I've read some comments that you have to be careful taking cabs in Moscow and to a lesser extent St. Petersburg. Have heard they over charge, drive the long way bacfk to your hotel, etc. We're going on a tour but will have some free time to explore on our own. Would like to hear feedback on others' experience. Thanks.

In my experience all the cab drivers speak basic English. Just tell them where you want to go and ask the price. If you don;t like it look for another cab. But- it;s likely the price will be the same.

We took cabs everywhere in both cities and had no problems. The cabs were expensive (for the local economy) but perfectly reasonable in comparison to cabs in western europe. No one tried to cheat us - in at least 30 cab rides in 2 trips.

I have taken cabs w/o any problems. But the Metro is very easy and very cheap.

Thanks! That is what I was hoping to hear. Stainless

If possible, try to arrange for a car service at the airport. You can also have the hotel arrange for cabs for you.

You could also try what the locals do - just wave at the traffic until a private car stops and negotiate the price. (I forget the exact signal, but any local should know, and also know the going rate.)