How to Call a Yandex Taxi on iPhone When the Internet Is Down

If the Yandex Go app has stopped working on your iPhone, don’t panic. Even when mobile internet is shut down in Moscow and other Russian cities, you can still hail a taxi — just in a slightly different way. Here’s how to order a Yandex Taxi without mobile internet, which numbers to call, and what to expect.

This will be a revelation for many, but you can order a taxi by phone

Why Yandex Go Isn’t Working

In May 2026, mobile carriers warned subscribers about possible mobile internet restrictions in Moscow on May 5, 7, 8, and 9. The reason is security measures related to the Victory Day Parade and other mass events. The restrictions don’t only affect the capital: periodic mobile internet shutdowns have been reported across Russia since 2025.

Yandex Go simply doesn’t work for many people

When mobile internet goes down, the Yandex Go app simply can’t load the map or find a car. A loading icon appears on your iPhone screen, followed by an error message. The problem isn’t with your smartphone or the app. These are external network restrictions that neither Apple nor Yandex can influence.

How to Order a Taxi by Phone

The most reliable method is to call. Voice calls continue to work in most cases even when mobile internet is completely shut down. Yandex has specifically launched taxi ordering through a dispatcher for situations like this. Moreover, if your internet connection is unstable, the Yandex Go app itself may automatically offer you a “Order by phone for cash” button.

Call the appropriate number and order a taxi

Here’s how it works. You dial the number, and an operator answers. You provide the pickup address, destination, and number of passengers. If you’re traveling with a child, be sure to mention it so they send a car with a child seat. Within a few minutes, they’ll call you back or send an SMS with the car number and color.

Yandex Taxi Phone Numbers for Different Cities

Yandex Go doesn’t yet have a single short number for all Russian cities. However, there are local dispatcher numbers — you should save them in your iPhone contacts in advance. Below is a complete list of cities where you can order Yandex Taxi by phone:

If your city isn’t in the table, there’s a universal method: open the Yandex Go app when you have Wi-Fi — the number for your region will appear on the main screen. Write it down in advance while you still have internet. There’s also a Yandex Taxi hotline at +7 (499) 705-88-88, but it’s intended more for resolving issues than for ordering rides. In theory, Yandex Taxi should be on the whitelist, but it doesn’t work properly for everyone.

Yandex Taxi Price When Ordering by Phone

This is the price for ordering through the app

This is perhaps the most unpleasant part. When ordering a taxi by phone, Yandex charges a surcharge. It might seem like a small amount. But there’s a catch: during mobile internet shutdowns, some drivers simply can’t go online. As a result, fewer cars are available, demand increases, and so does the price.

And this is by phone. It’s more expensive, but the wait time is longer

Additionally, when ordering by phone, you can’t see a cost breakdown or compare rates like you can in the app. Payment is only possible in cash — you won’t be able to pay by card through the driver’s terminal. So during restriction periods, it’s best to carry cash with you.