Business Etiqette in Australia

Australian Society and Culture.
Australians are very friendly, down-to-earth people, who are always mindful not to give the impression that they think they're better then anyone else.

• They value authenticity and sincerity, and they loathe pretentiousness.
• Australians prefer people who are: modest, humble, self-deprecating, and have a sense of humor.
• They do not draw attention to their academic skills, or other achievements, and they tend to distrust people who do.
• Often they downplay their own success which tends to make them appear not to be achievement-oriented.

Greetings.
Australians are not very formal so meetings tend to be casual and relaxed. A typical Australian greeting should be:

• A handshake and smile
• Australians may tend to say "G'day" or "G'day Mate" but this may sound patronizing from a foreigner, you should simply say "Hello" or "Hello, how are you?"
• Aussies prefer to use first names, even at the official meeting.

Gift Giving.

• Small gifts are commonly exchanged with family members, close friends, and neighbors on birthdays, and Christmas.
• Trades people, such as sanitation workers, may be given a small amount of cash or more likely a bottle of wine or a six-pack of beer.
• If invited to someones house for dinner it is polite to bring a box of chocolates or flowers to the hostess. And a good quality bottle of wine is always appreciated.
• Gifts are opened when they are received.