Beware of taxi drivers in Russia

Old Oct 13th, 2017, 06:28 AM
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<Or open the doors in the car and start screaming. >
Was I the only one who noted that the driver LOCKED THE DOORS?

Do you all really think that simply waiting him out seemed a viable option when the OP was locked in and afraid? Had already tried to get the attention of hotel staff?

Honestly, people love to tell women how to repel aggressors, it all seems so easy and obvious behind a computer. There is a lot of good advice here regarding illegal cabs, but a lot of useless noise and victim blaming about how to get out of a scary situation.
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Old Oct 13th, 2017, 03:18 PM
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@ NewbE: Do you have any constructive suggestions for how a person might handle such a situation?
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Old Oct 13th, 2017, 09:01 PM
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No, I think she did the best she could. Do you?
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Old Oct 13th, 2017, 09:07 PM
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Already offered -- along with my best wishes for her.
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Old Oct 14th, 2017, 10:17 AM
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I strongly believe cases like this should be promptly reported to local authorities. As far as I know, while not quite a "robbery" or kidnapping, it is still an offence under the Russian criminal code to restrict one's freedom of movement against their will. Reporting it to the authorities (in addition to forums like this one) would help ensure that the scam doesn't perpetuate in the long run.

And again, even if you are a conscientious objector to Uber, app-based GPS-tracking taxi services are a godsend to foreign visitors in Russia - not only are they way cheaper than official taxis and gypsy cabs, but also offer traceability and remove the necessity to negotiate the fare and communicate with the driver.
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Old Feb 21st, 2018, 03:46 PM
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Nieveszky Prospect

Under my better judgement, I found myself needing a taxi around 2am on a Saturday morning. I found a taxi at the corner of Nevsky. For some reason, the taxi driver asked to see my phone (once I was in the car). I gave it up, and he pocketed it. Once at my destination, he didn't say a word. He just sped off in order to keep me in the taxi. I yelled and demanded that he let me out, but he just yelled back at me in Russian. I didn't know what to think. I was pretty buzzed. After several minutes, I suddenly reached over to grab the phone. The taxi driver swerved along the road as we struggled over the phone. Finally, I got the phone out of his hand and rushed out of the taxi. I didn't even run or anything. I was pretty buzzed as I walked away to find a calm spot in order to look at my phone. Guess what? It was the taxi driver's. Now I was stuck out in St. Petersburg around 3 in the morning with a phone that I couldn't even use! The adventure began....I eventually made it back to my hotel at 6 am. The crazy thing is that I flew out of Russia that morning at 11am. I'll be more careful next time!
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Old Feb 22nd, 2018, 10:41 AM
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Oh my god, I am so sorry it happened to you. I was in similar situation in Lisbon a few years ago, so unfortunately it happens everywhere. And you are so shocked that you don't know what to do as you don't expect anything like that. As for St Petersburg, never use a taxi that is just waiting in the street - they will charge you unbelievable sum of money even for a short ride. I would recommend to ask your hotel to help you or just go to the nearest cafe or restaurant if it's urgent and ask them to assist in calling a taxi. Locals in St Petersburg call taxi beforehand, it's not common to take a taxi in the street like in many other places here. For example, a big local taxi company in St Petersburg is called 6000000, they have an English version of the website as well. Unfortunately I am not allowed to post a website link here.
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Old Feb 25th, 2018, 01:37 PM
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Thanks for the info. I surely will be more careful next time.
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Old Mar 16th, 2018, 01:42 AM
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It is likely a communications problem, the trip is normally 130 rubles, not dollars or Euros, they can't even take euros legally. Something is not right about this. There are major taxi companies all over and easy to spot, or call Uber or GETT for even lower costs. I use taxis here all the time when out later than public transport is running. Even rip off taxis are only going to charge 300 rubles for that trip, about $6. It is only 1/3 of a mile on one straight road.. Back in the 90s and early 2000s getting into unmarked cabs was often a rip-off but since about 2008 or so taxis have become well run brand name companies with lower prices.
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