Border crossing...

[ChisJo]

Firstly, let me start by saying, please don't flame me, this is only a question. With the dollar being so good in comparison to the USD, on our recent trip, we purchased way more than the allowance for the time we were there (11 days, so $750 each, in my opinion, not enough). We didn't have all of our receipts (some were still in bags in the suitcase), and we knew because of that that we were not claiming everything, so we guestimated over the alloted amount, and paid the GST on the amount that we over guessed. Plus, some of the clothing we bought, we didn't claim because we wore them and washed them down there, so we didn't claim them despite the fact that we bought them in the USA (this is where I beg you not to flame me). We got home, got all the receipts, and the items together, and realized we were way over our estimated amount. So, here is my question....do you, honestly, claim absolutely everything you come back over the border with? I normally do, but knowing that we were over, I didn't this time. I know this is illegal, so please don't preach to me....I know others do this - I just had to ask others on this board.

 

[pooksma]

No flaming here. Unless its a day trip, I usually guestimate. I too am usually guestimating higher than the actual amount spent.

Next trip is only 8 days (including travel day) and I know I will do the same. Once we bring our airfare down in Canada, this shouldn't be an issue.

 

[OntFamily]

We always declare 100% of our purchases. The duty/taxes that are payable on any overage is pretty small (and we don't make the purchase in the USA unless there is value, including any duty/tax payable).

The small amount of duty, pales in relation to any fines/blacklisting if we hide any purchases, and we are discovered.

Plus, if we buy clothing in the USA, we declare it, even if we have worn it in the USA (it's still purchased outside of Canada).


With taxes and duty so small, why bother lying?

 

[siobhan1997]

No we never declare everything we buy in the US. Especially clothing that we have worn and washed. What would be the point of that it now becomes used goods.

I too feel the amounts are way too low for us Canadians. The Americans can come over here anytime they want and stay even for 2 hours and are allowed to bring I think $200 back.

 

[LittleFlounder]

The last time I shopped in the US was in November on my WDW trip. I was in the US for 7 days (2 of those being travel days) and I spent around $800. When I went through customs in Canada I only claimed $550 of that, without any trouble. I was afraid if I said $800 for 5 days I'd have to pay alot of duty. When I said I went to Disney, the customs agent asked "So souveniers?", I nodded and was waved through.

 

[jtdl]

If I'm over there on a vacation I guestimate - I don't keep track of every dollar spent while vacationing . If I go over for a weekend shopping trip then I usually keep track, try to stay within my limit and declare it all. Two of us went over for a weekend shopping trip a couple months ago, both brought back more than our limit (including a live puppy! ) and we were waved on through.

 

[Tantor]

We do a close estimate.

 

[yxe dad]

I usually don't spend that much either but on our October kid free trip we came close but didn't go over. With the dollar doing so well I thought it was time to buy the Burburry trench coat at the outlets she has been talking about for years. With other shopping and xmas presents we still had about $50 we could have spent.
BUT, I think I would claim if I did go over because -
A friend from work got searched at customs in Saskatoon and she was way over her limit for a 3 day trip to NY. They searched her bags and found the Tiffany's box and the necklace she "forgot" to claim. She then got hauled into a private room and was told most of her stuff was going to be taken and she would have to pay a fine. She started to cry and the guy let her off by making her pay duty and taxes on everything in her bags, which included everything she took down because they couldn't determine at customs what she had going down and because she lied.

So either toss out the evidence or tell the truth!

 

[Jaymie]

We live in a border city so we travel a lot to the US. On one day shopping trips I declare everything, cause I have the receipts to support it. When I go to WDW, I always guesstimate. I don't knowingly lie, but I also don't keep receipts or check the ones I do keep. So my guesstimate could be a little off. I don't worry too much, I know I've never been over the allowed amount for 7 days, so I don't see a problem.

I would see a problem with flat out lying to the customs agents. But that's just me.

 

[drag n' fly]

ChisJo shame on you
My Mother's favourite trick is to buy a new purse while down there and then plunk it on the counter in front of the agent just for spite and never claim it! We always try and estimate as close as possible and yes even the washed stuff. I will be honest about our last trip to DL in November. Dh was at a Engineering conference and won a i pod and a piece of vintage Canadian art. We forgot to claim it (because we claim based on saved receipts) and even carried the art in two folded flat build a bear boxes on the plane and all they said was ..."nice pic". No one said a word. Honestly if you do your best they are ok with it.

 

[A&CsMom]

My hair stylist got dinged (not the Southwest kind!) on her way back from Miami earlier this year. She got a designer dress for 70% off its original price, and when she declared it, they told her she had to value it at its original price, not what she paid! Needless to say she didn't realize that and was suddenly brought way over her allowed amount. So for being honest and declaring it, instead of taking off the tags and acting like she it was already owned before the trip, she had to pay duty.

 

[Allegro]

Let your own conscience be your guide but don't get caught!

Has absolutely nothing to do with your honestly, morality, or your intentions, good or bad. If you get caught trying to pull a fast one -- and people do -- it can cost you in the thousands of dollars. Beware those customs agents they can ruin your day.

 

[Allegro]

Double post

 

[laura001]

We live close to the border also, don't shop much over the river but do a little. When we do, we claim everything and even one trip(2 weeks ago)with $310 for me and $230 for my friend with a 12 pack of beer each, they said to go ahead. I was ready to pay duty which I think would have been between 20 and 40 dollars, I still saved a boatload!

If we vacation, I try to save all of our receipts, keep them with us at the border and claim my receipt total. I would think it is pretty accurate.

I would never try to cheat when crossing, the price you pay it too high. Also, my DD has a Nexus pass because she goes to school in NY state and I think it would/could affect her pass because she uses our car sometimes.