Here’s to enjoying Australia Day without the (Financial) Hangover!

Australian thongs stuck in the sand at the beach.

With our National Day just around the corner, millions of Aussies are preparing to party both here and overseas with the key calendar date set to be celebrated with formal and informal events across the world.

In the States, Australia Day is celebrated over two weeks, starting with the annual G’Day USA Australia Day festivities across cities. The UK also joins the bandwagon, with London being one of the biggest expat hubs in the world, while Whistler in Canada is often referred to as “Whistralia” thanks to its large population of Aussie workers.

Indeed, there’s no shortage of hot-spots to party this January 26th! However, the potential dollar cost of our ‘celebrations,’ both here and abroad, can be far more than a few dodgy Facebook photos.

Claudia Saita, Deputy CEO and Executive Director in Australia for Tokio Marine, underwriters for winning World2Cover travel insurance, said that while Australia day is celebrated widely, “it’s important to remember that ‘shoey’ shots and other Aussie antics abroad that may be tolerable at home can land you in major trouble and out of pocket.”

“Breaking the law of the country you’re in can invalidate your insurance, leaving a potentially serious shortfall should anything go wrong. A night in intensive care in Canada can cost upwards of $5000, and the popular destination of Bali costing over $800 a night.

Whether your travelling overseas or interstate this year, our national day can feel far more important to nomadic Aussies than it would at home. Even if your simply marking the day with a barbeque while listening to Triple J’s Hottest 100, here’s a few tips on the best ways to stay out of trouble:

1.Barbeques – A traditional Aussie barbecue is a rite of passage for most! But, if your in India, you might want to throw shrimp on the barbie rather than a burger… In Northern India, cow slaughter is illegal in all states, and can even carry a prison sentence of 10 years in Jammu and Kashmir, or five years in prison and a fine of $197 in Mumbai – even if your in your own home or staying in a five-star hotel!

2.Fireworks – In Finland and Norway, fireworks are only allowed to be set off on New Years Eve, and in the US the laws governing consumer fireworks vary widely from state to state. Ireland and Chile have the toughest laws of all, with all type 2 fireworks – aka “garden fireworks” – only to be seen in professional shows. Watch out! In Ireland alone, you can be fined up to $14, 200 if you are convicted of having illegal fireworks in your possession.

Austalian flag in Sydney Bondi Beach

3.Wearing the Australian Flag – If travelling interstate, it’s worth noting that wearing the Australian flag is not “against the law,” however event organisers are within their rights to ban you from a venue if you refuse to follow their house rules. In 2015, both NSW and QLD provided crowd control during public celebrations, asking anyone wearing an Aussie flag as a cape to remove it citing “Tasers, pepper spray, handcuffs, whatever it takes” to remove the offending accessory…

4.Offending the locals – It’s no secret that lawyers can be expensive, with costs of up to $600 per court appearance in Kuala Lumpur. The infamous Budgie Smuggler nine in Malaysia are a prime example of how being a general nuisance can land you in seriously hot water…

Budgy Smuggler fans have become regulars at select sporting events...

Budgy Smuggler fans have become regulars at sporting events…

5.Hit the beach – Visiting the beach is a true blue Aussie tradition, but be warned, breaking beach time rules can be bad for your wallet. For example, in Italy it is now illegal to save your spot on the sand, with the coastguards confiscating any beach chairs and loungers left overnight, and issuing fines of $284 in some parts of the country.

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Email the Travel Weekly team at traveldesk@travelweekly.com.au

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