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It is possible to cover vast distances per day when hitching, greater than 1000km if Because you are lucky, but generally only when using major M can get dropped off and immediately hitch onwards on nearly all roads in Western Russia. Do not expect all M roads to be highways – sometimes even , using a major road sign is a narrow lane with a beaten-up pavementnever necessary and in fact the community recommends against it. There In spite of the country's size, there are real motorwaysvery few roads, thoughhere there is little ambiguity in where you could be going, marked with when hitching from a green sign of an autobahn same as given location. Hitchhiking in EuropeRussian is called ''Автостоп'' (avtostop). The further East you goIt literally means “car stopping”, and is basically the worse the road condition getsonly word understood as hitching (i.e. There is, however, an ongoing policy of funding the rebuilding many roads in Russia, which will bring standards to a much higher leveltravelling by getting lifts for free).
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 ''Автостоп'' (avtostop). It literally means “car stopping”, and is basically the only word 100% understood as hitching (i.e. traveling by getting lifts for free). 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 problem in the country. Police will usually not bother you at all , even if they know you are a foreigner (except perhaps at the border- that is another matter), 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 a problem!
Also, Russia still does not have a freedom of movement. That applies to both natives and foreigners; officially, you have to register in 3 days while staying in any city, village, etc. Practically, villages and towns can be neglected, but please do register once you arrive to a big city (especially Moscow), unless you are planning to stay for less then 3 days. Normally any hostel or hotel you stay in will do it for you; even if you are staying at some friend's you might ask their staff for help too.
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'''Russia''' is the largest country on Earth, and is a fantastic country for hitch hiking. There It is well ingrained within the country's culture, and it is a large number of active hitchhikersmuch more comfortable way to see the country, but compared to taking the train. Despite the total number popularity of the population it's not that muchhitch hiking compared to other countries, people will still be surprised by what you are doing.
It is possible to cover vast distances per day when hitching, greater than 1000km if you are lucky, but generally only when using major M roads in Western Russia . Do not expect all M roads to be dual carriageways – sometimes even a major road is a fantastic country for hitch hikingnarrow, unpaved muddy patch. It is well ingrained within Generally speaking, the further East you go, the worse the country's cultureroad condition gets. There are real motorways, and it though, marked with a green sign of an autobahn same as in Europe. Standards are improving too; there is a much more comfortable way to see an ongoing policy of funding the countryrebuilding many roads in Russia, compared which will bring standards to taking the traina much higher level.
=== Maps ===
Somehow, Russians are still very amused by foreigners, and many report that solo traveling even extremely long distances, like Central and Eastern Russia, for a foreign girl who speaks some Russian is absolutely safe since she is treated like someone ‘from the outside’ by virtually everyone. Keep in mind that being a foreigner you are somewhat protected from some issues that Russian hitchhikers face on the roads.
=== Border Crossings, Police , Visas and formalities ===Police The general consensus is that, providing your passport and visa are in order, you will have no problem entering Russia just loves . Even hitching in at remote border crossings in the middle of the night is fine. However you are very likely to check IDs and you can get be held when leaving the country by a hell lot of troubles land crossing, particularly if hitching out. You will most likely be required to describe your papers trip in great detail, and explain other passport stamps. Do not worry if this happens, just answer their questions and you will be allowed to go. (eventually) Whilst hitching in Russia, the police will occasionally stop the vehicle you are not travelling in order (being to check the driver's documents. There is a small possibility that your driver will be asked for a bribe about you, the passenger. This is likely to be the only time your ID is likely to be checked when hitching in Russia, other than at the least)borders. The police will not ask for too much information usually; they will look at your passport, visa and immigration card, and they may take notes of your name and address. They will most likely not check your visa registration. You do have to have your passport with the visa 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 style, and will not survive even the light raining. As a visitor to Russia, it is important to understand the registration rules. Officially, you must register your visa in Russia within 3 working days of arriving in the country, and also subsequently register again in any town or city you remain in for 3 days or longer. It is very important to understand these rules, particularly the former. Many Russians are also not aware of these rules, and may give wrong advice.If you are staying in a hotel or hostel, they will usually register you, often for free; even if you are staying at some friend's you might ask their staff for help too. If you are being hosted by a private citizen then you can register at the post office. This process is complicated and time consuming unfortunately, but registration provides peace of mind that you will have no problems if the police or border police try to find any.
If you do not plan to stay for a long time just have some strong evidence that you have just arrived. Buy a hamburger and keep the receipt before leaving some nice town or city you pass by (make sure there is the place‘s name on it). The train or bus tickets are the best means to persuade cops you are not hanging around St.Petersburg for half a year already, so you might take a short ride on a local train from time to time to have a set of tickets marking your way.
Whilst it is not recommended, you may be able to risk not registering your visa. The border police do not often check visa registration, particularly at non European borders, as it is too much hassle. Some regular tourists in Russia comment that the cost and time consumption of registering a visa is too great, and prefer to hope that they are not checked when leaving. However if you are caught with an unregistered visa, expect at least a 2000 Ruble fine.
If you are travelling anywhere North of St . Petersburg, particularly around Murmansk and towards Norway, it is highly recommended that you register your visa. User haggismn had registration and other documents checked three times at the various military check points. (not including the Norwegian border itself)
== Cities ==
