Tickets

If you don't have a monthly pass then you should use single ride tickets*. In an attempt to cut down on losses from fare evaders, conductors have recently been introduced on many buses, trolleys and trams. They will approach you and sell you a ticket, valid for that ride only.

Unless there is a conductor on board, it's basically the honor system though if you bum rides you run the risk of getting caught by the dreaded fare inspectors. These defenders of truth and justice are dressed in civilian clothes and out of nowhere will flash an I.D. card in your face and want to see your ticket. If you have nothing to show him you will be issued an on-the-spot fine in rubles**, and pleading no comprendo rarely works (although insisting that you want to buy a ticket and refusing to give more than the usual fare price can lead to him pocketing the fare and forgeting the fine). * four roubles ($0.14) ** eight roubles ($0.28)