https://hitchwiki.org/en/api.php?action=feedcontributions&user=Alistril&feedformat=atomHitchwiki - User contributions [en]2024-03-28T15:33:46ZUser contributionsMediaWiki 1.32.3https://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Russia&diff=78122Russia2014-11-29T08:43:30Z<p>Alistril: </p>
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<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of Russia<br />
|language = Russian<br />
|capital = [[Moscow]]<br />
|pop = 145,274,019 <br />
|currency = Ruble (RUB)<br />
|hitch = <rating country='ru' /><br />
|BW = RU<br />
}}<br />
'''Russia''' is the largest country on Earth, and is a fantastic country for hitch hiking. It is well ingrained within the country's culture, and it is a much more comfortable way to see the country, compared to taking the train. Despite the popularity of hitch hiking compared to other countries, people will still be surprised by what you are doing.<br />
<br />
It is possible to cover vast distances per day when hitching, greater than 1000 km if you are lucky, but generally only when using major M roads in Western Russia or Siberia through Trans-siberian railway mainline.<br />
<br />
== Roads ==<br />
Do not expect all M roads to be dual carriageways – sometimes even a major road is a narrow, unpaved muddy patch. Generally speaking, the further East you go, the worse the road condition gets. But even on main connections in less remote areas, for example from Moscow to Kazan, the road is not always in good shape in connection with the huge traffic, travelling will take much more time than in Western Europe. There are real motorways, though, marked with a green sign of an autobahn same as in Europe. Standards are improving too; there is an ongoing policy of funding the rebuilding many roads in Russia, which will bring standards to a much higher level.<br />
<br />
In spite of the country's size, there are very few roads, there is little ambiguity in where you could be going, when hitching from a given location. In areas about 50 km from cities you may just stay on the road and you will get rides with high success which other cities the roads go to.<br />
<br />
=== Maps ===<br />
In mostly all bigger book stores in Russia one can find the [http://www.allmaps.ru/avto_km_stolb/russia/ Автоатлас России] (''Auto Atlas Russia'') which is perfect for hitchhiking Russia. Including gas stations, DPS stations, even traffic lights along main roads. The atlas also includes city maps and maps of Ukraine, Belarus, Moldova and the Baltic states as well. Price is 377 RUB (July 2009).<br />
<br />
Also, there are maps almost completely presenting full infrastructure of some cities including public transportation system at [http://www.2gis.ru/ 2gis.ru]. November, 1st 2009 there were 22 cities: Астрахань, Барнаул, Бийск, Екатеринбург, Иркутск, Казань, Кемерово ,Красноярск ,Курган, Нижневартовск, Нижний Новгород, Новокузнецк, Новосибирск, Одесса, Омск, Пермь, Самара, Тольятти, Томск, Тюмень, Уфа, Челябинск. U can use on-line version or download installer and use maps off-line. Also there is opportunity to use 2gis on Windows Mobile platform and even on usual cellphone with Java MIDP-2 engine (needs internet access).<br />
<br />
== Hitching ==<br />
Also, there is a possibility to get a lift by talking to drivers on gas stations. You will not be misunderstood but since there are almost no highways and you can point your thumb anywhere, wasting time on a gas station waiting for cars is not preferred unless there is heavy raining, or the spot is bad etc. If there are two of you one can hitch on the road and the other one ask people on nearby gas station; that really might bring you a lift faster. But the “default” method of hitchhiking in Russia is still thumbing on the roadside ;)<br />
<br />
Do not write places names on cardboards – nobody in this country cares to read them. Or, if you still want to use the paper, write a region number instead of the name (see below for a list of reg numbers). Because you can get dropped off and immediately hitch onwards on nearly all roads in Russia, using a sign is never necessary and in fact the community recommends against it. Again, in spite of the country's size, there are very few roads, there is little ambiguity in where you could be going, when hitching from a given location.<br />
<br />
You must take a raincoat (it sometimes rains in summer and very often in autumn), good shoes, a warm jumper for summer (the winter starts in October), some cash (and not credit cards or cheques), perhaps a tent with a sleeping bag.<br />
<br />
=== Trains, Boats, etc ===<br />
taken from a post on squattheplanet forum:<br />
<br />
"In Siberia, it is apparently common and easy (and ALLOWED) to hitch-hiking on cargo ships and freight trains, in the unit. Trains are not manifested ahead of time, but instead are done on a day-to-day basis (CHAOS?!). This means that you show up at the 'yard' (really only a load/unload with a siding or two), and ask the workers or security for the engineer/brakeman lounge. Sometmes the security will hassle you, but if you simply explain that you are a traveler, it's totally allowed! So, ask around, find a train going your way, find out when it leaves, and ask if you can hop on. You ride in the unit, which while heated (Siberia is fucking cold), has no toilet, so don't drink too much, and take a pregame dump. Ride to where you're going, simple as that! Also, every yard has a cafe for the workers, and food is apparently wicked cheap.<br />
Boat-hitching is apparently similar. Ask around, get permission, get on, and go! The only significant problem would be the language barrier, but people are absolutely THRILLED to meet travelers, especially ones from foreign lands (remember, Russia is HUGE).<br />
Additionally, it's possible to stay for a night at monasteries all over Russia. If you want to stay longer, they will usually ask you to help out with chores. I REALLY want to try this!"<br />
<br />
== Language ==<br />
Hitchhiking in Russian is called ''автостоп'' (avtostop). It literally means “car stopping”, and is basically the only word understood as hitching (i.e. travelling by getting lifts for free). A more colloquial word for it is "попутка" (poputka). When people ask you anywhere in Russia: "куда ты едешь?" (where are you going to?) you should answer: "я еду автостопом" (ya yedu avtostopom), then they will ask you another question and this time you say the name of the city. It might be better and more polite to ask "Вы могли бы подкинуть меня в направлении ..." (Vy mogli by podkinut menya v napravlenii ...), which means "Could you give me a lift in the direction of ...".<br />
<br />
Level of speaking English is rather low especially among people older than 40 and even not all young people speak it with a sufficient level. You might ought to learn Cyrillic script for your own convenience. It is quite simple for a person familiar with English or Greek alphabet and is learnable in 2-3 days. People, their friendliness and mentality differ much from part of Russia they are from (there are many national republics and indigenous nations), and also from the type of town (for example, notorious "monogorod" - monotowns) and by their social status.<br />
<br />
== Safety ==<br />
[[File:2001 Hitch-hiking in Russia.jpg|thumb|280px|left|[[User:Sigurdas|Sigurdas]] hitch-hiking towards [[Murmansk]] from [[St. Petersburg]]. Winter 2001.]]<br />
In spite of popular belief about the dangers of Russia, and perceived problems with the police, as a hitch hiker you will more than likely have no problems in the country. Police will usually not bother you at all, especially when they know you are a foreigner (except at the border - that is another matter). You should also avoid drunk people and people who look aпgressive or look like "[[:wiki:ru:гопник|gopniks]]". and as long as you take the usual precautions, you will not find yourself in danger from any person - the cold however, in winter time, is a much bigger issue. Being offered copious amounts of alcohol can also be a problem!<br />
<br />
Some consider Russian roads are not among the safest on Earth; this might or might not be true. The concentrartion of dashing driving is higher than in Europe. Many drivers and their passengers do not fasten their belts outside cities, but you always may do it for yourself.<br />
<br />
Its common knowledge Russians like to drink vodka, but you will unlikely meet a drunken driver unless you go deep into some village area; driving drunk is heavily penalized in Russia so majority of people don't want to run the risk if there is at least a single police checkpoint on the road (on all the major roads, there are many). But, just in case you encounter a car with a drunken driver inside – wave him away and wait for a sober one.<br />
<br />
