Border questions for drivers (please help!)

[Daisy-J&D]

I've finally been convinced to bring our laptop on vacation for entertainment on the drive down (watch movies, play The Sims, etc) however I'm worried that we may get hassled crossing back into Canada if they search and see all that stuff.

The laptop is far from new (purchased in summer '05) and there are files dating back that far and we're bringing the DVDs in our CD book without their cases, to be included with our CDs.

When driving, where is the line drawn? You can bring so much stuff with you. For example, we'll also be brining down a Mickey and Minnie Mouse set of dolls we purchased on our last trip (they're really big) so we can enjoy them again and be reminded not to buy more! lol

A friend of mine recently was accused of purchasing the leather jacket she was wearing and had to take it off and show wear marks and plead with them to believe it was actually hers!

Does anyone foresee problems for us?

 

[hockey mom]

We take our lap top down every trip and have never had anyone question us about it.

I can't see you having any problems.

 

[dancin Disney style]

If you happen to still have the receipt from your laptop that will do. If not, before you cross into the US go into the office and make a declaration for the items that you are bringing from Canada into the US. They will give you a card that shows in originated in Canada. You can do this for any item of value ie: laptop, cameras, DVD players etc.

They say that you should always do this but I have only done it once because I had a brand new camcorder. Aside from that I always have electronics in the car and have never had a problem.

Happy driving!!!!

 

[Daisy-J&D]

If not, before you cross into the US go into the office and make a declaration for the items that you are bringing from Canada into the US. They will give you a card that shows in originated in Canada. You can do this for any item of value ie: laptop, cameras, DVD players etc.

They say that you should always do this but I have only done it once because I had a brand new camcorder. Aside from that I always have electronics in the car and have never had a problem.

Happy driving!!!!

Thanks - Is the office on the Canadian side before you cross the bridge? We're going to be crossing at Queenston-Lewiston at about 4:00 am so is it easy to find?

I've crossed the border over a dozen times as the driver but I still always get confused by it. I can't seem to picture anything but Duty Free, the bridge and then the US Border check.

 

[tribus121]

I have never crossed there but is it is always the building that you stop at when re entering Canada .

 

[F4disneyfan]

We stop at the border and go in and file al our electronics ie cameras etc they hand you a green card that gets filled out with all your stuff you are bringing so if there are any questions on the way down or back you have a record that the products are yours and you brought them from home. It takes about 5 minutes but is well worth the added time. It is essentially a declaration that these items came with you and were not purchased while you were away it also help with an insurance claim should something happen to them while you were away.

 

[canron]

had our lap top on 3 trips ,,never even looked at it at the boarder..or asked questions about it..

 

[Daisy-J&D]

We stop at the border and go in and file al our electronics ie cameras etc they hand you a green card that gets filled out with all your stuff you are bringing so if there are any questions on the way down or back you have a record that the products are yours and you brought them from home. It takes about 5 minutes but is well worth the added time. It is essentially a declaration that these items came with you and were not purchased while you were away it also help with an insurance claim should something happen to them while you were away.

Thank you - I agree that 5 minutes is worth it but I'm still confused, are you registering this with Canada or the US?

When do you pull over? I know that they ask you "what are you brining into the country", is it then that you say you'd like to declare items you are brining in?

Thanks again!
J

 

[langin]

We went into our local Customs office and did it weeks before we crossed the border, one thing you can do beforehand to avoid the hassle. We had a digital camera, the laptop, personal dvd players and Ipods

 

[hematite153]

Thank you - I agree that 5 minutes is worth it but I'm still confused, are you registering this with Canada or the US?

When do you pull over? I know that they ask you "what are you brining into the country", is it then that you say you'd like to declare items you are brining in?

Thanks again!
J

The goal to registering items is so that CANADIAN customs won't charge you when you return. Therefore, you have to register the items with the Canadian authorities BEFORE you get the the US customs agent.

As someone earlier said, you can usually do this by going into the back of the building that deals with people entering Canada. But, you can also do it at a customs office before your departure.

The key is, if you want to register your goods, you must do so before getting to US buildings and authorities.

 

[F4disneyfan]

Thank you - I agree that 5 minutes is worth it but I'm still confused, are you registering this with Canada or the US?

When do you pull over? I know that they ask you "what are you brining into the country", is it then that you say you'd like to declare items you are brining in?

Thanks again!
J

We pull in on teh way to the border it is on the Canadian side and they list and record all items you are bringing including serial numbers so you are covered in case anything should happen and it makes crossing back and forth much easier.

 

[Thumper_ehhhhh]

Take a picture of a few things in your living room with a newspaper with the date. Before you go that is if your that worried. If you dont want troubles crossing back over. Have your id ready receipts in the passangers hand. windows open and light on inside viechile. If you have sunglasses on take them off. Only answer the questions you are asked nothing more nothing less. Knock on wood we have never had anyproblems. If you do have any recent big purchases that you are bringing. Take photocopies of the receipts too.

 

[nosnobunny2006]

We've used the Lewiston bridge often when taking my laptop. Never had a problem. It shouldn't be for you either. Customs can tell where your laptop was sold by the serial number. Don't sweat it. I doubt they'll even ask you about it.

Beth

 

[Disneyof3]

I had same concerns with my kids new DVD players we got them for x-mas when we went in March and I just took the bills with me. When we were heading back they saw them in the van in plain site and no one questioned anything. Mind you I was prepared.

 

[OntFamily]

Thanks - Is the office on the Canadian side before you cross the bridge? We're going to be crossing at Queenston-Lewiston at about 4:00 am so is it easy to find?

I've crossed the border over a dozen times as the driver but I still always get confused by it. I can't seem to picture anything but Duty Free, the bridge and then the US Border check.

the office is on the Canadian side. I've found the best way is to park in the Canadian Duty Free parking lot, and walk to the customs office (gray building next to duty free).

 

[sean-1966]

You shouldn't have a problem. If you're worried stop at customs and get a "Baggage TBA" Bring in the laptop as you'll need the serial number.

 

[Disney_Mama]

Never had a problem driving or flying....With laptop, cameras, video camera, or mp3 players.