DH and I will soon be making our first trip to Germany and the Czech Republic. Our plans include renting a car in Munich, driving to Cesky Krumlov, then Prague, and back to Munich.

We will have international drivers licenses. Are there any special requirements I should be aware of regarding driving in and/or between these two countries?

Thanks.

You need to be sure, the rental company allows you to take the car into the Czech republic. Many roads over there are in a poor condition. Other than that there's no problem. Check if you have the green insurance card too. It should be inside the car with all the paperwork. And you need spare lamps and a warning vest, which aren't needed in Germany.

Thanks, Logos, will do. What are lamps and a warning vest? If in fact the rental agency permits their cars into CP, will the car come equipped with these extra items?

You need a set of spare bulbs for the car, (H4 or whatever) and a vest with fluorescent stripes. Both items are not standard and would cost about 5€-10€ at any gas station in Germany. Those rental companies don't supply them unless you ask.

Got it. Thanks again.

You're welcome. Don't forget to check if the green insurance card (basically a green form with some info in case of an accident) is there with all the paperwork in the car. It was always there, when I rented a car, but you never know. If it's not in the car go back to the counter and ask for it.

Also, to drive on the highways in the Czech Republic, you need a special sticker, or vignette. This takes the place of paying a toll. The smallest time period you can get one for is 15 days; it costs 200 Kc. The stickers can be purchased at gas stations, border crossings, and some post offices.

As we began our car rental in the Czech Republic, our car came with it. But when we drove from the Czech Republic to Slovakia, and from there to Hungary, we needed those countries' version of the highway vignette. We were a little anxious, but sure enough, there were gas stations just over the borders of each country that advertised the appropriate stickers (though to be picky, the vignette in Hungary is actually more of a receipt).

Well, not really everywhere. A map of the tool roads is here:
http://www.autobahn.cz/image/maut_gross.gif

The other roads don't require a sticker.

The road Freyung -> Krumnau as well as Eisenstein -> Budweis -> Krumnau -> Prague doesn't require a sticker. If you avoid the motorway to/from Pilsen, you can get away without buying a sticker at all. Eisenstein to Budweis/Krumnau is scenic with only little traffic, unfortunately mostly trucks.

but you really can't avoid at least a small section of motorway so buy the sticker anyway - it's, what, about 10 USD? and peace of mind.You will get fined heavily if cought without it.Also must buy Austrian Sticker on the border...don't forget!!!

PS if you are going to CK via Austria