TheLostGlobe

If learning that it is not a good idea to handle food or shake with your left hand in Asia, or that in Australia the ‘thumbs up’ gesture is considered obscene is a good sign of an interested traveller then it might be interesting to find that in Australia at least you’d be wrong about the thumbs up.

A couple of places that come up as good sources for info on local customs are Wikipedia and eDiplomat but there is misinformation in both of those articles, like…

• The “V” sign (made with index and middle fingers, palm facing inward) is a very vulgar gesture. The “thumbs up” gesture is also considered obscene. - The thumbs up part is wrong, it’s used the same way it is commonly in other western countries, meaning Good or OK.
• Do not say “I’m stuffed” after a meal. This means you are pregnant. - Well I’d take that to mean you are full and I’ve never heard a pregnant person say they are “Stuffed”.
• Do not sniff or blow your nose in public. - Jeez maybe try to be discreet but your not going to get an evil eye for doing it. Why would that be a problem when farting loudly is practically a national pastime.
• Requesting a fanny pack can be considered obscene due to the use of “fanny” as a slang term for female genitalia. “Bumbag” is the acceptable local variation in some areas. - Yep we call it a bum bag but we’ll know what you mean and it’s more likely to get a laugh than offend anyone.

So while these sources also have a lot of good information it’s probably also a good idea to ask a local and stick with the “when in Rome” philosophy.

I have to laugh at some of the tips like…

• The request to “bring a plate” to a gathering means to bring a food item. - The idea of someone turning up with an empty plate is pretty amusing. Although once again if you made that mistake you’d simply be the butt of all the evenings jokes rather than scolded for it.
• This is when an oncoming vehicle flicks its high beam headlights quickly but noticeably, and serves to warn drivers they are approaching - most commonly - a speed camera, a Police vehicle, or a motor vehicle accident. Many drivers acknowledge this with a return wave or a brief reply ‘flash’ of their high beam headlights. - Accurate advice but it leaves out the fact that doing so is illegal.

All in all though I think Australia lives up to it’s reputation of being very laid back, even if you do manage have a cultural faux pas it’s unlikely to get anyones nose out of joint.

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