Taxi & Transport Scams in Moscow, Russia
Overcharging, meter tampering, fake taxis, and transport cons targeting tourists. Below are the taxi & transport scams reported in Moscow — how they work and how to avoid them.
For broader context, compare this scam type with nearby destinations like Hamburg, Marseille, and Munich.
Last updated: April 9, 2026
3
Taxi & Transport Scams
11
Total in Moscow
How it works
Unlicensed taxi drivers known locally as bombilas aggressively solicit arrivals in the arrivals hall at Sheremetyevo International Airport (SVO), particularly at Terminals B and C. They quote attractive initial prices of 500-800 RUB, then escalate demands to 3,000-8,000 RUB or more once the passenger is in the vehicle and moving. A documented 2025 criminal case involving five police officers from the airport interior ministry directorate revealed that officers actively helped touts identify and steer vulnerable arrivals toward unlicensed cabs.
How it works
Drivers outside Domodedovo Airport (DME) operate a fixed-price scam in which they agree on a fare before departure but present a running meter or POS terminal showing a drastically inflated total on arrival. Reports document cases where fares quoted at 1,500 RUB resulted in card charges exceeding 25,000 RUB on the driver's own POS terminal. Some drivers carry POS terminals pre-configured to charge foreign card amounts in euros or dollars at an undisclosed conversion rate.
How it works
Marshrutky (fixed-route GAZelle minibuses operating as semi-formal shared taxis) sometimes quote tourists prices far above the standard fixed fare, particularly on routes serving Vnukovo Airport and outlying destinations. Some drivers claim the tourist missed the correct bus and offer to take them directly for a negotiated price, which ends up significantly above the official marshrutka rate. Unlicensed marshrutky may have no fixed stops and operate without any posted fare.
See all scams in Moscow
11 total warnings across all categories