A French tourist has sparked a wave of recognition from Australians after sharing a detailed list of the cultural differences that most surprised her during her travels down under. Her observations, posted on Reddit, perfectly captured the nuances of everyday Australian life, from social interactions to dining habits.
Chatty Strangers and a Sense of Safety
The visitor from France immediately noted the openness of Australians, contrasting it with the more reserved public behaviour she was accustomed to back home. She highlighted the common practice of strangers smiling at each other and striking up spontaneous conversations, something she said was far less frequent in France, where avoiding eye contact is more typical.
This resonated deeply with locals, who confirmed the national habit of chatting to complete strangers, whether commenting on the weather, a long queue, or a shared inconvenience. "If we're in a long line we'll just turn to the person next to us and say, 'Bit of a line, ay?'" one Australian agreed online.
Another significant difference was her feeling of personal security. The tourist explained she did not constantly check her bag or surroundings in Australia, a vigilance she described as second nature in parts of France, particularly Paris. Australians who had travelled overseas concurred, with one recounting a story where a Parisian waitress warned them not to leave their phone on an outdoor café table.
The Great Dinner Time Divide and 'Relaxed' Timekeeping
Perhaps the most insurmountable cultural gap, according to the tourist, was the timing of the evening meal. She revealed that Australians tend to eat dinner around 6 or 7pm, a stark contrast to the common French dinner time of 9pm, sometimes even 10pm.
Australians were unapologetic in their responses. "10pm? We'd be less kind if we waited until then for dinner," one person replied. Others explained that early dinners are integral to a lifestyle that often begins at dawn with beach trips, gym sessions, or early morning coffee.
The tourist also observed a more relaxed attitude toward punctuality in Australia, noting that "being a little late doesn't carry the same stress as in France." This point prompted some playful teasing from Aussies, who joked that the French reputation for lateness was well-earned.
Casual Fashion, Natural Beauty, and Patient Locals
The French visitor was equally struck by Australia's casual approach to fashion. She noted that very short shorts and low-cut tops were widely accepted for women, and she expressed surprise at seeing activewear worn everywhere, including supermarkets and restaurants. She later understood this as part of the country's relaxed lifestyle.
Australia's natural environment left a lasting positive impression, with beaches described as 'clean, wide and peaceful'. However, she did note the comparative lack of visible history and art relative to Europe's ancient streets.
One of her most positive surprises was the patience Australians showed towards her accent. She found people spoke more slowly, tried to help, and ensured she understood, a contrast to her experience in France where she said people can be very protective of correct pronunciation.
At the end of her post, she asked if her impressions were accurate or merely a tourist's view. Locals overwhelmingly reassured her. "As an Australian who's been to France," one wrote, "the majority of this is spot on." They affirmed that early dinners, casual clothes, and a chatty, open nature are all part of a sun-soaked lifestyle built around outdoor living and a relaxed daily rhythm.
