Difference between revisions of "Georgia"

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''This article is about country in the Caucasus region. '''Georgia''' may also refer to [[Georgia (United States)|Georgia]], a state in the [[United States of America|USA]] among [[Georgia (disambiguation)|other places]].''
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{{infobox Country
 
{{infobox Country
 
|country = of  Georgia
 
|country = of  Georgia
 
|map = <map lat='42.277' lng='43.824' zoom='6' view='3'/>
 
|map = <map lat='42.277' lng='43.824' zoom='6' view='3'/>
|language = Georgian is the official language. In the west of the country Mengrelian and Svan are also spoken. Abkhazia and South Ossetia each have their own languages. Russian is universally understood except by some of the very young.
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|language = Georgian is the official language. In the west of the country Mengrelian and Svan are also spoken. Abkhazia and South Ossetia each have their own languages. Russian is universally understood except by some of the young, but they usually speak English instead.
 
|capital = [[Tbilisi]]
 
|capital = [[Tbilisi]]
 
|pop = 4,774,4732
 
|pop = 4,774,4732
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|hitch = <rating country='ge' />
 
|hitch = <rating country='ge' />
 
}}
 
}}
'''Georgia''' is a country in [[Western Asia]], that borders [[Turkey]], [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Russia]]. Two part of Georgia in the North, [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]] are de-facto independent though scarcely recognized states.
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[[File:Georgia.jpeg|thumb|250px| Hitchhiking in Georgia.]]
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'''Georgia''' is a country in [[Western Asia]], that borders [[Turkey]], [[Armenia]], [[Azerbaijan]] and [[Russia]]. Two part of Georgia in the North, [[Abkhazia]] and [[South Ossetia]] are ''de facto'' independent countries though few nations recognize their independence.
  
 
Hitching in Georgia is easy most of the time! Short waits and very friendly people. Road conditions in some places are quite bad so it can take some time but in most of cases there are renovated roads.  
 
Hitching in Georgia is easy most of the time! Short waits and very friendly people. Road conditions in some places are quite bad so it can take some time but in most of cases there are renovated roads.  
Spots are very easy to find, just head in the right direction and you will find a suitable place to stand. Sometimes if luck isn't on your side though and you may have to wait for a while and the only cars who will stop for you are marshrutkas which expect payment. But remain patient! Eventually someone will stop for you.
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Spots are very easy to find, just head in the right direction and you will find a suitable place to stand. Sometimes if luck isn't on your side though and you may have to wait for a while and the only cars who will stop for you are ''marshrutkas'' (microbuses) which expect payment. But remain patient! Eventually someone will stop for you.
Few people over forty speak English but can speak Russian. People in their twenties and younger are able to speak more English at least in the bigger cities. In villages even youngsters might only speak Georgian but in the last couple of years many young people from English-speaking countries are being sent to the villages to teach English. A few phrases of Russian will be handy or with a little extra effort people will be amazed if you know some Georgian.
 
 
 
== Getting in ==
 
Citizens of EU, USA, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and many other countries don't need a visa to enter and stay in the territory of Georgia for 360 days.
 
;via Turkey
 
When arriving from the west, your likely point of entry to the country will be [[Sarp-Sarpi border crossing]] with [[Turkey]] on the Black Sea coast. That border crossing has steady traffic and it's possible to cross the border on foot.
 
* There is another crossing a bit further east, from Türkgözü to the village of Vale and on to [[Akhaltsikhe]]. Although the Turkish border road is large and in good quality, the road from the border to Akhaltsikhe is a really bad dirt-road. We wouldn't recommend this crossing unless you prefer more adventure, but the police there are very friendly and will help you get a ride or find a place to stay if it's getting late.
 
;via Armenia
 
If you are going to [[Armenia]] you have to cross Sadakhlo border, it's possible to walk over the checkpoint and the border police are nice.
 
;via [[Russia]]
 
Since July 2011 it is also possible to cross the border to/from Russia for all citizens at the [[Verkhny Lars-Darial Gorge border crossing]].
 
