--- title: "Expanding to Australia: Australian Business Culture and Etiquette" description: "Expanding To Australia: Australian Business Culture and Etiquette - Customs are important and if you are going to do business in Australia then there are a few things you need to know." image: https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/hubfs/expanding-to-australia-australian-business-culture-and-etiquette-azure-group-blog.png --- - [** Facebook ](https://www.facebook.com/AzureGroup/) - [** LinkedIn ](https://www.linkedin.com/company/the-azure-group/) - [** Twitter ](https://twitter.com/Azure_Group) - [** ourteam@azuregroup.com.au ](mailto:ourteam@azuregroup.com.au) - [** +61 2 9238 1188 ](tel:+61%202%209238%201188) [![azure-group_logo_-_High_Resolution_white-1](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/April%20-%202019/azure-group_logo_-_High_Resolution_white-1.png?width=387&name=azure-group_logo_-_High_Resolution_white-1.png "azure-group_logo_-_High_Resolution_white-1")](http://www.azuregroup.com.au/) [![azure-group_logo-m](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/April%20-%202019/azure-group_logo-m.png?width=387&name=azure-group_logo-m.png "azure-group_logo-m")](http://www.azuregroup.com.au/) [** **](##) Filter by Category [show all](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au) [ACCOUNTING](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/accounting) [TAXATION ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/taxation) [ADVISORY ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/advisory) [TECHNOLOGY ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/technology) [INTERNATIONAL ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/international-business) [WEALTH ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/wealth) [SMART TIPS ](http://azuregroup.com.au/about-us/smart-tips) [CHAMBER](http://azuregroup.com.au/NSW-business-chamber-partnership) [MEDIA](##) Filter by Category ** - [Show All ](http://thoughtmate-1.hs-sites.com/orange-blog) - [ACCOUNTING](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/accounting) - [TAXATION ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/taxation) - [ADVISORY ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/advisory) - [TECHNOLOGY ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/technology) - [INTERNATIONAL ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/international-business) - [WEALTH ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/wealth) - [SMART TIPS ](http://azuregroup.com.au/about-us/smart-tips) - [CHAMBER](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/nsw-business-chamber) - [MEDIA](##) # Expanding to Australia: Australian Business Culture and Etiquette ** [Azure Group](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/author/azure-group) ** Oct 10, 2019 ![expanding-to-australia-australian-business-culture-and-etiquette-azure-group-blog](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/hubfs/expanding-to-australia-australian-business-culture-and-etiquette-azure-group-blog.png) Each country and culture is different in the way that they interact and do business. Customs are important and if you are going to ***do business in Australia*** then there are a few things you need to know. Australia has a reputation for being laid back, but don’t underestimate us – we can still be professional powerhouses when it comes to business! australian business culture australian business culture [![DOWNLOAD OUR GUIDE TO SETTING UP IN AUSTRALIA](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/639540/9298e485-353a-4ffc-b050-d7643c86f373.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/639540/9298e485-353a-4ffc-b050-d7643c86f373) **1. It is all about relationships** Australians are a warm and friendly bunch with a good sense of humour. So it is no surprise that a big part of the Australian business culture is about relationships. Many businesses enjoy a strong word of mouth referral source and a good reputation is highly regarded. ***Networking and personal introductions are highly valued.*** So be open and courteous and you will enjoy the Australian hospitality and opportunities will present themselves. --- ** 2. Clothing** If you are heading off to a business meeting in Australia then a suit and tie for the men and a suit and heels for the ladies is the conservative expectation. Particularly in the major cities a more ***formal approach to your clothing is expected.* **For less formal meetings, or in regional areas then a more business casual approach such as business pants and shirt is fine. The growing*** startup culture*** has in some areas relaxed the dress code, but if in doubt check the standards for your industry. **Related:** [**Challenges Foreign Companies face when setting up Business in Australia**](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/challenges-foreign-companies-face-when-setting-up-business-in-australia) --- ** 3. Greeting** We might be laid back, but make sure you are on time for meetings. We judge you on your handshake, so make sure it is firm and you make eye contact.  The beginning of a meeting usually contains some personal discussions to break the ice and get everyone comfortable, so don’t expect to dive straight into the business elements. australian business culture --- ** 4. Place** It depends on who you are meeting and the context of the meeting. However, for formal and important meetings it is expected to be held in an office or boardroom. For less formal meetings many people meet at a coffee shop or cafe. Australian’s love their coffee so make sure it is good! --- ** 5. Communication** After our initial small talk we are ready to get down to business. Make sure your mobile is on silent or switched off so you can give your full attention to who you are meeting.  Be direct, to the point and well organised in your presentation. Australians like you to ***be honest, direct and clear in your presentation.*** They are profit-orientated so keep that in the forefront. Australians also like a bit of humour, so don’t be afraid to throw in a few tasteful jokes. Phone and email are used for general communication. Send a thank you email after an initial meeting or summarise key points in an email after a phone conversation. Text messages should only be used for people that you know well. australian business culture **Related:** [**Duties of Directors: Does my company require a Company Secretary?**](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/duties-of-directors-does-my-business-need-a-company-secretary) --- ** 6. Restaurant Meetings** ***Restaurant meetings are well liked in Australia.** *If you are the one* ‘selling’* something then you should pay the bill. If it is an important meeting with a valuable client then you should pick a well respected restaurant. Make sure you make a reservation, there is nothing worse than turning up and discovering they are full and ending up in a food court. australian business culture Australians hold their fork in their left hand and their knife in their right. When you have finished your meal place the knife and fork together on the plate so the waiter knows to collect it. Australia doesn’t have a tipping rule and there is no set amount, but Australian's will tip for exceptional service. Australians are friendly and fun to work with and do business with. Take heed of these few simple rules when working with them and you will have a successful business relationship with Aussies! australian business culture > Have you noticed our **#FridayExpertTips**... here's one that relates to **#International > ** > **"*One common problem that international entrepreneurs encounter is that they don't have all of the resources supporting them in a foreign country. Finding the right support could be critical for global success."***     --- *This article is intended to provide general information only, and is not to be regarded as legal or financial advice. The content is based on current facts, circumstances, and assumptions, and its accuracy may be affected by changes in laws, regulations, or market conditions.  Accordingly, neither Azure Group Pty Ltd nor any member or employee of Azure Group or associated entities, undertakes responsibility arising in any way whatsoever to any persons in respect of this alert or any error or omissions herein, arising through negligence or otherwise howsoever caused. Readers are advised to consult with qualified professionals for advice specific to their situation before taking any action.* ** [international business](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/international-business), [Starting business in Australia](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/starting-business-in-australia), [Setting up in Australia](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/setting-up-in-australia), [setting up a company](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/setting-up-a-company), [international tax accountant](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/international-tax-accountant), [Doing business in Australia](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/topic/doing-business-in-australia) [** The Elevator Pitch is critical for Entrepreneurs and Startup Founders ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/the-elevator-pitch-is-critical-for-entrepreneurs-and-startup-founders) [** R&D: Hypotheses are for Scientists not for Businesses ](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/the-rd-hypotheses-are-for-scientists-not-for-businesses) ### About Author ![Azure Group](https://blog.azuregroup.com.au/hubfs/azure-group%20avatar%20high%20res-small.jpg) Azure Group Azure Group is the leading Chartered Accounting, Business Advisory and Strategic Advisory firm supporting the growth & success of fast growing entrepreneurial businesses. 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