[[File:IMG 9652.JPG|thumb|200px|right|[[User:Lucysd|Lucysd]] 200 km from [[Mongolia]]]]<br />
If the area feels unsafe you might want to hitchhike from police post to police post. The police posts situated on all highways with intervals of about 100 km. These posts, commonly called "ДПС" (Post DPS), are good places to hitchhike since cars will drive by slowly, and police is always close. You can also ask the police officers to help you get a ride which really might work. Be prepared to be asked for your ID or even run a cell-phone check (verification that your cell is not in the stolen cells database), though.<br />
<br />
The southern provinces of Russian Caucasus like [[Dagestan]], [[Chechnya]] (worldwide most victims), [[Ingushetia]], [[North Ossetia]] and [[Kabardino-Balkaria]] have problems with terrorists and land-mines and it could be very dangerous for travelling there for both foreigner and for Russian from Central Russia. These areas better be avoided.<br />
<br />
Small towns might have a small chance of being a little dangerous if the person differs much from locals, especially in the night. Villages and big town are completely safe.<br />
<br />
=== Girls and solo-hitching ===<br />
<br />
Many Russian girls do hitch alone, and still scary stories seldom hit the news lines. It does not at all mean that the country is free of perverts, and almost all of the solo-travelers (not necessarily girls) will tell you accounts of some sexual harassment they have encountered while hitching. 99% of such encounters end OK with nothing more serious then words but if you do not want to be asked for sex – or to hold a camera while somebody is masturbating – consider finding a travel buddy.<br />
Somehow, Russians are still very amused by foreigners, and many report that solo traveling even extremely long distances, like Central and Eastern Russia, for a foreign girl who speaks some Russian is absolutely safe since she is treated like someone ‘from the outside’ by virtually everyone. Keep in mind that being a foreigner you are somewhat protected from some issues that Russian hitchhikers face on the roads.<br />
<br />
== Border Crossings, Police, Visas and formalities ==<br />
The general consensus is that, providing your passport and visa are in order, you will have no problem entering Russia. Even hitching in at remote border crossings in the middle of the night is fine. However you are very likely to be held when leaving the country by a land crossing, particularly if hitching out. You will most likely be required to describe your trip in great detail, and explain other passport stamps. Do not worry if this happens, just answer their questions and you will be allowed to go. (eventually)<br />
<br />
Whilst hitching in Russia, the police will occasionally stop the vehicle you are travelling in to check the driver's documents. There is a small possibility that your driver will be asked about you, the passenger. This is likely to be the only time your ID is likely to be checked when hitching in Russia, other than at the borders. The police will not ask for too much information usually; they will look at your passport, visa and immigration card, and they may take notes of your name and address. They will most likely not check your visa registration. <br />
<br />
You do have to have your passport with the visa and other papers you get while crossing the border handy. A good idea is to put them in some transparent waterproof bag – the immigration card is absolutely soviet style, and will not survive even the light raining. <br />
<br />
As a visitor to Russia, it is important to understand the registration rules. Officially, you must register your visa in Russia within 3 working days of arriving in the country, and also subsequently register again in any town or city you remain in for 3 days or longer though in 2011, the rules apparently changed: Now you only have to register if you stay somewhere for upwards from seven business days, i.e. nine "real" days. The registration upon arrival also isn't necessary any more. Furthermore, the new law clearly stipulates that it's your ''host's'' responsibility to register you (i.e. hotel, hostel, or potentially private host). To be sure, check with people who know what they're talking about [http://www.lonelyplanet.com/thorntree/forum.jspa?forumID=15&keywordid=142 such as the thorn tree forum].<br />
<br />
Hotels are legally required to register foreign guests within 24 hours. Hostels are, too, but in practice often don't or only do for a fee. If you are being hosted by a private citizen then you can register at the post office. This process is complicated and time consuming unfortunately, but registration provides peace of mind that you will have no problems if the police or border police try to find any.<br />
<br />
If you do not plan to stay for a long time just have some strong evidence that you have just arrived. Buy a vegan hamburger if you can find one and keep the receipt before leaving some nice town or city you pass by (make sure there is the place‘s name on it). The train or bus tickets are the best means to persuade cops you are not hanging around St. Petersburg for half a year already, so you might take a short ride on a local train from time to time to have a set of tickets marking your way. Alternatively, you might also get your visa registered the once for peace of mind.<br />
<br />
The border police do not often check visa registration, particularly at non European borders, as it is too much hassle. Some regular tourists in Russia comment that the cost and time consumption of registering a visa is too great, and prefer to hope that they are not checked when leaving. However if you are caught with an unregistered visa, expect at least a 2000 Ruble fine (as of before 2011 -- we are not aware of how the situation is now).<br />
<br />
If you are travelling anywhere North of St. Petersburg, particularly around Murmansk and towards Norway, it is highly recommended that you register your visa. In early 2011, user haggismn had registration and other documents checked three times at the various military check points. (not including the Norwegian border itself)<br />
<br />
=== Border Crossing ===<br />
<br />
Citizens of most countries need a visa, the notable exceptions are most former Soviet states (apart from the Baltic states) and Israel. Most visa types require an invitation.<br />
<br />
==== [[Azerbaijan]] ====<br />
The border seems to be open only for holders of CIS passports.<br />
<br />
Official sources (f.e. the German ministry of foreign affairs) say that this status changed and now it is possible also for Non CIS passport holder.<br />
<br />
Please check the discussion about this. Before there is an confirmation by a traveller that crossed that border, the status will not be updated only to "open" instead of "disputed".<br />
<br />
==== [[Belarus]] ====<br />
<br />
The border between Russia and Belarus is open. You will feel almost like in other parts of Europe, no border controls with an everlasting que at all. This is of course a nice time-saving fact, but it also means that you will recieve no entrance stamp to Russia.<br />
After the German embassy was creative enough to recommend to go to an airport and ask random police for an entrance stamp, the ministry of foreign affairs in Moscow confirmed that this is no problem for an overland traveller on another border and at the crossing to Kazakhstan nobody asked about the missing stamp.<br />
<br />
==== [[People's_Republic_of_China|China]] ====<br />
The crossing at Zabaykal'sk/Manzhouli requires that you are on board a vehicle. It is possible to get on board a Chinese tour bus for around 300 roubles. It is also ok to stand before the entrance to the border area and wait for a ride. As long as its not too cold, you shouldn't have any problem getting a ride. If you are not Chinese, Mongolian or Russian, prepare to be interrogated by the Russian border police about your journey. Coming from China is a similar process, however you will probably not be interrogated.<br />
<br />
==== [[Estonia]] ====<br />
It is possible to cross the border by foot.<br />
<br />
==== [[Finland]] ====<br />
* [[Torfyanovka-Valimaa border crossing]]<br />
* [[Brusnichnoe-Nuijamaa border crossing]]<br />
<br />
==== [[Georgia]] ====<br />
The [[Verkhny Lars-Darial Gorge border crossing|Verkhny Lars - Darial Gorge crossing]] was reopened on March 1st, 2010 and since July 2011 is open for international travellers as well. Getting into [[Georgia]] via [[Abkhazia]] is not possible. For more specific information, check the [[Abkhazia]] article.<br />
<br />
=== [[Kazakhstan]] ===<br />
<br />
<br />
==== [[Latvia]] ====<br />
It's no problem to walk over the checkpoints between Latvia and Russia.<br />
* [[Terehova-Zasitino border crossing]], towards [[Riga]] <br />
<br />
