Uber doesn’t work in Moscow, and hasn’t since it folded its Russian operations into Yandex in 2018 and exited the country entirely in 2022. The good news is that what replaced it, Yandex Go, is genuinely excellent: it covers taxis, food delivery and courier services from one app, and most Muscovites use little else to get around. The friction for visitors is entirely in the setup, not the service itself, so this guide walks through it properly.
Setting up Yandex Go as a foreign visitor
Yandex Go’s registration process is built around a Russian phone number. If you arrive with only a foreign SIM, you’ll likely hit a wall trying to verify an account. The fix is straightforward: buy a Russian SIM card on arrival. MTS, MegaFon and Beeline all run kiosks in the arrivals halls at Sheremetyevo, Domodedovo and Vnukovo, and a basic data plan is inexpensive. Register the app with that number and the rest of the setup is the same as anywhere else.
The app has an English-language interface option, which makes ordering, tracking and paying far easier if your Russian is limited. Set your destination by pin or address, choose a car tier, and the fare is shown upfront before you confirm. Download the app and get the SIM sorted before you leave the airport terminal if you can; trying to do both for the first time from a hotel lobby later adds friction you don’t need.
How to pay
This is the part that trips up most Western visitors. Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard cards cannot currently be linked to a Yandex Go account. In practice this means paying in cash: select the cash option in the app before you order, and pay the driver directly at the end of the trip in rubles. If you happen to hold a Mir-network card, that will link and work normally. Keep small denominations handy, since drivers don’t always carry much change for a large note.
Choosing a car tier
Yandex Go typically offers several tiers, from an economy option up through comfort and business classes, each shown with its own upfront fare before you book. Economy is fine for most short trips around the city; the higher tiers are worth it mainly for airport runs with luggage or late-night rides when you’d rather have a newer, more comfortable car. Prices rise with demand at rush hour and in bad weather, same as any ride-hailing app, so a ride booked at 8am will cost more than the identical route at 2pm.
Other ride-hailing options
Citymobil and Maxim both operate in Moscow as alternatives to Yandex Go, with broadly the same requirements: a Russian phone number for registration, and cash or a Mir card for payment. Neither offers much advantage over Yandex Go for a visitor, but it’s worth knowing they exist if the app is down or surge pricing is unusually high.
Street taxis and airport touts
Licensed yellow taxis do exist in Moscow, but most residents book through an app rather than hailing on the street. If you do take a street taxi, agree the fare before getting in. Be particularly cautious at Sheremetyevo and Domodedovo, where unlicensed drivers approach arriving passengers in the terminal. Use the official taxi booking desks inside the airport rather than accepting an approach from a stranger.
If the app setup doesn’t work out
The Moscow Metro is comprehensive, cheap and covers almost everywhere a visitor is likely to go, and it requires none of the above. A Troika card, available at any station, works across the metro, buses, trams and the Moscow Central Circle for a small refundable deposit plus top-up. For a first-time visitor without a Russian SIM yet, it’s often the simplest way to move around the city on day one.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Uber in Moscow?
No. Uber has not operated in Moscow since 2022. Yandex Go is the direct equivalent and is what nearly everyone uses instead.
Do I need a Russian phone number for Yandex Go?
Yes, registration requires it. Buy a local SIM at the airport on arrival before trying to sign up.
Can I pay for Yandex Go with a foreign card?
No. Foreign-issued Visa and Mastercard don’t link to Yandex Go accounts. Pay in cash, or with a Mir card if you have one.
Written by Anastasia Ivanova, Moscow native and author at allaboutmoscow.com. Last updated April 2026.
Anastasia is a Moscow-based travel blog writer who brings a local’s insight to one of the world’s most fascinating and misunderstood cities. Born and raised in Moscow, Russia, Anastasia shares an authentic, on-the-ground perspective on what it’s really like to explore the city beyond the postcards.
Her writing focuses on tourism in Moscow, practical guides for first-time visitors, and hidden corners that most travelers miss. In addition, Anastasia writes extensively about expat life in Moscow, covering everyday realities such as housing, transportation, cultural differences, and settling into life in the Russian capital.
As a solo traveler in her own city, she also documents Moscow through the lens of independence and curiosity — from navigating the metro alone at night to discovering cafés, museums, and neighborhoods that feel welcoming for solo visitors. Her work blends local knowledge with honest personal experience, helping travelers and expats alike feel more confident, informed, and inspired when discovering Moscow on their own terms.