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Like other countries, Australia also has plenty of habits, cultures, and regulations you need to follow when visiting. Read these 6 things not to do while in Australia to keep your visit exciting and safe!
Ignore the Need for Sun Protection
Enjoying nature under the clear sky and sunny weather is tempting. However, never underestimate the sun in Australia. The sun can be really harsh that the Cancer Council continuously warns people to protect themselves by wearing sunscreen, sunglasses, and a hat and seeking shade during a hot day. In fact, Australia has the highest number of skin cancer incidents in the world!
If you are going to spend your day outdoors during your visit to Australia, make sure to wear sunscreen all the time, with at least 30+ SPF. Don’t forget to reapply the sunscreen if you’re exposed to the sun for a long time. You should also bring your sunglasses and a wide-brimmed hat and wear them outdoors for extra protection.
Make a habit of checking the UV Index number every day because even on seemingly cooler and overcast days, this index can be really high. When the index shows over 3, it means you need sun protection. Interestingly, the index can go as high as 17 in Australia.
Ignore Safety Rules in Australia
Ignoring safety rules is one of the most important things not to do while in Australia. This country offers various adventures you can enjoy every day. However, make sure that you always follow the safety rules provided. You don’t want to get in trouble with the police or risk getting hurt when enjoying your time here.
For example, don’t drive too far in a day because distances between cities or places can be huge. You don’t want to risk yourself stranded in a rural or bushland area. Also, don’t drive at dawn, dusk, or night because wild animals tend to look for food and can be seen crossing the roads. Slow down when you see a sign of an animal because you don’t want to get them startled and jump in front of you.
When swimming on the beach, make sure to swim between the flags at the patrolled beaches. Australia has some of the most unpredictable rips, and getting caught in them can be really dangerous and even life-threatening.
Ask Where the Nearest Starbucks is
Australian coffee culture is unique thanks to the large multicultural population. They have brilliant coffee, and they love their coffee. Starbucks does exist in Australia, but you will not find as many as those in the United States. That is because they pride themselves as coffee snobs and insist on having a nice cup of coffee from independent coffee shops instead.
Smoke in Australia
Australians are not too fond of smokers. In fact, there are a lot of regulations regarding smoking. People are not allowed smoke within 3 meters of restaurants or cafes’ exits and entrances.
Plenty of beaches are smoke-free, and so does with some of the entire suburbs. You also cannot smoke in your car if there are children in it. Cigarette packages are plain and graphically horrendous to deter people from smoking.
Ride a Bike without a Helmet
Australia is a great place to enjoy biking in the cities or suburbs. If you plan to enjoy the day by riding around the neighborhood, don’t forget to wear your helmet all the time.
It is a rule that you must wear a helmet when biking. If not, you will be fined on the spot. You also need to bring your photo identification as well, since it is required for adult cyclists.
Litter
Not littering is one of the simple yet good Australian habits that everyone needs to get used to. They have a slogan, ‘Don’t be a tosser’, and they really mean it so much that littering is made illegal in Australia.
Don’t just toss your garbage on the ground, or you will be fined on the spot. Don’t think you can get away with it if you don’t see any police around. That is because people can report when they see someone tossing their garbage out. Make sure to put your trash in the available trash bin or keep it until you find one.
These are 6 things not to do while in Australia that you need to keep in mind before visiting this country. Don’t get into trouble by disrespecting Australian culture or ignoring their laws or regulations. After all, you want to enjoy your visit instead of getting yourself in trouble, right?