it is not discouraged, the food industry is elite and workers are highly skill, they deserve to be rewarded for there professionalism. "No significant Slavery in Australia" - you do not know about Aboriginal history of Australia, do a internet search for Aboriginals in chains and see how uneducated your comments are. Shame on you.

[@ianes6377]

As it happens, I chose my words very carefully by saying there was “no significant slavery” in Australia. Yes, of course I’m aware of the mistreatment of Aboriginal people, including the black birding in the pearling industry in Broome. And the indentured labour of Melanesians in the sugar cane industry in North Queensland. These are certainly dark times from the British colonisation, but compared to the mass slavery they imposed on the US, the numbers were indeed insignificant. And the point is that tipping in the US derived *directly* from slavery but there was no similar social norm developed in Australia. Fortunately Australia developed an egalitarian culture and people are paid a minimum wage. There certainly some good things in the US that we would benefit from emulating, but tipping is not one of them.

[@peppesimone4897]

Serious subjects don't deserve word play, good day to you and I wish you well. %^)

[@dianacasey6002]

@@ianes6377what you are not taking into account (I say this as someone who did wait tables) is the fact that because we normally only tip good service. So when you get a good tip it means a lot because you have been rewarded for this. Ok pays is good but it was nice to be appreciated and that’s not a bad thing. I successfully lived off my tips for everyday things.

[@timleonard4118]

@@peppesimone4897tipping - great. Do it if you have received good service. Slavery of indigenous people ? Not for the last 150 years. So, I’m calling Bullshit. Give it a rest. We voted NO.

[@robertclothier3597]

Finally...at long last, a really informative & useful video for visitors to this wonderful broad brown beautiful land. Its chock-a-block full of good advice without the usual breathless hysteria & bullsh*t about our nasty critters etc. Kudos & well done

[@BiffTech05]

Hey now, all the things that want to kill you is half the fun here. Just, y'know, don't poke it with a stick...

[@LillyGrace8]

She did forget to mention our killer Dropbears though!!!🤣🤣🤣

[@LinguaPhiliax]

@@LillyGrace8 When is that joke going to die out? 😅 /hj

[@LillyGrace8]

@ Hopefully never 🤣🤣🤣

[@Sonny-zr9jg]

Australian Government needs to play this video as part of immigration. It would help SOOO much!

[@dianalee4312]

I thought the same thing. Especially with the beaches and border security

[@kristinedunner988]

I love the way she has anexcent but identifies as an Aussie. She is as we have many citizens who are from overseas but have become one of all Australians.😊

[@kristinedunner988]

Accent😅

[@vikiai4241]

@@dianalee4312 Yes. Rock-platforms around here are particularly good at gobbling up tourists (locals too, but not as often) 😕 Some extra educational warnings around those are likely needed (not here on this excellent youtube, just generally).

[@larissahorne9991]

Even though it may not look like a traditional queue with customers waiting to be served at the deli section in an Aussie supermarket, it doesn't mean that there isn't one. It's just that we're good at remembering who's next. So if you see people hanging around at a deli section, wait for your turn. If you decide to use a self-service checkout, there are a limited number of them that accept cash. So if you're waiting to use one, and a card only checkout is free, do the following. If there's a customer behind, you ask them, "Are you using a card or cash?" If they say that they're using a card, let them pass you. The majority of Aussies are open, friendly, and helpful. We appreciate it when other people are as well.

[@lukehamilton5142]

This is perfect! Sun protection, agricultural quarantines, littering, annoyingly early closing restaurants, you covered ALL the big issues. I was ready to BET that you wouldn’t mention standing on the left on escalators, but you even got that!

[@darylcheshire1618]

many cafes are lunchtime venues and close around 3pm. Presumably they have tried staying open and don’t get many customers. I find it annoying that cafes are closed in time for afternoon tea.

[@ginathecookie]

And even the escalator depends. In my city we have both either side, so the etiquette is you must use the right ones, stand in the middle and wait for it to go, not move. Unless it's free to. Ie. No people in front of you. Even then it's better and safe to go with it. There's also a ramp and a lift area some distance from them so there are _other_ options to get down to the carparks or vice versa to the shopping centre.

[@ginathecookie]

The right ones being the right one for the direction you're going, if you're going up, use that one. Down? Use that one. Not the stand left or right thing but use the left or the right.

