Australia
Relaxed and friendly, but strict on biosecurity and rules.
Declare all food at the border. 'No worries' is the national motto.
Strictly Prohibited
Failing to declare ANY food, plant, wood, or animal product at customs — AUD 5,000+ fine.
Drinking alcohol in public parks, beaches, or streets (varies by state) — on-the-spot fines.
Smoking in most outdoor public spaces, near building entrances — fines apply.
Driving with even small amounts of alcohol/drugs — strict random testing on roads.
Feeding wildlife (kangaroos, possums) in national parks — illegal in most areas.
No specific national religion to violate — respect aboriginal cultural sites and 'no climb' signs (e.g., Uluru).
Don't 'show off' or brag publicly — tall-poppy syndrome applies.
Don't skip your turn buying drinks ('shouting a round') in groups.
Laws to Know
Declare all food, plant, and animal products at customs — heavy fines for non-declaration.
Drinking alcohol in public spaces (parks, beaches) is restricted in most states.
Smoking is banned in most indoor and many outdoor public spaces.
Common Immigration & Visa Mistakes
Copy-pasting Genuine Temporary Entrant (GTE) statement — instant rejection.
Not declaring food, plants, wood at customs — AUD 5,000+ fine.
Hiding prior visa refusals from any country — permanent ban.
Working on visitor visa — deportation.
Travelling on expired bridging visa — overstay penalty.
Not buying OSHC health cover for student visa.
Penalties for Foreigners
Overstay 28+ days: 3-year re-entry ban.
Non-declaration at customs (biosecurity): AUD 5,000-7,000.
Drunk and disorderly: AUD 500-1,500 + arrest.
Drink driving (BAC > 0.05): AUD 2,000+ + licence suspension.
Smoking in restricted public areas: AUD 200-600.
Drug possession: up to 2 years + AUD 5,000+.
Social Etiquette
Sit in the front seat of a taxi — it's considered friendlier.
Shout your round (buy a drink for the group) at the pub.
Don't show off wealth — 'tall poppy syndrome' applies.
Sun & Sea
Swim between the red-and-yellow flags at beaches — lifeguards patrol that zone.
Wear SPF 50+ and a hat. UV is brutal.
No specific Don'ts in this category.
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