Crossing the border for shopping

[brytorlyn]

We occasionally cross into the states for shopping (Grove City, PA) and normally we stay 48hrs+ to be sure we can bring home our purchases with no trouble. We are planning a trip now but due to DD's part time job schedule we would be crossing the border at 5ish on Sunday and returning by 4ish on Tuesday = 47 hours.

Does anyone know if that will be a problem?

 

[aristocat65]

I really doubt it would be a problem. They usually just ask how long you've been away and you'd say 2 days quite honestly. They wouldn't ask what time you left the country. Good Luck

 

[hopeis]

Can't imagine it would be a problem... if you get a very serious boarder guard you may have to pay a little in duty. Have fun shopping!!

 

[natmurr]

I have never had a problem and we (MIL, SIL and I) always spend WAY MORE than the limit!! I love Grove City!!! I just wish they had a Pottery Barn Outlet like Birch Run!

 

[brytorlyn]

thanks! I guess we will take our chances.

I love Grove Ctity too.

 

[Queenofallthings]

Hello!! Gotta love shopping in the states.....

We travel down to Fargo ND at least 6 times a year and the last few times they asked when we crossed over and we said "Friday evening" and the customs officer said what time? I said 5 and he said well that's not 48 hours ago that's 44 hours ago.....made us in and pay

It really depends on who you get, only happened to us once.....

 

[BellyBaby]

Sorry, that was probably my DH.
He takes his job very seriously, trying his best to help our Cdn economy!

 

[Cdn Mickey]

We occasionally cross into the states for shopping (Grove City, PA) and normally we stay 48hrs+ to be sure we can bring home our purchases with no trouble. We are planning a trip now but due to DD's part time job schedule we would be crossing the border at 5ish on Sunday and returning by 4ish on Tuesday = 47 hours.

Does anyone know if that will be a problem?

You may have no problem, depends on the guard.

As for they never know when exactly you cross, yes they do.
Your license plate number is put into the system, and they will swipe your passports.
And it is all logged into the system.
Friend is a border guard.

Just came back from 3 days in Erie & Grove City found some awesome deals!

 

[SaraMc]

I think it all depends on what border you cross at. Ive crossed over at Queenston Lewiston a zillion times ( niagara falls) and they never have asked for specifics. Ive also crossed into North Dakota and back to Manitoba and got the third degree ( Maybe it was the ontario plates) Perhaps less populated area's crossings are a little more by the book.

 

[minnie56]

I find they are pretty reasonable..and if you pay anything it is PST and GST not duty. That doesn't hike things up a whole lot really.

More often than not..I declare and am waved on through even tho most often I go for the day only. I think I should be able to spend my after tax dollars where and when I want frankly..

 

[rjan67]

"As for they never know when exactly you cross, yes they do.
Your license plate number is put into the system, and they will swipe your passports.
And it is all logged into the system.
Friend is a border guard."

But I didn't think there is any communication between the sides. If you went in and out of Canada 2x they would know, but not leaving to the U.S. and coming back 1x unless you were using a trusted traveller card (where they share the same info bank). If they were investigating it they could find out but can't tell directly at the booth. I'll have to ask my neighbour, he's a border officer as well.

 

[5boyz]

I'm with you Minnie56......"It's my money, I'll spend where I want to" singing in the tune of "It's my Party, I'll cry if I want to"....LOL!!!!

 

[minnie56]

YES! Not like we don't already put enough into the Canadian economy.
Just an opportunity for ANOTHER cash grab.