==== [[Lithuania]] ====<br />
<br />
No border from Lithuania to the main land of Russia (so you have to go via Latvia), but there are several border crossings between Lithuania and Russia's [[Kaliningrad Oblast]]<br />
<br />
* [[Chernyshevskoye-Kybartai border crossing]]<br />
<br />
==== [[Mongolia]] ====<br />
<br />
==== [[North_Korea|North Korea]] ====<br />
As there is currently no chance for independent travelling/hitch hiking in North Korea, there is also no possibility to cross the border by hitch hiking.<br />
<br />
==== [[Norway]] ====<br />
The high amount of security between Murmansk and the border with Norway is a relic of Soviet rule, when people could escape into Norway without fear of being deported, unlike Finland. You will find that it isn't possible to walk to the border. From about 5 km out you will need to be in a vehicle. However, hitching is no problem, provided your documents and registration are in order (they will be checked). The army may also assist you in getting a ride at the military check points. If you are leaving Russia, prepare to be interrogated at the Russian side of the border about your journey.<br />
<br />
==== [[Poland]] ====<br />
<br />
* [[Bagrationovsk-Bezledy border crossing]] with Russia's [[Kaliningrad Oblast]]<br />
<br />
==== [[Ukraine]] ====<br />
The country is Russia's eternal 'native brother' and, despite all the political mess that constantly happens between the two states, [[Ukraine]] is one of the countries that is very easy to enter from Russia (Russians do not even need a foreign passport to enter it, as well as for [[Belarus]]). Make sure that the border crossing is working before attempting to use it. The big gate on the M2/E95 road ([[Moscow]] to [[Kharkiv]]) can be crossed on foot, which is very convenient because you do not have to wait in the line of the cars and you wont make your driver wait for you in case you have any delays with your passport. You will have to leave the car before all the checkpoints begin, though, or you will be considered a car passenger by the border police.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
* [[Moscow]]<br />
* [[St. Petersburg]]<br />
<br />
* [[Cheboksary]]<br />
* [[Samara]]<br />
* [[Irkutsk]]<br />
* [[Murmansk]]<br />
* [[Novosibirsk]]<br />
* [[Omsk]]<br />
* [[Petrozavodsk]]<br />
* [[Rostov-on-Don]]<br />
* [[Sochi]]<br />
* [[Ufa]]<br />
* [[Ulan-Ude]]<br />
* [[Voronezh]]<br />
* [[Yekaterinburg]]<br />
<br />
Count about 5 days from [[Moscow]] to [[Novosibirsk]], and about 18 days from Moscow to [[Vladivostok]].<br />
<br />
=== Number plates ===<br />
Russian number plates contain a region code, that indicates the origin of the car and possibly the drivers destination.<br />
You can write it on a cardboard instead of a place name and use while thumbing. See [[Russian plate numbers]] for a list.<br />
<br />
== Sleeping ==<br />
As for 2014, a traveller may find at least 2 or 3 hostels in any city with population higher than 400k population. The average price is about 500 rubles (in some towns it may go as low as 300 RUR). Quality and amount of hostels in Moscow and St. Perersburg are renown for bad quality and high prices. Hostel network is gradually spreading over the country. To find both accommodation and company, you can also use [http://hospitalityclub.org Hospitality Club], [http://couchsurfing.org CouchSurfing] and Russian+Ukranian+Belorussian Livejournal community [http://vpiska.livejournal.com Vpiska]. The official language of the latter is Russian but you can use English as well (ask other members to translate your post to Russian in the end of your message if you like). Just post the name of the locations you are planning to stay in, or your route, the dates of your possible arrival, the number of your party, some information about you and your mobile number.<br />
<br />
If travelling long distances through the country, it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag and tent. If sleeping by the side of the road, try to find a place obscured by trees, and avoid places with stray dogs. Sleeping by the road is usually very safe, provided you are not visible. Security guards and police will usually not bother you even if they see you, since nature-tourism is still quite popular in Russia.<br />
<br />
Long-distance truck drivers are often very hospitable, and many will allow you to sleep in the second bunk of their cab.<br />
<br />
There are many transit drivers taking cars across the country to and from Vladivostok. You may find yourself with one of these drivers for a number of days. There have been isolated incidents where people sleeping in these transit cars have been attacked and had their car stolen, and so the drivers may want you to stay with them for their own safety.<br />
<br />
== External links ==<br />
* [http://010-vladok.reitsma.ru/ Story about hitchhiking from Rotterdam to Vladivostok] {{en}}<br />
* [http://no-planes.de/?p=76/ Story about hitchhiking from Hamburg to Lake Baikal] {{en}}<br />
* [http://hike.ru/ Russian hitchhiking website] {{ru}}<br />
* [http://www.bpclub.ru/index.php Russian backpacker & hitchhiker's forum] {{ru}}<br />
* [http://avp.travel.ru/ Academy of Free Travel, Moscow based hitchhiking club] {{ru}}<br />
* [http://vpiska.livejournal.com Livejournal 'Vpiska' community], mostly {{ru}} but {{en}} speakers are also welcome<br />
* [http://ru_autostop.livejournal.com Russian] hitchhiking communities. {{ru}}, but you can ask questions and get replies in {{en}}<br />
* [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/search/label/russia Hitchhiking in the Russian far east] {{en}}<br />
{{IsIn|Asia}}<br />
{{IsIn|Eastern Europe}}<br />
{{Subdivisions of Russia}}<br />
{{Europe/countries}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
[[trash:Russia]]<br />
<br />
[[Category:Russia| ]]<br />
[[Category:Eastern Europe]]<br />
[[Category:Asia]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Russland]]<br />
[[es:Rusia]]<br />
[[fi:Venäjä]]<br />
[[fr:Russie]]<br />
[[ru:Россия]]<br />
[[tr:Rusya]]</div>Alistrilhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=South_Korea&diff=74247South Korea2014-02-22T01:55:31Z<p>Alistril: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = South Korea<br />
|map = <map lat='35.85' lng='127.5' zoom='6' view='0' height='320px' country='South Korea' /><br />
|language = [[Korean]]<br />
|capital = [[Seoul]]<br />
|pop = 50,062,000 (2009 est.)<br />
|currency = International symbol ₩, pronounced Won (KRW)<br />
|hitch = <rating country='kr' /><br />
|avp = southkorea<br />
}}<br />
'''South Korea''' is a country in East [[Asia]].<br />
It has a land border with [[North Korea]], but travel there is restricted. There are ferry services from Busan to [[Japan]], from [[Seoul]] to [[China]], and from [[Donghae]] and [[Sokcho]] to [[Russia]].<br />
<br />
Koreans are generally friendly, honest, and generous people who often drive big cars which are usually empty. Hitchhiking is easy here for foreigners, extremely easy if you are reasonably well dressed and clean shaven, but this is not essential. According to some hitchhikers, waiting times are minimal and there is less need to worry about position. <br />
<br />
[[File:SouthkoreamotorwayservicesHW3.jpg|200px|thumb|left|Map of South Korea showing motorway service stations]]<br />
The motorway service stations (휴게소, ''hyu-ge-so'') are easy to get lifts from, they often have tourist information centres with free roadmaps, free internet access and excellent cheap food. Tollgates are also good places to hitch. Technically a hitchhiker shouldn't stand on the motorway side of a tollgate, but cars often pull up here anyway, and the tollgate staff rarely object to you standing on the motorway side of the tollgate. Sometimes tollgate staff may even help you by asking drivers their destination, and asking them to give you lifts if they are going your way!<br />
<br />
Write hitchiking signs in ''Hangul'' ([http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hangeul Korean alphabet]); place names on road signs are generally in Hangul and English, so you can copy the ''Hangul'' from road signs. A map in Hangul is useful, and one in English if you can't read Korean.<br />
<br />
Korean drivers may try to take you to bus or train stations (they mean well). Also many of them are completely incapable of reading paper maps, relying instead on satellite navigation.<br />
<br />
South Korea is also the first country the couples from the [[Dutch]]/[[Belgium|Belgian]] tv-show [[Peking Express]] 2012 start hitchhiking in. <br />
<br />
== Language ==<br />
Few Koreans speak a lot of English. Many may understand some very basic words.<br />
<br />
