Australian Culture and Manners Guide
Manners, workplace culture, multicultural etiquette and community life in Australia — everything you need to get along naturally, on one page.
Conversation, Small Talk & Aussie Expressions
In Australia, a bit of light small talk keeps both the workplace and everyday life ticking along. Here's a rundown of greeting conventions, safe topics, questions to avoid, and the uniquely Australian expressions you'll hear all the time.
'How are you?' is a greeting, not a question (How's it going?)
'How are you?' and 'How's it going?' are really just another way of saying 'Hello'. The convention is a short 'Good, thanks. You?' and to return the question — nobody's expecting a detailed update on your life. The most common newcomer mistake is launching into how you're actually feeling or what's on your mind, which can catch people off guard. Same goes when a barista or checkout operator asks — 'Good, thanks' is all you need.
Safe small talk topics (Safe Topics)
Weather, weekend plans, sport (footy and cricket) and travel are safe ground with just about anyone. Trading 'How was your weekend?' on a Monday morning and 'Any plans for the weekend?' on a Friday is practically a workplace ritual. If you don't know footy or cricket, being upfront with 'I'm still learning the rules' keeps the conversation flowing just fine.
Money talk is taboo — salary, house prices, what things cost (Don't ask about money)
Asking someone's salary ('How much do you earn?'), how much their house or rent costs, or the price of something they own is seen as prying into private territory in Australia. In some cultures it's a natural way of showing interest, but here it's a topic people steer clear of even among close friends. 'What do you do?' is a safe question, so take the conversation towards work and interests rather than money.
Don't dig into age, looks or visa status (Don't ask personal status)
Avoid age questions like 'How old are you?', comments on weight or appearance, and quizzing people about their visa or permanent residency ('Do you have PR?'). Remarks about how someone looks can land badly even when meant as a compliment, and visa matters can be a deeply sensitive subject for migrants. If the other person brings it up themselves, listening is fine — good manners is simply not being the one to ask.
Skip politics and religion when you've just met (Politics & Religion)
When you've just met someone, or at work, it's safest not to ask how people vote or whether they're religious. Because voting is compulsory in Australia, elections do come up in conversation — but asking 'Who did you vote for?' is another matter entirely. Once you're well acquainted and the other person raises it first, it's fine to chat about it naturally.
Banter — a bit of teasing can be a sign of affection
In Australia, light teasing (banter) and self-deprecating humour are often how people show warmth and that they like you. If a colleague has a dig at you, don't assume it's malicious — more often than not it's a sign you've been accepted as one of the group. That said, if something genuinely bothers you, calmly saying 'I'd rather you didn't joke about that' isn't rude in the slightest, and Australians will respect it.
Slang guide ① Greetings and reactions (G'day, mate, no worries)
G'day (a casual hello), mate (a friendly way to address someone, used for men and women alike), no worries (you're welcome / it's all good — a reply to both thanks and apologies) and ta (a very casual thanks) are expressions you'll hear several times a day. Heaps means 'a lot', as in 'Thanks heaps', and keen — as in 'I'm keen' — signals you're up for something. Asking whether someone is genuinely worried when they say 'No worries' is a classic beginner mistake.
Slang guide ② Everyday abbreviations (arvo, brekkie, servo)
Australians love shortening everyday words, so at first they can sound like a completely different language. The big ones: arvo (afternoon — 'this arvo'), brekkie (breakfast), cuppa (a cup of tea — 'Fancy a cuppa?'), servo (petrol station), bottle-o (liquor shop) and Maccas (McDonald's). If one goes over your head, asking 'Sorry, what does that mean?' is completely normal — if anything, it makes for a good yarn.
Slang guide ③ Essential everyday words (fortnight, thongs, BYO)
Fortnight (two weeks) is essential vocabulary, since pay and rent often run on a fortnightly cycle. Thongs are flip-flops in Australia — not underwear — and an esky is the cooler you lug to a BBQ. A sickie is slang for a sick day, but 'chuck a sickie' carries a hint of pulling one when you're not actually sick, so be careful using it about yourself. BYO on an invitation means bring your own drinks (usually alcohol), and if it says RSVP, replying with whether you're coming is a must.
2. Workplace culture
Australian workplaces are flat and collaborative. Speaking up while respecting colleagues is the right balance.
How to behave at work
- Address managers and colleagues by first name, with no title.
- Speak up actively in meetings — silence is read as having no opinion.
- Standard hours (9-5) are observed and leaving on time is normal.
- In email, opening with 'Hi' and closing with 'Cheers' or 'Regards' is standard.
- Sick or annual leave just needs prior notice — long explanations are not expected.
Hierarchy and titles
Honorific suffixes and job-title forms of address, common in many workplaces elsewhere, are not used in Australia. Using someone's first name is not rude — it reads as friendly. Disagreeing with a senior colleague is welcomed too.
Hours — 9-to-5 is standard, with flexible and hybrid work on the rise
Standard hours are 9 to 5, but plenty of workplaces now run hybrid arrangements and flexible hours. Leaving on time is respected — a simple 'I'm heading off, see you tomorrow' is all it takes. Hanging around just because the boss is still at their desk will only make things awkward in Australia.
Pressuring colleagues to drink or attend events can count as bullying/harassment
Repeatedly pushing drinks on a colleague, handing around shots, or all but forcing attendance at late-night work functions can be treated as bullying or harassment in an Australian workplace. Many companies spell this out in their code of conduct, and it can lead to HR action or legal trouble. Socialising usually means lunch or a casual Friday drink, and whether you go is always your choice.
After-work drinks are optional — one 'No thanks' is enough
Friday after-work drinks are entirely optional. 'No thanks, I've got plans' is a complete answer — no lengthy excuse needed — and good manners means not asking again once someone has declined. There's simply no notion that skipping drinks will hurt your performance review or promotion, so don't go out of a sense of obligation.
Right to Disconnect — the right not to answer work contact outside hours
Under the Right to Disconnect, legislated in 2024, Australian workers can refuse to monitor or respond to work contact (emails, calls, messages) outside their working hours — unless the refusal is unreasonable. Replying the next morning to an email that landed after knock-off is perfectly fine, and you're best off not sending colleagues late-night work messages yourself either.