[@redhead3199]

Please note, ALL capitol cities has specialism supermarkets which will stock all the different ingredients/foods that we don't sell in our normal supermarkets. So there is no need to bring any food over.

[@willpugh-calotte2199]

Judging from what I've seen on Border Security, people visiting from China should be especially warned not to bring suitcases stuffed with groceries into Australia. Most of your groceries will be confiscated, and if you didn't declare them, you'll likely also have to pay a fine before you can enter Australia. We _do_ have Asian grocery shops in the obvious suburbs (ask a local) in our major cities.

[@freeman10000]

Lots of well stocked Asian supermarkets in Australia.

[@aussieragdoll4840]

@@willpugh-calotte2199We even have an Asian supermarket in Dubbo in the Central West of NSW.

[@louiserenton9380]

It’s Not just the major cities that have Asian supermarkets. Towns gave them also.

[@TheKazragore]

Bringing up water safety is so important. Far more so than the wildlife, which you rightly pointed out that you often have to go out of your way to encounter, the beaches here can and will try to kill you if you're not careful and being sensible.

[@Capt_Samba]

FYI Australia is changing it's driving laws. With over 50 deaths on the roads last year from oversea travelers the government has decided to implement requiring applying for an Australian Licence. You just won't have to prove your hours, but you'll have to prove you can drive safely. This comes into effect from 2025

[@BobLouden-r9q]

In Victoria you get off the plane. Pick up your hire car travel for 2.5 hours to the Great Ocean Rd. Before you see a sign saying DRIVE ON THE LEFT IN AUSTRALIA.

[@GraemeHart8888]

That law change does not apply to tourists. The Austroads website clearly states "These changes do not apply to visitors to Australia who will continue to be able to drive on Australian roads if they hold a valid overseas licence and comply with all conditions of that licence."

[@Capt_Samba]

@@GraemeHart8888 Yeah maybe you should look at the laws instead of a random website. That website you speak of isn't even an Australian website.

[@GraemeHart8888]

@Capt_Samba it is an Australian website and your repeatedly saying it isn't doesn't make it so. Feel free to quote this law you believe exists.

[@Capt_Samba]

@@GraemeHart8888 Let me put it in terms you should understand, State Government websites (Qld Transport, NSW Transport, VicRoads etc) run the roads and rules. These actual government websites will inform you correctly, not a website designed for tourism money. Austroads is a tourism money spinner, NOT run by the government. You would have to be stupid to believe random websites with using the appropriate government websites to see the actual laws, If you are gonna rely on that website then it's a classic case of fuck around and find out.

[@AbdulsCycles]

Thank you for letting us know about what's not allowed when travelling to Australia.

[@jimdale6001]

I love your very clear views and information about Australia, Australians and aspecialy Melbourne. Keep going. ❤

[@gordongraham7]

I'll be in Australia one year from now and this video was very helpful, especially the customs information and suggestion to wear a hat. I'll be driving while there, so that info was also helpful. Thank you!

[@kroo07]

Be aware that if you drive in more than one state you may fing some road rules different.

[@gordongraham7]

@ thank you for that tip!

[@katel7309]

Read up on road rules the traffic fines are huge. From running red lights (in Qld is $600) speeding parking fines using mobile phone even touching your phone having it in your hand (the fine in Qld is is over 1000 Aussie dollars, less in other states.) , not wearing a seat belt etc. Speed cameras all the way up the east coast. (example Sydney nsw to Cairns far north queensland) If using coastal highways. Not sure what the speed cameras are like doing Melbourne To Sydney or using the back highway through nsw to Queensland. Also speed cameras-red light cameras at traffic lights too. In Aussie the police will use a ' camera car' parked on edge of roads that they can move around streets. General all built up home residential areas is 50km speed limit even if not signed. Once you know your local streets you may need to go slower. I live on a street where I drive 40-45km on it. If Turing into roads right or left at traffic lights especially and the walk sign for pedestrian is green you can't turn until the pedestrians have cleared the road. Many people don't know this! I did this wait on the pedestrian in the centre of town, this one guy doing a snail walk and didn't see a police car at the the lights until he was half way across, so thankful i stopped. Demerit points apply to international license as far as I know. Mobile phone can get you 3-5 demerit points depending on state. You go up to 12 before your license is affected. So if you go through a red light a couple of decent speeding fines and a mobile phone fine you pretty much lost your license! In Qld that would be over 2000 dollars in fines. The alcohol limit is 0.05 in aussie for driving. What state are you going too?