The Korean language is heavily steeped in formality and politeness. When speaking Korean, it is generally best to end every sentence with -yo. This is the 'polite' level of speaking. If you don't, you may be forgiven as an unknowing foreigner, but a little politeness goes a long way! Most Koreans are thrilled that a foreigner has taken a little time to learn some of their language.<br />
<br />
=== Some important phrases ===<br />
<br />
{|<br />
|-<br />
| Hello || An-nyong haseyo = Be healthy/peaceful<br />
|-<br />
| Good bye! || An-nyong-hi ka-seyo! = Go in health/peace<br />
| --(used if the person you are addressing is leaving) <br />
|-<br />
| Good bye! || An-nyong-hi gyeh-seyo! = Stay in health/peace<br />
| --(if the person you are addressing is staying somewhere)<br />
|-<br />
| Thank you || Kamsa hamnida/Gomap sumnida<br />
| -- note: this uses the formal -mnida ending, so don't add -yo.<br />
|-<br />
| Where are you going? || Odi ga-yo? (lit. where go?)<br />
|-)<br />
| Yes || Ne<br />
|-<br />
| No || Ani-o<br />
|-<br />
| here || Yogi-eh-yo (lit. here-at (polite ending)) <br />
| --(use this if you're pointing at a map.)<br />
|-<br />
| Please || juseyo<br />
| -- used with verbs, eg. '...-eh ga-juseyo' = take me to ..., please (lit. ...-at go please) or 'Mohm-chu juseyo' = stop please<br />
|-<br />
| Motorway service station || hyu-ge-so<br />
|-<br />
| Gas station || ju-yu-so<br />
|-<br />
| Interchange || IC pronounced "ee shee", most Koreans seem to understand the word "tollgate"<br />
|}<br />
<br />
=== Hitchhiking for females===<br />
<br />
If you are a girl, you should be careful hitchiking in South Korea. People may think you are a Russian prostitute (there is apparently a large number of them in the country). You will probably have to explain to your driver why you are standing on the side of the highway, and because of the shortage of English speakers, it may be extremely hard for you to do this.<br />
<br />
== Border Crossing ==<br />
The border to [[North Korea]] is closed.<br />
The ferry crossing (from Busan) to [[Japan]] is quite easy, as all the customs and immigration people speak English. Ferries to several places in China leave from Incheon.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
<br />
* [[Seoul]]<br />
* [[Busan]]<br />
* [[Daejeon]]<br />
* [[Gwangju]]<br />
* [[Jinju]]<br />
* [[Daegu]]<br />
<br />
== Sleeping ==<br />
<br />
Compared to some other Asian countries, it is not common for the local people in South Korea to invite travellers to their homes. A tent is useful. Finding a place to sleep just outside of cities can sometimes be difficult, as this is a densely populated country and often the outskirts of one city are simply the beginning of another city. However, there are rural places that are easy to reach from city centres, such as the mountains outside of Seoul. If you don't mind sleeping in the streets, city parks are very good option, being central with clean toilets nearby. The only problem is that Koreans love their early morning sports. In cities you can usually find a Korean sauna (jjimjilbang) with a sleeping room for a few dollars.<br />
<br />
Note from user Alistril: I have waited a long time before contradicting this section in writing but after one month of hitchhiking in Korea I have come to the conclusion that this is a mistake. Koreans, even though they are shy, do invite people to their homes and it is common. Because of their harsh history feel the need to help a stranded traveller, even more so if you have a bit of a story to tell.<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Eastern Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:South Korea]]<br />
[[Category:Asia]]<br />
<br />
[[de:Südkorea]]</div>Alistrilhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=China&diff=74162China2014-01-30T11:04:21Z<p>Alistril: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = China<br />
|map = <map lat='35' lng='105' zoom='3' view='0' country='China' /><br />
|language = Mandarin<br />
|capital = [[Beijing]]<br />
|pop = 1,321,851,888<br />
|currency = Yuan (¥)<br />
|BW = CN<br />
|hitch = <rating country='cn' /><br />
}}<br />
'''China''' is the most populated country in the world and tourism is booming with its rapidly expanding economy, but hitchhiking is only practised sporadically. If you follow the advice in this page you will most likely have a wonderful time hitchhiking in China.<br />
Although it's not really common, more and more people understand the concept of hitchhiking (if you use the word da-bian-che).<br />
<br />
Because of it's size, among other factors, it's hard so talk about China with general info. hitchhiking in the west of the country, as in Tibet, is different than in the east. hitchhiking in rural areas is different than on highways. the difficulty also varies. Generally speaking it's possible to categorize it like this: the more developed the road is, the less chance people will ask you for money, the faster you will get and more likely you should stop drivers by sign or by talking with them while they are stationary. the more rural the roads are the more hand waving you will have to do and more explaining beforehand that you do not pay for the trip. also, on rural roads it's easier to find camping spots.<br />
<br />
Safety is an issue as traffic regulation is practised half-heartedly. Expect people to honk rather than brake, to drive while holding a phone, drive on the hard shoulder, overtake in unsafe places, and more. Buckle up if you can. Some travellers report that the driving in China is way safer than in Russia and neighbouring countries. Chinese usually don't exceed the speed limit much (130km/hr on expressways).<br />
<br />
== How-to ==<br />
[[File:manzhouli.jpg|thumb|300px|right|User [[User:haggismn|haggismn]] in Manzhouli, having successfully used a sign to get there]]<br />
The famous ''Thumb'' gesture used in most countries to indicate you want a lift is not fully understood in China, and although it will still work, will probably wont be very effective. For Chinese this gesture Is more readily understood as meaning "good" or "OK" so drivers will probably not think of stopping. The most common signal to ask a vehicle to stop is to outstretch your arm and gently wave the hand up and down, but this isn't the most recommended way to hitchhike.<br />
<br />
As in many countries, on major roads try to hitchhike from a service station, toll area or some other place where traffic has to stop or slow. Standing on the hard shoulder or the motorway works fine as well though.<br />
To get to the toll area/service station use a map, GPS or Google map to show you where the road begins. there is also a Chinese website the shows the actual toll stations. On arrival to the road, use the outstretched arm and hand wave described above.<br />
<br />
The first alternative is to use the "sign system", preferably in Chinese not Pinyin (the Romanist script) showing where you want to go. Both hand and sign approaches is used locals in some areas (eg Guangzhou). When you are standing by the roadside, having a sign indication where you are going can be very useful. If you don't speak Chinese, a sign can also help avoid misunderstandings as many people will not know what hitchhiking is and won't understand what you are doing. a sign is the most common way to hitchhike on the highways of China, but because the concept of Hitchhiking is not well known in China, it means that only people going to this actual place will stop you for a ride, and never people who go on the road to this place. Some might suggest you write a destination that is closer than to where you are actually going - perhaps a sign with a city 500 km away is better than one that is 1000 km away. This is complex though. If you have a sign for the closer city, a driver who is going to the further city may pick you up and leave you at the closer one, not understanding your futile attempts to inform them that you want the further city. That's why another good way to hitchhike on Chinese high-ways is to talk with drivers.<br />
<br />
The "talking" system generally means getting to a place where the drivers are stationary (gas stations, toll stations etc.) and ask them where are they going or hand them with a small letter indicating what are you doing. most people will politely tell the truth about their destination and if this is in your direction, show in simple sentences and hand questers that you want to join the ride. saying "thank you" in advance can also be of help. <br />
<br />
The hitchhiker's appearance is important: dressing fairly smartly and having a clean appearance will help you greatly. Students in China tend to dress more conservatively and males usually have short hair. It is a good idea not to wear sunglasses as they are not as commonly worn and might make you look sinister.<br />
<br />
