The Little Differences

Having spent one month in Australia now, I've had a good chance to see how the little differences between the UK and Australia can make all the difference  (well NSW, and Sydney specifically).  I'm not suggesting either one is better than the other, merely observations that can make a big difference in your daily life.

Pennies: 

Firstly, there aren't any.  The smallest denomination is a five cent coin.  However Prices are still advertised at $1.99 so how does that work?  Well, rounding.  When you get your receipt they will round it to the nearest five cents.  Sometimes you gain, sometimes you lose.

Bed frames:

Now I found this one out the hard way when I ordered my bed, and it wouldn't fit up the stairs.  In the UK if you order a base with the mattress, the base will be split.  In Australia you have to ask for one like that specifically apparently.  Plus it's more expensive because it's not the norm.

Zebra Crossings:

Now this appears to be 50/50 amongst motorists but don't be surprised if they'll completely ignore the fact they are approaching a Zebra Crossing.  If you step out in front of them, they'll do their best to stop (screeching and handbrake incl) , but half of the motorists don't expect to have to stop when approaching one and they certainly won't stop unless your foot is on the tarmac.

Pelican Crossings:

I guess I just got used to the fact that when the green man is on, it's safe to cross.  In Australia, all it means is as a pedestrian you have right of way.  Cars will still be coming at you from any which angle and one has to be trusting that they are aware that people might be crossing.

Vernacular:

This one goes without saying, but you can get yourself into a lot of bother by using the following words in the wrong context.  Thong, Router, Scuba Diver.  Tread carefully as they say.

Paying By Card:

In the UK, it's very simple; you have a debit card for your current account and maybe a credit card that may or may not be issued by your bank.  When you put your card in the machine you enter your pin and that's about the only interaction you have with the terminal.  In Australia, the first thing you must do it select what account type it is, credit, savings or cheque?  WTF why doesn't the terminal know that from the card I've put in?  Plus your Pin number doesn't have to be 4 digits.  So I've gone for a nice lengthy 12 digit one just to confuse the cashier.  Plus it plays a nice tune if you get the tempo right (Think A Team).