[@gordongraham7]

@ wow!!!! Great to know! The only place I'll be driving myself is in Victoria. I'm driving from Adelaide to Melbourne via the great ocean road.

[@katel7309]

@@gordongraham7 lovely! Enjoy! So I would check out specifics for Victoria and South Australia in driving. You may be able to find from locals speed traps on the way? The monetary fines for SA is pretty high across the board. Do your homework and have a great time😊

[@PeterThompson-qj2lm]

Great video. I tell my overseas friends that have come for a visit, to do the touristy things in the cities but make sure they spend some time outside them and visit some natural beauty spot, whatever state they're in.

[@timrozitis961]

Road trips is good advice - if you have the time. Adelaide -> Melbourne, Melbourne->(Canberra->)Sydney, Sydney->Brisbane are all less than 10hour drives - but you can spread that over several days and explore the country. In fact, you don't even need to keep to the main highways. Try Adelaide to Melbourne via the Great OCean Road, or Melbourne to Sydney via Lakes Entrance, Bega, Batemans Bay, Wollongong. The more time you have, the further you can deviate off the well worn track (and the more marvls you might discover). Most capitals probably have interesting country within an hour or two's drive too - so even day trips can be a great way to explore more than just another city (although that's not to dismiss he cities - each Australian capital has its own unique quirks and culture, and spending a day in circular quay or at the Queen Victoria Markets or other hotspots in a city can be quite ineresting too).

[@ginathecookie]

Riverina is also a good idea to visit. Lots of historical and some cultural places to do.

[@simmogj]

Many coffee shops close around 2 or 3 pm. They open very early, 5 to 6 am. That early morning coffee is essential

[@TeresaValles-r2s]

Love the content of your videos Martina. Great work! 👏🥰

[@rodwigg5383]

Your video should be on flights to Australia, well done!

[@rossevans1774]

That would be an excellent idea.

[@iloveentertainment]

Or even before they board the flight!

[@freeman10000]

Agreed, brilliant advice.

[@thekennethofoz3594]

Lots of great advice here.. As a Sydneysider born and bred, I'd reiterate your advice to allocate time to get out of Sydney. I particularly recommend Tasmania, it has beautiful areas well worth a visit. Tasmania is about 2 hour flight from Sydney, an hour or so from Melbourne. And as others have said, they do take quarantine regulations very seriously here. When I return from overseas, I always tick the box for anything I'm even vaguely unsure of. I've never yet had anything confiscated, but it's good knowing that if I've inadvertently brought something prohibited, I won't get in any trouble or fined if I've ticked the box. By the way, I'm old. And I've never yet been bitten by a shark, spider, or snake.

[@philipsmith3871]

A well thought out vlog about our Country, not the usual guff about the danger of everything that moves. Bravo....

[@LukeKendall-author]

As an Australian, I endorse all the points made. About sunburn, many people don't realise the burn only appears about two hours after the exposure.

[@justingrunwald4431]

As a Aussie, excellent advice

[@Danilyn_Livao]

Your video is so helpful for first-time visitors to Australia! You’ve provided everything needed to make the experience stress-free and enjoyable 🙂 This is incredibly helpful! 💛

[@TheSamleigh]

Very (the vid) encompassing (I dunno it doesn’t look right) - wow that was a lot of stuff. You’re doing great. Oh yeah the bit where Australians won’t hesitate to tell “you” off re (in this case) rubbish removal … made me laugh “Oi where do ya think you’re goin’!” Shouted at a Touro while pointing at crap on ground left by them - yep that’d be me telling them off.

[@willowwithin]

100% on the warm clothing point, even in late spring and summer! Especially if you go out at night, have a jacket/jumper handy because the temperature can just drop out of nowhere.

[@Russell-m9u]

I am an Australian Everything you said was spot on Well done 😊

[@carncats07]

Except for Australians practicing basic social etiquette. They certainly don't here in Sydney.

