Moscow Guide
Getting around
Driving
You don't really need a car in Moscow, since public transport is cheap and efficient. Traffic is heavy, one-way systems abound, and local motorists act like rally drivers, swerving at high speed to avoid potholes or tramlines, and overtaking in any lane. Some drivers are likely to have purchased their licence, rather than passed a test. Driving yourself, therefore, requires a fair degree of skill and nerve.
Petrol (benzin) is easy to come by, and cheaper than in Western Europe. Foreign cars require 95 octane (4-star) or 98 octane (premium) but most Russian models use 92 octane (3-star) fuel. Lead-free petrol and high-octane fuel suitable for cars fitted with catalytic converters are sold at LUKoil and BP service stations, which take major credit cards as well as rubles. At all gas stations, you pay before filling up; if a pump attendant does the job, give him 10 rubles. Should you break down, 24-hour emergency repairs or tow-away is provided by Angel-NSA ( 
747 00 22), Buksirov ( 936 25 55) and AvtoSOS ( 228 04 10).
It's worth checking out major rental firms in your own country, which may have special offers or reductions for advance booking, and comparing rates with those of Moscow agencies. A foreign car is preferable to a Russian one if you're driving yourself. Many rental agencies insist on payment by credit card and require the full range of documentation for self-drive rental.