;via [[Abkhazia]]
 
Foreigners with a valid Entry Permit can enter [[Abkhazia]] from Georgia, but have to return to Georgia. Travelling from Russia through Abkhazia towards Georgia is impossible, as you'll then be regarded as having illegally entered Georgia.
 
 
 
== Sleeping ==
 
 
 
Pitching a tent is a normal thing for the local people, forbidden only in city centres and near ruins.
 
 
 
As usual in the former Soviet Union, it is possible to rent private rooms from local people. In any city or small town one need only go into a shop or small restaurant and ask if someone has a room. Prices start from around 10 lari, and sometimes tea and even dinner is included.
 
 
 
== Food ==
 
It's hard to be hungry in Georgia. There's easy to find delicious and very cheap food in every city, in small villages you will be often invited to eat with locals.
 
 
 
== Climate ==
 
Summer can be pretty hot in Georgia with temperatures around 35°-40°C so you'll need a lot of water and shelter from the sun. Water is easy to find and in fact most Georgians use tap water.
 
  
Winter is quite cold and snowy, especially the north parts.  
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Unlike most European countries, usually no one cares if you hitchhike directly on highways, so it's not a problem to find a spot.
  
== Using police cars ==
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Older generations speak Russian as a foreign language, but people in their twenties and younger are able to speak more English, at least in the bigger cities. In villages even youngsters might only speak Georgian but in the last couple of years many young people from English-speaking countries have been sent to the villages to teach English. A few phrases of Russian will be handy or with a little extra effort people will be amazed if you know some Georgian.
In Georgia it is possible to "hitchhike" with [[police]] cars. Due to the country's desire to become more European, a major reform of the police was undertaken, affecting also the way the police work and deal with people. You should not be afraid of asking policeman for information or help. Most probably they will help you and even more.
 
  
The police provide a special type of service - they can deliver you to the address you are asking - for people who are in a position to be harmed or injured, for example when you are a foreigner and traveling alone in Georgia. They can bring you to the address you name or to a hotel. Keep in mind that you will have to fill out and sign a form. It is recommended to use this service in the evenings and nights.
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The Georgian hospitality is incredible and the most remarkable experience in this country but sometimes also a small risk as it can become a little bit pushing from time to time. Refusing alcohol can be offending for some people (if there is another person next to the driver in the car the chances are very high that the famous national drink chacha is offered to you) and if you are vegetarian, there could be a similar problem. If you're traveling as a couple, try not to be too affectionate in public places, as some people are extremely conservative and can be offended by this, and drunk guys may try to fight you (this happened to one hitchhiker after kissing his girlfriend on a marshrutka).
  
 
== Cities ==
 
== Cities ==
 
* [[Tbilisi]], the capital, also known as ''Tiflis''
 
* [[Tbilisi]], the capital, also known as ''Tiflis''
 
* [[Batumi]]
 
* [[Batumi]]
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* [[Borjomi]]
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* [[Bakuriani]]
 
* [[Gori]]
 
* [[Gori]]
 
* [[Kobuleti]]
 
* [[Kobuleti]]
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* [[Zugdidi]]
 
* [[Zugdidi]]
  
== Regions ==
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== Border Crossings ==
* [[Abkhazia]]
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* [[Adjara]]
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=== To [[Turkey]] ===
* [[Guria]]
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There are three open border crossings between turkey and Georgia. The faster and easier for hitchhike is the one close to [[Batumi]]. It can be very convenient for you even if you are going or coming from south east of Turkey.
* [[Imereti]]
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* [[Kakheti]]
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== Using police cars ==
* [[Kartli]]
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In Georgia it is possible to "hitchhike" with [[police]] cars. Due to the country's desire to become more European, a major reform of the police was undertaken, affecting also the way the police work and deal with people. You should not be afraid of asking policeman for information or help. Most probably they will help you and even more. You may not even need to ask, as it's not uncommon for police cars in Georgia to pick up hitchhikers, and then pull over other cars or trucks on the road to find a ride going straight to your destination.
* [[Khevi]]
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* [[Khevsureti]]
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The police also provide a special type of service - they can deliver you to the address you are asking - for people who are in a position to be harmed or injured, for example when you are a foreigner and traveling alone in Georgia. They can bring you to the address you name or to a hotel. Keep in mind that you will have to fill out and sign a form. It is recommended to use this service in the evenings and nights.
* [[Kvemo Kartli]]
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* [[Pshavi]]
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==Resources==
* [[Racha]]
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{{nomadwiki}}
* [[Samegrelo]]
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* [[Samtskhe-Javakheti]]
 