Dress — smart casual is the common office default, but industries vary a lot
In many office jobs, smart casual (think collared shirt and chinos) is the everyday standard, and suits are rarely mandatory. That said, it ranges from formal industries like finance and law through to trades where workwear and safety boots are essential, so the surest move is to ask 'What's the dress code like?' before your first day. Some companies also run casual Friday, where the dress code relaxes a notch.
The financial year runs 1 July – 30 June — EOFY season
Australia's financial year starts on 1 July and ends on 30 June the following year. Late June — EOFY (End of Financial Year) — is when companies get busy closing out budgets and targets, and retailers run massive EOFY sales. At work, 'before EOFY' means 'by 30 June', and you can lodge your personal tax return from 1 July.
3. Daily etiquette
Dining out
- If you see a 'Please wait to be seated' sign at the entrance, wait for staff to seat you.
- Water and bread are often charged separately (unlike places where they come free by default)
- Pointing at food with fingers or blowing your nose at the table is avoided.
- Bills are usually paid at the table by card or at the counter.
Tipping
Tips are not mandatory. Cafes and casual restaurants are tip-free by default. In fine dining, around 5-10% is appropriate if you were happy with the service. Even when card terminals show 'Add a tip?', selecting 'No tip' is not rude.
Public spaces
- Avoid loud calls or music on public transport.
- On escalators, stand on the right and leave the left side clear for people walking up.
- At parks and beaches, take your rubbish with you when you leave.
Water is free by default — watch out for 'Still or sparkling?' (Tap Water)
Tap water is normally provided free at Australian restaurants. Ask 'Can we get some tap water for the table, please?' and you'll get it at no charge — but when staff ask 'Still or sparkling?', absent-mindedly picking either one puts paid bottled water on your bill, so just say 'Just tap water is fine'. Bread depends on the venue: some restaurants bring it complimentary, but at many places it's a paid side you order separately.
At cafes, order at the counter (Order at the Counter)
Most Australian cafes aren't sit-and-wait affairs — you order and pay at the counter first. Grab a table, note the table number, and order with it: 'Can I order a flat white for table 5, please?' — your drinks and food will be brought over. Sitting and waiting for staff to come to you is the most common newcomer mistake; if you're unsure how a place works, just ask 'Do I order at the counter?'.
Tipping isn't expected — pressing 'No tip' is not rude (Tipping)
Because hospitality staff in Australia are guaranteed the legal minimum wage and award rates, tipping isn't expected — at cafes and everyday restaurants, not tipping is the norm. When the card terminal flashes 'Add a tip?', plenty of customers select 'No tip' and it's not rude at all. At a high-end restaurant, if the service was genuinely outstanding, an optional 5–10% is plenty, and dropping change into the tip jar at the counter is entirely up to you.
Card surcharges are legal (Card Surcharge)
In Australia it's common for cafes, restaurants and taxis to add a card surcharge of around 1–2%, and it's legal as long as it doesn't exceed the merchant's actual cost of accepting the payment and is displayed upfront. If you see 'A surcharge applies to card payments' at the till or on the menu, there's no need to take it as a rip-off or a mistake and complain. It's perfectly natural to ask 'Is there a card surcharge?' beforehand, and cash payments usually don't attract one.
Public holiday surcharges (Public Holiday Surcharge)
On public holidays like Christmas and Easter, many cafes and restaurants add a 10–15% surcharge to the bill, and some apply one on Sundays too. It's because staff working public holidays must be paid penalty rates, and venues are required to display wording like 'A 15% surcharge applies on public holidays' on the menu or at the entrance. Being startled by a bigger-than-usual bill after a public holiday meal is a common mistake — get in the habit of checking the notice before you order.
Stand on the left on escalators (Keep Left) — correcting earlier guidance
On Australian escalators, the general keep-left principle applies: stand on the left and leave the right clear for people walking up. If you're standing on the right you'll hear an 'Excuse me' from behind — just step to the left. If you've come from a country where standing on the right is the norm, it's easy to get it backwards, so at train stations and shopping centres, follow whichever side the people ahead of you are standing on.
Eating Out, Pubs & Invitations
Pub catch-ups, settling the bill and house party invitations are where newcomers slip up most often. Learn a handful of Australian customs and you'll fit right in without any awkwardness.
The shout — taking turns buying rounds at the pub
In Australian pubs, it's standard for one person to buy drinks for the whole group at once — that's a 'shout'. If someone says 'It's my shout' and buys the first round, the next round falls to someone else, and so it rotates. Accepting rounds others have bought and then quietly bowing out when it's your turn is about the worst look there is — if you've accepted, step up when your turn comes with 'My shout — same again?'.
If rounds aren't for you — 'I'll get my own'
You don't have to join the shout. If you're a light drinker or watching your spending, just say early in the night 'I'll get my own, thanks' or 'I'm not drinking much tonight, I'll buy my own' — nobody will take it badly. The awkwardness isn't in opting out; it's in accepting rounds and then conveniently forgetting your turn.
RSA — the legal backdrop to why nobody pushes drinks
In Australia, staff who sell or serve alcohol may legally refuse service to an intoxicated customer under RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) rules. Because of that background there is no culture of pressing drinks on people: 'No more for me, thanks' or 'I'm right, thanks' is enough and nobody thinks twice. Filling someone's glass against their wishes or urging them to down a drink is likely to be taken as inappropriate.
BYO restaurants — bringing your own bottle, and corkage
Some restaurants display 'BYO' (Bring Your Own) at the door or on the menu, meaning customers are welcome to bring their own wine. Many do charge corkage to cover glasses and opening service, though, so it's safest to check by phone or on the website before you go: 'Are you BYO? Is there corkage?'. Bringing alcohol into an ordinary licensed restaurant with no BYO signage isn't allowed, so take care.
Splitting the bill is the standard (Split bill)
Eating out in Australia, everyone paying for what they had is the default, and asking 'Can we split the bill?' or 'Can we pay separately?' at the counter is not rude at all. Many places will happily split the amount across several cards. Insisting on paying for everyone can leave the other person feeling indebted and uncomfortable, so if you do want to shout, a light 'My treat this time' is about right.
'Bring a plate' — a plate of food, not an empty plate
If an invitation or message says 'Bring a plate', it means bring a dish of food to share — not an empty plate. Turning up with literally just an empty plate is one of the most retold newcomer mix-ups. If you're not sure what to bring, ask the host 'What can I bring?' or 'Sweet or savoury?' beforehand — and a dish from your home country often goes down a treat.
