Changes

|hitch = from {{average}} to {{very good}}<rating country='ru' />|BW = RU

'''Russia''' is the largest country on Earth, and is a fantastic country for hitch hiking. There It is a large number of active hitchhikers, but compared to well ingrained within the total number of the population itcountry's not that much.It culture, and it is a great much more comfortable way to see the country , compared to hitchhiketaking the train. Some drivers expect moneyDespite the popularity of hitch hiking compared to other countries, but most of them notpeople will still be surprised by what you are doing. Especially if you are (and look like) a foreigner.

Distances like 1000km/It is possible to cover vast distances per day are ok to hitch sticking to major roads (marked M on the mapwhen hitching, i.e. M6). Do not expect them to necessary be highways – sometimes even a major road is a narrow lane with a beaten-up pavement. There greater than 1000 km if you are real motorways, thoughlucky, marked with a green sign of an autobann same as in Europe. Officially pedestrians are prohibited in such areas but generally only when using major M roads in most cases you can get a lift even on a 8Western Russia or Siberia through Trans-lane M4 speedway near Moscow, with cars crossing 4 lines to pick you up. The road police might chase you away (and also check your ID in the meanwhile) but in most cases they just do not caresiberian 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 fact good shape in connection with the community recommends against ithuge traffic, travelling will take much more time than in Western Europe. Hitchhiking There are real motorways, though, marked with a green sign of an autobahn same as in Russian is ''Avtostop'' (Автостоп)Europe. It literally means “stopping cars”, and Standards are improving too; there is basically an ongoing policy of funding the only word 100% understood as hitching (i.e. traveling by getting lifts for free)rebuilding many roads in Russia, which will bring standards to a much higher level.

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. ===Maps===

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) Another alternative Application to MapsMe is Yandex Maps. It's like Russian Goole maps. You can download offline maps there and find every address or public transport.(July 2019) == 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. Villages and big town are completely safe.

Especially the southern provinces [[Dagestan]], [[Chechnya]] (worldwide most victims), [[Ingushetia]], [[North Ossetia]] and [[Kabardino-Balkaria]] have problems with land-mines. ===Girls and solo-hitching===

===Police and formalities===Police in Russia just loves The Ultimate Guide to check IDs and you can get a hell lot of troubles if your papers are not in order €35 Russian Visa without an Agency for Most EU Citizens (being asked for a bribe is the least). You do have to have your passport with the visa except UK, Ireland 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 styleCroatia, and will not survive even the light raining. among others) ==

Also''Most Russian embassies in the EU don't require you to submit an application through a visa center/travel agent or to complete any additional steps, Russia still does not have a freedom but it's very important to check the respective embassy's website for their particular requirements.'' 1. Get an appointment at the respective embassy of your choice. This is the biggest hassle of movementthe entire process as appointments are usually booked out for at least two months ahead. That applies .. You'll find a link to both natives and foreigners; officiallythe 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 appointment, you have book 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 register in 3 days while staying in any city, village, etcBooking.com from their website. As it's Booking. Practicallycom, villages and towns you can be neglected, but please do register once you arrive to give them a big city fake credit card (especially Moscowusing a fake CC number generator of course), unless and you are planning don't actually have to stay at the places or pay for less then 3 daysthem in advance. Normally any hostel or hotel But you stay in will do need the reservations. Alternatively, you could also get an invitation through the many websites which offer it for as low as €10 (look up Fortuna Travel) - but the steps above will get you; even one for free. ''Recent reports seem to suggest that the agency is getting wary of suspicious free visa support request, so if you are staying at some friend's re going to Russia for longer than a week, you're probably better off coughing up the €10.'' 3. Once you've managed to successfully book accommodation through Booking.com, fill out this [https://www.saint-petersburg.com/russian-visa/free-visa-support/request/ form]. They should send you might ask their staff for help tooscans of the invitation to your e-mail. Print those out. 3a. If you do not plan to stay need a visa for a long time just have some strong evidence that over 30 days, then you have just arrivedto get a "Business" visa instead of a tourist visa. It's Russia, so white lies are not out of the ordinary here... Buy To get a business visa, you'll need a hamburger more expensive invitation (usually between €45-80), but the visa fee remains the same and keep the receipt before leaving some nice town or city you pass by (make sure there same visa support companies issue these. For visas up to 180 days, a simple stamped letter over email is the place‘s name enough, but this really depends on it). The train or bus tickets are the best means to persuade cops you are not hanging around Stembassy.Petersburg For a 1-year visa(although it's valid for half a year already, so one entry can only be 90 days), you might 'd need a formal invitation initiated by the company via the Russian Migration Service, which is much more expensive and can take up to a month. 4. Fill out this [https://visa.kdmid.ru/PetitionChoice.aspx?AspxAutoDetectCookieSupport=1 form] exactly as you've filled out the previous form. This is the official Russian form which you'll submit to the embassy. Print it. Sign it. Glue a short ride on passport photo onto it (3.5x4.5cm size). 5. Get travel insurance which has at least €30,000 cover. Print a local train from time confirmation. If you're good enough with photoshop you can give them something legit looking. You'll also probably need this at the Russian border. 6. Go to time to have a set the embassy for your appointment with all the paperwork (printout of tickets marking the invitation, the official Russian form with your waysignature and photos and confirmation of insurance). Pay them €35. Wait for the visa. 7. Have fun in Russia! IMPORTANT: Every embassy and every nationality is different! Check the embassy website before following these steps as there may be extra requirements not covered here! === E-Visa ===Starting from July 1, 2019 people from many countries can get electronic visa to enter the [[Far Eastern Federal District]] and the [[Kaliningrad Oblast]]. The e-visa is free and lasts only for eight days. Rules for these visas can be found on the official website [https://evisa.kdmid.ru/].

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

* [[IrkutskSochi]]* [[Ufa]]

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

===Number plates===

== Border Crossing External links ==Citizens of most countries need a visa (notable exception* [http: most former Soviet states (apart from the Baltic states) and Israel)//010-vladok. Most visa types require an invitationreitsma.ru/ Story about hitchhiking from Rotterdam to Vladivostok] {{en}}* [http://no-planes.de/?p=76/ Story about hitchhiking from Hamburg to Lake Baikal] {{en}}=== *[http://youarealltourists.blogspot.de/search/label/Siberia Stories about hitchhiking around remote Siberian regions] {{en}}* [Georgiahttp://hike.ru/ Russian hitchhiking website]{{ru}}* [http://www.bpclub.ru/index.php Russian backpacker & hitchhiker's forum] ==={{ru}}The border is now closed* [http://avp.travel.ru/ Academy of Free Travel, and entering the country via territories in question might be extremely dangerous or even fatal (even if the territories themselves, like Moscow based hitchhiking club] {{ru}}* [[Abhasia]http://vpiska.livejournal.com Livejournal 'Vpiska' community], mostly {{ru}} but {{en}} speakers are safe)also welcome* [http://ru_autostop. The advice is to go to [[Turkeylivejournal.com Russian]] or to [[Azerbaijan]] first hitchhiking communities. {{ru}}, but you can ask questions and then to get replies in {{en}}* [[Georgia]]http://takemeeast. === [[Azerbaijan]] ===You will need a special premission to be allowed to cross the borderblogspot. Don't try to cross com/search/label/russia Hitchhiking in the border illegal.Russian far east] {{en}}

==Nomadwiki & Trashwiki =[[Latvia]]===It's no problem (at least for EU passport holders) to walk over the checkpoints in Latvia to Russia.