Top 10 Things Foreigners Should Never Do in Australia (Updated)

Post By

Saumya M.

Reviewed By

Jo S., Faheem H., and Marc T.

Post By

Saumya M.

Reviewed By

Jo S., Faheem H., and Marc T.

Are you visiting a new place and reluctant to do anything that you could easily do in your home town? Be it a romantic honeymoon, a vacation with family, or a tour with your friends, you don’t want to ruin it by doing something that won’t sit well in a foreign land. For this reason, the World’s #1 Source of Research-Based Content, The Daily Top 10, has come up with an entire list of the Top 10 Things Foreigners Should Never Do in Australia (Updated).

Australia, being one of the largest countries on the map may seem to be isolated from the rest of the world. The set of rules, the cities, and entirely different wildlife and landscapes are contradictory to other regions of the globe in many aspects. And while it may be a treat to explore, it can also seem tricky when navigating through it if you are not aware of it in any way.

We have compiled all the essential tips to ease your mind and make your vacation memorable. It contains a detailed list of the Top 10 Things Foreigners Should Never Do in Australia! Also, if you love traveling and exploring, you may like the Top 10 Best & Most Popular Places to Visit in Germany, the Top 10 Best and Most Popular Places to Visit in Canada, and the Top 10 Most Affordable Places to Visit in the UK.

What is the Worst Thing Foreigners Should Never Do in Australia?

From nature, history, culture, massive fauna, and breathtaking landscapes to modern cities with huge buildings and busy roads, Australia is a full package. Whether it is for tourism or business purposes, a minibreak in Australia will never disappoint you. However, there are a few things that you must keep in mind before diving into this masterpiece of God’s creation.

If you are planning a trip to Australia, it should be preferable to know everything before you arrive to kill any possibility of spoiling the trip. Bear in mind that we reserved the most essential tip for last, so don’t lose your grip and stick with us to the very end!

10

Step Outside Without Sunscreen

You don’t want a sunburn on your trip now, do you? A gorgeous bronze tan glimmering on your body is one thing, but painful red patches that burn anytime something touches them is another. Australia has some of the greatest levels of UV light radiation in the world.

In addition, according to the Culture Trip article, Australia has the highest incidence of skin cancer as compared to other areas of the world. The unusually harsh and immensely hot rays of sunlight will surely leave your skin with numerous burns and discoloration. You better always apply protective sunscreen to avoid ruining your holidays and your skin. In addition, hats, sunglasses, and clothes covering your skin are also beneficial.

9

Drive Fast

Speeding comes with the severity of crashes and accidents. Driving fast potentially results in significant injuries and deaths may it be any part of the world. Driving even slightly beyond the speed limit in a country like Australia can result in fines and penalties.

It is unlawful to drive above the speed limit and the maximum legal speed a car can travel at is 130 km/hour as the article in Cars Guide states. There are signboards everywhere stating the maximum speed restrictions you may drive in and there is no wise in ignoring them as it can lead you to license suspension and imprisonment too.

8

Get Too Close to the Kangaroos

No matter how cuddly and adorable they appear to you, it is best to keep your distance from these adorable kangaroos. They are not as cute and innocent as you would like to believe and may not show you the same compassion and affection. Your friendly gesture may be retaliated with a sudden attack.

These animals are huge, powerful, and wild. An average kangaroo can hit you with a 759 pounds of forceful and bone-shattering kick as says the article on Popsci says. Kangaroos are one of the easily spotted wild animals in Australia and they are usually seen in arid lands and rural areas. S, there are so many warning signs all over the place to keep you safe.

7

Dismiss a Storm Warning

Australia has a wide range of climates all-round the year, according to the Climate Knowledge Portal. So, it is better to check the weather forecast for all the days you are planning to spend there, so you’re better prepared. Don’t ever think to underestimate a storm warning either. Pack your raincoats and boots along with those fuzzy socks, and a hot water bottle!

Surprising to many, a big part of Australia is sub-tropical due to which storms and cyclones are not uncommon there. So, it is best to avoid outdoor activities when there is a storm warning because chances are, you would find yourself driving through heavy rain with flooded roads and cars swimming in the waters. It is probably smart to let it calm down before you explore the place.