[@George-j4i3g]

As an Australian this is spot on. A few things - Australians don’t drink Starbucks or Foster beer. If you are polite they will go out of their way to help you. This particularly true of you go to anywhere other than Sydney or Melbourne. Language wise pay a lot of attention to tone of voice. Many will say something that means exactly the opposite to what they mean without changing their facial expression. If you have newly moved to live in Australia, don’t be offended if the prank you or say something unkind. It normally meant that they like you and have accepted you. Weird I know but generally true. I will tell you two secrets- drop bears don’t exist and Vegemite is spread only very very thinly and not to repel said drop bears. Wearing sunscreen and staying hydrated, especially in Summer, is a must. It’s not the animals you should fear, it is the sun. I have seen so many tourists rushed to the hospital to treat heat exhaustion because they didn’t take this warning seriously.

[@carmenmcgowan3968]

Well done on the information in this video! I think you’re spot on with these observations … another one I’d like to add is, don’t get up too close to Aussies when you’re out and about … like queueing, elevators etc. we like our personal space. And definitely don’t set up your picnic or beach spot too close if there is room on the beach or in the park! Oh, and don’t forget South Australia for the best wine regions and definitely Kangaroo Island!

[@jeski82]

I've lived in Australia all my life and never been to a footy match 😂 If you're like me and more into eclectic local culture rather than sports, I suggest visiting Newtown in Sydney's Inner West (close to Sydney city centre). You'll find many cool little small bars, the best coffee, live music, drag shows, amazing street art, and a wide variety of cuisines and interesting shops. Newtown is also home to really friendly people. 😊 I recommend a day walk along King Street 😊 Another thing that I don't think was mentioned - at least in Sydney, we have late night shopping on Thursdays. That means most shops that usually close at 5pm are open until 10pm on Thursdays. 🙂

[@jeski82]

Also, if you're an Italian tourist missing home, my suburb of Leichhardt in the Inner West is our "Italian Quarter". Don't get pizza anywhere else! 😂 The neighbouring suburb of Haberfield has wonderful French restaurants 😊

[@nswinoz3302]

I emigrated here decades ago, and can honestly say information provided is 100% accurate. P.S. Always declare everything when you come into the country, even if you’re unsure it’s faster and you don’t get fined. NSW in Oz

[@kawaiiamethist]

Thank-you for your informative and lovely video! I'd love all our visitors to get the most out of their trip! Starbucks is actually rare, so they may have to resign themselves to our delicious cafes.

[@womble901]

My friend from America came to visit me in Queensland and said to me "I didn't realise it got this cold here". Now he is coming to visit in summer. I hope he knows what he's getting into. I've tried to warn him!

[@BigAl53750]

Anyone who thinks Starbucks make Coffee is ill-informed. I equate it with those little sachets of ‘Coffee’ that they sell in supermarkets.

[@PaulMurrayCanberra]

Why get Starbucks where they sell caterer's tins of International Roast?

[@George-j4i3g]

@@PaulMurrayCanberra - hate to tell you mate but I have had Americans take that rot home thinking that is good.

[@deningman]

As a former restaurant and bar owner, I've never seen tipping as a cultural norm in Aust with exceptions from the high-end restautaurants. Sadly, Australia is under attack by USA culture in many ways with tipping creeping in.

[@larissahorne9991]

Another thing to know about Aussie etiquette is how to behave in our supermarkets. One African American lady became a social media sensation for all the wrong reasons. She behaved like a total Karen (a common term for a spoilt brat of a woman). If you're waiting to be served at a checkout and the customer behind you only has one or two items. It's polite to let them go first. That tourist didn't know that, and when the lady cashier asked her to let the customer behind go first, she completely overreacted. Yelling and screaming at the poor cashier and calling her a racist. Someone posted the footage, and it went viral. I'll write about some more supermarket etiquette in another comment.

[@julians9763]

When proper etiquette is not practiced by tourists and visitors, it's bad. Too many families in Australia, can't be bothered to teach the younger generation any etiquette at home, and expect private schools and society to teach their offsprings, that is worse.

[@T4G95]

As an Australian there are some circumstances I will allow it… but almost all supermarkets now have self serve checkouts and I am lining up at a manned checkout specifically because i have a full trolley and it is inconvenient for me to use a self serve with so many items. People with only a few items really need to learn how to use a self serve.

[@heyy13]

This is the best of these videos I have seen. Really good job. (From an Australian)

[@Graynomad16]

Thank you...Australia is not just Melbourne and Sydney

[@alumycrick2911]

You are right about the Southern Hemisphere's sunlight. D.H. Lawrence, an English writer who lived in Australia for a while in the 1920s, was driven to complain that its intensity was a foretaste of the wrath of God for anyone emerging with a morning hangover. That was something that happened on most days during his residence apparently.

