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== Getting around ==
=== Sleeping ===
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'''Russia''' is the largest country on Earth. There is a large number of active hitchhikers, but compared to the total number of the population it's not that much.
It is a great country to hitchhike. Some drivers expect money, but most of them don't.
Distances like 1000km/day are ok to hitch sticking to major roads (marked M on the map, 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 are real motorways, though, marked with a green sign of an autobann same as in Europe. Officially pedestrians are prohibited in such areas but in most cases you can get a lift even on a 8-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 care.
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. Hitchhiking in Russian is called ''Avtostopavtostop'' (Автостоп). It literally means “stopping cars”, and is basically the only word 100% understood as hitching (i.e. traveling by getting lifts for free).
=== Maps ===
== Border Crossing ==
Citizens of most countries need a visa (notable exception: most former Soviet states (apart from the Baltic states) and Israel). Most visa types require an invitation.
=== [[China]] ===
The crossing at Zabaykalsk/Manzhouli requires that you are on board a vehicle. It is possible to get on board a Chinese tour bus for around 300roubles. It is also ok to stand before the entrance to the border area and wait for a ride, however prepare to wait a long time. If you are not Chinese, Mongolian or Russian, prepare to be interrogated by the Russian border police for around 30 minutes.
=== [[Finland]] ===
* [[Torfyanovka-Valimaa border crossing]]
* [[Brusnichnoe-Nuijamaa border crossing]]
=== [[Georgia]] ===
The country is Russia's eternal 'native brother' and, despite all the political mess that constantly happenes between the two states, [[Ukraine]] is one of the countries that is very easy to enter from Russia (Russians do not even need a foreign passport to enter it, as well as for [[Belarus]]). Make sure that the border crossing is working before attempting to use it. The big gate on the M2/E95 road ([[Moscow]] to [[Kharkiv]]) can be passed by foot, which is very convenient because you do not have to wait in the line of the cars and you wont make your driver wait for you in case you have any delays with your passport. You will have to leave the car before all the checkpoints begin, though, or you will be considered a car passenger by the border police.
Unfortunately, Russia is still lacking lacks a hostels large hostel network. You can find several hostels in Moscow and in St. Perersburg, and they are gradually spreading over the country; but as for now, in almost any city nothing of the kind is available.To find both accomodation accommodation and company, you can use [http://hospitalityclub.org Hospitality Club], [http://couchsurfing.org CouchSurfing] and Russian+Ukranian+Belorussian Livejournal community [http://vpiska.livejournal.com Vpiska]. The official language of the latter is Russian but you can use English as well (ask other members to translate your post to Russian in the end of your message if you like). Just post the name of the locations you are planning to stay in, or your route, the dates of your possible arrival, the number of your party, some information about you and your cell# and be waitingmobile number.
If travelling traveling long distances through the country, it is advisable to bring a sleeping bag and tent. If sleeping by the side of the road, try to find a place obscured by trees, and avoid places with stray dogs. Sleeping by the road is usually very safe. Security guards and Police will usually not bother you if they see you.
Long distance truck drivers are often very accomodatinghospitable, and many will allow you to sleep in the 2nd bunk of their cab.
== External links ==
