FITTING IN: Aussie edition

Tips on how not to look like a complete tourist in England. ​

general information

• Currency is in aussie dollars (AUD)
• You need to have a valid visa! Best to apply for one 4-6 weeks before your trip to be safe. Apply for one here
• Like the UK, they drive on the other side of the road
• Unlike the UK, they use the metric system for driving (speed, distance)
• The speedometres in Australia are intensely strict! You may NOT go over the speed. You'll even see a lot of billboard PSAs to drive safe
• The most common method of payment is tap. While America is just getting used to the 'insert' method, Australian cards are enabled to complete the transaction via tapping on the POS device.​ I ended up using Apply Pay quite frequently, which was convenient! 
• No need to tip!
• Like the UK, if you're at a sit down restaurant, they'll bring you a charge device so you can complete the transaction in one action, versus the US where the waiter has to bring you your check, charge the card, then bring back a receipt for you to fill out tip (and do whatever they do on their end to recharge the tip).
• You may be subjected to higher menu prices on weekends and holidays. The menu or restaurant will usually specify.

lingo

Left-hand side is the Aussie term; right side is the American equivalent​

• How’re ya going = 'How are you doing?'
• 'I reckon' or 'do you reckon' = 'I think' or 'do you think?'
• Cabbie = cab/taxi
• Toastie = Toast or sandwich
• Avo = Avocado
• Brekkie = Breakfast
• Macca’s = McDonald's
  
• Hungry Jack’s = Burger King
  

must try

• see a koala and kangaroo
• explore Bondi Beach
• try emu meat
• Tim Tam biscuits
• try vegemite (even though it tastes like salty burnt soy sauce)