* [[Svaneti]]
 
* [[South Ossetia]]
 
* [[Tusheti]]
 
 
{{IsIn|Western Asia}}
 
{{IsIn|Western Asia}}
  
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[[de:Georgien]]
 
[[de:Georgien]]
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[[nomad:Georgia]]

Latest revision as of 12:36, 4 February 2021

This article is about country in the Caucasus region. Georgia may also refer to Georgia, a state in the USA among other places.

Flag of Georgia Georgia
Information
Language: Georgian is the official language. In the west of the country Mengrelian and Svan are also spoken. Abkhazia and South Ossetia each have their own languages. Russian is universally understood except by some of the young, but they usually speak English instead.
Capital: Tbilisi
Population: 4,774,4732
Currency: Lari ( GEL )
Hitchability: <rating country='ge' />
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots
<map lat='42.277' lng='43.824' zoom='6' view='3'/>


Hitchhiking in Georgia.

Georgia is a country in Western Asia, that borders Turkey, Armenia, Azerbaijan and Russia. Two part of Georgia in the North, Abkhazia and South Ossetia are de facto independent countries though few nations recognize their independence.

Hitching in Georgia is easy most of the time! Short waits and very friendly people. Road conditions in some places are quite bad so it can take some time but in most of cases there are renovated roads. Spots are very easy to find, just head in the right direction and you will find a suitable place to stand. Sometimes if luck isn't on your side though and you may have to wait for a while and the only cars who will stop for you are marshrutkas (microbuses) which expect payment. But remain patient! Eventually someone will stop for you.

Unlike most European countries, usually no one cares if you hitchhike directly on highways, so it's not a problem to find a spot.

Older generations speak Russian as a foreign language, but people in their twenties and younger are able to speak more English, at least in the bigger cities. In villages even youngsters might only speak Georgian but in the last couple of years many young people from English-speaking countries have been sent to the villages to teach English. A few phrases of Russian will be handy or with a little extra effort people will be amazed if you know some Georgian.

The Georgian hospitality is incredible and the most remarkable experience in this country but sometimes also a small risk as it can become a little bit pushing from time to time. Refusing alcohol can be offending for some people (if there is another person next to the driver in the car the chances are very high that the famous national drink chacha is offered to you) and if you are vegetarian, there could be a similar problem. If you're traveling as a couple, try not to be too affectionate in public places, as some people are extremely conservative and can be offended by this, and drunk guys may try to fight you (this happened to one hitchhiker after kissing his girlfriend on a marshrutka).

Cities

Border Crossings

To Turkey

There are three open border crossings between turkey and Georgia. The faster and easier for hitchhike is the one close to Batumi. It can be very convenient for you even if you are going or coming from south east of Turkey.

Using police cars

In Georgia it is possible to "hitchhike" with police cars. Due to the country's desire to become more European, a major reform of the police was undertaken, affecting also the way the police work and deal with people. You should not be afraid of asking policeman for information or help. Most probably they will help you and even more. You may not even need to ask, as it's not uncommon for police cars in Georgia to pick up hitchhikers, and then pull over other cars or trucks on the road to find a ride going straight to your destination.

The police also provide a special type of service - they can deliver you to the address you are asking - for people who are in a position to be harmed or injured, for example when you are a foreigner and traveling alone in Georgia. They can bring you to the address you name or to a hotel. Keep in mind that you will have to fill out and sign a form. It is recommended to use this service in the evenings and nights.

Resources

Check Nomadwiki for info on accommodation, showers etc. or Trashwiki for dumpsters...and share your wisdom :) nomad:Georgia