RSVP — give a clear answer
When you're invited, replying clearly by the RSVP deadline is basic manners. Hedging with 'Maybe' or sitting on your answer leaves a host who's planning food and seating in the lurch, and a no-show without a word is considered plain rude. If something comes up, let them know as early as you can: 'Sorry, something's come up — I can't make it anymore.'
Punctuality — respect the start time for dinner invitations
With a dinner invitation, the host times the cooking around your arrival, so respecting the agreed time is basic. If you're running behind, a quick 'Sorry, running a bit late!' message is good manners — turning up well late with no word is the worst-case scenario. Arriving too early can fluster a host mid-preparation, so if you get there ahead of time, kill a few minutes nearby and arrive on the dot.
House party invitations — wine or dessert beats empty hands
When invited to someone's home, bringing something small — a bottle of wine, dessert, chocolates — is common practice. If you ask 'Can I bring anything?' the host will often say 'Just yourselves!', but turning up with something small still leaves a good impression. An expensive gift set can feel like a burden; something light that everyone can share is about right.
Neighbours, Driving & Public Life
Behind the wheel, over the fence, on the train and out at the bins — everyday Australian life is full of unspoken courtesies. They're customs of mutual consideration that sit beneath the formal rules, and not knowing them can make you look rude without meaning to be.
Move back left once you've overtaken (Keep Left Unless Overtaking)
On Australian multi-lane roads, the right lane is for overtaking. Returning to the left lane once you've passed is basic etiquette, and on stretches signed 'Keep Left Unless Overtaking' it goes beyond etiquette — it's the law. Drivers from countries with different traffic or lane customs often camp in the right lane and cop pressure from the cars behind, so unless you're actively overtaking, make the left lane your default.
The courtesy wave when someone lets you in; the horn is for warnings only
If another driver lets you merge or change lanes, briefly raising a hand in thanks — the courtesy wave — is a universal custom of Australian driving culture. Take the gap without any acknowledgement and you'll be pegged as a rude driver, so make the wave a habit. The horn, by contrast, is reserved for warning of danger — leaning on it the second the light turns green reads as plain rude.
Merge like a zipper — one car at a time (zipper merge)
At roadworks and wherever lanes drop away, the usual Australian custom is to merge alternately, one car from each lane, like the teeth of a zip coming together. Tailgating the car in front to barge through two in a row, and blocking a merging car to the bitter end, both earn you dirty looks. Let one car in ahead of you, and if you're the one let in, answer with a courtesy wave.
Neighbourhood noise — go easy on late-night parties, music and power tools
In residential areas, late-night party music and the noise of mowers and power tools are the most common causes of neighbour disputes. Permitted noise hours differ by state and local council, so after moving in, search 'noise restrictions' on your council's website to be safe. If you're planning a party, letting the neighbours know in advance is standard courtesy, and repeated noise can end up as a complaint to the council or police.
Introducing yourself, and sharing the cost of the dividing fence
When you move into a new place, it's customary to offer the neighbours a light introduction — 'Hi, we just moved in next door'. A formal gift or visit like you might make back home isn't expected; a smile and a hello when you cross paths is plenty. Also, when the dividing fence between two properties needs repairing or replacing, the cost is normally negotiated and shared with your neighbour — pressing ahead with the work unilaterally and then billing them for half is a recipe for a dispute, so share quotes and agree before any work starts.
Public transport seat manners — backpacks off, and no bags or feet on seats
On crowded buses and trains, take your backpack off and hold it or set it down at your feet. Plonking your bag on an empty seat or putting your feet up on the seat opposite are among the quickest ways to get people offside — and in some states, feet on seats can attract enforcement. Priority seats are left free as a rule, and offering 'Would you like a seat?' to someone who looks like they need it is the done thing.
Let people off first — and mind the Quiet Carriage
On the platform, the rule is to board only after everyone getting off has stepped out; crowding the doors and pushing on first is one of the mistakes newcomers get pulled up on most. Trains in NSW and some other states run Quiet Carriages, where calls and noise are kept down — check whether your carriage carries 'Quiet Carriage' signage. Carrying on a phone call unawares and copping a polite 'Excuse me, this is a quiet carriage' is a common experience.
Three-bin recycling — lid colour is the key; check your council for the details
Australian suburbs generally run a three-bin system: general waste (red lid), recycling (yellow lid) and garden/food organics (green lid). Which items go in which bin, and the collection days and fortnightly schedule, vary from council to council, so check your local council's website. A common mistake is putting recyclables into the yellow bin inside a plastic bag — bagged recycling can't be processed, so tip the contents in loose, and soft plastics generally don't belong in the yellow bin at all.
No littering, and cash back for containers (Container Deposit Scheme)
Tossing rubbish or cigarette butts on the street or out the car window attracts fines right across Australia, and at parks and beaches the etiquette is to take everything you brought back out with you. Meanwhile, container deposit schemes (such as NSW's 'Return and Earn') refund 10 cents for each eligible bottle or can you return, and collecting containers for the refund is part of everyday life. Before you bin an empty bottle, look up your nearest return point.
4. Multicultural etiquette
About half of Australians were born overseas or have a parent born overseas (ABS 2021 Census). Respecting that diversity matters every day.
- Do not assume someone's background based on appearance or accent.
- Avoid jokes or comments that look down on a particular culture.
- Respect varied diets such as halal, kosher, and vegan.
- Knowing about religious holidays such as Ramadan or Diwali and offering a greeting is appreciated.
Respect for Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples
An 'Acknowledgement of Country' is common at the start of Australian meetings and events. Listening respectfully and applauding is good manners even as a newcomer. The Aboriginal Flag and Torres Strait Islander Flag are often flown as well.
Welcome to Country vs Acknowledgement of Country
A Welcome to Country is a formal welcome ceremony delivered by the Traditional Owners of the land — usually an Aboriginal Elder — and may include a speech or traditional ceremony. An Acknowledgement of Country, by contrast, is an expression of respect that anyone can give, Indigenous or not, and you'll often hear it opening meetings and events or see it in email signatures. Confusing the two — assuming anyone can deliver a Welcome to Country — can cause offence, so remember: the Welcome is for Traditional Owners only; the Acknowledgement is for everyone.
