Border crossing (driving) tips?

[mg0205]

Our first trip to Disney World is coming up in 27 days and it is also our first trip outside of Canada. We are driving and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on crossing the border (both ways), or tips for bringing items back into Canada? I read something about claiming items and paperwork - do you need to have this ready in advance?

From Canada to USA we aren't bringing anything but our clothing and regular travel stuff. If we have any fast food or fruit or anything from the drive there we will toss it all first. My only concern is that my 9 year old wants to bring his Harry Potter wand. It is homemade (a stained dowel rod with a sculpey handle) and I'm not sure if it can go through. I'd rather leave it to be safe, but he insists he 'HAS' to have his wand. He's a huge HP fan and the thing hasn't left his side for 3 years!

On our way home I want to bring back oranges, which are okay from what I understand as long as there are no leaves, branches, or bugs. I also thought I'd do a bit of clothing shopping in the USA for cheaper clothing. My sister told me to take the tags off and let the kids wear some and pack some in with our clothing but I'm not too sure about that.

 

[ccudmore]

A few tips. When coming across the border make sure you have all receipts ready and have them totaled up. They likely won't want to see them all but in case they do it's a good idea to be prepared.

Fresh fruit can usually brought across the border as long as it still has its country of origin sltiker on it. Fast food is no problem to bring across.

Don't see issues with the wand.

Find out how much your personal exemption is. If you're staying long enough with the kids your combined exemption may cover your purchases so you won't have to go through the deal with the tags and wearing multiple shirts. Also using your kids as part of a tox dodge isn't a good message to teach them.

 

[mg0205]

Receipts, yikes! I wouldn't even have known to keep them. I always throw out receipts and in the past trying to get my husband to keep them was near to impossible. What kinds of receipts? If I buy a refillable mug at Universal Studios and want to take it home will I need one?
After some searching I found out that the personal exemption is $750 each, and I really doubt that we will spend even that much on what we take back! I'm not too worried about my kids, they wouldn't know, but I don't like the thought of taking the chance with something like that anyway. Glad to know I wouldn't have to.

 

[HugTheMouse]

You have passports for your entire family?

 

[mg0205]

You have passports for your entire family?

Yes, we do, thank you.

 

[Carina]

My biggest advice is to take the boarder crossing seriously. Don't panic or get worked up about it... but don't be trying to crack jokes with the US border agent on the way through, just answer anything they ask you politely, and honestly.

We always remind the kids to just sit quiet while waiting, we won't even goof around in the car for the few miles leading up to the crossing. Also keep your radio/ music off or very low while waiting, then right off when it's your turn. We also turn off the kids DVD's when we are in line ( nearing the front but still many cars back)

Also let your son know that the boarder patrol person ( especially on the way into the US) may want to ask him some questions and that he needs to answer them truthfully and polietly.
I think they asked my son who the people in the front seat were ( correct answer is 'mom and dad' not 'I have never seen these people before in my life')
They asked one of my girls where we were going, I forget the 3rd question. At the time they were 7,8&10. In the trips since I don't think they've been asked anything as specific, but we do always get asked to have them open the van door ( so they can see them) and they do usually engage in some friendly conversation. Don't answer for you child if this happens, they want the kids to answer themselves to see if it jives with what you just said.

As for the advice from your SIL don't take off the tags from clothing or put it among your packed clothes to 'hide' it on the way home, but having said that, don't worry about keeping it seperate, you can wear and use thing you buy... Just keep the RECIEPTS
Your exemption is so big you really dont need to 'hide' anything, and they can smell guilt a mile away!

Have each person keep the reciepts for anything they bought together in their own wallets ( yes even your son )
DON'T keep the reciepts from things you bought that are consumable, for example meals, or any food - even if you are bringing it home, they dont want to know about the 1/2 a box of granola bars in the back seat.

When you come back they are going to ask you things like - are you bringing back any alcohol - most canadians are - it's so much cheaper there. You are allowed one bottle wine OR spirits per person.
They are also going to ask how much you spent. I usually say something like " between the 5 of us not even $300" ( or whatever it really is) and we've never had to show reciepts... but they are always in each persons wallet just in case.

Most food - including anything pre-packaged is just fine to bring across, in fact most times they dont even ask about food and if you DO have something you should not, you just have to throw it away.

And as for the wand.... Please let your son know it will be just fine to bring it on his holiday! I am assuming that the wood this wand is made out of is not from some endangered tree or made from ivory or something.
I had to lol at your concern over it, not sure why you thought you shouldn't bring it.

