‘Very cliquey, respect the sun’: Expats reveal what Australians are really like

A viral online post has revealed how expats view Australia in 2025 – and it might not be in the ways you expect.

A nation of dinky-di, Vegemite-eating, slang word-slinging crocodile hunters: it’s a perception of Australia that has long existed in the eyes of the world; cliches cemented by our most famous exports and decades of popular culture.

But a social media post overnight has revealed how expats who’ve made the move to the so-called lucky country view it in 2025.

In the r/AskAnAustralian Reddit thread, a newly-arrived Canadian posed the question: “What are some only Australia(n) things that a new immigrant should know about?”

A social media post has revealed how expats view Australians in 2025. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

“Literally just landed in Sydney 3 days ago and already loving the weather and the chill vibe,” they wrote.

“Still trying to get used to (the) accent though, it took me 3 times to understand when the cashier pronounced ‘receipt’ as ‘reisay’. Needless to say that this incident made me feel like a total idiot.

“Could you all share some Aus (sic) only things or habits that can help me blend in ASAP?”

Their query garnered almost 500 responses, ranging from, yes, what certain colloquialisms actually mean to the supposedly hard-and-fast nature of our road rules.

“Respect the sun. It doesn’t matter how light or dark your skin is, it will burn you with brutal efficiency,” one user wrote.

They’re not wrong – Australians are exposed to up to 15 per cent more UV radiation than Europeans are during summer, and we have the highest melanoma rates in the world.

“Always swim between the flags. Beach with no flags = no swim,” they continued.

“First and second generation immigrants drown at 2-3x the rate of the general population.

“The speed limit is a limit here, not a suggestion.”

‘The speed limit is a limit here, not a suggestion.’ Picture: NCA NewsWire/Naomi Jellicoe

‘You cannot touch the phone while driving, even if it’s in the holder.’ Picture: NSW Police

Using your phone “for any purpose” while behind the wheel “is illegal”, another pointed out.

“Large fines are not your friend … You cannot touch the phone while driving, even while it’s in the holder,” they explained.

“Always look to the right first when crossing the road … If stopped at a railway crossing, WAIT till the lights and bells stop and the boom gates go up.”

Someone else pointed out our lack of religious affiliation – the 2021 census found that almost 10 million Aussies reported having no religion.

“Australians aren’t visibly religious, and we don’t like preaching,” one person said.

“It’s fine to be religious, we just expect you to keep it to yourself. We can have mates for 10 years and literally have no idea what religion they are.”

‘Aussies are very cliquey,’ one user said. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Flavio Brancaleone

As for the people, one South African immigrant who has lived here for a decade put a pin in our stereotypically welcoming nature.

“Aussies are very cliquey. In South Africa, it is very normal to introduce yourself to everyone and make a big deal out of including the stranger,” they wrote.

“I’ve found it is not like that here (but I’ve only lived in Sydney and surrounds). It can take a while before people will actually sincerely invite you to things, and to start off you may need to invite yourself.”

Australia is “very safe”, they continued, possibly down to the fact that “rules here are not made to be bent or broken”.

“Learn the weird traffic rules, ID rules for alcohol, lockout laws, etc,” they warned.

“You will get caught for something you didn’t know existed.”

‘We give everybody nicknames.’ Picture: John Appleyard

And when it comes to our accents – and figures of speech – Australians supposedly “speak very fast, and the upwards tonality at the end of their sentences does not mean they’re asking you a question, it’s just the accent”.

“‘Bring a plate’ does not mean literally that,” another advised.

“It means bring a dish of food to the party to share.”

And “you might have to get used to the swearing”, one Aussie said.

“Also, we give everybody nicknames, especially if your name is long or hard to pronounce. If somebody gives you a nickname, it’s usually a sign they like you.”

Australia's net overseas migration in the 12 months to June 2024. Picture: Australian Bureau of Statistics

According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, net overseas migration in the 12 months to June 2024 added 446,000 people to our population.

“Historically, more people migrate to Australia than migrate away each year, meaning overseas migration has been a significant source of population gain for Australia rather than loss,” the ABS said.

A report from Boston Consulting Group (BCG) last year found that, for the first time, Australia was the number-one destination in the world for professionals seeking to relocate internationally.

Australia came out on top in the survey of more than 150,000 professionals across 188 countries, BCG managing director and partner Nicole Sibillio said at the time, for three key reasons.

“The first is the quality of the job opportunities, so this really includes the chance to improve one’s skills, to have interesting work and job security,” Ms Sibillio told the Australian Financial Review.

“The second is quality of life, (which) is no surprise. Australia offers a fantastic climate, access to nature, and it’s an absolutely beautiful country.”

The third reason, Ms Sibillio said, was our welcoming culture.