It is important to note that on highways most drivers will not expect to be paid for a ride, even though they probably do not understand the concept of hitchhiking. However, you will find that some drivers, particularly on side roads, will ask for payment before you get in. This is no problem as you can make your decision whether or not to get in. However, some drivers may ask for payment once you have reached your destination. If in doubt, try to signal that you do not want to pay before you get in the vehicle. Generally speaking, you will find in China that most people who pick you up are extremely generous, occasionally overly so. On highways many drivers will let you off their car only if they are sure you know where you are going and is in good situation.<br />
<br />
At any case you need to bring a map with you, either download from the net buy one at the first opportunity. The Gao su gong lu network is very complex, and you may get lost very quickly, or end up stuck in a city for a day. You should have a map in Chinese, so that other people can understand where you are going. You may be able to pick up some Chinese characters and understand the names. However if you are struggling, consider getting a Pinyin for yourself as well, if you can find one (they are not very common). Maps can easily be found in service stations, supermarkets and book stores, city maps cost around 10Y while road atlas costs around 30Y (2012) - if you find a Pinyin one expect it to cost much more - only foreigners would buy them.<br />
<br />
It is always a good practice in China to have someone write a polite letter in Chinese about who are you and where you want to go. A short "destination note" is important for showing immediately to the driver. After entering a car it is also highly recommended to include some more letters of information about you, especially if heading for a long drive. you can explain practical things about your doings, what hitchhiking is, and go on telling about yourself and you travels, you thoughts and hobbies and other fun stuff. this opens up the driver to you and if your letter has pinyin as well it can also help the driver with his English (many Chinese want to learn English but are shy to practice).<br />
<br />
The first character of a vehicle's number plate is in Chinese and indicates the home province and then there is a roman letter indicating the city in the province (A is always the capital). If you are in Anhui and see a 川 (chuan, standing for Sichuan) with an A and some numbers, that's from Chengdu. If one is heading in the direction of home you can use it as a criteria to select a car to stop. <br />
<br />
If you want to sleep while on the road, you will have no problem pitching a tent. People will usually not bother you. However do make sure your belongings are not on show and therefore do not pitch a tent directly on the road (which is also a bit dangerous). You will find there is plenty of traffic at night also. You can try to pick a slow and comfortable truck, you might only make 400 km in 8 hours but if that's at night and avoids an accommodation cost, who cares? The lack of malice (at an individual level at least!) of the Chinese makes most of China easy to hitchhike day and night without fear. There is little fear of being attacked or robbed though of course such activities exist everywhere, and as always girls should take extra care. <br />
<br />
== Public Transport ==<br />
You will most likely need public transport to get to the express ways. Fortunately in every city there are express ways running close to the city centre, and often toll areas also, which are excellent for hitching from. If you are lost, try to find a younger Chinese person, and ask them which bus number goes to somewhere near the ''gao su gong lu''. Make sure not to point at the road itself, they will inform you that you cannot take a bus there. Then you can take a bus and walk to the road. <br />
<br />
Referring back to the occasionally overly generous Chinese folk, you may encounter an awkward situation in which your driver will take you to a train station and inflict upon you a train ticket to where you are going. This is very counter productive in almost all situations. You will waste many hours waiting for the train. You will then arrive at a city you may not have wanted to visit, perhaps at night when there are no buses, sleep deprived, hungry and lost. Above all this if it's not a fast train, it is likely much slower than by car, so you will be many hundreds of kilometres behind where you would have been on the road. <br />
So, if your driver leaves the motorway, you have to insist, sometimes very strongly to leave the car. Some people might not want to let you out because they are totally sure that you will get lost there, but if you really insist they will not force you to stay in the car.<br />
<br />
Another option to avoid this situation, have your polite Chinese letter state very clearly that you do not want to go to the train/bus station or the airport, and that you only want to hitch hike in the country, perhaps as a cultural investigation, to save money for tourists sites, to learn Chinese or as a challenge.<br />
<br />
== Regions ==<br />
There are probably big differences between the different regions in China.<br />
:''please add more info if you've hitched in many parts of China''<br />
<br />
To find out where a car is from, look on the character on the license plate.<br />
A following "A" indicates the provincial capital.<br />
<br />
Municipalities:<br />
* [[Beijing|Beijing]] 京 jīng<br />
* [[Shanghai|Shanghai]] 沪 hù <br />
* [[Chongqing|Chongqing]] 渝 yú<br />
* [[Tianjin|Tianjin]] 津 jīn <br />
<br /><br />
Special administrative zones:<br />
* [[File:Flag of Hong Kong.svg|30px|border]] [[Hong Kong]] Special Adm. Region of China<br />
* [[File:Flag of Macau.svg|30px|border]] [[Macao]] Special Adm. Region of China<br />
<br /><br />
Autonomous regions:<br />
<br />
* [[:Category:Guangxi|Guangxi]] Autonomous Region of the Zhuang people, 桂 guì<br />
* [[:Category:Inner Mongolia|Inner Mongolia:]] Autonomous Region of the Mongo people, 蒙 měng<br />
* [[:Category:Ningxia|Ningxia]] Autonomous Region of the Hui people, 宁 níng<br />
* [[Tibet]] Autonomous Region of Xizang, 藏 zàng<br />
* [[Xinjiang]] Autonomous Region of the Uyghur people, 新 xīn<br />
<br /><br />
Provinces:<br />
<br />
* [[:Category:Anhui|Anhui]] 皖 wǎn<br />
* [[:Category:Fujian|Fujian]] 闽 mǐn<br />
* [[:Category:Gansu|Gansu]] 甘 gān<br />
* [[:Category:Guangdong|Guangdong]] 粤 yuè, sometimes plus 港 for Hong Kong or 澳 for Macau<br />
* [[:Category:Guizhou|Guizhou]] 贵 guì<br />
* [[:Category:Hainan|Hainan]] 琼 qióng<br />
* [[:Category:Hebei|Hebei]] 冀 jì<br />
* [[:Category:Heilongjiang|Heilongjiang]] 黑 hēi<br />
* [[:Category:Henan|Henan]] 豫 yù<br />
* [[:Category:Hubei|Hubei]] 鄂 è<br />
* [[:Category:Hunan|Hunan]] 湘 xiāng<br />
* [[:Category:Jilin|Jilin]] 吉 jí<br />
* [[:Category:Jiangsu|Jiangsu]] 苏 sū<br />
* [[:Category:Jiangxi|Jiangxi]] 赣 gàn<br />
* [[:Category:Liaoning|Liaoning]] 辽 liáo<br />
* [[:Category:Qinghai|Qinghai]] 青 qīng<br />
* [[:Category:Shaanxi|Shaanxi]] 陕 shǎn<br />
* [[:Category:Shandong|Shandong]] 鲁 lǔ<br />
* [[:Category:Shanxi|Shanxi]] 晋 jìn<br />
* [[:Category:Sichuan|Sichuan]] 川 chuān<br />
* [[:Category:Yunnan|Yunnan]] 云 yún<br />
* [[:Category:Zhejiang|Zhejiang]] 浙 zhè<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
[[File:Hitching-luoping-china.jpg|thumb|300px|right|Hitching out of [[Luoping]], ]]<br />
* [[Beijing]]<br />
* [[Tianjin]]<br />
* [[Chengdu]], [[Chongqing]]<br />
* [[Guangzhou]]<br />
* [[Guiyang]]<br />
* [[Hong Kong]]<br />
* [[Kunming]]<br />
* [[Qingdao]]<br />
* [[Shanghai]] <br />
* [[Xi'an]]<br />
* [[Kashgar]]<br />
* [[Turpan]]<br />
<br />
== Expressways ==<br />
<br />
The expressways are often new and fast (100-130 km/h), where as the second level roads may be really bad and a fatal error, where there are a lot less cars and other rules for hitchhiking. Stick to highways if you want to travel fast.<br />
Most of the entrance to the highways from the cities in China, have a toll. Using the "talking system", go there and talk straight to the drivers, pointing at the letter or map. be earnest. Say something like: "Nihao! Qing wen, ni qu nali? Wo qu zheli, ni ne? Ni qu zheli ma?" (Hello! Excuse me, where are you going? I go here, and you? Do you go here?), etc. Keep saying "Oh hao hao, xiexie a!" (Oh good good, thanks, ah!)<br />
Like mentioned above, Chinese people will typically tell you the truth about where are they going, and once they do so, if you ask them to go with them and they have free space, they will hardly say "no", either because they are just too naive or because they don't want to lose face.<br />
<br />
At the tolls, if you talk to the booth workers and the guards and tell them where are you going and what is your purpose, they will often offer you to ask the drivers for you as they keep passing with their cars through the booths to pay the fee, but sometimes they will not know who to ask and will try to ask only specific cars, and so it is recommended to also continue relaying on yourself.<br />
