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Moving to another country can be really challenging because of language and cultural barriers. However, migrating to another place is a pretty common thing nowadays, especially when we have all the means to prepare for it: learn the language, learn more about the place, ask for recommendations or find people who can help us through our journey. The possibilities of finding out more about a certain country are endless. However, people cannot be prepared for everything, and that’s where the fun begins. Getting lost and experiencing culture shock is how people learn to adapt to a new place.

Living in another country means that you find something new every day and it is exciting to share your findings with others. Having this in mind, American TikTok user @kayywuerf started sharing videos of what differences she has experienced since she moved to Australia.

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Francis
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

i once asked (on BP?) why you put on a price without taxes and someone told me, so you can compare prices without the changing taxes in the differnt states.. but if a product costs 5$ with taxes and 6$ with taxes in a different state, i don't gaf that the taxes are different? it is just more expensive in state b? wth?

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Kaymie Wuerfel is a 23-year-old American who has moved to Australia. She moved to Sydney from Florida in 2020 after she got married to an Australian. On her TikTok, she shares funny and short videos where most of the time, she recreates everyday situations. For example, one of her video series is called “Things I Had To Learn Working At An Aussie School”. Since she’s a school teacher, Kaymie shared how she first struggled with understanding certain things kids say.

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Robert T
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Not just Australia. True of pretty much everywhere EXCEPT America.

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Jo Choto
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Yep, still pretty common, even in places where the weather is not great, like the UK, because the cost of running a tumble dryer is excessive.

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In her video series “Culture shocks: moving to Australia from America”, Kaymie shares her reactions to things that are considered normal in Australia and are handled differently in the United States. Besides learning some new meanings of words, she also had to adjust to the fact that refills are not free and grocery bags and sauce at a fast-food restaurant cost something, too.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

She is probably talking about soft drinks aka soda coz tap water refills are free in Australia.

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Jo Choto
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I still can't believe that I cannot make direct transfers to anyone's US bank account from my US bank account, but it's true.

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Been the same in the UK for many years now. Bring your own bags or pay for them, your choice.

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Through her journey of getting to know her new home, the woman shared some positive things she learned throughout time. Kaymie was pleasantly surprised to find out that in case a person needs medical help, their bills are covered by Medicare—a national health insurance program. In the United States, there is no one health care program as it consists of private and public health coverage. In one of her videos, she also revealed that she didn’t know Australians don’t leave tips for waiters as they get a proper salary.

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Jo Choto
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

They have cameras. They'll catch you. I wish I pay at the pump but here in UK, my local gas station requires me to fill up and then go in and pay. Never seen anybody do a runner.

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Caro Caro
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Health food section HA HA HA, doesn't have as much sugar as in the USA.

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Rachel
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Well condiments are free in America, usually, so I'm sure you'll understand the surprise.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You get sauces for free if they are included in the meal but if they aren't in the meal you specifically order then you have to pay for them.

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Zet
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

free sauce and refills...somewhere on the consumption line it's definitely NOT free for someone so pay up!

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Joe Finley
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I mean i still pay less than you for a fast/fast casual meal than you do. Plus free sauce, larger portions, and free refills

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Yara Balabanova
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

I feel like this might be better in the US, those tiny sauce packets you get at European fast food restaurants are just horrible and expensive for the amount you get

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Baali Venomax
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You dont have to pay for sauce in our fast food outlets, they just add it to your tray whether you ask for them or not.

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Leodavinci
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Seems complimentary anything in the U.S. costs you something elsewhere. And they call Americans mercenary.

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Joe Finley
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Such as? Ive only paid for sauce when i am doing takeout and need an extreme amount of sauce. Im talking like 20 sauces

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Cass Thomas
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Walmart! Walmart charges for each sauce! So do some fast food restaurants, here in USA, like Taco Bell for more sour cream.

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These TikTok videos became viral as people were very interested in the differences between Australia and the United States. It is also a great way to see things from a different perspective and learn something new in an entertaining way. Which one of these “shocks” is your favorite? Leave your thoughts in the comments down below!

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago (edited) DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

It's a no. The yeah is to say we heard what your saying and the nah is to disagree with what you said. I am terrible with this and say it all the time. But also for another reason, indecisiveness lol.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Many people don't realise that US Target has absolutely no affiliation with Australian Target in any way.

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Had to Google it! "It's Australia's Secret Umami Bomb. That's right. It's salt—made out of chicken."

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John Urbanski
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Just like in Pennsylvania. Only recently is beer available in some supermarkets. Not in 7 eleven, CVS or gas stations.

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Foxxy (The Original)
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

Business at the front, party in the back. I personally think mullets look bloody awful. But each to their own.

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Robert T
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2 years ago DotsCreated by potrace 1.15, written by Peter Selinger 2001-2017

You're likely to get your face rearranged if you try that anywhere other than Australia ;-)

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