How to behave during the ceremony — quiet attention, then applaud together
When a speaker begins with 'I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land...', stop chatting, put the phone away, listen respectfully, and applaud with the other attendees at the end. The common mistake is treating it as routine housekeeping — whispering to the person next to you or changing seats mid-ceremony. If you're hosting a meeting or event yourself, it's entirely appropriate, even as someone born overseas, to deliver it yourself: 'I would like to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land on which we meet today, and pay my respects to Elders past and present.' If anything, it's received as a mark of respect.
NAIDOC Week (July)
Every July, NAIDOC Week is held across Australia to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Workplaces, schools and local councils often put on morning teas, exhibitions and performances, and newcomers and migrants are absolutely welcome to take part. If you're invited to an event at work, simply attending and listening is itself a meaningful gesture of respect.
'Where are you really from?' — careful with questions about origins
If someone answers 'Where are you from?' with 'Sydney' and you follow up with 'No, where are you really from?', it can land as 'you're not a real Australian' and cause genuine offence. People born or raised in Australia can find it hurtful to be treated as foreigners on looks or accent alone. If you're curious about someone's background, wait until you've built some rapport and ask gently — 'What's your family background?' — and if you're on the receiving end of such questions yourself, sharing only as much as you want is not rude.
Terminology — 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples', not 'Aborigine'
The noun 'Aborigine' is a dated term that many Indigenous people find offensive, so it's safest not to use it. 'Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples', 'First Nations people' and 'Indigenous Australians' are the widely used terms, and when referring to an individual, use the adjective form — 'an Aboriginal person'. Slipping 'Aborigine' into a work document or email without thinking is a common newcomer mistake, so take care.
Cultural Adjustment Scenarios — Common Misunderstandings, the Australian Way
The same behaviour can read completely differently from one culture to another. No culture is wrong — these scenarios cover misunderstandings newcomers often run into, framed as 'here's how it's read in Australia'.
Direct feedback isn't a personal attack ('That won't work')
In a meeting, a colleague might respond to your idea with a flat 'That won't work' or 'I disagree'. If you're used to more indirect communication it's easy to hear that as rudeness or a judgement of you personally, but in Australian workplaces direct feedback is an opinion about the work, not the person. Pushing back the same way — 'I see it differently because...' — is welcomed too, and trading feedback doesn't mean the relationship has gone sour.
Silence in meetings — listening gets read as 'no opinion'
If you come from a culture where listening quietly while senior people speak is good manners, it's easy to keep silent in meetings — but in Australia, silence is often interpreted as 'no opinion' or 'not interested'. Your English doesn't need to be perfect: even short contributions like 'I think...', 'Can I add something?' or 'Just to build on that...' count as participation. If you missed your moment, sending your thoughts by email after the meeting is a perfectly natural move too.
'Yes' is a commitment — if unsure, 'Let me check and get back to you'
If you're used to a communication style where saying no outright is hard, it's tempting to answer 'Yes' first when asked for something — but in Australia 'Yes' is taken as a promise, and failing to deliver becomes a trust issue. When you're not sure, 'Let me check and get back to you' is the standard response — honest without being rude — and a polite refusal like 'Sorry, I can't take that on right now' is in everyday use as well. A clear 'No' is rated as more professional than a vague 'Yes'.
First-name basis — the early awkwardness is normal
If you're used to hierarchical forms of address built on titles and honorifics, calling your boss or someone older by their first name can feel disrespectful. In Australia, though, even the CEO goes by 'John', and insisting on 'Mr/Ms + surname' or job titles can actually read as keeping people at a distance. Just use whatever name people introduce themselves with — the initial awkwardness is a natural adjustment everyone goes through.
Own it and fix it — better than over-apologising
In some cultures, repeated apologies and self-reproach after a mistake are read as conscientiousness, but in an Australian workplace, over-apologising can actually make people uncomfortable. Acknowledging the mistake once and moving straight to the fix — 'My mistake — I'll have it fixed by tomorrow' — is what reads as a professional response. It's how you recover afterwards, not the mistake itself, that you're judged on.
Work contact after hours — you don't owe a reply (Right to Disconnect)
If you're used to a culture where replying instantly after hours signals dedication, an Australian colleague who doesn't answer outside work hours can look irresponsible. But in Australia, the right not to respond to work contact outside hours — the Right to Disconnect — is protected by law, and keeping the boundary between work and life is respected. Replying on the next working day is plenty, and you don't need late nights or weekend responses to prove your commitment.
Frequent check-ins from your manager aren't mistrust ('How's it going with...?')
When your manager keeps asking 'How's it going with the report?', it can feel like a sign they don't trust you — but in Australia, the check-in is ordinary management practice, mostly about whether you need a hand. A concise status update is plenty — 'On track — I'll have a draft by Friday' — and if you're stuck somewhere, this is the moment to say so honestly; it actually builds trust. Sitting on a problem alone and surfacing it just before the deadline is judged far more harshly.
5. Home-country and multicultural community life
Communities living in Australia settle into Australian society while keeping their own holidays and traditions. Enjoying both cultures at once is the point.
Key holidays and festivals
For Lunar New Year, harvest festivals and national days, many families gather through community associations, or with family and their congregation, to share traditional food
Australia's national day. BBQ gatherings are common, but it is also seen by some as Invasion Day, with active discussion around its meaning.
Commemorates the Gallipoli campaign of WWI. Attending a Dawn Service or observing a moment of silence is the common manner among Australians.
Christmas in midsummer. Many families spend it at a beach BBQ, and households from other cultures commonly combine their own food with the Australian version
Community organisations
Getting involved with community organisations — national associations, weekend language schools, churches and temples, professional bodies — speeds up settling in a great deal. Each locale page lists the organisations for that community.
Homeland festivals aren't Australian public holidays — annual leave etiquette (Annual Leave for Cultural Holidays)
Homeland festivals such as Lunar New Year, Mid-Autumn and Tết aren't Australian public holidays, so work and school run as normal — announcing on the day itself that you're taking off is a common mistake. Request leave ahead of time — 'I'd like to request annual leave for Lunar New Year — it's an important family holiday in my culture.' — and most Australian workplaces will respect the cultural occasion and accommodate you. If your child will miss school for a festival, it's also good form to notify the school in advance: 'My child will be absent for a cultural/family celebration.'
Sharing your festivals at work — shared morning tea and 'Bring a Plate'
Australian workplaces have a near-universal morning tea culture of bringing food to share, so taking festival food in with a quick line — 'I brought some mooncakes for Mid-Autumn Festival — help yourself!' — is a natural way to introduce your culture. Conversely, 'Bring a plate' on an invitation means bring a dish of food to share, not an empty plate — turning up with a literal empty plate is the classic newcomer mistake. When offering food, mention the ingredients (especially nuts and seafood) so colleagues with allergies can tuck in with confidence.