And if you do get asked to pull over for a more detailed inspection, going or coming, don't panic, you have nothing to hide, you've done nothing wrong, it's just random and you drew the short straw... You'll be on your way in no time.


P.S. There is no 'paperwork' to fill out in advance and if they do want anything filled out, regarding what your are brining back into Canada, they will direct you to pull off to the side into a special parking area and you will go in and fill it out inside. They will tell you if they want all of you to go in or just one of you, they will give you a piece of paper for you to give to the person inside. ( that tells them why you are there)

 

[Gigi22]

I have a system for keeping the receipts. Coach everyone that after every purchase -- Coke, fast food, liquor, clothes -- they are to give you the receipt. Collect the receipts in an envelope in your purse. At the end of the day quickly go through the day's receipts and put aside the receipts for items you have to declare. Put initials of the purchaser on these receipts so you can sort them out at the end, and tuck them into a larger envelope with a green sticker on it and labelled "To Declare". Put all the other receipts into a large envelope with a red sticker on it, labelled "To be Shredded". Sounds peculiar, but it does work.

 

[dennise]

I don't worry about tags, but i do keep my receipts for anything that is not going to be ate. Between my husband and myself we have $1500. in exemptions, we shop a lot for our grandkids and come no where near spending all of that. With all of you going that would be a huge amount of money to spend unless you bu a big ticket item. Have a great trip.

 

[RCMommy]

We cross the border all the time. Some custom officers are super nice but there is always a grouch. If you are going to be gone for 7 days you hardly have a worry. The exemption you are allowed is for every person you are travelling with. Chances are you won't be spending that much!

I keep the receipts of the obvious items coming home. Souveniers, etc.
I do not keep any receipts from restaraunts we ate at while away.

We are Nexus members and were told there are certain foods that will always get unwanted attention at the border. Dog food, grapes and Kinder egg chocolate treats for kids. So, we leave those at home. We always pack pre-packaged snacks for the kids and that is what we declare. They don't even ask us to elaborate.

Occasionally they will search your car and ask your kids questions. Just be sure your kids know where you are headed. If they do decide to pull you in you will need the address of where you will be staying while out of the country. (hotel's address) When my son was about 3 the officer asked us to roll down his window and he asked my son "why are you headed across the bridge" to which my son replied "My Dad wants a double double" Assuming we are at a drive through Tim Horton's I suppose ! lol

We sometimes get asked if we have over $10,000 cash to declare or any pepper spray, guns or weapons. We don't, so not to sure what happens if you do.

If you're honest and up front about everything you have no issues. If you try to hide things or are untrue with how much you spent and they pull you in, then your problems begin.

We have to go 'inside' every three months to renew my husband's green card (he holds a British passport) and we have witnessed people getting 'caught' and I wouldn't want to be them.

We go over for day trips very often which of course there is no spending allowance. We have spent in the hundreds and never been pulled in. We show the receipts, tell them what we spent it on, and they send us on our way. Should they pull us in and we have to pay the duty, then so be it. I have no issue with that.

I should add they often ask if you have any Duty Free to declare. Admit any alcohol or tobacco you are bringing back in!

 

[MedicGoofy]

I will ditto what the PP had to say.

I cross the border every week as I go over for personal reasons (gas, groceries, shopping).

There are officers who are great and will joke with you, and there are those who are all business and won't crack a smile.

Go and have a great time!!! Spend to your hearts content, and if you happen to spend over the thousands that you're allowed to spend, then you just end up paying duty. IF, they make you pay it. The last time I came home from a shopping trip in Pennsylvania, I was over by a couple hundred, the guy just laughed and let me and my sister through. Not a big deal

Bringing your son's toy will not be an issue. Bringing fast food through will not be an issue. At my border crossing, we have a Tim's and McDonalds right AT the bridge, they are used to people crossing with food. Not a problem. Just make sure you know for actual food coming back what is and isnt allowed. If they search, they will take.

As for how much you have spent, SOMETIMES they don't just want to hear the actual total, they want to know how much EACH person has spent. Someone here posted marking each reciept with the pesons initials. Good idea. Some officers dont care and want the total. I have been asked numerous times, for the amount spent per person. Even if Im way under mine, and somone is over theirs, they dont have to combine, they will charge the person over spending.....kinda mean

But, just relax. It's simple going across. Like others have said. Have the music off. Windows on the drivers side down, back as well. And if you have a van, the will open the sliding door, and probably your hatch. Be honest going both ways. Don't hide anything. And it's a breeze.

