Units of Measurement, Dates, Tax & Tip

The metric system (Australia).
Distances are measured in meters and kilometers. Speeds are measured in kilometers/hour. Temperatures are measured in celsius or centigrade. Height and length are measured in centimeters. Weight is measured in grams and kilograms. Volumes are measured in milliliters and liters. Nutrition information is measured in kilojoules.

The English or customary system (U.S.).
Distances are measured in feet, yards, and miles. Speeds are measured in miles/hour. Temperatures are measured in Fahrenheit. Height and length are measured in feet and inches. Weight is measured in ounces and pounds. Volumes are measured in fluid ounces, cups, pints, quarts, and gallons. Nutrition information is measured in calories.

Dates in Australia.
The day of the month always comes first, followed by the month, then the year. The 26th of October, 1982 would be written 26 October 1982 or 26/10/1982. The latter would be read and spoken as 26th of the 10th, 1982.

Dates in the U.S.
The month always comes first, followed by the day of the month, then the year. The 26th of October, 1982 would be written as October 26, 1982 or 10/26/1982. The latter would be read and spoken as ten, twenty-six, 1982.

Tax and tip in Australia.
Tax is always included in advertised prices. If something is advertised as $20, whether it is food, clothing, or petrol (gasoline), $20 is how much will be charged. Tipping is not expected for pretty much anything. Waiters make around $20/hour. There are public holiday surcharges for eating at a restaurant on a public holiday, usually about 15%.

Tax and tip in the U.S.
Tax is rarely ever included in advertised prices. I think the reason for this is that merchants feel they are more likely to make a sale if the customer perceives a lower price. Sales tax varies from state to state with the lowest being 5.5 or 6%. Sales tax in Texas is 8.25% and in Northern California is around 11.5%. Tipping is expected by waiters, bartenders, bellhops, taxi drivers, hairdressers, and shuttle drivers if they handle your luggage. It is considered tacky to not tip. Tips for waiters are usually 15-20% and bartenders can expect about $1 per drink. Tips for other professions vary. I think waiters make less than $3/hour, but waiters and bartenders can make a lot of money in tips. Tipping is an incentive for the service person to give good service. The amount of tip is expected to correspond with how good the service is. There are no public holiday surcharges.