10 AUSTRALIAN CULTURE SHOCKS AS AN INDONESIAN

Summary

In this video, Putri shares her personal experiences living in Australia, highlighting the cultural differences between Australia and Indonesia. She discusses the challenges of not having free Wi-Fi in many Australian establishments, the stricter pedestrian crossing rules, the casual drinking culture, and driving laws, including random breath tests and speed cameras. Putri also touches on the unique driving rules related to trams. With humor and insight, she helps viewers understand the cultural shocks she encountered as an Indonesian living in Australia, offering a blend of practical advice and personal anecdotes.

Takeaways

• 😀 In Australia, free Wi-Fi is not as common as in Indonesia, where it's easy to ask for the Wi-Fi password at cafes and restaurants.
• 😀 Pedestrian crossings in Australia require drivers to stop for pedestrians, unlike in Indonesia, where the crossings are largely ignored by drivers.
• 😀 Drinking alcohol in Australia is more casual and part of the culture, unlike in Indonesia, where alcohol is seen as a luxury item.
• 😀 In Australia, random breath tests (RBT) are common, and drivers are often checked for alcohol consumption at any time.
• 😀 Australians are very strict about not driving under the influence of alcohol, and alternatives like Uber are commonly used to get home safely.
• 😀 Speed cameras are prevalent in Australia, with fines being issued automatically if you violate traffic rules, such as running a red light.
• 😀 Speeding fines in Australia can be issued by both fixed cameras and undercover police cars called 'speed vans'.
• 😀 Driving rules in Australia, such as stopping behind trams, are essential to know and follow, especially for those unfamiliar with trams in their home countries.
• 😀 In Australia, speed limits are clearly marked on road signs, which are not as common in Indonesia.
• 😀 Cultural differences exist between Indonesia and Australia regarding traffic behavior, such as following traffic signals and respecting pedestrian crossings.

Q & A

What is the main cultural difference between Indonesia and Australia regarding free Wi-Fi?

In Indonesia, it's common to ask for the Wi-Fi password at restaurants and cafes, which is not considered rude. However, in Australia, free Wi-Fi is not as common, and many places do not provide it.

How does pedestrian crossing culture differ between Indonesia and Australia?

In Australia, pedestrian crossings are strictly enforced, and drivers must stop for pedestrians. In contrast, in Indonesia, pedestrian crossings often have no effect, and drivers do not stop for pedestrians as regularly.

How is alcohol consumption perceived in Indonesia compared to Australia?

In Indonesia, alcohol is considered a luxury, often consumed in fancy settings, like clubs or special events. The price of alcohol is also much higher. In Australia, alcohol is a regular part of social culture and is more affordable, often consumed at any type of party or gathering.

What is RBT (Random Breath Test) in Australia, and why is it significant?

RBT is a system in Australia where police randomly check drivers for alcohol consumption using a breathalyzer. It is part of Australia’s strict approach to drinking and driving, and it is conducted at unpredictable times and locations to ensure road safety.

What are speed cameras and speed vans, and how do they work in Australia?

Speed cameras and speed vans are used by the Australian police to catch speeding drivers. Speed cameras automatically take photos of vehicles exceeding the speed limit, while speed vans operate undercover and use sensors to detect speeding cars, issuing fines to the registered vehicle owner.

Why did the speaker get fined in Australia, and what was the amount of the fine?

The speaker received a fine for running a red light in Australia, which resulted in a fine of 403 Australian dollars. They were still adapting to Australian traffic rules and made the mistake of accelerating when the light turned yellow.

What are tram driving rules in Australia, and how do they differ from other countries?

In Australia, when driving behind a tram, you must be patient and never overtake it while it is stopping to let passengers on or off. This rule ensures the safety of pedestrians and passengers. This rule might be unfamiliar to people from countries without trams.

How do speed limits differ between Indonesia and Australia?

In Indonesia, speed limit signs are rare, and traffic rules are not always enforced consistently. In Australia, speed limit signs are common, and strict enforcement through speed cameras and speed vans is in place to ensure driver compliance and road safety.

What impact does the cost of alcohol have on social gatherings in Indonesia?

The high cost of alcohol in Indonesia makes it less common to consume casually. It is often seen as a luxury item, reserved for special occasions or higher-status events. In Australia, alcohol is more affordable and commonly included in everyday social gatherings.

How does the availability of free Wi-Fi impact people's experiences in Australia versus Indonesia?

In Indonesia, people can easily access free Wi-Fi at many public places like cafes or restaurants. In Australia, while there are some free public Wi-Fi networks, they are not as widespread, and many establishments do not offer Wi-Fi, requiring people to use their data instead.