Sometimes some guard may look like they frown at you or even come to you and ask you some questions. most of the time smiling and showing them the cards or letters with the information on you will satisfy them to let you continue ask drivers for a lift.<br />
<br />
When no tolls around, go to the rest areas where you can talk to people easily, or look for a jiayou zhan, a gas station. Without a big sign, I never got picked up there with the passing cars (of most don't stop); with the sign, it took from a few minutes to seconds.<br />
<br />
== Language ==<br />
English in rural or even urban areas are rarely used. Get yourself 1. a phrasebook, easier to acquire when you're outside of China, were not easy to find in bookstores in China, and 2. a pocket dictionary, which generally available in China for 10 RMB in 2007. Here are some helpful phrases: <br />
<br />
=== Basic Vocab ===<br />
搭便车 ''da bian-che'': Hitchhike. That's probably what you want to write on a big card board, although it's a rare word in Chinese and many people do not know what it means. <br /><br />
公路 ''gong-lu'': literally public roads, which means either highway or national road<br /><br />
高速公路 ''gao su gong lu'': means expressway (expway) <br /><br />
国道 ''guo-dao'' : national road<br /><br />
謝謝 ''Xie xie'' : Thank you<br /><br />
这裡 ''zhe-li'': Here<br /><br />
那里/哪里 ''Na-li'' : There / Where?<br /><br />
服务区/服务站 "Fu-wu-qu/Fu-wu-zhan": Service Area<br /><br />
收费站 “shou-fei-zhan” Tollgate<br /><br />
<br />
=== Conversations ===<br />
我要去..."wo yao qu ...." ( I/want/go to) means "I need/want to go to . . ."<br /><br />
你要去那里? "ni qu nali?" (you/ go to / where) means "Where are you going?"<br /><br />
在这里停就行 "zai zheli ting jiu xing" (at/here/stop/okay) means "please stop here"<br /><br />
<br />
Chinese, like many Asian languages, is a tonal language which means a change in a pitch will drive to different meanings. Without basic training, most westerners will find it hard to pronounce Chinese well at an decipherable level. But if you print the Chinese characters out and show them to the driver, things will work pretty smooth.<br />
<br />
== Police ==<br />
[[File:Hitchhikers with Chinese police man.jpg|thumb|250px|left]]<br />
Police will usually not care about you and will more likely try to be helpful than make trouble. However, this can also mean taking you away from the motorway to a bus or train station.<br />
Sometimes (closer to official areas like Beijing and Shanghai) the police will insist you will go away to some other place, but if you insist they will most of the time let you stand with your sign/continue to ask drivers around.<br />
It also happens when a police officer will treat you like a privileged person, will take photos with you and will stop cars for you or even get you on the bus for free. nobody will say anything but this is an awkward experience when everybody around you pay lot's of money for the drive and you sit there after the police officer stopped the bus for you.<br />
Usually when dealing with the police in China, it is best to just smile and be naive but firm with your goal, and be independent about it. you are doing fine, not disturbing and in love with China.<br />
<br />
=== Personal experiences ===<br />
* ''In the South the police was unaware, or friendly but very confused, to [[User:Guaka|Guaka]] and [[User:Amylin|amylin]]. Most of the time the police didn't do anything while walking along the highway or trying to hitch. Once, at the highway entry of [[Kaili]] in [[Guizhou]], they started talking, found someone who spoke English, and brought the hitchers to a bus station, where the police paid for a bus ticket! Another time the highway police was very confused again, and it took 2 1/2 hours to find a translator and be left alone at a highway entrance again.''<br />
* ''[[User:Fijau|Fijau]] hitchhiked through Xinjiang, Gansu, Shaanxi, Henan without being bothered by police. In Xinjiang police even helped him to get a ride. Problems started to occur in Zhejiang (Eastern China, near Shanghai). Several times police didn't let him onto the expressway through the toll gate and took him off the expressway while passing by.''<br />
* ''[[User:peraht|peraht]] somehow always gets helped by police. Especially when it's getting dark or at night it's sometimes very useful to rely on them. Not only next to pay tolls but also on service areas (there are almost always some police officers). Sometimes they will give you something to eat, take pictures with you, the usual stuff. In Jiangxi or Anhui they caught her a ride, took pictures of her and the driver's passports, which was for safety reasons and actually OK, but also of other visas she had in her passport. Probably only out of curiousity and to test their apparently new camera.''<br />
<br />
== Maps ==<br />
[[File:Amylin-luoping-china-1.jpg|thumb|250px|right|[[User:Amylin|amylin]] in the province of [[China]].]]<br />
<br />
Sometimes the indication used for roads aren't very accurate, so you might be thinking you'll be on a nice highway for a while, when it suddenly becomes a 1 lane road going through villages.<br />
This is also goes while hitching, on a highway, sometimes a sign might be indicated for a big city, but if you pursuit this, you can find yourself on a dirt road in no time.<br />
<br />
Very good is the '''Tourist Atlas of China'''. It is in English and Chinese, a small book with all the provinces. But it's hard to find though, [[User:Worldhitch|Worldhitch]] got it in [[Beijing]] at one of the biggest bookstores. The province maps in Chinese are pretty good, if you have the tourist atlas, you also have the bigger cities in English as a reference point, and hitch on the small roads with the province map.<br />
<br />
Note: Be aware of Chinese maps - sometimes they are developed for the (often quickly changing) future! They show highways which are not yet existing, or they having wrong distances between cities. Its always good to have two or three maps (the province maps as well) and then search for the truth in the middle.<br />
<br />
== Border Crossing ==<br />
=== To [[Kyrgyzstan]] ===<br />
* [[Irkeshtam Pass]]<br />
* [[Torugart Pass]]<br />
<br />
=== To [[Laos]] ===<br />
* [[Mohan]] on the Chinese side, [[Boten]] on the Laotian side<br />
<br />
=== To [[Mongolia]] ===<br />
* [[Erenhot]] / [[Erlianhaote]]<br />
<br />
=== To [[South Korea]] ===<br />
* You can hitchhike the ferry. It is very difficult especially when not speaking the language but possible. It has been done.<br />
== Links ==<br />
* [http://www.couchsurfing.com/group_read.html?gid=1190&post=181589 Some very useful info in CS group thread.]<br />
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=12&post=6203465 More info in CS hitchhikers group]<br />
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=12&post=7001670#gpid7001670 Jojo Z's experiences with hitchhiking in China] (Jojo is a Chinese girl)<br />
* [http://www.yourworldyourhome.com/hitchhiking-china/ Eric's tips on Hitchhiking China.] <br />
* [http://www.muhranoff.travel.ru/chinA/chinmain_en.htm Hitching in China], a Russian Website with tons of information. Some of it available in English.<br />
* [http://maps.jobschina.org Website with photocopies of maps of all provinces and some cities as well.]<br />
* [http://www.couchsurfing.org/group_read.html?gid=12&post=7403868 CS thread: Advanced Manual with Scientifically Proven Methods and Routines to Hitchhike in China by CS Member IwannaGoToTahiti]<br />
<br />
<br />
{{Provinces China}}<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Eastern Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:China]]<br />
<br />
[[de:China]]<br />
[[es:China]]<br />
[[fi:Kiina]]<br />
[[fr:Chine]]<br />
[[zh:中国]]</div>Alistrilhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Mongolia&diff=74074Mongolia2014-01-20T01:40:57Z<p>Alistril: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of Mongolia<br />
|map = <map lat='47' lng='104' zoom='4' view='0'/><br />
|language = Mongolian<br />
|capital = [[Ulan Bator|Ulaanbaatar]]<br />
|pop = 2,951,786<br />
|currency = Tögrög (MNT)<br />
|hitch = <rating country='mn' /><br />
|avp = mongolia<br />
}}<br />
<br />
If you plan to hitch in '''Mongolia''', it is good to know that most drivers expect to be paid, though you can still hitch for free. It just takes more patience, and effort, but the rides come relatively quickly, nonetheless.<br />
<br />
Before entering the car make it clear that you have no money, unless you don't mind shelling out a few bucks for every ride. Many will just turn forward and continue driving, leaving you in the dust, but many will say not to worry about it, and motion for you to get in anyway. Also expect a jam-packed car, packed with amazingly friendly people! <br />
