As Australians, we’re accustomed to a variety of services and conveniences that we often take for granted. But what happens when someone from overseas stumbles upon these everyday perks? Well, it can lead to quite the revelation, as a couple of American expats recently discovered.
Jesse and Cami, two adventurous souls from the United States, were exploring the vast landscapes of Australia in their converted Toyota Troopy when they pulled into a 7-Eleven petrol station. What they found there left them utterly gobsmacked—a service so common and yet so generously free that it stopped them in their tracks: complimentary air for their tyres and water.
In a video that has since gone viral on social media, Cami can be heard expressing her amazement. ‘So here in Australia, they have free air for your tyres and free water,’ she marvels, highlighting a stark contrast to their homeland where inflating tyres can cost $2.50.
This revelation sparked a flurry of debate on social media, with many Australians expressing disbelief at the notion of paying for something as ubiquitous as air. ‘Charging anything for air is crazy,’ commented one user, while another humorously cautioned, ‘Don’t give Australia ideas!’
On the flip side, some pointed out that in the US, the fee isn’t so much for the air itself but for the use of the air compressor, hose, tyre attachment, and the maintenance of the infrastructure that makes it all possible. It’s a reminder that what’s free at the point of use isn’t always without cost somewhere down the line.
Interestingly, international users chimed in to note that Australia isn’t unique in this regard. ‘Same in New Zealand, free air and free water at every service station,’ one user shared, highlighting that some services are culturally expected to be free in certain parts of the world.
While some US petrol stations do offer free air, the practice is far from universal, and for many Australians, the idea of having to pay to top up their tyres is as foreign as Vegemite is to an American palate.
But the cultural discoveries didn’t stop at the petrol pump. American expat Tara, who has been living in Australia for over four years, shared her amusing linguistic mix-up. She had been charmed by what she thought was Australian women calling each other ‘doll’, only to learn that the term of endearment was actually ‘darl’, short for ‘darling’.
Her social media confession resonated with many, as Australians explained that both ‘doll’ and ‘darl’ are used interchangeably, with nuances often influenced by regional accents or the age of the speaker. Tara’s revelation sparked a conversation about the subtleties of Australian slang and the challenges of adapting to them as a foreigner.
The discussion also touched on the nuances of using terms like ‘darl’, which can be endearing or patronising depending on the context and tone. It’s a reminder that language is not just about words, but also about the cultural and social cues that accompany them.
Have you ever encountered a service in Australia that surprised you with its generosity? Or perhaps you’ve had your own funny experience with Australian slang? Share your stories in the comments below—we can’t wait to hear from you!
Also read: How far can $48 take you in Australia’s healthcare system: An American’s story
It’s the norm to pay in the UK as well.
I hate being called darl, it’s patronising, especially when I don’t know them.
I was impressed by the apprentice hairdresser saying “my pleasure”, when I said thankyou for washing my hair.