Changes

Spain consists of the 17 ''Comunidades Autónomas''. These are not only administrative destricts; Many of the regions have their own culture, language and some even don’t consider themselves as a part of Spain. For example the dominating language in [[Catalonia ]] is Catalan and getting around with ''castellano'' (spanish) is not always possible.

In Spain, hitching isn’t a very common concept and mostly done by foreigners. Though, the thumb will be understood. Nevertheless, you will find a lot of foreigners in cars from countries where the hitchhiking culture is more developed. You usually have to wait for some time - but those who pick you up at last tend to be really nice. Sometimes you will have to be patient and not just patient for an hour or so. Once, [[User:Latindane]] had to wait 4 hours to get a 300 kilometers ride with lunch included towards [[Madrid]].

When entering the country from [[France ]] you should try to get a lift as close to your destination as possible. A good place for this is La Jonquera, one of the biggest truck stops in Europe. You’ll find plenty of international truck drivers all over the country, because Spain is a centre of the fruit industry, exporting their oranges and tomatoes. In the west, there is another huge truck stop near Irun.

If you arrive by the ferry from [[Africa ]] you should try to get a ride on the ferry or at the port. There are lot’s of people from [[Morocco]], who went to visit their families and now return. You’ll see number plates from many other European states.

The north of Spain has a well developed system of ''autopistas'' and hitching is pretty similar to France or [[Germany]]. These highways have three lanes in both directions, ''peajes'' (tollgates) and huge rest stops directly at the road. However, waiting at the peajes, isn't allowed and you’ll be sent away by the police. So when hitching between France - [[Murcia ]] or [[Barcelona ]] – [[Zaragoza ]] – Madrid for example it is a good idea to stick to the rest stop and ask the drivers there. Bring water and food, since these ''áreas de servicio'' are really(!) expensive.