Difference between revisions of "Turkey"

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|currency = Lira (TRY)
 
|currency = Lira (TRY)
 
|hitch = {{Very Good}} (''very good'')
 
|hitch = {{Very Good}} (''very good'')
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|hitchbase = [[http://hitchbase.com/orte.php?l_id=196 hh spots]]
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|avp = [http://ve.free-travels.ru/articles/item.php?country=turkey (ru)] [http://209.85.135.104/translate_c?hl=en&langpair=ru%7Cen&u=http://ve.free-travels.ru/articles/item.php?country=turkey (en)]
 
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Hitchhiking in '''Turkey''' is easy. Sometimes it may be customary to contribute a few Lira, but for some hitchhikers this is unheard of. Looking like western backpacker will get you a lot of attention when traveling outside the major tourist areas. Often, the first vehicle to pass will stop for you (sometimes even if they are going the opposite direction!). Lifts with big trucks are the most common since cars may be very full. Turkish truck drivers are generally very friendly and helpful, but may not speak a word of English. Knowing some German words may help.  
 
Hitchhiking in '''Turkey''' is easy. Sometimes it may be customary to contribute a few Lira, but for some hitchhikers this is unheard of. Looking like western backpacker will get you a lot of attention when traveling outside the major tourist areas. Often, the first vehicle to pass will stop for you (sometimes even if they are going the opposite direction!). Lifts with big trucks are the most common since cars may be very full. Turkish truck drivers are generally very friendly and helpful, but may not speak a word of English. Knowing some German words may help.  
  

Revision as of 16:03, 11 April 2008

Flag of Turkey Turkey
Information
Language: Turkish
Capital: Ankara
Population: 71,158,647
Currency: Lira (TRY)
Hitchability: Verygood.png (very good) (very good)
More info: [[http://hitchbase.com/orte.php?l_id=196 hh spots] Hitchbase] [http://ve.free-travels.ru/articles/item.php?country=turkey (ru) (en) AVP Free Encyclopedia (Russian)]
Meet fellow hitchhikers on Trustroots


Hitchhiking in Turkey is easy. Sometimes it may be customary to contribute a few Lira, but for some hitchhikers this is unheard of. Looking like western backpacker will get you a lot of attention when traveling outside the major tourist areas. Often, the first vehicle to pass will stop for you (sometimes even if they are going the opposite direction!). Lifts with big trucks are the most common since cars may be very full. Turkish truck drivers are generally very friendly and helpful, but may not speak a word of English. Knowing some German words may help.

Cities

Regions

Climate

During the summer temperatures tend to rise above 35 °C, especially in the South, so it is advisable to bring enough water and plan to start in the early morning. Plan your travel so to be able to reach your destination before midday.

Transportation

When hitchhiking people may try to put you on a Dolmuş of bring you to the Otogar or bus-station. The Dolmuş (mınıbus) is the most common way of public transport inside and between cities & towns. They wıll stop anywhere on the road even if you don't call them. They are small buses that should be used for small dıstance travels. Generally they cost between 1 and 3 Lira.

For larger distances the Bus (coaches) are more common. They provide reliable service and are pretty comfortable. Free tea and snacks are generally served along the way and they generally stop in nice rest areas. Some drivers may try to convince you to take a bus. If you do end up on a bus they are relatively cheap although not as cheap as trains which are slower but more adventurous.

Mikeeg555 hitching in Turkey

Food

You will never have to worry about lack of food in Turkey. Many truck drivers have coffee makers in their truck. Turkish people are very generous and it is seldom you get a ride without a driver offering you food. It's also very cheap and mainly meat based food. The experts are also good in producing a lot of specific and tasty sweets. The tea (black tea or apple tea in Istanbul)is the national drink and almost all the people that you will meet will offer you a tea, this the easiest way to show you their hospitable culture.

Sleep

All towns in Turkey have a OtoGar, a bus terminal. Most of them will offer a warm and fairly safe place to spend the night. But you should be careful and try to place your baggage in a way so you will wake up if anybody tries to take it. Most smaller towns outside the main regions have very cheap hotels, starting at 8 Lira. Many truck drivers will have an extra bunk in their truck which they are usually happy to offer if they are stopping for the night.

License plates

The first two numbers of the Turkish number plates indicate the city where the car is registered. These are sorted from 1 to 81 alphabetically. This rule is not applicable for villages that became the status of cities quite recently.