Wondering if I need cash for taxis in Russia or if I can just pay with card or app like in other countries?
Russia’s taxi world is split. In Moscow and other big cities, apps like Yandex Go make card payment very easy. You just add your card and never think about cash. But if you’re in smaller places or taking taxis without an app, drivers expect rubles. Even when I asked about card payments directly, drivers shook their heads. For tourists, apps are really the way to go-otherwise, keep cash ready. Card acceptance depends entirely on whether you use apps.
My experience in Russia was a mix. Using Yandex Go made everything easier-I paid by card through the app and never had to touch cash. But when I tried taking a random taxi from the street, the driver only wanted rubles in cash. So it depends on how you arrange the ride. Apps are common in big cities, so you can survive cashless there, but anywhere else, cash is essential. Don’t expect drivers themselves to carry card machines.
Honestly, I avoided random taxis and just used the Yandex app. It’s cheaper and you don’t get weird surprises. Paid by card through the app and it worked 90% of the time. Once it failed, I had enough cash to cover it. Felt safer that way too. If you’re planning to use cabs often, mix both options. Don’t rely on just plastic.
In Moscow, Yandex Go was a lifesaver. Linked my Wise card and never had to touch cash for cabs. But when I visited Suzdal for a weekend, I had to pay every ride in cash. No app coverage there, and drivers weren’t using meters. So yeah-cards and apps work well in urban Russia, but rural areas? Better come prepared.
Used Yandex Go all over St. Petersburg and it was smooth-you link your card in the app and pay automatically. No issues. But once I tried to get a ride outside the city center, and the guy cancelled when I asked about paying with card. It really depends where you are, but I wouldn’t rely 100% on digital payments.
Outside the major cities, cash is king. In Sochi, I flagged down a cab and the driver literally laughed when I showed my card. He pointed to a tiny sticker saying “nalichnye tolko” (cash only). If you stick to Yandex Go in Moscow or St. Petersburg, you’re good with card. But if you plan on hopping random taxis, have rubles ready.