Growing up in Australia watching a lot of American TV I thought I knew everything I needed to know about the US. That was before I lived there...
The following list of survival tips highlights some of the differences I observed while living in the US. As the title of this page suggests, the site is intended for Australians contemplating visiting/living in the US - although it may also be of interest to other nationalities or of passing interest to Americans wishing to learn a little about Australia (and possibly their own country!).
I should say from the outset that things vary greatly between (and within) the different states of the US. Throughout these pages I have endeavoured to indicate whether I think the observation is applicable only to a particular State. Please correct me if you think I'm wrong. Also note that while in the USA I spent most of my time in the San Francisco Bay Area.
Standards: Follow this link to read about the obvious differences in standards, such as power, measurements, clothing, drive-side of the road, dates, telephones, and currency. And the not-so-obvious such as door openings, light switches, floor numbering, education system, professional qualifications, and medical profession.
Entertainment: Explore the differences in Radio, TV and Sport.
Customs and Traditions: Tipping, taxes, cheques, privatisation, classes, phone usage, mail usage, choices, laws, supermarkets, drugs, coffee, straws, tea, news, legal system, dating, religion, alcohol, isolation and regional differences are all discussed.
Road Travel: Learn about differences in drink driving, seat belts, buying petrol, red lights, white lines, roundabouts, traffic lights, street names, crossroads, insurance, give ways, helmets, turns, speed and cheap travel.
Food: Sample the differences in bread, milk, butter, vegemite, fruit, beetroot, milo, chocolate, labels, scones, bacon, lamb, coffee, beer, tomato sauce, eating out, etiquette, paying, and regional differences.
Language: Sound out the differences in double letters, vowels, s, coke, all letters, foreign words, non-existent words, different meanings, spell, extra words, politeness, anecdotes, and regional differences.
Prices: Check out what's cheap and what's not.
Miscellaneous: Holidays, technology and other unclassified differences.
Resources: Related web pages.
Noticeboard for Aussies abroad: pin a message here for other Australians. Current notices include: visa issues; employment sought; local Aussie communities; travel questions.
Book Shop: here is a list of books, videos (etc) that provide further information for anyone interested in either country.
Check out what readers have said about this site and what the Press has said about this site. If you have any comments/suggestions (including anything you think should appear on this page) please email me via donsi@uq.net.au (Don Simonetta).
Because I am becoming increasingly paranoid I will put a disclaimer here stating that all opinions expressed on this page are my own and accept no responsibility for any interpretations or uses made of these opinions. Throughout the site comments from other Australian readers are in green whereas comments from American readers are in red [comments for Americans are in grey].
Page Last Updated: 13th December 2008.
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