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Europe Topics specific to Western and Eastern Europe, from UK to the Russian border, and south-east to Turkey.
Photo by Rob Beach, Furka Pass, Switzerland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Rob Beach,
Furka Pass, Switzerland



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  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2008
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Poland - Ukraine - Romania - Hungary - Slovakia - Czech Rep.
I'm planning a trip May/early June 2009 and would like any advice that you can provide on a couple of issues:

- I've heard some "horror" stories about the time it takes at Ukrainian border crossings. Anyone have recent experience (I'll be traveling from Gdansk)?

- What's the protocol/etiquette at petrol stations in Eastern Europe? Anything different to Western Europe?

- I've got four days to get from Chernivisti in Ukraine to Prague. Any "must dos" betwixt and between?

- Being so close to the border, I'd quite like to take a day in Moldova (if only to get the sticker on my pannier!!!) whilst I'm in Chernivisti. Worth the hassle or not?

Many thanks!
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Old 17 Nov 2008
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Ukraine border was no worse (or better) for me than any others, although it was the first place anyone noticed I'd been using photocopies instead or genuine documents for my bike. I spent an hour or so entering, less departing, and no one checked my (lack of) insurance. Moldova is worth at least a quick look around; be sure and get out on some back roads so you're forced to navigate little wet, steep tracks, get lost, search for teenagers who speak some English, etc. Speaking some Russian would surely have been helpful, but in the end it all works out.

It took longer to enter Moldova than elsewhere, largely because I missed the insurance station which was, for no apparent reason, on the Romanian side. They sent me back, then made me wait in the queue for a second time. In the rain.

YMMV.

Mark

Edit to add: and of course petrol stations in Eastern Europe are as varied as they are in Western Europe. It'll all be readily apparent. I did get some bad gas in southern Poland, causing me two days' delay and a lot of consternation, but that could have happened anywhere.
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Old 19 Nov 2008
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Thanks Mark. I appreciate it.
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Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand
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  #4  
Old 27 Nov 2008
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Read this one - I hope it would help you
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...772#post217097

Quote:
Originally Posted by Wildman View Post
I'm planning a trip May/early June 2009 and would like any advice that you can provide on a couple of issues:

- I've heard some "horror" stories about the time it takes at Ukrainian border crossings. Anyone have recent experience (I'll be traveling from Gdansk)?

- What's the protocol/etiquette at petrol stations in Eastern Europe? Anything different to Western Europe?

- I've got four days to get from Chernivisti in Ukraine to Prague. Any "must dos" betwixt and between?

- Being so close to the border, I'd quite like to take a day in Moldova (if only to get the sticker on my pannier!!!) whilst I'm in Chernivisti. Worth the hassle or not?

Many thanks!
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  #5  
Old 29 Nov 2008
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Hi Edas. That's great information. Thank you. Later in 2009 (July/August) I plan to come down through Estonia and Latvia to your country (and maybe through Belarus) to Russia.
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Paul "Every county of England, every country of Europe and every (part of every inhabited) continent of the Earth" 94% done! What's left? Central America, East, Central and West Africa, Australia & New Zealand
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  #6  
Old 10 Dec 2008
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No worries
I've been to a couple of countries you're going to. Slovakia is verry nice, clean, well organised and you will enjoy the scenery. Aften 1 jan. 2009 you can probably pay in euro's. ATM everywhere so no problem there.

Romania, watch out 'cause it is still a verry poor nation so don't let yoúr guard down in the border area. more inland = more beautifull (in my opinion at least). watch your stuff and your bike. I've heard horror stories of bike-highjackin in border towns. Maybe these are just stories, don't know but be warned.

Tjech rep. is nice and ridable but off the beaten track the roads are poor.

Poland has some nice and/or impressive places to visit so some searching the internet will be worth your while

Have a nice trip!

Boots

- VANDERPIJL.ORG - Webmail -
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Old 14 Dec 2008
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Would highly recomend Budapest Biker Camp. Friendly, good......
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