Local Taxi Service in Moscow
Moscow's local taxi service is great to get across the city. No waiting for late bus or descending into stuffy underground!
Many companies around are ready to give you a lift, including the "Yellow Cab" which totally imitates the official Soviet design of that time. Truth is, it's just as official as its competition.
You can catch a private car as well - Moscow drivers are happy to help for just a portion of price. Sometimes they ask too much, but that's not a problem if you bargain.
Let's start from the moment you set a foot in Moscow airport. Once you get out from the customs, dozens of taxi drivers will offer a ride. I said it before, and I'll say it again - don't! It's neither secure nor cheap - doesn't matter what they say!
There's a taxi stand in every Moscow airport these days. Pay cash, get a receipt and then ride nice and easy to your place. A much better and safer way!
Alright, you got to your hotel, had a shower, probably took a nap (who needs sleep, anyway??), and you're set to go. You probably aren't yet ready for Moscow transport, you want something less crowded and more comfortable, in other words - a taxi!
Once you're on the street, you'll see a dozen cabs waiting to pick an unsuspecting foreigner. I don't recommend that - those guys charge triple price. They won't bargain - don't even try.
Instead, you can do this:
1) Order a cab.
Yep, call a local taxi service an hour in advance (can be less if you live in the center), and ask for a taxi cab to pick you up. Don't forget to ask the price! - we don't use taximeters in Moscow.
If the price is not clear - call someone else. Otherwise, the driver will be free to ask any sum once you arrive.
You can also ask what car they'll be sending over. I usually don't care about it, but if Russian car isn't good enough for you - be sure to find out. The choice is huge - it can be "Mercedes" and it can be "Volga". Make your move!
Try not to ask hotel's reception to order a taxi for you. They usually have arrangements with a local taxi service, and it won't be the cheapest one!
2) Catch a car.
Another great option is to catch a car. Be careful not to attract attention of the cabs near the entrance! Walk some 100 meters, raise your hand and wait. In a couple of minutes, cars will be literally lining up!
You'll have to settle for less. "BMW"s don't usually pick passengers up, so get ready to travel without much luxury. But - it can be a great experience! Russian automotive industry is slowly sinking. In a couple of years, we may not have any Russian-made cars at all, so seize the moment!
Again - agree on the price! Bargain as much as you want - if the driver leaves, another one will pop up right away. When they see a foreigner, they'll surely ask more, so don't be in a hurry to pay.
...after all, haste makes waste! 
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