Friendliness

Friendly words already when you arrive at the airport

As a European, and perhaps even more than a German, one will surely notice the friendliness of the Australians as soon as one arrives at the airport. The staff of the border guard and customs have always a few friendly words and even a bit of small talk for the new arrivals. I’ve always found this very positive.  Above all after 19 hours of flying time and having been waiting in line for a long time, you are not exactly hyper-unwound (unless your flight was business or first-class).

When returning to Germany, I rarely found the officers at the passport-controls exceptionally friendly. At least there are hardly any customs controls in Germany.

Australia is the only country I know, that screens the baggage on arrival. The customs regulations are very strict, especially with regard to all things that can be “contaminated” such as food, plants or even dirty shoes, etc. But again, there is usually no problem if you just ask if you are not sure. As far as possible, the custom officers always try to help, while they remain correct but are also authoritative and friendly.

Friendly salespeople

In shops, you will almost always be addressed in a friendly way (of course there are exceptions in Australia). This begins with the obligatory greeting “How are you today”, which is certainly a phrase. Nevertheless, sometimes a little small talk develops out of that, e.g. if you respond that you can’t stand the heat or that you give an indication that you have a cold. However, one usually answers something like “good and how are you”. Then you will be asked if you need some help. If you answer that you only want to look around, no problem and if you need the shop-assistant just let her/him know.

I feel always feel very comfortable with that kind of friendly attention and it is not put on as often in other countries. And that’s not only true for rural areas, but also in big cities.

Even in the busy pre-Christmas shopping spree, the salespeople as well as the customers are always friendly.

… and almost anywhere else

Also, outside of shops you will notice the friendliness. Strangers greet you when you walk down small streets in residential areas, or smile at you when you look friendly. And this also applies to metropolitan areas as well as small towns. In Germany, I have found that people in small towns are usually friendlier than in big cities.

As a foreigner you do not need to be shy in Australia (since almost everyone but the indigenous people are more or less foreigners). I have e.g. never heard any negative comment regarding my German accent. Everywhere you receive help if you only ask. Grumpy people you will hardly find in Australia (you will have more luck in Bavaria).

My theory is that the sunny and warm weather is certainly contributing to the friendliness of the Australians.