6

Beach Fauna

Beaches near major cities of Australia like Sydney, Melbourne, Perth, and Brisbane are great to visit. However, if you are on the west shoreline, you must do keen research before you plan a beach day. The Australian west coast features the most enchanting beaches with azure blue waters along with some of the deadliest creatures of the ocean according to the article on Culture Trip.

From the huge sharks to the hungry Crocs and stingers, Australia has it all. So gather information and choose wisely before being at risk of getting consumed by an omnivorous specie in the sea. Jokes apart, it’s best to ask around and visit areas with minimum risk!

5

Smoke Weed in Public

Before you head to Australia, you must keep in mind that, unlike many other countries, weed is illegal in Australia, reported Tobacco in Australia. Weed and marijuana are not only injurious to your health but also to the health of others. Thousands of people are affected every day by secondhand smoke.

Furthermore, it significantly increases environmental pollution and is a major contributor to climate change. There are signboards stating “smoke-free zone” everywhere throughout Australia. You can escape through it when it comes to personal use only but the police officers are not very lenient if you smoke in public.

4

Disregard the Caution Signs

Warning signs are not only inclusive to Australia, it is a worldwide thing. They are no joke and nobody should take them lightly, especially in a country like Australia which is home to exquisite untouched nature and different wild animals. They know what they’re doing warning everybody, with enough accidents to teach people a lesson.

No matter how senseless they appear to you, don’t disregard the caution sign boards. They are there to warn you of the risk and if you see a slope warning sign on the road, hold your breaks. If you see a sign with kangaroos, crocodiles, or sharks, trust it and do not try your luck (Australian Warning System).

3

Order an Iced Coffee

Now this one may seem a bit weird but hear us out! Australia has some of the world’s best coffee makers, without a doubt. An article on Medium says that Australians are inveterate coffee snobs, they value good, rich coffee and are very picky about it.

The concept of iced coffee is something Australians do not understand and are very much against. So, if you are visiting the country and don’t want to come out of the café all judged and looked down upon, don’t make the mistake of ordering an iced coffee. Instead, indulge and treat yourself to a hot, rich, exquisite cup of coffee!

2

Tip the Waiters

Unlike elsewhere in the world, Australians are not a fan of the tipping culture. They don’t tip waiters. An article on Medium says that they offer their waiters a fairly enough wage that they don’t rely on tips to be good at their duties.

If a waiter treats you well and you want to leave a tip for their service, it’s your personal choice. The waiters do not expect a tip for their service every time neither the customers are obligated to tip.

1

Climb the Uluru

Finally coming to the Worst Thing a Foreigner can do in Australia: Climbing Uluru. Though it is not completely illegal, climbing the rock is considered to be disrespectful. Uluru has religious and cultural value among the Australians and they expect the visitors to respect their feelings by not climbing it.

According to another article on Medium, the climb on the Uluru was to be closed in October 2019 marking the 34th anniversary of the Uluru hand-back. Disrespecting a country’s values is certainly not a good idea not just for law purposes, but also morally. We all belong to an Earth that carries millions of cultures and types of people that are all equal as individuals and must be respected.

What are the Things Foreigners Should Never Do in Australia?

Australia is crowded with a range of natural landmarks and an immense variety of wildlife. Visiting this country can bring you a lot of experiences and memories but before that, you should go through the research and gather the information to save yourself from the embarrassment and dangers that might spoil your trip.

Here is the list of the Top 10 Things Foreigners Should Never Do in Australia:

Climb the Uluru
Tip the Waiters
Order An Iced Coffee
Disregard the Caution Signs
Smoke in Public
Dismiss the Storm Warning
Beach Fauna
Too Close to the Kangaroos
Drive Fast
Step Outside Without Sunscreen

It is important to know about the country’s rules and cultures before you land there to make your visit more enjoyable and memorable. If you are a travel person and love exploring new places, check out the additional articles on The Daily Top 10 like the Top 10 Reasons Why We Celebrate National Toast Day, the Top 10 Most Expensive Alcoholic Drinks in the World, and the Top 10 Traditional Foods to Serve During Isra and Miraj Night.

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Author: Saumya M.

Saumya M. is a passionate content writer known for her impeccable storytelling and research. She has covered topics ranging from travel and lifestyle to entertainment, community, and education. She helps people live their best lives and reach their full potential.