I just moved to Australia and there are several huge cultural shocks here I can't stop thinking about: 'Nobody warns you'

Daily Mail​

27-06-2025

Moving to Australia is often sold as a dream, with the lure of sun-drenched coastlines, friendly locals, and a 'no worries' attitude that supposedly seeps into every aspect of life.
But ask anyone who's actually packed up their life to settle Down Under, and they'll tell you the real culture shock lies in the everyday stuff - but, interestingly, not the ones you'd expect.
That's according to a recent Reddit thread, which has unearthed some interesting opinions from expats who have migrated here for good, and some might surprise you more than others.
With more than eight million people born overseas (nearly 30 percent of the entire population), Australia is one of the most multicultural nations on Earth.
Each year, thousands of expats from the UK, India, China, South Africa, Germany, and just about everywhere in between make the leap to start a new life here. They arrive hopeful, wide-eyed, and completely unprepared for what awaits.
Because while guidebooks warn you about the spiders, snakes, and swooping magpies, no one tells you the real everyday challenges.
From Sydney's chronic influencer scene, to the chaos of Aussie kids dressed like they've just rolled out of a tent, expats didn't hold back on the quirky, confusing, and sometimes hilarious bits of Aussie life that took them by surprise.
There were some heartfelt moments too, with many who praised the relaxed vibe, the lack of snobbery in the workplace, as an upside to moving to the land of Vegemite, vapes, and viral run clubs.
One of the most upvoted responses came from a baffled observer of Sydney's influencer culture, who couldn't believe how showy life in the Harbour City felt.
'Sydney's influencer mentality. Everything feels performative, or for the sole purpose of taking a photo,' one wrote.
'The lines outside Louis Vuitton, etc., those swarms of run clubs at Bondi. Obnoxious model posing with no shame on the bow of the ferry.'
The comment struck a chord with many, with others chiming in to say they felt like it was all very boastful and performative: 'Gotta flex to their relatives and family friends back home,' a user wrote.
Expats from more hierarchical cultures were pleasantly stunned by how casual Aussies are in the workplace, even when addressing the CEO.
And while the power dynamics do still exist, many were surprised by how informal interactions could be, even in big business.
'I was pleasantly surprised that I didn't have to 'sir' or 'ma'am' my CEO, directors, [or] people in upper management,' another commented.
'Hierarchy isn't so in your face, unlike in Eastern cultures. I really appreciated that.'
Another user didn't hold back about one of the darker 'shock' of Aussie life, namely the sheer amount of recreational drug use among revellers.
'In my mind, anyone over 30 from my homeland who still used drugs was most likely addicted,' they wrote.
'Here, it seems they are a requirement to head out. The only time people talk to you on the dance floor or at the pub is if they're high/drunk. I'm used to it now, but coming from a culture where people socialised extensively while sober, it was a huge shock initially.'
Some agreed, with one pointing out that 'alcohol is a recreational drug' too, perhaps highlighting Australia's well-known binge-drinking culture.
On the other end of the scale, one British mum admitted she was totally confused by how dishevelled Aussie kids look. Something that rubbed off quickly on her seven- and ten-year-old children.
'In my community in England, all the kids were very well turned out ALL THE TIME. Their clothes were ironed and clean,' she noted.
'The kids in Oz are creased and rumpled, and their hair [is] often messy too. Lol. My kids very soon became the same way.'
Lastly, and perhaps the most hilarious observations, came from one German commenter who simply couldn't wrap his head around the Aussie small talk.
Perhaps the most hilarious observation came from one German commenter who simply couldn't wrap his head around the Aussie small talk
Who would've thought an innocent 'How's it going?' question would throw someone into an existential crisis.
'I'm not a huge fan of small talk, and we Germans are very direct,' he explained, warning others to answer simple Aussie questions with caution.
'A little suggestion - don't answer by saying "like sh*t", it throws people off, and the cashier doesn't really wanna know lol.'
The responses, although fairly lighthearted, highlight a deeper divide between Aussie values and those of other cultures.
Where some countries prize formality, structure, and polished appearances, Australia is proudly casual, a little chaotic, and a bit rough around the edges, according to some.
And for many expats, that's not a bad thing; it's just a bit of an adjustment