Have a wonderful trip

 

[nepean]

One thing that has not been mentioned is to keep a gas receipt from the first stop in the US and/or the hotel receipt for the first night if you stop on the way down. We have been asked to prove when we left Canada and either of those receipts work. I don't know why they ask since the US scans your passport and the Canadians most certainly can find out when you left.

We are also very careful about keeping our receipts for things purchased. If one person is over and the item is common item we just add it to the person who is under to try and balance out the amounts. We have been asked for totals by person and by car.

My DD is adopting from China and doesn't look like us. When she was three the US officer asked her name, age, who we were and then asked her where she was going. She seemed afraid of him for the first questions but when asked where she was going she broke into a big smile and said "To See Micky Mouse" quite loudly. He told her she was lucky and to make sure mom and dad spent lots of money on her. Most of these agents are decent guys/gals but they have definately heard and seen it all and therefore are sometimes grouchy.

Have a wonderful vacation.

Nepean

 

[vacation_junkie]

Our first trip to Disney World is coming up in 27 days and it is also our first trip outside of Canada. We are driving and I'm wondering if anyone has any tips on crossing the border (both ways), or tips for bringing items back into Canada? I read something about claiming items and paperwork - do you need to have this ready in advance?

From Canada to USA we aren't bringing anything but our clothing and regular travel stuff. If we have any fast food or fruit or anything from the drive there we will toss it all first. My only concern is that my 9 year old wants to bring his Harry Potter wand. It is homemade (a stained dowel rod with a sculpey handle) and I'm not sure if it can go through. I'd rather leave it to be safe, but he insists he 'HAS' to have his wand. He's a huge HP fan and the thing hasn't left his side for 3 years!

On our way home I want to bring back oranges, which are okay from what I understand as long as there are no leaves, branches, or bugs. I also thought I'd do a bit of clothing shopping in the USA for cheaper clothing. My sister told me to take the tags off and let the kids wear some and pack some in with our clothing but I'm not too sure about that.

We cross the border all the time...did last night as a matter of fact. We always fly out of Buffalo too so are use to the border routine.

When you cross over on your way there just advise them you are driving. Have you reservation documentation ready sometimes they want to see whre you are syaying.

Try not to bring citrus over...pop over to the 24hr Superwalmart and grab a few things for the road! They have lots of cut of fruit, sandwiches etc...

On the way back. Just keep all of your reciepts in one envelope. They will ask you how long away and how much to declare.
We have never been asked to present our receipts when crossing back over ..they usually look at us and see that we are tired and cranky and not happy to be home and send up on our Merry way!

 

[bankr63]

You know even if you are over your personal exemption, it is not a problem. We LOVE to shop the Outlet Malls in Orlando, and are almost always at or over our limit. When we are flying, I am more concerned about my baggage weight limit than I am about customs.

If you are not too far over your exemption, they'll usually just flag you through even if you claim it, but with NAFTA, even if you are over limit you are most likely to only pay G/HST on your excess. Make sure that you claim any non-North American goods (most shoes, many clothing) under the exemption, and claim NA manufactured goods as your excess, then there should be no duty assessed.

We often make major purchases in the US when the price differential makes sense. We bought a new induction cooktop in November on our Christmas shopping trip. Paid $800 US vs $1500 in Canada. The retailer did not charge us NY State tax because we provided out of state ID. We paid HST when crossing over the border - took about 10 minutes to process. Easy, and no problems or hassles at all - the Customs agent was so impressed with the price we paid that she was going to call that same store for herself.

It helps to know and understand the rules when crossing over. I think the agents at the border are so grouchy because people lie to them all day long - be honest and open and the system will process you quickly and get you on your way. Also be prepared and have your receipts ready and orderly. Be evasive or dishonest, and you could spend a VERRRRY long time getting across that border...

 

[mg0205]

I was worried about the wand because for some reason both my Dad and a couple other family members have insisted that we can't take it with us because it is made of wood and there is metal inside of it (a pipe cleaner 'dragon heartstring', lol) and they seem to think that we will some how be x-rayed or something. My Dad did go into the USA in the 80s but I don't think any of the rest have ever been there.

I really hope they don't ask my youngest too many questions. He's 7 but he clams up when people talk to him. Even when I talk to him. I just discussed this with my children and he wouldn't even tell ME his name or where we are going on our trip.

We don't have to worry about alcohol or tobacco, neither me nor my husband drink alcohol (at all, not even wine) or smoke.