Inclusive festival language — 'Lunar New Year' is the standard
Because the lunar new year is celebrated not only by Chinese communities but also by Korean and Vietnamese communities, 'Lunar New Year' has become the established inclusive term in multicultural Australia, in preference to 'Chinese New Year' — the City of Sydney's official festival name is the 'Sydney Lunar Festival'. If you know where someone's from, 'Happy Lunar New Year' — or the name from their own culture (Tết, Seollal) — is the most warmly received. In a mixed group where you don't know people's backgrounds, it's safest not to pin the festival to a particular country.
Harmony Week — Harmony Day, 21 March
Harmony Week, centred on Harmony Day each 21 March, celebrates Australia's cultural diversity under the slogan 'Everyone Belongs', with schools and workplaces holding events where people wear orange or share dishes from around the world. Your child's school may well ask for traditional dress or a food stall contribution — treat it as a great opportunity to showcase your culture. At a work event, a simple 'This is a traditional dish from my home country.' is all you need.
Cultural Adjustment, In Depth — Responding to Discrimination, Volunteering, Workplace Culture, Dispute Resolution, Life Events and Public Holiday Customs
Truly settling into Australian society goes beyond a handful of manners — it starts with knowing how to respond when you are treated unfairly, how to get involved in your local community, and how the rules of work and everyday life actually work. This guide brings together practical know-how, from the process for dealing with racism, to building local experience through volunteering, communicating around employment and dispute resolution, and the customs around life events and public holidays. Application deadlines, fees and eligibility vary by visa type and by the state you live in and change often, so before any important decision, confirm the details with official bodies such as the AHRC, Fair Work and your state government.
Responding to Racism and Discrimination in Practice
The Backbone of Anti-Discrimination Law — the Racial Discrimination Act 1975 and State Anti-Discrimination Laws
Discrimination on the grounds of race, colour or national origin is prohibited by the federal Racial Discrimination Act 1975, and public racial vilification is covered by section 18C of that Act and by each state's anti-discrimination law. It applies right across daily life — employment, renting a home, buying goods and services, education and more. You lodge a complaint with either the federal body, the AHRC (Australian Human Rights Commission), or your state's anti-discrimination board, but you do not lodge the same matter with both at once. If you are unsure which path suits you best, it is safest to check first with a free legal service (a Community Legal Centre).
AHRC Complaints — Free, No Lawyer Needed, Lodged Online
If you lodge a written complaint with the Australian Human Rights Commission (humanrights.gov.au), the whole process — from intake to conciliation — is free and you do not need a lawyer. For enquiries, call the National Information Service on 1300 656 419, where you can also ask for an interpreter. Most cases are resolved through conciliation, where both sides take part and reach an outcome such as an agreement, apology or compensation, and only when conciliation fails does the matter move on to Federal Court proceedings. Setting out the dates, places, witnesses and any messages exchanged in chronological order makes lodging and conciliation far smoother.
Discrimination and Harassment at Work — the Fair Work Route and the 21-Day Trap
Racism or adverse treatment in employment is dealt with under Fair Work's 'general protections' provisions, and if it involves a dismissal, you must apply to the Fair Work Commission within 21 days starting the day after the dismissal — miss this deadline and exceptions are rarely granted, making it very hard to get a remedy. A dismissal-related application carries a lodgement fee (around $89.70 for 2025–26), and if you are in financial hardship you can apply for a waiver. Discrimination or adverse treatment that does not involve dismissal can be reported and discussed for free with the Fair Work Ombudsman (fairwork.gov.au). Amounts and deadlines are updated each year, so check the official site for the latest figures before you apply.
Criminal-Level Racism — Reporting to Police and Flagging a Hate Crime
Physical threats, assault, property damage and repeated harassment are clearly crimes. If it is an emergency or happening right now, call 000 (Triple Zero); for a non-urgent incident that has already ended, report it to the Police Assistance Line on 131 444. When you make your statement, make it clear that the incident was 'racially motivated' so it is recorded as having a hate crime element and factored into the investigation and handling. Before you report, securing evidence first — witness contacts, CCTV locations, screenshots — can be decisive for how the case is dealt with.
Online Racial Abuse — the eSafety Commissioner
Serious adult cyber abuse on social media or messaging apps (including racial hatred) should first be reported to the platform itself, and if there is usually no action within 48 hours, you can report it for free to the eSafety Commissioner (esafety.gov.au/report), which can go as far as a removal order. Before you report, be sure to save screenshots that show the URL, date and account name together — if the post is deleted, the evidence disappears. Abuse targeting children and image-based abuse shared without consent are handled through the same channel.
Responding on the Spot and as a Bystander — Safety First and the 5D Principles
If you witness or experience racism on public transport or elsewhere, your own safety comes first, so rather than confronting the perpetrator directly it is more effective to stand beside the victim and strike up a conversation to distract from the situation, ask the driver or people nearby for help, and then make a record. Bystander intervention is often summed up in the 5D principles (Distract, Delegate, Document, Delay — offering comfort afterwards — and Direct intervention). Rather than reacting emotionally, a 'record then report' sequence is ultimately more effective. When you record with a camera, do so safely and in a way that does not escalate the situation.
Volunteering and Community Involvement
Why Volunteer — a Shortcut to Australian Experience, References and Networks
For new migrants, volunteering is the fastest way to build the 'local (Australian) experience' so often asked for in job hunting and to line up a referee for your resume. On top of real English practice and networking, it can also serve as evidence of community involvement when you apply for citizenship. Even though it is unpaid, it is worth approaching as an investment that earns you practical skills and a referee at the same time. You can start with a role of just a few hours a week and build up your experience with no pressure.
Where to Find It — GoVolunteer and SEEK Volunteer
GoVolunteer (govolunteer.com.au, run by Volunteering Australia) and SEEK Volunteer (volunteer.com.au) are the largest free matching platforms nationwide, where you can search thousands of roles by location, interest and available time. You just pick and apply for one-off, short-term or long-term roles, and each state's Volunteer Resource Centre can offer in-person advice too. Volunteer notices also go up regularly on the community and events pages of local libraries and your local council's website. If you are only vaguely sure what area interests you, your council's website is the easiest place to start.
