Australia: 5 Rules to Stay Out of Danger

Posted by Sally Webster on May 23, 2011 under Immigration Law | Be the First to Comment

‘Red back, funnel web, blue-ringed octopus . . . Come to Australia, you might accidently get killed.’ Australian comic duo The Scared Weird Little Guys thought they had written a light-hearted tune but the truth is, the Lucky Country can be a dangerous place. Get to know the threats b

efore you arrive.

Australian – like every other country in the world – has its own particular ways of doing things. Find out as much as you can about your destination before you arrive. It would a shame to walk out of the airport only to be hit by a car because you didn’t know Australians drove on the opposite side of the road!

The unique nuances of every nation can lead to amusing miscommunications between locals and visiotrs. Here are some tips for surviving Australia.

1. Get a Visa Australia is an island which means there will be no sneaky walking over borders. The only way to enter is by airplane or boat. The best way to ensure a quick and easy entry to Australia is to apply for a legal visa before you arrive. The range of visas available is quite large, catering for everyone from long-term working residents to working-holiday backpackers to those here on a short trip. Whilst you may be up to the simple task of applying for a tourist visa online, temporary residence visas can be a bit more tricky. Luckily there are migration agents on stand-by to assist you with the visa process.

2. To the Left, To the Left In Australian, road laws dictate that vehicles must travel on the left side of the road. This is particularly important in tourist areas where visitors are often distracted by sights and may forget the road rules.

3. Swim Between the Flags Renowned for its warm climate and wide, sweeping beaches, Australia is one of the most beautiful places in the world for swimming. However, there are also many dangers in the water. Sadly, tourists account for a large percentage of the people drowning in Australian waters. Whilst Australian children grow up learning about rips, sharks, drops in the ground level, foreigners may not be familiar with these dangers. As long as you swim between the flags on beaches patrolled by surf lifesavers, you should minimise the risks associated with Australian open waters.

4. Appearances Can Be Deceiving It is hard to believe that the koala could be anything but cute and cuddly but don’t be fooled. There are many Australian animals that seem much more demure than they actually are. Koalas, kangaroos and wombats are all wild animals and will attack if they feel threatened. Many zoos and fauna parks throughout Australia will provide petting areas for visitors to get up close and personal with native animals but it is not recommended that you approach them in the wild. Other animals to keep a distance from are: snakes, sharks, sea jellies (jelly fish), crocodiles, spiders, wasps, sting rays and some fish.

5. Colloquialism Australian’s have an accent of their very own and their use of slang can make them impossible to comprehend, even for visitors who speak English fluently! There are Australian slang dictionaries online to help you interpret them (check out: www.koalanet.com.au/australian-slang.html). If an Australian asks a tourist “How’s it going?” They are not referring to your mode of transport, they just want to know how you are.

If you are considering visiting Australia, there are resources available to assist your move. Computer software can help you to choose accommodation, banks, schools, child care centres and any other service you may need before you even touch down.

For information about applying for an Australian visa, check out the Global Immigration Services website today.. Check here for free reprint license: Australia: 5 Rules to Stay Out of Danger.