Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
best way to go. By technically buying and then selling back the
car, you save lots of money on tax and insurance. Leasing provides
you a new car with unlimited mileage and a 24-hour emergency
assistance program. You can lease for as little as 17 days to as long
as six months. Car leases must be arranged from the US. A reliable
company offering 17-day lease packages is Europe by Car (US tel.
800-223-1516, www.europebycar.com).
Driving
To drive in the Czech Republic, you must have an International
Driving Permit (get through your local AAA office before you go;
$15 plus two passport photos; www.aaa.com). Also be sure to bring
along your valid US driver's license.
During the communist era, Eastern Europe's infrastructure
lagged far behind the West's. Now that the Iron Curtain is long
gone, superhighways are popping up like crazy all over the Czech
Republic. You'll sometimes discover that a much faster freeway
option has been built between
major destinations since your
three-year-old map was pub-
lished (a good reason to travel
w it h t he most up-to-date
maps available). As soon as a
long-enough section is com-
pleted, the roads are opened
to the public. Only rarely are
backcountry roads the only
option (as with part of the trip
between Prague and Český
K r u m lo v). T he s e c a n b e
bumpy and slow, but they're
almost always paved (or, at
least, they once were).
Learn the universal road
signs. Seat belts are required,
and t wo beers under those
belts are enough to land you
in jail. Children under age 12
must ride in the back, and children under 80 pounds must have a
child safety seat. You're required to have your headlights on any-
time the engine is running, even in broad daylight. (The lights of
many newer cars automatically turn on and off with the engine—
ask when you pick up your car.)
Gas:
At about $2 per liter ($8 per gallon) for unleaded
(“Natural 95”), gas in the Czech Republic is still considerably
cheaper than in Western Europe.
