Taxi
All taxis are heavily regulated but that doesn’t mean that you’ll be asked to pay the correct fare. If you don’t speak a word of Russian the likelihood is that they’ll try and take you without turning on the meter. Another trick is simply to cover the meter up, sometimes with an icon or a business card.
Any unofficial fare you are charged will usually only be a couple of dollars more than the official rate so if you’re not on a tight budget and don’t speak Russian just agree a fare before you get in. It will still be a lot less than you'd pay back home.
One way to guarantee you only pay the metered rate is by phoning for a taxi or getting somebody to do this for you in a restaurant or hotel.
All licensed taxi drivers carry a card with their photograph on it, which is displayed on the dash board.
Late at night every passing car is a potential taxi. It’s common practice for locals just to hold out their hand and thumb a lift home. If you do choose this method then always agree a fare before you get in and obviously don’t get in any car if you feel uncomfortable.
Metro Tram, Trolleybus & Bus Taxi On Foot