Working With Children Check — Usually Free for Volunteers
Volunteering that involves contact with children — sports coaching, tutoring, anything school-related — requires a Working With Children Check (WWCC), and in most states including NSW and VIC it is free for volunteers, with only paid workers paying a fee (around $112 for paid roles in NSW; confirm the exact amount with Service NSW). QLD calls its equivalent scheme the 'Blue Card', and it is free for volunteers. Be aware, though, that schemes and validity periods differ from state to state (5 years in NSW, 3 in QLD) and often are not automatically recognised across borders — a trap where you have to get a new one if you move to another state. A QLD Blue Card is only issued once it is linked to a volunteering organisation.
Police Check — Sometimes Covered by the Organisation
Many organisations require a National Police Check (a criminal history check), which costs roughly $40–60 if you get it yourself, but for volunteering purposes the organisation often processes it for free or provides a discount code, so ask before you pay. It is issued after you verify your identity online, and usually completed within a few days. It is a separate document from the WWCC, so it is best to confirm in advance exactly what the organisation requires to avoid duplicate costs and double handling.
Emergency and Outdoor Volunteering — SES, RFS/CFA and Surf Life Saving
Organisations like the SES (State Emergency Service) for disaster response, the RFS (NSW) and CFA (VIC) for bushfire firefighting, and Surf Life Saving for beach rescue offer free formal training and give you a strong sense of belonging and practical skills. There is an entry process — physical requirements, regular attendance and deployment only after completing training — so check you have the time before applying. Because these are locally rooted activities, they are especially good for broadening your network of neighbours and locals. If becoming a full member feels like too much, you can start with a support role such as helping at events.
Service Clubs and Neighbourhood Centres — Rotary, Lions, Men's Shed, Neighbourhood House
Service clubs like Rotary and Lions, the Neighbourhood Houses and Community Centres that run free classes and local events, and the Men's Shed community for older men are all low-barrier ways into local involvement. Simply showing up to regular meetings naturally grows your local friendships and everyday know-how. There are plenty of spots where you are welcome even without any particular skill, so feel free to knock on the door. If you are unsure where to start, the community and events pages on your local council's website are a good jumping-off point.
Workplace Onboarding and Employment Culture, In Depth
Probation and the Minimum Employment Period — the 6-Month/12-Month Trap
A probation period of 3–6 months is common when you start a job, but what actually matters more is the 'minimum employment period' after which you become able to contest an unfair dismissal — 6 months at a regular business, or 12 months at a small business with fewer than 15 employees. During this period your protections against dismissal are weak, so diligent work and keeping good records are especially important in the first few months. Probation and the minimum employment period are separate concepts, so do not fall for the misconception that 'once probation is over I'm safe'. If a dismissal feels unfair, keep the 21-day deadline in mind and get in touch with Fair Work quickly.
Referee Culture — Prior Consent Is Essential
Job hunting in Australia calls for two referees (usually former managers) in your application, and it is standard for the recruiter to phone them directly to check your reputation. You must ask for their consent in advance — 'Can I list you as a referee?' — and record their contact details accurately; putting someone's name down without telling them is a serious breach of etiquette. A manager from a volunteering post or a short-term job can also make an excellent referee. If you let your referees know in advance which role you are applying for, they can give more specific answers.
Sick Leave and Medical Certificates — No Need to Explain the Reason, Just Provide Proof
Full-time workers are guaranteed 10 days of paid personal/carer's leave a year, and when you are unwell the basic courtesy is to give notice as early as possible. Depending on company policy, consecutive absences or absences on particular days may require proof such as a medical certificate or a statutory declaration, but you are under no obligation to explain your specific illness at length. Carer's leave can be drawn from the same remaining balance when you are caring for a sick family member. If you use up your paid entitlement, check whether you have further rights such as unpaid carer's leave.
The Right to Refuse Unsafe Work — WHS and Workers Compensation
Under Work Health and Safety (WHS) law, workers have the right to refuse work that poses an imminent and serious risk, and employers have a duty to provide safety training and PPE (protective equipment). If you are hurt at work, workers compensation can cover your medical costs and income, so report it immediately and keep a record. Saying 'That doesn't seem safe — can we check?' in response to an unreasonable instruction is not rude but a normal and encouraged response. Penalising someone for raising a safety concern is also prohibited by law.
Casual vs Permanent — the Trade-off of the 25% Loading
A casual role has no paid annual or sick leave but instead adds a casual loading of at least 25% on top of the base rate, and if you end up working regularly you can request conversion to a permanent role (casual conversion). It is important to get into the habit of checking that your payslip accurately reflects the loading, any overtime and penalty rates (loadings for weekends and public holidays). Your rights vary greatly with the employment type in your contract (casual/part-time/full-time), so make the type clear when you are hired. The benchmark for minimum wages and allowances is the Award for your occupation, which you can cross-check with the Pay Calculator on fairwork.gov.au.
Networking and LinkedIn — 'Who You Know' Is Half of Hiring
A large share of Australian jobs are filled through networks and referrals before they are ever advertised, so tidying up your LinkedIn profile and taking part in industry meetups and industry associations is a practical job-hunting strategy. Asking an employee at a company you are interested in for a casual coffee chat — an 'informational interview' — is also common and not rude at all. The weak ties from volunteering or a local group often lead to a new job rather than close contacts. Putting Australian-style phrasing and local experience front and centre on your resume and profile tends to get a better response.
Raising Complaints and Communicating in Disputes
Complaining Effectively — Calm, Factual and with a Clear Request
In Australia, a complaint lands best not when you raise your voice but when you speak calmly and factually, along the lines of 'I'm not happy with...' or 'I'd like this sorted, please'. If you lose your temper, the other person tends to become defensive instead, making help harder to get. The key is to spell out exactly what the problem is and what resolution you want (a refund, replacement or apology). If needed, jotting down the staff member's name and the date and content of the conversation helps if you later need to escalate to a supervisor.
Escalating a Consumer Complaint — from the Store to Fair Trading and the ACCC
For a faulty product or poor service, first make your request to the store or head office, in writing if possible — under Australian Consumer Law a major fault carries a guaranteed refund, repair or replacement, and a notice that 'store policy is no refunds' is often unlawful. If it is not resolved, complain for free to your state's consumer protection body (NSW Fair Trading, Consumer Affairs Victoria and so on), and report nationwide issues or false and misleading advertising to the ACCC (accc.gov.au). Keeping a record of the dates, receipts and the content of any conversations works in your favour. If you paid by credit card, a chargeback through your card provider is another option.
