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'''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. Especially if you are (and look like) a foreigner.

It is possible to cover vast distances per day when hitching, greater than 1000km 1000 km if you are lucky, but generally only when using major M roads in Western Russia. 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. 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 levelor Siberia through Trans-siberian railway mainline.

Because == Roads ==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 can get dropped off and immediately hitch onwards go, the worse the road condition gets. But even on nearly all roads main connections in Russialess remote areas, for example from Moscow to Kazan, using a sign the road is never necessary and not always in good shape in fact connection with the community recommends against ithuge traffic, travelling will take much more time than in Western Europe. In spite of the country's size, there There are very few roadsreal motorways, here there is little ambiguity in where you could be goingthough, when hitching from marked with a given location. Hitchhiking green sign of an autobahn same as in Russian is called ''Автостоп'' (avtostop)Europe. It literally means “car stopping”, and Standards are improving too; there is basically an ongoing policy of funding the only word understood as hitching (i.e. travelling by getting lifts for free)rebuilding many roads in Russia, which will bring standards to a much higher level.

In spite of popular belief about the dangers of Russiacountry's size, and perceived problems with the policethere are very few roads, as a hitch hiker you will more than likely have no problem there is little ambiguity in the country. Police will usually not bother where you at allcould be going, even if they know when hitching from a given location. In areas about 50 km from cities you are a foreigner (except at may just stay on the border - that is another matter), road and as long as you take the usual precautions, you will not find yourself in danger from any person - get rides with high success which other cities the cold however, in winter time, is a much bigger issueroads go to. Being offered copious amounts of alcohol can also be a problem!

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). A more modern alternative is Maps.me, as it has offline maps and shows gas stations. (Most platforms) == Hitching ==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. If you don't speak the language, thumbing is better - as people will just drive towards your direction and you can join them. 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. 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. === Trains, Boats, etc ===taken from a post on squattheplanet forum: "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.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).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!" == Language ==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?" (Kuda TjIE edesh?)[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 ...". 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.

Some consider Russian roads 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 not among a foreigner (except at the safest on Earth; this might border - that is another matter). You should also avoid drunk people and people who look aпgressive or might 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 true.a problem!

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. 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 never wants 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.

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. Local hitchhikers swear on these police posts. 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.

AlsoThe southern provinces of Russian Caucasus like [[Dagestan]], [[Chechnya]] (worldwide most victims), [[Ingushetia]], there is a possibility to get a lift by talking to drivers on gas stations. You will not [[North Ossetia]] and [[Kabardino-Balkaria]] have problems with terrorists and land-mines and it could be misunderstood but since very dangerous for travelling there are almost no highways for both foreigner 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 etcRussian from Central Russia. 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 fasterThese areas better be avoided. But the “default” method of hitchhiking in Russia is still thumbing on the roadside ;)

Do not write places names on cardboards – nobody in this country cares to read them. Or, Small towns might have a small chance of being a little dangerous if you still want to use the paperperson differs much from locals, write a region number instead of especially in the name (see below for a list of reg numbers)night. Especially the southern provinces [[Dagestan]], [[Chechnya]] (worldwide most victims), [[Ingushetia]], [[North Ossetia]] Villages and [[Kabardino-Balkaria]] have problems with land-minesbig town are completely safe.

=== Border CrossingsThe Ultimate Guide to a €35 Russian Visa without an Agency for Most EU Citizens (except UK, PoliceIreland and Croatia, Visas and formalities =among others) ==The general consensus is that, providing your passport and ''Most Russian embassies in the EU don't require you to submit an application through a visa are in ordercenter/travel agent or to complete any additional steps, you will have no problem entering Russiabut it's very important to check the respective embassy's website for their particular requirements.'' 1. Even hitching in Get an appointment at remote border crossings in the middle respective embassy of your choice. This is the biggest hassle of the night is fine. However you entire process as appointments are very likely to be held when leaving the country by a land crossing, particularly if hitching usually booked outfor at least two months ahead... You will most likely be required 'll find a link to describe the online appointment booking system on the embassy's website - it'll look something like http://paris.kdmid.ru/queue-en/. Record the appointment details. 2. Two weeks or so before your trip in great detailappointment, and explain other passport stampsbook accommodation through this [http://www.saint-petersburg.com/russian-visa/free-visa-support/ website]'s affiliate link to Booking.com. They give free tourist invitations to anyone who books using their affiliate link - it's important to follow the link to Booking.com from their website. As it's Booking. Do not worry if this happenscom, just answer their questions you can give them a fake credit card (using a fake CC number generator of course) and you will be allowed don't actually have to gostay at the places or pay for them in advance. But you do need the reservations. Alternatively, you could also get an invitation through the many websites which offer it for as low as €10 (eventuallylook up Fortuna Travel)- but the steps above will get you one for free. ''Recent reports seem to suggest that the agency is getting wary of suspicious free visa support request, so if you're going to Russia for longer than a week, you're probably better off coughing up the €10.''

Whilst hitching in Russia, the police will occasionally stop the vehicle 3. Once you are travelling in 've managed to check the driver's documentssuccessfully book accommodation through Booking. There is a small possibility that your driver will be asked about youcom, the passengerfill out this [https://www. This is likely to be the only time your ID is likely to be checked when hitching in Russia, other than at the borderssaint-petersburg. The police will not ask for too much information usually; they will look at your passport, com/russian-visa/free-visa and immigration card, and they may take notes -support/request/ form]. They should send you scans of the invitation to your name and addresse-mail. They will most likely not check your visa registrationPrint those out.

You do have to have your passport with the 4. Fill out this [https://visa and other papers .kdmid.ru/PetitionChoice.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 form] exactly as you get while crossing 've filled out the border handyprevious form. A good idea This is the official Russian form which you'll submit to put them in some transparent waterproof bag – the immigration card is absolutely soviet style, and will not survive even the light rainingembassy. Print it. Sign it. Glue a passport photo onto it (3.5x4.5cm size).

As a visitor to Russia, it is important to understand the registration rules5. 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. It is very important to understand these rulesGet travel insurance which has at least €30, particularly the former000 cover. Many Russians are also not aware of these rules, and may give wrong advicePrint a confirmation.If you are staying in a hotel or hostel, they will usually register you, often for free; even if you are staying at some friend's re good enough with photoshop you might ask their staff for help toocan give them something legit looking. If you are being hosted by a private citizen then you can register You'll also probably need this 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 Russian border police try to find any.

If you do not plan 6. Go to stay the embassy for a long time just have some strong evidence that you have just arrived. Buy a hamburger and keep your appointment with all the receipt before leaving some nice town or city you pass by paperwork (make sure there is printout of the place‘s name on itinvitation, the official Russian form with your signature and photos and confirmation of insurance). The train or bus tickets are the best means to persuade cops you are not hanging around StPay them €35.Petersburg Wait 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 waythe visa.

Whilst it is not recommended, you may be able to risk not registering your visa7. The border police do not often check visa registration, particularly at non European borders, as it is too much hassle. Some regular tourists Have fun 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.!

If you are travelling anywhere North of St. Petersburg, particularly around Murmansk IMPORTANT: Every embassy and towards Norway, it every nationality is highly recommended that you register your visa. User haggismn had registration and other documents checked three times at different! Check the various military check points. (embassy website before following these steps as there may be extra requirements not including the Norwegian border itself)covered here!

* [[MoscowSamara]]* [[Irkutsk]]* [[Murmansk]]

* [[IrkutskUfa]]

* [[UfaVoronezh]]* [[Yekaterinburg]]