How Things Work in Australia
Everything Tourists Need to Know
Tipping is not expected in Australia. Workers earn a living wage. Round up or tip 10% for exceptional service — it's a genuine gesture, not an obligation.
Updated 2025-01
Each city has its own transport card. Sydney uses Opal, Melbourne uses Myki, Brisbane uses Go Card. Get the local card as soon as you arrive.
Updated 2025-01
Australia has excellent healthcare but it is very expensive for tourists. Travel insurance is essential. New Zealand and some countries have reciprocal Medicare arrangements.
Updated 2025-01
Seatbelts and speed limits are strictly enforced. Drugs are illegal. Littering fines are high. Strict biosecurity laws at the border — declare everything.
Updated 2025-01
All emergencies: 000. From mobile phones: 112 also works. Non-emergency police: 131 444. Poison info: 13 11 26.
Updated 2025-01
Very relaxed. Swimwear at beaches is fine. Smart casual for restaurants. No-shirt no-service applies at most shops and restaurants.
Updated 2025-01
Drinking age is 18. Alcohol sold at liquor stores (bottle shops) and licensed venues, not supermarkets. Public drinking laws vary by state.
Updated 2025-01
Fixed prices everywhere in retail. Some room to negotiate on major purchases (cars, electronics, real estate). Markets generally have fixed prices too.
Updated 2025-01
Photography in public is generally free. Indigenous sacred sites prohibit photography. Drone rules are strict — register and follow CASA regulations.
Updated 2025-01
Shops open Sundays with slightly shorter hours. Supermarkets open 7 days. Public holidays vary by state and cause widespread closures.
Updated 2025-01
Uber dominates rideshare in Australia, with DiDi and Ola also available and typically cheaper than traditional taxis.
Updated 2025-06
Tap water in Australia is completely safe to drink and among the best quality in the world — no need to buy bottled water in any city.
Updated 2025-06
Contactless card payments are universal in Australia, and many venues are now cashless — but carry AUD 50–100 for markets and small vendors.
Updated 2025-06
Telstra offers the best coverage especially outside cities — buy a tourist SIM at the airport, JB Hi-Fi, or Woolworths.
Updated 2025-06
Australia uses Type I plugs (3 angled flat pins) at 230V/50Hz — UK and US visitors need a plug adapter.
Updated 2025-06
Australia has a low scam culture in tourist areas, but rental car damage disputes and petty theft near busy beaches are worth knowing about.
Updated 2025-06
Australia is very safe for tourists — the greater risks come from natural hazards like sun, rip currents, and wildlife rather than crime.
Updated 2025-06
Australians are extremely informal — first names immediately, self-deprecating humour, and a strong culture of not showing off.
Updated 2025-06
English is spoken everywhere in Australia, but local slang can be confusing — 'thongs' are flip-flops and 'arvo' means afternoon.
Updated 2025-06
Always swim between the red and yellow flags at patrolled beaches — rip currents are the leading cause of drowning deaths in Australia.
Updated 2025-06
Drive on the left; speed cameras are everywhere; the BAC limit is 0.05%; and kangaroos on roads at dawn and dusk are a serious hazard.
Updated 2025-06
Australian food is multicultural and excellent — brunch culture is outstanding, coffee is world-class, and tipping is optional at 5–10%.
Updated 2025-06
Australia is multicultural and welcoming — religious sites across faiths are open to visitors, with respectful dress and behaviour expected.
Updated 2025-06
Australia's seasons are opposite to the Northern Hemisphere — the best time to visit depends entirely on which region you are going to.
Updated 2025-06
Australia is expensive, but free BBQs in parks, BYO restaurants, hostel road trips, and national park passes stretch your budget significantly.
Updated 2025-06