Russian taxis resembles those found elsewhere in the world, but, just like with many other things, there is a unique “Russian touch,” which makes this breed less understandable for a typical western visitor. It is a good thing you have found this story because I, a native Russian with great understanding of western psyche, will give you a thorough guide to getting a taxi in Russia, Moscow, St. Petersburg or any other Russian city.
There are three types of taxi that inhabiting Russian roads: “real cabs” (usually yellow), “airport cabs (cabsters)” and “citizen cabs.” If you are planning to use a taxi, the distinction is crucial for it determines how much you will be asked to pay and how much you should actually pay.
Let’s start from the strangest variation of taxis in Russia – “an airport cab (cabsters).” Those, as you can probably guess, inhabit areas surrounding airports. They are not “real cabs,” in a sense that they are not operated by actual firms and don’t have taxi licenses. They are run by a clique of private entrepreneurs who stick around airport terminals hoping to find a foreign tourist who does not suspect anything. They are easily distinguished in the crowd. They will stand around and tell you: “Taxi, taxi, do you need a need a ride?”
Remember, don’t use their service unless you are willing to up to $200 for a 30 minute ride and put yourself in a the danger of being robbed. Also, keep in mind that the “official” airport counters in Moscow collaborate with these cabsters. If you go to a counter, they will put you in one of these cabs and give you the same outrageous rate.
No one understands why there are no “real cabs” available in Moscow airports. Perhaps, because “the airport cabs” scare away “the real cabs” with violence. “The airport cabs” are a leftover from the turbulent 90s and a semi-criminal organization that you should stay away from.
So how do you get from the airport to your hotel? It is a great idea to arrange your airport pick up in advance. Don’t count on the public transportation. It is very inconvenient and could take few hours to get in the city. It is a good idea to ask you travel agent to arrange your airport pick up in advance. Travel All Russia (1.800.884.1721) can arrange “a real cab” for just $50 which will come to the airport and its driver will wait for you at a terminal exit with a sign with your name on it.
Once you get into the city, you don’t have to worry about the cabsters for they rarely leave their natural habitat. There will be a plenty of official taxis which go by-the-meter, in large cities at least. In smaller cities you can use “the citizen cabs.” You can get “citizen cabs” in larger cities too. They will cost about the same as the real cabs. The best way to get a real cab once you are in the city is to ask your hotel receptionist to order a taxi for you.
How to get “a citizen cab”
* Just go to a road curb on a busy street, stick your hand out and you will see two or three cars pulling up a few seconds later. The rate is always about $10 for each 10 minutes of driving.
* Once a car pulls up, tell its driver where you need to go
* A Driver will think for few seconds and then ask you “Skolko” (how much).
* At this point, you should say – “1000 rubles” (this is about $40), if you are going further than 10 minutes away. If you are going less than 10 minutes away, say 500 rubles.
* A driver will tell you “Malo” (not enough)
* Repeat your offer one or two more times and this should do a trick. Driver will say “Ladno” (OK) or “Sadis’ (Get in). If a driver does not give in, sweeten a deal by about 20%.
