Search Results for Category: Oceania

Welcome to New Zealand!

New Zealand is one of the cleanest and greenest countries with unique land of breathtaking scenery from craggy coastlines to golden beaches, lush rainforests to snow-capped mountains and bubbling volcanic pools, with equally thriving indigenous Maori culture. New Zealanders are generally very relaxed and hospitable. Respect those in New Zealand; learn the country’s culture and travel dos and donts will help you to blend in on your trip to New Zealand and make a wealth of thrilling experiences.

New Zealand Travel Taboo

Burial grounds were taboo; and in New Zealand a canoe which had carried a corpse was never afterwards used, but was drawn on shore and painted red.

New Zealand Travel Donts

• Do not smoke. Smoking is banned in pubs and restaurants as well as on public transport or in public buildings.
• Do not overstay your welcome.
• Do not tip, which is not customary in New Zealand. However, do tip if the services are outstanding.
• Do not make the “V for Victory” sign.
• Do not eat food until it has been blessed in Maori.
• Do not be late for an appointment, nor to make promises which you can’t keep or make exaggerated claims.
• Do not stand in the middle of the road and hold up traffic when taking pictures, watch out for cars.
• Do not wrap your gifts in red. Red is the taboo color in New Zealand.
• Do not touch the head and hair of others, especially of a chief, which are particularly taboo or sacred; to touch a man’s head is a gross insult.

New Zealand Travel Dos

• Do shake hands for greeting and keep eye contact during greetings. The first name is used after introductions.
• Do respect and enjoy the company of fellow members.
• Do dress conservatively and formally for business occasions. Dark suits with a conservative tie and white shirt for men. Suits, dresses, or skirts and blouses for women. Wear casual attire for informal occasions.
• Do open your gift upon receipt, and give gifts such as flowers, chocolate, liquor, or a book about your home country.
• Do bring your own beer (B.Y.O.) if invited to a barbecue. You may also be invited to bring your own meat or a salad.
• Do visit a marae, which is a sacred place that serves both social and religious purposes in Maori society. Do follow the lead for the protocol of welcoming and greeting in Maori.
• Do keep your hands above the table, but don’t put your elbows on the table. Put your fork and knife parallel on the plate with the handles facing to the right when you are done eating.
• Do understand that the word “kiwi” is not an offensive name when referring to New Zealanders. They will call themselves kiwis, too!

© 2010 traveltaboo.com

Welcome to Australia!
 

Over one-fifth of Australians born to immigrant parents, making Australia a culture of melting pot. Australia is a pretty laid back country overall and people in Australia are very open-minded, fun loving and are generally accepting of different cultures visiting their country. However, as you travel to Australia, you must stick to the laws of the land and respect the local customs. Aware of what you can and cannot do while in Australia will make your trip a memorable one, and not a disaster! The following Australia travel tips of the dos and donts will help you to enjoy the exotic animals, barbecues, and the sights on your trip to Australia and make it one of the best experiences of your life.

Australia Travel Taboo

Extending the middle finger is rude.

Eating, drinking and smoking on public transports, most stores and public buildings.

Australia donts

• Do not forget to carry photocopies of your identity and other essential documents wherever you go and leave copies with trust family back home.
• Do not bring with you prohibited items, such as meat, packaged, dairy products or fresh fruits and vegetables.
• Do not eat, drink and smoke on public transports, most stores and public buildings.
• Do not blow your nose in public which is socially unacceptable.
• Do not swim outside the red and yellow flags at beaches for your safety. These flags designate safe areas.
• Do not swim in the ocean until you have checked the warnings posted on the beaches.
• Do not hire any vehicle from unlicensed operators.
• Do not be surprised by what they wear or not wear on the beaches. Lady Jane is the nude beach in Sydney.
• Do not be offended being addressed by your first name. In Australia, first names are used both in personal greetings and business correspondence. Professional titles are not prominent in Australian business culture, and are sometimes dismissed as pretentious.
• Do not touch, pat or hug other men in public which is considered socially unacceptable.
• Do not visit without appointment. Unannounced visits are not part of Australian culture; always make a call before you wish to meet the people.
• Do not be surprised if you are asked to bring your own beer and meat for the grill when invited to a barbecue in Australia. Barbecues are a big part of Australian culture, people will typically bring their own beer or wine for their own consumption.
• Do not put your elbows on the table when eating, and do indicate that you are full by putting your knife and fork parallel on your plate with the utensil handles facing right.

Australia dos

• Do carry a list of emergency phone numbers and your embassy contact information.
• Do make sure you wear waterproof sun cream to avoid sunburn when outdoors.
• Do keep your valuables in the safe deposit of your hotel room safely.
• Do change money from a recognized moneychanger such as a bank or at airport.
• Do use the seat belts while driving in Australia, which is mandatory. If you are cycling then you must wear a helmet.
• Do sit in the front with the taxi driver which is customary for men in Australia, but a woman travelling alone should sit in the back left passenger seat of the car.
• Do wear casual clothing if you’re not going to a business function. For business functions, wear a dark business suit and tie for men or a skirt and blouse or a dress for woman.
• Do greet with a smile and a handshake. It is customary to shake hands at the beginning and end of a meeting. “G’day, mate” (pronounced G’die mite) is a popular casual greeting, particularly between individuals who have already known each other.
• Do maintain personal space and keep an eye contact when speaking to an Australian which is important in their culture.
• Do learn some knowledge of major sports and how the local team is getting on if you want to associate with Australian males. Sport is supreme in Australia.
• Do bring your own beer at a restaurant except for more upscale restaurants. Bringing your own beer is acceptable and cheaper.
• Do tip if you enjoyed the service. Tipping is not the general custom in Australia, waiters, porters at airports and taxi drivers do not expect to be tipped.
• Do feel ‘at home’ when invited to an Australian house. Australian hospitality tends to be very informal, and you will be encouraged to serve yourself.
• Do expect a barbecue (“barbie”) if invited to someone’s home for a meal. Do bring beer or a bottle of wine for the host which is customary. Do bring your own wine or beer for yourself if going to a barbecue. At more informal barbecues, you might be told to bring your own meat.

© 2010 traveltaboo.com