Crossing the border with a TV?

[Ted in Halifax]

I will be the States for more than 2 weeks in late May early June. Does anyone know the Value of a Television that I can buy and get across the border without paying extra? I was thinking something in $500 range would meet my needs ....

Thinking of looking at Best Buy in Bangor. Suggestions welcome!

 

[gilsan]

You can bring back $750CAD with you if you have been out of the country more than 7 days. I don't think there is a restriction on electronics.

I know I would like to have a look at theipads while I am down there I checked the CBSA site a few days and didn't see any restrictions on electronics.

 

[dsneygirl]

No restrictions it's just part of your regular exemption. So if you bought a $1000 TV you would pay on the $250 overage. GST and PST and possibly duty if it was made outside of US or Mexico.

 

[snickerboo]

We brought one back after a 48-hour stay back in December. The value was $550 (bought at US Costco). We learned that no one item can be over the allowable limit. We thought, since there were 4 of us in the car, we could bring back up to $1600 total. And you can as long as no one item is over $400.

Now, since you're staying 2 weeks, you should be fine so long as the total value of the tv is not worth more than $700.

Hope that makes sense!

 

[GrtWtNorth]

There is no duty on certain electronic devices. I did this research a couple years ago when shopping for a new laptop ($1500-$2000). I believe TV's fall into the same category.

If you are still concerned or don't have a definitive answer, buy a TV made in USA, Mexico or Canada -- there no federal duty on NAFTA goods (maybe just PST).

 

[dsneygirl]

We brought one back after a 48-hour stay back in December. The value was $550 (bought at US Costco). We learned that no one item can be over the allowable limit. We thought, since there were 4 of us in the car, we could bring back up to $1600 total. And you can as long as no one item is over $400.

Now, since you're staying 2 weeks, you should be fine so long as the total value of the tv is not worth more than $700.

Hope that makes sense!

You CAN bring it back you just have to pay on the overage. heck you can bring back a $10,000 Rolex and still get your $750 towards it.

 

[dsneygirl]

You CAN bring it back you just have to pay on the overage. heck you can bring back a $10,000 Rolex and still get your $750 towards it.

From www.cbsa.gc.ca
What conditions apply to your personal exemptions?

You cannot combine your personal exemptions with another person's or transfer them to someone else.
In addition, you cannot combine your 48-hour exemption (CAN$400) with your 7-day exemption (CAN$750) for a total exemption of CAN$1,150.
In general, the goods you include in your personal exemption must be for your personal or household use. Such goods include souvenirs that you purchased, gifts that you received from friends or relatives living outside Canada or prizes that you won. Goods you bring in for commercial use or for another person do not qualify for the exemption and are subject to full duties. In all cases, goods you include in your 24-hour exemption (CAN$50) or 48-hour exemption (CAN$400) have to be with you upon your arrival in Canada.
Except for tobacco and alcohol, goods you claim in your 7-day exemption (CAN$750) may be shipped to your home by mail, courier or other means of transportation.

 

[cslittle999]

One thing to keep in mind is that some companies do not honour the warranty on products purchased in the US. You should check on the companies policy before you purchase.

 

[snickerboo]

Yes, that's right, we only paid on the overage and it wasn't that much ($30, I think). Still cheaper than buying the exact same tv here!