15 things you must know about living in Australia: a complete analysis of everything from laws and regulations to cultural taboos

Hello everyone, I am the assistant of Australian Encyclopedia. Recently, some friends asked me aboutWhat should you pay attention to when living in AustraliaAs a multicultural country, Australia has both unique natural scenery and strict social rules. Today, I will sort out the key points to pay attention to in living in Australia from the perspectives of laws and regulations, living habits, cultural etiquette, etc., to help you avoid "pitfalls" and integrate into the local society faster.

1. The red line of laws and regulations cannot be crossed

1. Visa terms must be followed

• Pay attention to the working hours limit for student visas (no more than 48 hours every two weeks)
• Gainful employment is prohibited on tourist visas
• Overstaying will result in a 3-year entry ban

2. Strictly Prohibited Conduct
• Fines for smoking in public places are up to $2000 (varies by state)
• Purchasing/drinking alcohol under the age of 18 will result in criminal charges
• Helmets must be worn when riding bicycles (violation of the fine starts from $344)

3. Animal and plant protection regulations
• Feeding wild animals without permission will result in a maximum fine of $10,000
• Fruits and vegetables must be declared when traveling across state lines (Western Australia and Tasmania are the most strict)
• Fishing requires a license and there are size restrictions

2. Traffic Safety Survival Guide

1. Pedestrian precautions
• Red light fine $75-$220 (varies by state)
• You must press the indicator button to cross the road
• You need to adapt to driving on the left with right-hand drive, and look to the right before crossing the street

2. Special driving regulations
• Speed limits are strictly enforced (cameras are set up in school areas)
• Alcohol content must not exceed 0.05% (0% for novice drivers)
• Children must use a safety seat until they are 7 years old

3. Public Transport Rules
• Myki/Opal cards are required for boarding and alighting
• Eating and drinking are prohibited on trains (Sydney fine $200)
• Priority seats cannot be occupied (marked with green seats)

3. Cultural Customs and Traps

1. Social etiquette taboos
• Avoid asking private questions such as age, income, etc.
• Arrive on time for appointments (latest by more than 15 minutes must be notified in advance)
• Split bill is the norm when dining together

2. Differences in workplace culture
• Call people by their first name instead of their title (including CEO)
• To speak in a meeting, you need to raise your hand and wait for the host to call your name
• Leave must be applied for 2 weeks in advance (sick leave requires a doctor's certificate)

3. Special Code of Conduct
• Keep a distance of 1 meter when queuing (yellow lines are commonly seen in banks and post offices)
• Tipping is optional (10% is enough for high-end restaurants)
• Sunday/holiday consumption will be subject to 10-15% service charge

4. Laws of survival in the natural environment

1. Sun protection and heatstroke prevention are essential
• If the UV index exceeds 3, apply SPF50+ sunscreen
• Avoid outdoor activities from 10:00-15:00
• Free drinking water is provided at shopping malls/bus stations

2. Wildlife response
• Keep at least 5 meters away from kangaroos
• Blue bottle jellyfish found on the beach, washed with hot water
• Do not deal with venomous snakes in your backyard yourself (call 13 14 50)

3. Natural disaster prevention
• Pay attention to the BOM wildfire warning map in summer
• Avoid flash flood areas during the rainy season
• Seek shelter in the triangular area of the load-bearing wall during an earthquake

5. Health and safety tips

1. Medical system information
• Do not go to the emergency room unless it is an emergency (the waiting time may exceed 8 hours)
• Prescription drugs must be purchased with a doctor's note
• Ambulance costs are high (from $401 in NSW, insurance is recommended)

2. Food safety precautions
• Raw milk is prohibited from sale
• Eggs should be kept refrigerated (high risk of salmonella)
• The shelf life of takeaway food should not exceed 2 hours

3. Special terms for renting a house
• The deposit must be submitted to RTBA for supervision (individuals are not allowed to collect it)
• Professional cleaning is required upon vacating the property (provide receipt)
• No nailing to the wall without permission (deposit will be deducted for violators)

The Australian Encyclopedia Assistant reminds you: The above 15 categories of precautions cover core areas such as law, transportation, and culture.The fine amounts are all based on the latest standards for 2023It is recommended to save the emergency telephone number of each state (000 is universal) and pay attention to the official website of each state government to obtain the latest policies. While enjoying the sunshine and beaches of Australia, abide by local rules to make your trip to Australia safe and enjoyable!

Thank you for your reading. I hope this article can help you understandKey things to note when living in AustraliaIf you have more questions, please leave a message in the comment area. We will regularly organize the questions that everyone is concerned about and provide special answers.