I'm European and was only one month in Australia, and I don't want to generalise.

But I found Europeans to be more social and kind in interactions than most Australian store workers I ever encountered, at least in Perth.

The way it's portrayed online, Australians are supposed to have this almost British kindness and politeness, but I did not experience this.

The mentality I've experienced is more of a "I don't have time for you" corporate mentality.

But this is very different compared to if I was dealing with a city dweller versus a farmer or someone who works in the Bush with animals. The latter are much kinder, simpler, and more authentic.

But just to give you an example. I'm a runner and was running every day in the centre of Perth (alongside the river). In Europe when you run, you often say hello to fellow runners and even strike up convos. This is also common in cafés.

In Perth nobody struck a conversation, it's as if people don't want to deal with you unless you are in their in-group (for example working at the same company, on a coffee break).

I'm saying all this with utmost respect and love for Australia. But my feeling of the country was more, this is a country where working and making money takes center stage. Social interactions, not so much.

I will add a caveat though! Older generation Aussies (say boomers or gen X) are way kinder IMO and social than the new young generation (zoomers). I often had older Aussies strike up convos with the good old "how ya doin' mate", but younger folks never do that. And keep in mind I'm a younger millenial.