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Georgia

765 bytes removed, 13:36, 4 February 2021
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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]].''
 
{{infobox Country
|country = of Georgia
|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, but they usually speak English instead.
|capital = [[Tbilisi]]
|pop = 4,774,4732
|hitch = <rating country='ge' />
}}
 [[File:Georgia.jpeg|thumb|250px| 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 scarcely recognized statesfew 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.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 TurkeyWhen 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 ArmeniaIf 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 snowyUnlike most European countries, especially the north partsusually no one cares if you hitchhike directly on highways, so it's not a problem to find a spot.
== Using police cars ==In Georgia it is possible Older generations speak Russian as a foreign language, but people in their twenties and younger are able to "hitchhike" with [[police]] cars. Due to the country's desire to become speak more EuropeanEnglish, a major reform of at least in the police was undertaken, affecting also bigger cities. In villages even youngsters might only speak Georgian but in the way last couple of years many young people from English-speaking countries have been sent to the police work and deal with peoplevillages to teach English. You should not A few phrases of Russian will be afraid of asking policeman for information handy or help. Most probably they with a little extra effort people will help be amazed if you and even moreknow some Georgian.
The police provide Georgian hospitality is incredible and the most remarkable experience in this country but sometimes also a small risk as it can become a special type of service - they little bit pushing from time to time. Refusing alcohol can deliver you be offending for some people (if there is another person next to the address driver in the car the chances are very high that the famous national drink chacha is offered to you) and if you are asking - for people who are in vegetarian, there could be a similar problem. If you're traveling as a position couple, try not to be harmed or injuredtoo affectionate in public places, for example when you as some people are a foreigner extremely conservative and traveling alone in Georgia. They can bring you be offended by this, and drunk guys may try to the address fight you name or to a hotel. Keep in mind that you will have (this happened to fill out and sign one hitchhiker after kissing his girlfriend on a form. It is recommended to use this service in the evenings and nightsmarshrutka).
== Cities ==
* [[Tbilisi]], the capital, also known as ''Tiflis''
* [[Batumi]]
* [[Borjomi]]
* [[Bakuriani]]
* [[Gori]]
* [[Kobuleti]]
* [[Zugdidi]]
== Regions Border Crossings ==* [[Abkhazia]]* === To [[AdjaraTurkey]]===* There are three open border crossings between turkey and Georgia. The faster and easier for hitchhike is the one close to [[GuriaBatumi]]. It can be very convenient for you even if you are going or coming from south east of Turkey. * [[Imereti]]* [[Kakheti]]== Using police cars ==* In Georgia it is possible to "hitchhike" with [[Kartlipolice]]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]] * [[Khevsureti]]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]]* [[Pshavi]]* [[Racha]]* [[Samegrelo]]* [[Samtskhe-Javakheti]]* [[Svaneti]]==Resources==* [[South Ossetia]]{{nomadwiki}}* [[Tusheti]]
{{IsIn|Western Asia}}
[[de:Georgien]]
[[nomad:Georgia]]
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