We are definitely going to be gone for 7 days. It's probably going to take 5 days just to drive there, but we are leaving 6 days early just in case. We'll be in the USA for over three weeks.

 

[lizabu]

I've crossed the border tons of times. I'm in agreement with the previous posters. Keep your receipts for all the things you buy and have a general idea of how much you've spent. Fast food and good consumed while you're there don't count and they don't care about that. Also if you bough something like flip flops or a swimsuit while you're there and you use it while there it's now a personal belonging and not something you have to declare. Taking the tags off of things is shdy and if they decided for some reason to do a random search if it was pretty obvious these things had never been used you could get into a lot of trouble. One time my grandma didn't declare a ball of yarn and they threatened to confiscate her car. If she had just declared the darn thing it would have been no big deal because you have a personal amount you are allowed to bring back depending on how long you're gone. I've gone over my personal limit many times and most of the time the border guards don't care and just wave you on but sometimes you have to pay duty and it's no big deal. Just be honest and have passports and receipts redy so you aren't annoying everyone else while you dig through your purse for them. The border guard won't usually ask to see your receipts but you have to have them in case you get pulled over so they can calculate the amount of duty you owe if any. If you're gone week it's unlikely you will go over your limit unless you were planning to buy a couple TVs etc on the way back.

 

[mg0205]

What about taking cash? We have our hotels and tickets already paid for but for gas, food, and souvenirs we are bringing $5000 USD, we had it exchanged at our bank. I read that the limit is ten thousand, so I'm assuming we should have no trouble taking that much through?
Other than that I think we're pretty much prepared now. I made up envelopes for receipts.

 

[tinkbell13]

Agree with everything PP have said. One other thing to add - take off your sunglasses before you pull up to the booth. They asked DH to do that years ago and we have done ever since. We ususally take them off as we pull into line so we aren't squinting at them when we get to the booth.

 

[bankr63]

What about taking cash? We have our hotels and tickets already paid for but for gas, food, and souvenirs we are bringing $5000 USD, we had it exchanged at our bank. I read that the limit is ten thousand, so I'm assuming we should have no trouble taking that much through?
Other than that I think we're pretty much prepared now. I made up envelopes for receipts.

For your next trip, I wouldn't even worry about the cash. That is a LOT of money to be carrying around. Our bank cards work in pretty much all the ATMs down there. Just take it out as you need it. You pay the same exchange that you pay at the counter at your bank plus a couple of bucks transaction fee for each withdrawal. Just think of the fee as a convenience fee for not having to worry about walking around with $5k in cash

 

[GrtWtNorth]

My tips:
* sort your receipts daily -- I keep three envelopes, one for food and consumables (only for me, not for customs), one for souvenirs and clothing (for customs), and another for liquor (for customs).
* I use credit cards for virtually everything. My rule of thumb is to carry just enough cash to buy a couple tanks of gas in case your cards are stolen. Make sure to tell your credit card companies when and where you are travelling. (Call a couple days before leaving.)
* The more excited you are about going to WDW or Disneyland, the fewer questions we get from US customs. Kids waving Mickey Mouse dolls help lots too.
* Have hotel reservation information readily available -- they often ask where you are staying.

Last, but not least, if any kids have biological parents who are not with you, make sure your paperwork (especially notarized letter of consent) is completed and available when crossing the border both ways.

 

[Gina-Gina-Bo-Bina]

Agree with everything PP have said. One other thing to add - take off your sunglasses before you pull up to the booth. They asked DH to do that years ago and we have done ever since. We ususally take them off as we pull into line so we aren't squinting at them when we get to the booth.

You can add hats to tinkbell13's great reminder about removing sunglasses.

We had a very irritable border guard once that was hugely annoyed that DH had on his sunglasses as he pulled up (it was a horribly hot, horribly sunny day.....and he totally forgot that he even had them on). The same fellow made our DS (a pre-teen at the time) remove his baseball hat. So hats and sunglasses off as you approach.....basically make yourself appear as you do in your passport photo.

We had the nicest guy whisk us through US customs as we entered NY State at Niagara Falls last summer. He commented on how much alike my DH and DS look ("guess I don't need to ask whose kid that is in the backseat!") and commented that I looked too young to be his mother . When we crossed on December 31st on our way to Syracuse for our Orlando flight, the guard asked if we had any cash on hand. We told him we were carrying about $3000 total, and he laughed and said "make sure you spend it all while you're down there.....the USA loves travelling Canadians!".

So you may get a harsh border guard or you may just get someone rather sweet. Don't fret about it either way, they are just doing their job.