How to Hail a Cab in Moscow

For the most part, traveling in Moscow is just like traveling in any other large city. However, if you don't know the city, you may get taken for a ride on your first cab ride. Cabs in Moscow are notoriously unreliable and overpriced, so keep reading if you're going to choose this mode of transportation.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderately challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Moscow Maps
• Russian Phrase Books
• Travel Guides

1. Hail a public cab just as you do in many other cities, with a nod, a wave or a hand signal. However, before you get in, make certain to discuss and agree on a price with the driver.
2. Make sure the driver knows where you want to go. If you don't speak Russian fluently, make your best attempt and then point it out on a map.
3. Let the driver get out of the cab before you do to get the door or your bags.
4. Have the driver retrieve your bags before you pay. This will guarantee that your bags won't be in the trunk when the cab speeds away.
5. Hail a private ("gypsy") cab by sticking your arm straight out from your body toward the road. Then follow the steps above. However, taking a private cab is definitely not recommended; many private cabbies are simply residents trying to make a quick ruble, and they may not know the city well.

Tips & Warnings

• Have exact change, preferably in Russian rubles, because most cab drivers will not give you change even if they have it. This is one method they use to garner a larger tip.
• Take the metro or hire a private driver to avoid cabs altogether, if possible.
• Don't get in any cab, public or private, with other people in it unless you have arranged it or you know the people involved personally.