<br />
There are just a couple hundred km of paved road from [[Ulan Bator|Ulaanbaatar]] in every geographical directions (exactly one per direction) and that's it. No roads, no signs. The trunk roads out of Ulaanbaatar are paved and reasonably trafficked. Be careful if you walk out of the cities, along the ''roads'' so you don't get lost, and take water with you. Confusingly, names of cities equal names of states, so make sure city and state match.<br />
<br />
Due to the extreme weather differences between summer and winter, hitchhiking in mongolia seems to be a completly different experience depending on the season. Instead of talking about hitchhiking in mongolia, it would make more sense to talk about hitchhiking in mongolia in the summer or in winter as if it were two different countries.<br />
<br />
== Mongolia in summer ==<br />
<br />
=== General experience ===<br />
Expect flat tires, overheating jeeps and not much more than 100km a day, due to the lack of traffic, and extremely poor condition of the roads. The easiest place to find rides in small towns is in the local markets, where locals look for shared rides and trucks are picking up and delivering supplies, though there, you will probably have to pay. Otherwise just stand by the road anywhere (even in the middle of absolute desolation) and stick out your thumb when a vehicle comes by. The classical hitchhiking method works just fine, though they don't always know that you mean you want a free ride, so they will usually ask you up front for money, by rubbing their fingers and thumb together and saying "money, money" or "dengi, dengi" (Russian for money), but you should still make sure, before you get in the car, by saying "nye dengi" ("no money" in Russian). However, if you get too bored, or worried that you might not get a ride before dark, you can always just madly wave down whoever is passing. They will stop (no need for a [[signs|sign]]), though they will probably expect money when you do it like that. Asking the locals is also a good way to get information on rides and routes, if you can find a local that speaks English. Be warned you probably won't be able to leave before endless cups of tea and milk cookies.<br />
<br />
Hitchhiking in the far west: [[Bayan-Ölgii]], is very hard to hitch. It took [[User:Worldhitch|Worldhitch]] 2 weeks from the Russian border in [[Bayan-Ölgii]] to Ulaanbaatar. Getting a Chinese visa is easy in Ulaanbaatar, Russian is not so easy – like in any other place.<br />
<br />
=== Roads ===<br />
Mongolia... the land of dusty, unpaved, unmaintained, "roads", in absolutely the worst shape, that this hitchhiker has ever seen (though I've only been to North America, Europe, Russia, and Northern Asia). Also, or maybe because of that, there is next to no traffic on the major thoroughfare across the southern part of the country. People are mostly, quite willing to pick you up, but there just aren't that many people. Walking sometimes staves off the boredom of just sitting and waiting.<br />
<br />
=== Sleeping ===<br />
<br />
[[Camping]] is great in Mongolia. It's legal to camp anywhere. You can filter water from springs and lakes, or ask any of the locals for some of their boiled water. It's a good idea to stock up on fruit, vegetables and any essentials in Ulaanbaatar. <br />
<br />
== Mongolia in winter ==<br />
Expect also flat tires and very occasional overheating. The distances covered are considerably higher since vehicles don't get stuck in mud, the frozen ground provides a good riding platform. It is common to hitch 1000 kilometer rides, especially if you are going to the capital.<br />
<br />
=== To where to hitch ===<br />
In mongolia, half of the population lives in Ulaanbataar and the other half has a very good reason to go to Ulaanbataar. Therefore, it is common to find direct rides to Uaanbataar from all parts of the country. From Ulaanbataar to elswhere however you will have to put up with village to village hitchhing.<br />
<br />
=== Transport ===<br />
Jeeps are the prefererred, confortable and only transport means that is adapted to the Mongolian terrain. However the mongolian drivers are skilled and can drive pretty much anything through pretty much any terrain. Do not ignore that small car that wouldn't dare to take a dirt road, would it have been in europe. The mongolian will successfully take it through the worst of mountain passes.<br />
The speed you can expect is 60 km/h, this is a good average. Jeeps should be able to hold that average but also some classic cars.<br />
<br />
=== How to hitch ===<br />
Talking to people trying to fill up their cars works but Mongolians will have trouble understanding that you want to go for free. Your success might depend on wheather somebody is willing to pay for your ride. This is likely to succeed in villages for short distances (<200 km). The price for that sort of ride can be 10,000 or 20,000 MNT (Jan 2014).<br />
<br />
In the countryside, money is very strongly expected whereas in more "densely" populated areas it is not. When hitching in the countryside, you should prepare yourself for a discussion and a series of explanations that you really don't have money, no tugriks, no dollars, no whatever. They might ask you an insane amount of times. It can get tiring but even though some people will look like they will only take you for money, do not give up until they actually ride away. Mongolians are kind and helpful people, if you do not have money, they will take you for free.<br />
<br />
There is an effective way how to get rides in Mongolia. However it is not a way anyone should recomment. In Mongolia, it is very easy to put yourself into danger. If you really want a ride, especially a free long one, walk to the middle of nowhere and wait for someone to drive by. It is very easy to stage your suicide in Mongolia, be careful to make it make-believe only. There are thousands of Yurts spread accross the countryside, especially by the main roads. Position yourself somewhere a few kilometers from such yurt and wait. If someone drives by, you will appear as an irresponsible stupid tourist who will die if not save. And the mongolian people will save you. Be careful with this tactic, you should always consider the risks when you play with your life. Unexpected weather conditions may occur, temperature can drop very fast, what you thought to be make-believe may become reality very fast.<br />
So be very careful!<br />
<br />
Source and detailed information for this section: [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-failed-ride.html here] <br />
<br />
Be even more careful if you try these stunts when approaching the chinese border. While you can almost be sure that mongolians will help you, the chinese will not. The same stunt performed in a chinese-influanced region may just leave you to freeze in the desert with nobody caring. Also, do not mistake inner-mongolia inhabitants for mongolians, they are not! Inner mongolia is more china than mongolia and such a mistake would be a fatal one.<br />
<br />
Source and detailed information for this paragraph: [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-way-to-mongolia.html here]<br />
<br />
=== Roads ===<br />
<br />
There are many paved roads in mongolia. When there are no paved roads, there are also very good dirt roads. You should not be worried about road quality if you are going from UB to Teserleg (North-West), Bayankhongor (South-West) and Zamiin-Uud (South). Further west, the quality of road varies from "OK" to "just disastrous or inexistant". Sometimes you just drive through snow tracks. However vehicles do not get stuck in snow that often. Expect a flat tire every 400 kilometers, even on paved roads.<br />
<br />
Source and detailed information for this section: [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-failed-ride.html here] and [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2013/12/mongolian-countryside.html here]<br />
<br />
=== Sleeping ===<br />
<br />
Do not worry about sleeping in mongolia in winter. Just knock on the door of any yurt, you will be invited in, it is automatic. Nobody will think about asking you for money. Everybody understands that it is just too cold to sleep outside. Usually they will also introduce to their friends who will also invite you, you will quickly have a network of aquaintances and sleeping places so big that all your stay in mongolia will be covered for free [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2013/12/degrees-of-separation.html source]. You can go to a hostel sometime if you need some privacy.<br />
<br />
