Moving to Australia – Business Dinner Etiquette
When moving to Australia with IntlMOVE Australia, you should learn the local business customs to fit in and make a great impression. Although Australia is typically relaxed, it is better to know the basics to avoid any social faux pas.
Business Attire
Business suits are the norm in most companies, but like the United States, many companies have taken on a business casual approach to office attire.
Handshakes and Greetings
Handshakes are quick and firm and used as a form of introduction or greeting. Women are typically expected to extend their hand to a man. Women do not always shake other women’s hands.
Although it is a sign of respect to call a person by their last name when first meeting, most business relationships are on a first name basis. Avoid introducing yourself with your professional title, which can come off as arrogant. That said, it is also not a good idea to hype your company.
“G’day mate,” is a greeting reserved for Australians. Don’t try to use it. Just be yourself and you will be well received.
Table Etiquette
The guest of honor should be placed at the head of the table. Other important guests will be seated directly to the left of the honored guest, and then to the right. When a couple is hosting a dinner, both hosts will take a seat at opposite ends of the table. However, this is only reserved for formal dinners.
When dishes are being shared, always pass the dish to your left. Do not use your own set of utensils to serve yourself food.
When eating, your knife remains in your right hand and your fork will stay placed in the left hand. Try not to switch the utensils between hands while eating. When you are finished, place your utensils in a parallel position on the upper right side of your plate.
When you are not using utensils, keep your elbows off the table. Try to keep your hands folded in your lap.
Dinner Reservations
When choosing a high-end or exclusive restaurant, you will need to make reservations. Make sure you confirm your reservations the day before your arrival.
Other Business Dinner Tips
Always be on time. Australians value punctuality.
Australians avoid talking business over a nice dinner. Keep the topic of conversation light and friendly unless they bring up business matters. However, business can be discussed over lunch. It is best just to follow the Australians’ cues.
When it is time to pay the bill, the person who invited the guests should always get the bill. However, guests should make an offer to pay. Leave a tip for your server. Appropriate tips are between 10 and 15 percent.
If you are invited to a dinner party, you should bring a bottle of wine, a box of chocolates or another appropriate gift.
When the people you are with are taking turns buying rounds of drinks, don’t skip your turn.
Lunch is typically served around noon. Afternoon tea, which includes a light snack, is served around 4 p.m. When you are invited for tea between 6 and 8 p.m., this is considered an evening meal. Supper is a late night snack.
When moving to Australia, you will get the hang of things pretty quickly. Etiquette is very similar to the United States with a few slight differences. When you are ready to start your new job or business venture in Australia, contact IntlMOVE Australia for shipping your household goods from the U.S. to Australia.
