Hitchhiking
in Saint Petersburg, Russia
This activity is generally found on a list of things of what NOT to do. However, in Russia this is a common and sometimes indispensable method of getting around.
There are drivers who aimlessly steer around the city with the specific agenda of picking up hitchhikers. It provides a tax free income for them and a handy alternative for the passenger, especially in winter if it avoids standing around in -28°C (-18°F) waiting for a tram!
The procedure…
1. Simply stand on the side of the road and start beckoning
passing cars with a slight up and down movement of the hand
(from the wrist) at waist
level, it won’t be long before one stops. Usually Ladas
or Volgas (types of Russian made "car") are the ones to
stop, but it’s always worth trying any vehicle
that happens to be passing.
3. Negotiate a price. Depending upon the distance, your bargaining skills and the driver, this may range from 50 to 400 roubles for a trip within the city centre.
4. Pay roubles cash upon reaching the destination.
Caution: Use your discretion, obviously
the driver is a complete stranger so there is a risk factor.
Do not get into a car if
another person besides the driver is in it.
