11 things you should never do in Australia

Shutterstock/ian woolcock

In a country where almost anything goes, there are still some things you shouldn't do.

Take it from me — I made each of these mistakes at least once when I moved to Sydney.

Here's what not to do if you'd like to avoid overspending, missing out on the best activities, and getting severely sunburned.

Don't make definite plans.

While it's a good idea to make a rough outline of what you want to do while in Australia, a lot of events and even restaurants and stores tend to just "pop-up."

It's all part of the laid-back lifestyle. Websites like The Urban List and Broadsheet are great resources to check for all of the major cities' temporary and current happenings.

Some of the best experiences in Australia are cultural—whether it's a festival, market, pop-up restaurant, movie screening on the beach, or a surprise concert, you'll be happy you left room in your itinerary for spontaneity.

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Don’t let the $ sign fool you.

Australia's currency is also shown in dollars, but don't be fooled—it's definitely not the same as the U.S. dollar. Right now, Americans are at a great advantage due to the exchange rate ($1 USD equals $1.4 AUD as I write this).

Still, items like liquor, tickets for attractions, food, and accommodations are highly inflated, and will cost you more than in the U.S., even with the favorable exchange rate.

Don't swim outside the flags.

Australia tends not to post many warning signs, but it does make a big deal about the red and yellow flags at beaches. Due to strong riptides, beachgoers—particularly tourists, who are not used to strong currents—are asked to swim in-between the flags for their safety.

Some beaches, like Sydney's Tamarama, are often closed for swimming.

Check with local lifeguards&they will be wearing yellow and red clothing, including a bucket hat or bathing cap — before getting in the water, especially if you're not a strong swimmer.

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