Source and detailed information for this paragraph: [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2014/01/mongoli.html here] and [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2014/01/the-failed-ride.html here]<br />
<br />
=== Alcohol ===<br />
<br />
Nothing to be alarmed from this side. Mongolians drink occasionaly; however they are peaceful drinkers at least compared to their neighbours and you are usually given a choice wheather or not to drink. Your choice should be respected.<br />
<br />
== Language ==<br />
Most Mongolians, in the south, don't speak English, and only have the slightest understanding of Russian, but you can get along with hand gestures and correct pronunciation of the name of the place you are trying to get to (if you know how to pronounce it correctly).<br />
However not so few mongolians speak either English, German or Russian so if you know those languages you should find common speakers quite often.<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
* [[Ulan Bator|Ulaanbaatar]] (capital)<br />
* [[Erdenet]]<br />
* [[Bayan-Ölgii]]<br />
<br />
== Border Crossing ==<br />
<br />
=== From Ulaanbataar to [[China]] ===<br />
The main border crossing with China is in the South-East at Zamyn Uud. Hitchhiking there from Ulaan Baatar is not difficult, as of 2013 the paved road is basically completed. However, do not expect a direct ride from UB to the border, you will probably stop at every major city. Expect 2 days to get to your destination. It follows the Transmongolian Railway and gives you the security not to die of thirst. [[User:Worldhitch|Worldhitch]] also got a lift by the great Defektoskop train.<br />
<br />
=== From the border to the capital ===<br />
Hitching from Zamyn Uud to Ulaanbaatar is very easy. The capital is always easier to hitchhike than any other city and this section is completly paved and has a lot of traffic in all times of year; mongolians love to do their shopping in china. Expect a one day ride.<br />
<br />
A good place to hitch a ride is to talk to the people during passport checks in the no-man's land. Many will speak either english or russian and can take you with them probably all the way to the capital.<br />
<br />
=== Crossing the border ===<br />
'''Crossing the border''' itself can be quite tricky as you need to have transportation to cross three separate checkpoints. Usually the soldiers will help you to find a ride if you first just try to walk -- but that won't be a guarantee that the ride will be for free. Keep trying until you get a ride (or too frustrated, with the Chinese border terminal looming in the distance, guards not allowing you to simply cover the 500 meters by foot).<br />
<br />
Keep your morals up and be very persistant. Explain that your visa will expire if they don't take you. They will insist that it's impossible, they will try to get your money by every means but keep your head up until they realize that the energy put into convincing you to pay is greater than the energy they would put into convincing the taxis to take you for free.<br />
<br />
Source and detailed information for this paragraph: [http://takemeeast.blogspot.com/2013/12/the-way-to-mongolia.html here]<br />
<br />
This border is very strange. Only some special type of cars are allowed to cross. Only chinese cars and old soviet jeeps. That is why mongolian people usually leave their car on one side of the border and take a taxi even if they have their own vehicle (!).<br />
The border processing is also somewhat complicated. Here is the detailed description from Mongolia to China:<br />
1) You take a taxi from before the border to the mongolian checkpoint. The price is about 10 yuan but you can avoid it (described above)<br />
2) You buy some kind of border pass for 1000 MNT which allows you to get to the mongolian passport check<br />
3) You get a stamp, you take the jeep again, you show your stamp to the guards you pass by (they don't stop the car, they check your stamp while driving in order to not lose time)<br />
4) You arrive at the chinese checkpoint, you buy another border pass for 5 yuan<br />
5) You drive from the checkpoint to Erlian, you show your stamp to the guards you pass by.<br />
6) That's it, you are in China<br />
<br />
The other way (Mongolia -> China) is similar<br />
<br />
__NOTOC__<br />
{{IsIn|Eastern Asia}}<br />
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[[Category:Mongolia| ]]<br />
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[[de:Mongolei]]<br />
[[fr:Mongolie]]</div>Alistrilhttps://hitchwiki.org/en/index.php?title=Turkmenistan&diff=68826Turkmenistan2013-03-26T17:15:03Z<p>Alistril: </p>
<hr />
<div>{{stub}}<br />
<br />
{{infobox Country<br />
|country = of Turkmenistan<br />
|map= <map lat="38.982212527876" lng="59.536894453086" zoom="5" view="0" float="right" /><br />
|language = Turkmen<br />
|capital = [[Ashgabat]]<br />
|pop = 5,042,920<br />
|currency = Manat<br />
|hitch = <rating country='tm' /><br />
}}<br />
<br />
'''Turkmenistan''' (also '''Turkmenia''') is a country in [[Central Asia]].<br />
<br />
== Cities ==<br />
* [[Ashgabat]]<br />
* [[Dashoguz]]<br />
* [[Konye-Urgench]]<br />
* [[Darvazar]]<br />
* [[Turkmenabat]]<br />
* [[Mary]]<br />
* [[Turkmenbashi]]<br />
<br />
== [[Hitchhiking]] ==<br />
Due to most people do not own a vehicle, hitchhiking seems to be a common way to get around. But the Turkmen hitchhiking is like taking a taxi, so payment is expected. Therefore one must always make it clear before entering the car, that there is no payment involved. Inside Ashgabat it is hard, but the rest of the country is not to difficult. Don't be botherd mentioning that you are hitch-hiking, as they won't understand what it means, just say that you have no money/very little. <br />
<br />
The easiest way of getting directions is to say that you want to walk. Otherwise they'll just guide you to the next taxi or busstop.<br />
<br />
<br />
== Visa ==<br />
<br />
The only way to visit Turkmenistan independently is on a transit visa limited to 4 or 5 days. Most travelers get a transit visa traveling between Iran and Uzbekistan (and vice-versa) or Azerbaijan and Uzbekistan (and vice-versa), although other combinations are theoretically possible (between Kazakhstan and Afghanistan for example).<br />
<br />
Transit visas are pretty straightforward to obtain provided you already have the visas for both the countries before and after Turkmenistan, and take 10 to 20 days to be issued. Dates and entry point are fixed but you can leave the country at any exit point, even if a specific border post is written.<br />
<br />
Coming from Iran, the best place to apply is Tehran (visa collection possible at the consulate in Mashad). Coming the other way, getting a visa in Tashkent is possible but not the best place in Central Asia as the [[embassy]] can be very busy (better arrive early), process takes more than 20 days and you will have to travel back to Tashkent to collect your visa. Dushanbe is a rather better option as process can take as little as a week and employees are more friendly. <br />
<br />
Note than in theory it is possible to apply in Dushanbe and collect the visa in Tashkent a few days later.<br />
<br />
It is also possible to apply by mail at a Turkmen embassy in an European country. It takes around 10 days for the embassy to send you by email an invitation that, according to them, allow to get the transit visa upon arrival. This option is particularly interesting for travelers arriving in Turkmenbashi by ferry from Baku, as arrival date is never certain (ferries do not make the crossing everyday). However, it may not be a guaranteed service at land crossings. To be on the safe side, collect your visa in any Turkmen embassy (Tashkent for example) in one day by presenting the invitation. Transit visa costs 55$ and invitation is free.<br />
<br />
On arrival you will also have to pay an extra fee depending on your nationality (12$ for EU citizens)<br />
<br />
== Sleeping ==<br />
Couchsurfing is almost nonexistent in Turkmenistan, and you really don't want to get stuck in a city at night! The cheapest hotels are $ 20. There is a night curfew for toursists after 11, and not many places to hide, due to the architecture. Also the citys have a lot of police night and day. If you are so unlucky to get stuck in a city at night, you can be lucky to find fountains with no water in, which are ideal places to sleep hidden. See [[Mary]]<br />
<br />
Note: March 2013: I have information from a person living in Ashgabat that the curfew part is not true anymore. He doesn't advise to sleep outside in Ashgabat though but this may only be his opinion.<br />
<br />
== Border crossing ==<br />
All border controls operate from 08:00 to 17:00.<br />
<br />
{{IsIn|Central Asia}}<br />
<br />
[[Category:Asia]]<br />
[[Category:Central Asia]]<br />
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[[de:Turkmenistan]]</div>Alistril