Changes

Hitchhiking in '''Turkey''' is easyan extremely hitchhiking-friendly country. Looking like a Western backpacker Your waiting times will get you a lot of attention when travelling outside rarely exceed 15 minutes on reasonably used roads, even off the major tourist areasmain roads. OftenOn smaller roads, the first vehicle passing you is likely to pass will stop for you (sometimes even if they are going the opposite direction!) Lifts with big trucks are the most common − partly because personal cars are very often quite full. Turkish truck drivers are generally Also you're very friendly and helpful but may not speak a word of English. Knowing some Turkish phrases will help a lot. Especially truck driver will often invite you likely to be invited for tea and on long distances even for mealsfood, and often also to home stays.  Some drivers Very few people speak English, while German might ask you for be a few Liralittle bit more useful, and if you are not willing to contribute to especially in the cost of the rideeast. However, please it's essential to learn to say ''Param yok'' (I have no money) before getting in the car. Having at least a few words of basic [[SignsEastern_Europe_phrasebook#Turkish|signboardTurkish]] (together , also for your safety. Turkey has a very distinct reputation, especially considering girls, but once you get on terms with the thumb extendeddynamics of interacting with Turks (likely only after you make your first mistake, though) certainly helpsyou'll usually be fine. See the Safety Chapter below. Opposing to popular belief, since most Turkish hitchhikers donit't use one and therefore it draws much more attention from drivers un-used s not very likely (but happens occasionally) to seeing signboardsbe asked for money. Writing the name of first town on If you feel your route—no matter how small it is—and the name of status as a farther and bigger city free hitchhiker is good.  Also while waiting for a liftunclear, have your backpack on the ground make sure to say ''in front ofpara(m) yok'' your feet, in a position that is easily visible and recognizable as a backpack by passing by driversbefore you get into the car. As many will admit, seeing a large backpack and camping gear such as a mat always makes Turkish On the other hand side this might offend drivers more comfortable with the idea of letting a stranger in their car—since it kind of proves that who genuinely want to help you are travelling on budget, and do not a serial killer—and thus enabling you to get lifts far more quicklyexpect money. Hitchhiking at night also works even better than at daytime. On a busy road, you will easily get lifts in less than 5 minutes, well as long as drivers can see youstand in a somewhat visible spot.