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'''Kyrgyzstan''' (also '''Kirgizia''' or '''Kirghizia''') is a country in [[Central Asia]].
Opposite to the general impression hitch-hiking is very well possible in this beautiful place of earth. To realize this, the most important fact you have to keep in mind is, that it is absolutly common here to wave down cars and pay for the ride, basicly every car can work as a shared taxi, especially on the main roads like from Osh to Bishkek. So it is very important that you always (!) say in advance that you have no money to pay for the ride. It will be very helpful if you learn simple sentences like this in Russian language, otherwise the language barrier will be a problem. Even when a truck stops or the driver seems to be very helpful, always mention the money issue to avoide unpleasent surprises in the end of the ride. Despite the fact that it is expected to pay, a lot of people will be willing to take you for free if you can explain them your story. Especially older people are more interested in helping young people on the road and are proud that foreigners only have good words about the beauty of Kyrgyztan.
Waiting time for a lift is very short, in some more remote regions nearly everyone will stop.
As soon as somebody agrees to take you for free, you can be sure it is really like this. The concept of hitching rides for free is just unknown and strange for the people, be prepared to be asked a lot of questions like how you can survive without money, where will you sleep, where are your children.
In comparism to overcrowded transport with often very pushing and inpolite drivers, hitch-hiking is recommended here and can work great!
[[File:Locals h-hiking in Kyrgyzstan.jpg|200px|thumb|left|This old woman stopped that car]]
