West Bank

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<map lat='31.94' lng='35.25' zoom='9' view='0' float='right' height='550'/> Hitchhiking in the West Bank (Palestinian territories) is a game of chance, but still very common. Some people, especially Jewish settlers, tend to carry guns. Hitchhiking is popular especially among the settler's youth, although there were cases they were targeted by militants while hitchhiking.

Among the Palestinians, hitchhiking is not common at all − yet that does not mean it's difficult to get rides. For short distances especially, you are likely to encounter their hospitality and get a ride quite quickly. Notice that while they will wait in Israeli checkpoints, you will most likely have to wait with them.

On many roads only cars with Israeli number plates are allowed.

Cities, places

Entering from Jordan

The border crossing procedure can be time consuming. guaka ended up in the West Bank when it was already dark. You're not allowed to walk away from the border crossing (which is also a military base) so you are left to the taxi leeches. They try to charge 30 shekels for a very short ride. There is also a shared taxi service to Jerusalem for the same price.

File:Guaka-hitching-west-bank-2008.jpg
guaka hitching to Jerusalem at night in West Bank, together with a German guy. Thanks to a torch they found a ride in half an hour!