PERSONAL SAFETY

Big cities in Australia can be dangerous if you are not careful. If you observe a few simple rules you can avoid most dangers. The best precautions that one can take against 'mugged' or becoming an unsuspecting victim of robbery in Australia have to do with using simple common sense.

• Avoid traveling alone after dark in subways, downtown districts, parks, empty streets and decaying neighborhoods. Any area that looks seedy, is littered with trash and broken bottles and has idle people hanging around street corners, is probably unsafe.
• When in and around airports, train and bus terminals and entrances to subway stations, or on empty pavements and staircases always avoid standing around and looking lost.
• Avoid keeping your wallet in your back pocket.
• Always keep an eye on your luggage at airports and stations and do not leave bags unattended, even for a few minutes.
• Be careful of beggars and homeless people. Ignore them as far as possible.
• Avoid dark, lonely places if you do not have car.
• Find out from friends which areas of town to avoid.

WEIGHTS AND MEASURES

Australia operates under the metric system weights and measures. Fruit and vegetables are bought by the kilogram, petrol and milk by the liter, distance by the meter or kilometer, and speed limits in kilometers per hour.

For a Metric Conversion chart, click here.

ELECTRICAL FITTINGS

The domestic electrical supply in Australia consists of 240 volts and five hertz alternating current. You'll need to bring along or buy a converter and a special flat three-pin adapter plug to fit into outlets. These are available in any hardware store.

WEATHER

The seasons in Australia are the converse of the Northern Hemisphere. September to November is spring, December to February summer, March to May autumn and June to August winter. The seasonal variations become smaller as you head north, until in Darwin (in the monsoon belt) there are only two seasons - hot and dry, or hot and wet. North of Brisbane things are pretty hot most of the year. As a rule you can assume that from November to March it's warm to boiling everywhere.

In the south, winters tend to be chilly with plenty of snow on the mountain ranges. Melbourne can be rather cold, grey and miserable in winter. Tasmania, the island state off the southern tip of the continent, is the coolest. The summer temperatures in central Australia are far too high for comfort. In winter, the nights may be cool but the days are clear and warm.

LANGUAGE

Australians speak English, but a form of English rich in colourful slang and terms. While very similar to the language spoken in other English-speaking countries, Australian English contains subtleties only fully appreciated by those who have had a long acquaintance with the language. In its written form, Australian English combines elements of British and American language.

Nonverbals: Nonverbals, the 'silent' or 'body' language, form an important part of first impressions you create. The first few minutes in any interaction are vital. That's all it takes to make up your mind About Australia someone.

• Nonverbals include your posture, gestures, body movements, and facial expressions. Make sure that your nonverbals and what you are saying are in agreement.
• You convey messages all the time through your nonverbals and if you're not aware, you can give a wrong impression. Fiddling with your tie or shuffling loose change in your pocket is distracting and makes you seem nervous.
• Be aware of what you are doing, and with practice, you will be able to project a positive image.