Australian Difference #8

The moon is backwards. 

“In the sky there are always answers and explanations for everything: every pain, every suffering, joy and confusion.” 
― Ishmael Beah, A Long Way Gone

Australian Difference #7

Only in Australia (or maybe just in Frankland River) will you hear this comment:

"What's Walmart?"

Australian Difference #6

Only in Australia can you be a part of this conversation:

J: Ugh I have so much work to do before I leave.

S: Oh, that’s right, you’re going on vacation next week. Where are you going?

J: Just to Bali.

S: JUST to BALI?

J: Yeah, just 9 days in Bali, sitting by the pool with some girlfriends and hopefully a cocktail in my hand.

S: Just to Bali….

Right. No big deal. 

Australian Difference #5

You know you're in the middle of nowhere when you don't have to lock your doors at night. You know you don't have to lock your doors at night when the owner of the property laughs at you when you ask if there is a password for the wi fi. 

Australian Difference #4

Everything is incredibly expensive. Like, ridiculously.

At first, I thought maybe it was just the exchange rate, that the numbers were just high for what they were but it would make sense when converted to American dollars. Nope. If I take out 100 Aussie dollars, I'm charged 109 American dollars. It doesn't help.

I could probably count the days where I've actually eaten lunch. On days when I'm out and about in Fremantle, or downtown Perth, I just can't justify spending the money that is being asked for a $16 sandwich or equally for some lettuce leaves.
A small coffee is on average about $4.50 and it's not even a Venti at Starbucks.
A bottle of water is $4 - always carry my own, refilled from the tap.
The average beer is 8 bucks, often 10 - forget about buying rounds.
The cheapest bottle of wine - of a decent quality - is going to be at least $15.
Forget about imported alcohol.
A personal thin crust pizza without toppings doesn't go for any less than $20.
A bowl of mixed olives at a restaurant to start is $7.
Flip flops are $40.
I don't dare to look how much it is for a haircut, let alone highlights.
I saw a book today I wanted to buy, 20% off.....off of $59.99
Cheese. Oh man the cheese. A wedge of Parmigiano Reggiano - the real kind - is no less than $13. Any block of quality cheese is at least 8 bucks.
A loaf of bread is $6 - unless you buy the reduced to clear which is a bit crusty, but it's only $2.50.
I go to the store most days to pay for my rent via cooking dinner and spend on average $30 with very little leftovers the next day.

Yes, the majority of my examples and observations are food and drink based, but that's what I like. Sure, I'd love to go into a store and buy some cute summery clothes, wear high heels and not be living out of a the grubby clothes I brought in my backpack with the intention of discarding them after too many worn uses. But these are not luxuries to be afforded right now.

Maybe these are not good examples. But, believe me. Australia is ridiculously expensive. And it's not just because they are charging that extra penny on the .99. 

Australian Difference #3

If the total cost of a purchase comes out to be, or is advertised as an amount with 99 cents, you will be charged rounded up to the whole dollar.

Actually, now that I think about it, I don't think they even have penny coins. The general rule is (except for the 50 cent coin) the higher the value of coin, the smaller the coin. It makes finding the tiny $2 coin that much more rewarding. 

Australian Difference #2

They drive on the left. 

Australian Difference #1

They have accents. Some are stronger than others. Some are uncomprehensible. Some are sexy. Usually they bring out my Nothern Irish accent. Some of them are funny. 

Tips & Differences

I used to write tips about living in Italy. Now I'm going to write them about Australia.