Suits are a must when conducting business in well-dressed Melbourne and all appointments must be arranged in advance. Like much of Melbourne life, business is conducted over coffee. Breakfast meetings or drinks at a stylish bar are also favoured, although long business lunches are generally a thing of the past. Australian businesspeople are, on the whole, very approachable, quite informal and quick to use first names. Business cards are used.

Normal business hours are Monday to Friday 0900-1730, although many executives work longer hours; government offices may close at 1700. If invited to someone's home, a bottle of wine as a gift is the norm, or flowers and/or chocolates if your host doesn't drink alcohol.