Moscow Russia Facts II
Hello! This is the second page of Moscow Russia facts series. Want to start over? Do it right from here!
In the previous post, we talked about money issues. Is it all you need to know? Of course not! I've got more Moscow Russia facts for you in store!
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This is what you'll need right after you acquire some Russian cash and pass the border control. You could go by train, but taxi is by far the best way to get from the airport to your place of stay.
I strongly advise the official local taxi service. You'll be approached by suspicious guys that'll offer you a "cheaper ride". Don't fall for that. First, it's not safe - you can never know where they may really take you. Second, they'll try to rip you off for sure. That's one of less pleasant Moscow Russia facts you have to know!
Don't listen to them, don't talk to them - just pass through and get to the taxi stand. Tell the nice lady where you need to go, pay the price, get the receipt - and you're good to go! You may not be used to paying in advance, but this how it works in Moscow airports. Don't get suspicious.
An official taxi...
By the way, that's the total and final amount you need to pay. If the driver asks for more - disregard him! It's a pure theory, though - I don't recall it ever happening to me.
Continuing with our short Moscow Russia facts course.
I'd say you should stick to the official taxi all the time. There are many company around, like "Taxi Blues". Choose the one that suits you best.
When you need to go somewhere - call them in advance and order a ride. You'll have to clarify two important things:
1) The price
Taximeters aren't in use in Moscow, so you'll need to agree on the price before the ride. If they can't tell you the final sum - ask them the tariffs. You will then figure out the approximate amount pretty easily.
2) The car
When you have to go far or when you just want a certain level of comfort - be sure to ask what car they'll be sending over. Some companies use "BMW"'s, while others may serve you a brand new "Volga" that'll make you feel like James Bond's cocktail - shaken, not stirred.
...and its less official competitor!
(by FastPhive)
These days there are lots of yellow cabs in the city. They look exactly like their Soviet predecessors, but they aren't connected state owned - just another private taxi company. Don't think they are more "official" than others!
If you don't have time to order a cab, or if it failed to arrive at the last moment (happens sometimes), you may want to catch a car right on the street. Many of Moscow drivers earn their living this way, we call them "bombily".
They usually drive old Russian cars - don't be scared of the looks. Their prices are lower, but be careful - these guys won't miss the chance to get more from the unsuspecting foreigner.
Don't like the price? Catch another car and don't be afraid to bargain - that's one of important Moscow Russia facts! If you aren't sure of the price you should pay - ask your friends or hotel receptionist, they should know.
Riding with "bombila" is fun. Just imagine what stories full of adventure you'll tell your friends back home!
...maybe they'll visit us, too?
<< Return to Moscow Russia Facts page 1
Continue to Moscow Russia Facts page 3 >>
Related posts:
- Yuri Luzhkov - The Mayor of Moscow!
- Moscow survival skills page II
- Moscow survival skills part I
- Getting Russian currency - tips and tricks.
- Moscow Russia facts page V
- Moscow Russia facts page IV
- Moscow Russia facts page III
- Moscow, Russia facts part I
- Moscow travel tips - your one-stop Moscow travel FAQ!
- Understanding Moscow people
- Local taxi service in Moscow, Russia