Neighbour Disputes — Talk First, then Free Mediation
For neighbour disputes over noise, fences or tree boundaries, the rule is to talk politely and directly first, and if that still fails, to use a free mediation service — for example, in VIC the Dispute Settlement Centre of Victoria runs free and confidentially. Services do vary by state, though, and NSW's Community Justice Centres wound up general dispute mediation at the end of June 2025 (keeping only some functions such as court referrals), so you need to check based on the state you live in. Keep a record of the times noise occurs and the dates of incidents, and leave police and the courts (for example, the NSW Local Court) as a last resort. If you are renting, the matter is often resolved through the landlord or real estate agent.
Understatement That's Hard to Read — 'Not Bad' Is a Compliment
You need to watch out for the understatement in Australian speech (influenced by British English) — 'not bad' or 'pretty good' actually means satisfied, 'interesting' or 'quite good' is a reserved reaction, and 'with all due respect' or 'no offence but' is usually a sign of disagreement. 'Yeah, no' is a gentle refusal, while 'no worries' generally means yes. If you take everything literally you can easily miss what the other person really means, so read the tone and context together. When you are not sure, you can check by asking back, something like 'Just to make sure I've got it right...'.
Polite Refusals and Setting Boundaries — Saying 'No' Without Guilt
When you turn down extra work, an invitation or a favour, something like 'I won't be able to make it, sorry' is enough, and a long-winded excuse actually sounds awkward. When you ask for help, phrase it gently, as in 'Would you be able to...?' or 'Do you mind if...?'. Setting clear boundaries is not seen as rude in Australia but as mature communication. If it is hard to answer on the spot, it is also natural to buy some time with 'Let me get back to you'.
Workplace Conflict and Bullying — the Formal HR and Fair Work Routes
For conflict with a colleague or bullying, the straightforward approach is not to hit back emotionally but to raise it formally with your manager or HR through the company's grievance procedure. For repeated bullying, you can apply for free to the Fair Work Commission for a 'stop bullying order'. Whichever route you take, it is essential to keep a specific record of the dates, content and witnesses of incidents. If the bullying is on grounds such as race or gender, you can also run it in parallel with the discrimination complaint routes covered earlier.
Life Events, Gifts and Card Etiquette
Weddings — Sticking to the RSVP and the Wishing Well (Cash) Custom
Sticking to the RSVP deadline on the invitation so the couple knows the exact headcount is basic courtesy. For gifts, following the guidance on a gift registry or a 'wishing well' (a cash envelope) is the norm, and rather than applying a red-envelope custom from your home country of your own accord, it is better to respect the way the couple has indicated. Check the dress code (cocktail, formal and so on) in advance and match your outfit. Whether children are welcome is also noted on the invitation, so simply follow that.
Funerals — Expressing Condolences, Dress and Donations
At a funeral you usually wear a dark suit and avoid anything overly flashy, and to the bereaved family the standard condolence is 'I'm so sorry for your loss'. If the notice says 'in lieu of flowers, donations to...', it is proper to donate to the nominated organisation instead of bringing flowers. You may then be invited to the wake (a memorial gathering), where you attend briefly and offer your sympathy. Procedures differ with religion and culture, so it is safest to follow the format you are told.
New Babies and Hospital Visits — Hold Off on Visiting Until Invited
Right after a birth or during a hospital stay, the considerate thing is to hold off on visiting until the other person invites you first and simply send your wishes by text. When you do visit, keep it short, mind your hand hygiene around the newborn, and postpone if you have any signs of a cold. A no-pressure offer of help like 'Let me know if you need anything — happy to drop off a meal' is the most welcome. If you prepare a gift, something practical is best, as an over-the-top gift can actually become a burden.
The Right Level for a Gift — Expensive Gifts Cause Burden and Misunderstanding
Australia's gift culture is understated by default, so an overly expensive gift can burden the other person or at times read like a bribe. For a housewarming or a dinner invitation, wine, flowers or a dessert is about right. When you receive a gift, the custom is usually to open it right there and express your thanks, which may differ from the home-country custom of quietly opening it later. With public bodies or business contacts in particular, a gift can look like a conflict of interest, so it is safest to send a card or a word of thanks instead.
Greeting Card Culture — Birthday, Thank-You and Sympathy Cards
Australia has a strong culture of exchanging paper greeting cards for occasions big and small — birthdays, farewells, new babies, condolences — and even at work it is common to pass a card around for a colleague's birthday or when they leave and all sign it together. Occasion-specific cards like 'Get well soon', 'Thank you' and 'With deepest sympathy' are stocked at supermarkets and newsagents. A short one-line message and your name is plenty, so there is no need to feel awkward. There is also a custom of collecting a small amount of money in the envelope being passed around (a collection), and taking part is entirely optional.
Religious and Dietary Accommodation at Work — Reasonable Requests Are Normal
Religious needs such as fasting for Ramadan, prayer times or the Sabbath can be raised at work as a request for reasonable accommodation, and discrimination on those grounds is prohibited by law. When you host a work meal or gathering, it is good to check in advance for vegetarian, halal and gluten-free options. Rather than a greeting that assumes a particular religion, 'Happy holidays' has become established as an inclusive expression that spans diverse backgrounds. If a request is not accepted, you can use HR or the discrimination complaint routes covered earlier.
Seasonal and Public Holiday Social Customs
The End-of-Year Office Shutdown — the Late December to Early January Closure Trap
Many businesses and government offices effectively close for a shutdown period from Christmas to early in the new year, and some require you to use up your annual leave over this time, so check and plan ahead. Banks, government agencies and hospital appointments also scale back, so it is safest to finish off any paperwork and formalities before mid-December. Thinking 'I'll sort it out at year's end' is a classic trap that catches new migrants out. Shutdown dates vary by company and organisation, so confirm them during November.
A Summer Christmas and Secret Santa (Kris Kringle)
Being in the southern hemisphere, Christmas falls in midsummer, so many households enjoy the beach or a backyard BBQ and seafood (especially prawns). At work it is common to have a Secret Santa (Kris Kringle) gift exchange alongside the end-of-year party, usually with a limit of around $15–20, so just prepare one no-pressure gift. As religious backgrounds grow more diverse, more places are describing it as an 'end-of-year' event rather than 'Christmas'. The gift limit and whether you take part are not compulsory, so just go along with it comfortably.