[@AussieERS]

Fantastic video, born and lived in Melbourne for 42 years and agree with it all

[@PuspitaChanda]

I am watching your videos as a must guide . I am in Australia for 1 year exchange programme . These videos helped me a lot. If you can make a video on what special dishes to try in each city of australia and also on what to take back home as a souvenirs it would be great

[@ginathecookie]

Regarding the escalators, it does depend on the area. In my town, we have one that goes up and one that goes down side by side of each other. You're absolutely meant to use the right one, be safe and stay in the middle.

[@ulrikezachmann7596]

She did very well listing the things to be aware of. Not all visitors are the same but one thing people can’t stand is tourists that are loud obnoxious and rude, pushing, que jumping and getting into the personal space of others. Personal space is about one meter polite distance and children don’t have a right to behave badly just because they are visiting. Offences such as kicking wild life be they birds or other animals is definitely seen as vile. Unfortunately this kind of behaviour is quite common. Evil Brats are not welcome. We don’t view those kinds of children as cute.

[@timallardyce1216]

Yes, please, PLEASE read the customs declaration card and declare everything. You won't get in trouble if you do. Many times you'll be allowed to keep & if you're not, they'll just take it off you and you won't get in trouble, but only if you declare, so please, PLEASE declare

[@djdazzydeaf7568]

I laughed at the beginning when you said "Cheap Airlines in Australia" cause it's not cheap in Australia flying locally (Sydney to Perth is way more expensive then a flight from Sydney to Singapore then to Perth)

[@allanlawrence3456]

What a excellent video. I love my Sydney. But as you say there are so many lovely cities and places to see. I live your recommendation you should go to a footy match.

[@millertas]

Great to see the Saints score a goal. 9:37.

[@elisahelen]

Well done. Great video

[@Annie1962]

Interesting fact - In Fremantle , which is very high in Italian population - Starbucks' tried to open a store back in the late 80s and were laughed out. Freo is a huge coffee cultured city and only this year did a Starbuck's open.

[@ray.shoesmith]

Martina, you can consider yourself an Aussie now, we're proud to have you ❤

[@NeridaAisbett58]

A wonderful video with some great advice, but if you want to see an Aussie Rules Footy game the season for that is from March/April to August, with the finals in September (tickets to final are extremely hard to get).

[@AliasAerius]

There is one exception to the no late dinner rule, and that is the kebab shop. Kebab shops often stay open very late, so if it's midnight and you're feeling hungry, you should still be able to grab something to eat. Though fair warning, some of them can be dodgy.

[@martinberwanger4928]

Very good advices Martina!!

[@bEverCurious]

Aussie Rules (footy) is very similar to Gaelic football, so much so a team from each country was able to play against each other with only minor adjustments.

[@louise8001]

Excellent video. But I noticed you mentioned all the states and capitals except for one. South Australia and Adelaide make up a large part of the country as well.

[@alanhilder1883]

The secret is, when you finally arrive in Australia and land at Sydney airport, you got straight to the "domestic airport" and fly somewhere else, Newcastle is close enough, and then start exploring. The postcards of Australia all have The Sydney harbour Bridge and The Sydney Opera House. There, you have seen Sydney. The is a 'small town' called Aberdeen in the Upper Hunter Valley. Each year in july ( mid winter ) they host a Scottish Fest that quite a few Scottish people attend for the Scottish summer conditions. Spiders are everywhere but mostly if you leave them alone, they will leave you alone. ( Huntsman spiders inside is a good thing, they keep the fly numbers down ) The Sydney funnel web spider, on the other hand... ( another reason to leave Sydney ) Snakes can get around, but, really, not that much of an issue as long as you look where you are going. You can often see roos and possibly emus, depending where you are ( not too many around here ( UHV ) on the roads dawn and dusk, other times lying in the middle of the road with birds around them because they were standing in the middle of the road when a car/truck came through. Wombats are speed humps that kill big trucks. They try to suppress the stories about Drop bears as we had a drop in the number of tourists a few years ago ( due to the human malware ) and we need to build up the feed as the hungry drop bears are getting a bit much for us natives. ;-)

[@Muffy.from-Oz]

THIS IS ONE OF THE BEST VISIT AUSTRALIA VIDEOS i HAVE SEEN. The Photography etc. is amazing.

