Q: I am considering taking a short term (4 months) job in Sydney Australia and I was wondering if anyone had any comments or suggests on culture, money, language, behavior, etc. that would be helpful for an American moving there. Thanks a lot! lol i know they speak english! but its australian english as opposed to american english. as far as im concerned going from southern united states to the northern united states is a language barrier.
A: I'm from California and live in Sydney, the only big differences you will really notice is Australian people aren't fundamentally twisted by religion, psychosexually morally twisted by puritan mentality, bigoted racists or politically opinionated. All people in Australia are Australians regardless of which race, color, sexual orientation, disability or beliefs. All people are treated equal and share the same human rights as each other with our anti discrimination laws for all people. You'll also find that Australian Television is a hundred times better than in the US being it's not modified. All the usual shows you'd see back home are on here. Australian money is colored currency not like the green back. You'll feel totally home here immediately without the invisible ball and chain we wear back home also you'll make a lot of new mates as Australians are very down to earth and you'll pick up the Aussie slang in a month. If you don't understand something just ask anyone they will tell you also instead of asking where is the bathroom is when your out ask where the Ladies or Gents "Loos" are. What I really did miss being here in Australia is "American Candy" well I found a US candy store where you can buy root beer, cherry cola, and all the US candy you can think of so you'll never feel homesick or have to get a care package sent from home. It's downstairs in the food court in Myer Pitt Street. There's Taco Bell, Hungry Jacks, Mc Donalds, Burger King, KFC,Subways, Wendy's, Crispy Cream, Gloria Jeans, Starbucks etc here. You'll find Sydney being very much like New York City except laid back instead of the Rockefeller center here in Sydney they call it Martin Place. You'll find you can get anywhere you want to go to by the train, bus, ferry, monorail, tram buses or water taxi. There is no crime, guns, gangs, and the streets are safe to walk anytime. Sydney is 24/7 so if you wanted to go out anytime you can to get something to eat or drink work out at the gym or whatever you want to do. If you want to go to the movies go on a Tuesday it's half price. All Americans who come here never want to leave. Many very well known American actors and recording artists live here. So you'll see them walking along the street and nobody bothers them. On Australian beaches most all women are topless and Australian guy's mostly wear speedos (Australian Swimwear), same at all the public, spas and swimming pools. Australian people dress smart casual, so you would look totally out of place if your wearing a suit, tie and shoes and socks all of the time. All pubs in Sydney have slot machines (Poker Machines). You'll discover prostitution is legal in NSW. Children here still all go outside and play. Plus everyone is very sports minded or are a member of a sporting club or team. Australians mostly like to spend time outdoors or being social with there mates. You will find many Australians have male and female mates and are very open minded on talking about what is seen as taboo subjects in the US like sex or personal problems. So never be shy to ask any question as Australians aren't politically correct You will find everyone you meet are very educated and well mannered, even the all the Australian kids. The legal drinking age here is 18 and you are classified as being an adult. So you will find people here are very mature open minded in behavior and attitude. Aussies pronounced "OZZY" have more freedoms here than in the US also they all have a very standard of living, unseen in the US which they never materialistally brag about it or have a class system.This is my own personal observation since migrating here. Well if you just remember to never pick up a snake or spider, you'll love it here. When you get here get yourself a medicare card from the Medicare office near Town Hall station. The tax office is only a block away in College street near Museum station to get a tax file number. Ask anyone where the Medicare and tax offices are, after three months you can get free medical treatment at any hospital or bulk billing doctor. Mate take the opportunity and come to OZ.The only problem would be is you'll never want to leave.Here's a couple of links to Australian Slang and other general basic information.