The Melbourne Cup — 'the Race That Stops a Nation'
The Melbourne Cup on the first Tuesday of November is called 'the race that stops a nation' — it is a public holiday across metropolitan Victoria, and offices nationwide pause to watch the race together. A common social custom at work is an office sweep, where people chip in a small amount and are assigned a horse at random, but since it is a form of gambling, taking part is entirely up to you. Many places add casual dress-ups or a lunch gathering. Even if you are not interested, it comes up often as a topic of conversation, so it is handy to at least know the vibe.
Footy Grand Finals and Tipping Comps (AFL/NRL Grand Final)
The Grand Finals of Australian Football (the AFL, late September) and Rugby League (the NRL, early October) are the biggest sporting events, and in Victoria the day before the AFL final is a public holiday (Grand Final Friday). Running a small prediction competition called 'footy tipping', where a workplace or group of friends each pick the weekly winners, is a common social custom. Even if you do not really know the rules, saying 'I'm still learning' lets you join in naturally. Which team you barrack for makes for a light conversation topic tied to your local area and family background.
Boxing Day — Test Cricket and the Big Sales
Boxing Day on 26 December is symbolised by watching the Boxing Day Test cricket held at the MCG in Melbourne and by nationwide big retail sales. Department stores and outlets kick off heavy discounts and the crowds pour in, so it is worth knowing as one of the main shopping seasons alongside the EOFY (end of financial year) sales in June. Note, though, that it is a public holiday, so many hospitality venues apply a public holiday surcharge of around 10–15%. Online sales run at the same time, so you can make use of them if you want to avoid the crowds.
Long Weekends and School Holidays — Early Booking and Vacation Care
Australian public holidays often attach to a Monday to create three-day long weekends, and demand for camping and road trips surges so accommodation and campgrounds sell out months in advance — so book early. Schools run on four terms, with about two weeks of holidays between each term and around six weeks at year's end, so dual-income households line up a vacation care program in advance. Term dates differ slightly from state to state, so check your state education department's school term calendar. Popular holiday camps and care fill up early, so booking during the term gives you peace of mind.
Related guides
Frequently Asked Questions
How should I greet someone I meet for the first time in Australia?▾
A light handshake and 'Nice to meet you' is enough. If your name is hard to pronounce, it is fine to ask the other person to say it twice slowly, and using a nickname or English name is common in Australia.
Do I need to tip in Australia?▾
Tipping is not obligatory. In cafes and casual restaurants, leaving no tip is not rude. In high-end restaurants where service was excellent, around 5-10% is typical. For hotel room service or taxis, rounding up to the nearest dollar is enough.
How do I address my manager at an Australian workplace?▾
By first name, with no title. Calling the CEO 'John' rather than 'Mr Smith' is normal. In more formal settings, a casual greeting like 'Hi John' is sufficient.
How strict is queueing in Australia?▾
Very strict. People queue at bus stops, cafes, and toilets, and skipping the line is one of the most frowned-upon behaviours. If a queue is unclear, ask 'Are you in line?' just to be safe.
Can I bring my home country's after-work drinking culture with me?▾
Not as is. Pressing drinks on people, spiking rounds and compulsory late-night sessions are read as inappropriate in an Australian workplace. To get close to colleagues, lunch or a quiet Friday drink (after-work drinks) is the norm.
What is an Acknowledgement of Country?▾
It is a statement made at the start of meetings and events to acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land. Listening respectfully when a speaker says 'I acknowledge the Traditional Owners of the land...' is good manners. Even as a newcomer, respecting this practice is important.
1. Social manners
Australian society values egalitarianism and mateship. A genuine greeting matters more than formality.
Greeting and introductions
Queueing rules
Queueing is a social contract in Australia. At bus stops, cafes, or toilets, joining the back of any visible queue is the norm. If a line is unclear, ask 'Are you in line?'
Personal space
Australians prefer about a metre of personal space. Tapping shoulders or linking arms with new acquaintances can feel intrusive, so keep some distance.
Greetings — a handshake is standard; hugs are common between friends
When you meet someone for the first time, 'Hi, I'm [name]' with a light handshake is the go. Once you're friends, a quick hug is a common way to say hello, so if someone opens their arms, don't be thrown — just go with it. If you're not sure which way it'll go, the safest bet is to follow the other person's lead rather than making the first move.
Queueing — join the back of the line at the bus stop, the cafe and the checkout
Wherever people gather — bus stops, cafe counters, supermarket checkouts — the rule is simple: join the end of the queue. Pushing in is one of the quickest ways to get people offside. If the line isn't obvious, it's perfectly fine to ask 'Are you in line?' or 'Are you in the queue?'. A common slip-up is walking straight up to a counter that looks free — someone standing a little way back may well be part of the queue, so check first.
Personal space — arm's length is the rule of thumb
Standing about an arm's length apart feels comfortable in conversation. There's no fixed measurement, so if the other person edges back a little, take it as a sign you're too close and give them a step of room. Touching someone you've just met — patting their shoulder, grabbing their arm — can make people uncomfortable, so it's best avoided.
Make 'Sorry' and 'Excuse me' second nature
Say 'Excuse me' before squeezing past someone or crossing in front of them, and an immediate 'Sorry' if you bump into someone. Wordlessly pushing your way through is one of the mistakes newcomers get pulled up on most. Don't be surprised if both people say 'Sorry' even when the other person did the bumping — trading apologies is just how it works here.
Small thank-yous — 'Thank you' to the bus driver
Calling out 'Thank you!' or 'Thanks, driver!' as you hop off the bus is a habit Australians genuinely keep up. It's not compulsory, but that one little word leaves a great impression. In the same spirit, hold the door for the person behind you, and answer with a quick 'Cheers' or 'Thanks' when someone holds it for you — basic manners.
Invitations — 'Bring a plate' doesn't mean an empty one
If you're invited to a backyard BBQ or a party, it's usual to bring something simple — drinks or a bottle of wine. If the invite says 'Bring a plate', it means bring a dish of food to share, not literally an empty plate — it's one of the phrases that trips newcomers up most. 'BYO' (Bring Your Own) means bring your own drinks, usually alcohol. Not sure what to take? Just ask: 'Can I bring anything?'