Taxis in Moscow

Exercise caution when using taxis. There are standard taxis of various makes and colors, but professional ones all have taxi lights on top and can easily be hailed in the city center. Official taxis have a "T" and checkered emblem on the doors (but there are not many of them). When you enter a cab, check to see if the meter is working; if it is not, agree on a price beforehand. Generally, everyone with a car is a potential taxi driver in Moscow; it's common for Muscovites to hail an ordinary car and negotiate a price for a ride. This is generally a safe practice, but it's best to avoid it, particularly if you don't speak Russian. If you do choose to take a ride in an ordinary car, take some precautions: never get in a car with more than one person inside, and if the driver wants to stop for another fare, say no or get out of the car.

You can also call cabs by phone or through your hotel's service bureau. Moscow has numerous cab companies, most with 24-hour service. There is sometimes a delay, but the cab usually arrives within the hour. If you order a cab in this way, you usually pay a set rate for the first 30 minutes (between 115R and 175R) and then a set rate per minute (usually 4R to 6R per minute). Always ask for an approximate price when you telephone for a cab. Moscow Taxi provides city cabs as well as airport service (from hotels or private residences) in vans or buses. Novoye Zhyoltoye Taksi (New Yellow Taxi) is a cab firm with a good reputation.

Taxi Companies

Moscow Taxi (495/238-1001). Novoye Zhyoltoye Taksi (495/940-8888).