Australia Gift Giving Customs
From Giftypedia
Flag of Australia
Capital: Canberra
Languages: English
Currency: Australian dollar (AUD)
Drive on which side? Left
Nickname for Country: Oz
Nickname for Citizen: Ozzie, Aussie
Australia is an island between the Indian Ocean and the South Pacific Ocean. It is slightly smaller than the contiguous 48 US states. It is located in the Southern Hemisphere – winter/summer are reversed, making it a great vacation spot for refugees from the cold Northern Hemisphere winters.
Australia is located on the world's smallest continent, Oceania.
Australia is a federation composed of 6 states and 2 territories. It is part of the Commonwealth and the head of state is the Queen of England, Elizabeth II, represented by the Governor General. This system has significant consequences in the business world: each State or Territory is run differently and has its own parliament and jurisdictions. [1]
[edit] Australian Society & Culture
Australia is a prosperous multicultural country.
Sport plays an important part in Australian culture, with a climate that favors outdoor activities.
Australians are very down to earth with self-deprecating sense of humor. Aussies often use colorful language that would be unthinkable in other countries.
Popular sports in Australia are Australian rules football, horse racing, motorsports, rugby, cricket, association football, swimming, surfing, tennis, and golf.
[edit] Eco-friendly Gift Giving in Australia
Australians have embraced the green movement of recycled and eco-friendly products.
Small "eco gifts" from your home country such as reusable shopping bags; recycled paper gift cards, stationery or calendars; natural fiber wallet or coin purse.
[edit] Personal Gift Giving Etiquette
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[edit] Business Etiquette
Australians are not very formal so greetings are casual and relaxed. Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the initial meeting.
Business cards are exchanged at the initial introduction without any formal ritual. If you are not given a business card, it is not an insult; the person simply may not have one. A handshake and smile is all that is necessary.
Business dress is conservative in Melbourne and Sydney. Men should wear a dark colored, conservative business suit. Women should wear a dress or a business suit.
In Australia, the first floor of a building is the first floor up from the ground floor. To avoid confusion, use the term "level" instead of "floor" when discussing meeting arrangements.
[edit] Business Gift Giving Guidelines
- Business gift giving in Australia is rarely expected but is considered a pleasant gesture. Gifts related to the person's business or hobbies are appropriate.
- Gifts unique to a particular region of your home country are appreciated.
- Avoid gifts that will be perceived as a bribe.
Tipping
Locals do not tip.
Tipping in Australia is a relatively new practice, brought in by other societies, especially Americans.
In popular tourist areas in Sydney or Melbourne and upscale restaurants, tipping might be expected. When in doubt, leave a small gratuity.
Along with a small amount of cash or a bottle of wine, beer is sometimes given as a tip to trade-people. Australians are well-know as beer lovers[2].
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