[@meikahidenori]

Signage. Please please please respect signage. If you are told not to swim somewhere or stay behind a rail please do as your told! Up north we have crocodiles & bullsharks in fresh water and they WILL EAT YOU. also I've seen people climb over fences to take photos down here at the Nobbies at Phillip Island and... look if you slip, that's it - you're dead. That's a cliff face with sharp jagged rocks in the water below and dangerous swells that will make it impossible to recover your body let alone rescue you. So please obey signage!

[@Guitarbarella]

Aussie here, I always leave a ten per cent tip for table service-they have a living wage but most are only casual workers -re rubbish bins- as an older Australian I can tell you that getting rid of the rubbish bins made the fly population go back down to normal levels- when I was young it was very bad. The bins would only get emptied a few times if that a month. The Dunny Budgies were off the charts back then!

[@billking8843]

If you only have two weeks, just do Tasmania. It is the most amazing stuff packed into the smallest area.

[@bigjack986]

Adelaide really is doing an incredible job at going completely unnoticed. Not a single mention lmao

[@zoejune9360]

Same with Perth. Usually the entire state of WA doesn't get a mention either, so it was nice to hear it thrown in here and there.

[@Mcstabs]

​@@zoejune9360The perils of being further way from the east coast that holds most of the population than pretty much everything in europe is from anything but parts of russia

[@fenriss749]

It is a good idea to visit one of our zoos as they will teach you in small short classes about being safe from snakes, spiders and other slightly dangerous creatures.

[@arnbo88]

I've lived here 35 years and this video is spot on. i cannot emphasize enough on airport etiquette. Be aware that it is highly likely that your luggage will be scanned for organic matter and contraband. Only 2 packs (not cartons) of cigarettes duty free allowance. It is always the same four cultures that think that they can outsmart customs and quarantine. It should also be noted that because Australia was founded by convicts, one's social standing in another country means little here.

[@SanBernardo-p3j]

Very good video, thank you

[@chococrunch5]

As a born aussie living in aussie, another few things to note. We are very big on supporting local supply, local farmer, markets, reuse recycle products, we have a big wine making history in SA, we supply a lot of the worlds opal, when driving let people merge!! Or there will be accidents. We are friendly, but if you show disrespect we will not be afraid to call you out on it. A lot of european visitors have praised us for our coffees, so please visit a local cafe, not starbucks...they r rubbish 😑 A lot of our stores have security, security cameras and you will be asked for checking your bag, if we see other customers stealing we will tell management. Dont disrespect hard working people who supply the products just for you to steal! When visiting our national parks, dont take anything from them, you will be fined!! And pay attention to fire ban season, if your start a fire for a camp while its fire ban season, you will be fined and asked to leave. Cant think of much else right now but those r some key things i thought to mention. Some positives if your out for some drinks, tell us your a visitor and we will tell you everything great about our country 😄 tho you better be ready for the talk, we can talk for hours when theres drinks involved haha

[@BiffTech05]

Australia is big. You just won't believe how vastly, hugely, mind-bogglingly big it is. I mean, you may think it's long way down the road to the chemist's, but that's just peanuts to Australia.

[@issliss]

The sun here is spicy! Ha. Great characterisation 🤣

[@si_vis_amari_ama]

Useful Advice, Thank you.

[@EtsukoJasper-p2m]

itraveledthere AI fixes this. Biggest Mistakes Tourists Make

[@adrianaIsrael-b1r]

There are tolls now in Australia and heaps of cameras in Melbourne and also heaps of fines if u break law

[@OdoFasch]

An important thing about tipping, in general any tips go to the business and not to the staff. So for some tourists, this means tipping may have the opposite effect from what they expect.

[@Naexus01]

it's possible things have changed as it's been a while since I worked hospo, but we would divvy up tips between staff rather than sending it to the account. If you do want to though, you can tip your server directly rather than the jar, most businesses will differentiate between a tip to the establishment and a tip to a specific staff member which would more closely fall under a "personal gift" category

[@BobLouden-r9q]

​@@Naexus01All tips belong to the business.if they are given to staff getting paid by the business, to perform labour for a agreed wage.Why should a server get paid more than the kitchen staff. The server only relays the food made by the kitchen staff. If the food is bad do the servers take the blame ? No.

[@Chiller11]

The narrator has the most beautiful sophisticated Australian accent I’ve ever encountered.

[@George-j4i3g]

Make time to leave Sydney. There isn’t anything you can see there that you can’t see in any other country. My favourite sight is the one you see away from the city lights at night. Our night sky in the remote areas is one of the most spectacular natural sights you will ever see on this planet. There is a really good reason why the Hubble telescope is located here. The Milky Way is wondrous. Definitely take a jacket.

[@TheDoctor394]

"We stand on the left side of the escalator." We do? 😐 I've never heard that as an official rule before. Mostly good advice though, especially on the wildlife and trains. And to add one - don't try to talk like an Australian. Don't say stuff like, "G'day mate!" or "Crikey!" That is not normal for everyone, and is very rare for young people. Just be yourself.

[@richardmiller1345]

I’m a Queenslander. If you go west. Go nightlarking. The sky here can melt your brain, we can see space. And most of the cool animals are nocturnal. It freezes in winter remember our ski fields are vast and the desert is cold in winter subzero is normal

[@Misshowzat]

For the most part because it's so culturally different from everywhere else, locals don't recommend Sydney because we don't see it the same as the rest of Australia

[@420aditya]

Any alternative for December 31st sydney fireworks?

[@shadowhuntagaming]

Born and bred Australian, I don't think I've ever tipped in my life. In saying that I'll be the first person to tell someone when they've given exceptional service, but it's their employers job to pay them. I spent 5yrs in hospitality and 10yrs in retail and actively discourage and declined tips that were offered to me. It's often frowned upon by employers who see it as double dipping.

[@donoakes85]

With declaring items when arriving you should have added that if they declare something that is illegal it will still be confiscated but no fine will be issued where as if it isn’t declared the item/s will be confiscated and destroyed and then a MASSIVE fine issued.

[@manikhan7344]

Super excellent 👌 very informative

[@brontewcat]

The main reason for being familiar with our quarantine arrangements is you don’t want to be the person who brings a deadly disease that decimates Australia’s unique wild like or destroys an agriculture industry You do not want to be the person who brings rabies to Australia.

[@pweter351]

I would suggest watching Bondi Rescue before coming. Tourists drown in Australia regularly. 11 year old Iraqi migrant just last week

[@LuddyFish_]

I'll also add to swimming at beaches, even if you know how to swim, including extremely well, do not go swimming in dangerous rips. Swimming in a pool is not like swimming in the ocean. Panic and fear will take over and that is what leads to drowning.

[@ilmari1452]

"You have to go out of your way to see wildlife..." only if you're starting in the city centres. I live on the outskirts of a major city, and I have kangaroos, wombats, wallabies and echidas (and of course lots of snakes and lizards!) all just outside my fence! On the whole though, Australian wildlife isn't very dangerous compared to, say, North America. Maybe one in 20-30 Kangaroos is a big male who might get agressive, and we have no large land carnivores, and our snakes are very non-agressive compared to some of those of asia and america. Doesn't matter how poisonous a snake is if its instinct is to run away from you! Just don't step on one 😅

[@Danceofmasks]

Well, a lot of tourists come over during Summer ... which makes sense if they're trying to get away from their own Winters ... But AFL is played during the colder months. It's not their fault if they can't find a game to to watch.

[@nickwilliams8302]

One thing regarding border security people should understand. If you find yourself at customs and realise you have an item in violation, _declare it._ Provided it's not something like a big bag of coke or explosives or something, you will still have the opportunity to just dump it in a bin, have it destroyed and just go about your day. The aim of the laws is to stop violations of our biosecurity laws, not to punish people who have made make a genuine mistake.

[@Bicketybam68]

A new issue that has just happened is the 3G shutdown. Many visitors phones won't work even if they have a travel sim for Australia. Sadly it seems the Telco's are apparently locking out phones that aren't purchased from the Telco's themselves even if they are 5G compatible.

[@adriancampbell6924]

Hey Martina, I love that you haven't lost your accent but have picked up our way of speaking.

[@51watty]

Great video.

[@johnblackhawk2951]

Excellent. Well done.

[@adriaandeleeuw8339]

The comment about cold weather and snow Victoria has snowfields in the winter bigger than the Swiss Alps.

[@martythemartian99]

With airport customs, I found it easy just to declare everything suspect. The officers then just checked what I had, with no threat of fine or arrest. They only get upset if you try to hide stuff.

[@deceptionoce9716]

A one piece fan? I’m learning more and more interesting things about you. I guess that’s the adventure