Items to take

[CanadianPrincessMom3]

Hi all,

this sounds really dumb, but are there restrictions or fees (or whatever) charged when you cross the border into the US?? I want to make the trip a smooth and enjoyable journey.I want to take my personal items like make-up and such across the border, but my hubby says it would be better to buy it once we cross the border... I don't want to buy extra if I really don't have to. I would rather save the extra money for the mouse.

Also are there any problems with taking my own child (8hours labour...she is mine) and I have full custody and access. The other half that helped create her has been long gone, but he is unfortuntely on her birth certificate...any advice on restrictions...I'd like to keep everything smooth.


thanks Isabell

 

[PrincessTrisha]

You can take any of your "personal" items across the border with no fees or charges.

If you are taking any thing really expensive (like a $1000 camera or jewellery) you can stop at the border and register (? I'm not sure what the official word for it is) it so that they know you bought it in Canada and are bringing it with you.

A good source of information is from the Canada Border Services:
"I Declare" (booklet # RC4044) it's available on line in either html or pdf format.

As for your child - make sure you have your custody papers showing you have full custody and access. When I took my god daughter across in Nov/Dec I had to show them a notorized letter from her mother and her mother's custody papers showing she had full custody. It's better not to take chances and have the papers handy.

 

[BLBCB]

Hi all,

this sounds really dumb, but are there restrictions or fees (or whatever) charged when you cross the border into the US?? I want to make the trip a smooth and enjoyable journey.I want to take my personal items like make-up and such across the border, but my hubby says it would be better to buy it once we cross the border... I don't want to buy extra if I really don't have to. I would rather save the extra money for the mouse.

Also are there any problems with taking my own child (8hours labour...she is mine) and I have full custody and access. The other half that helped create her has been long gone, but he is unfortuntely on her birth certificate...any advice on restrictions...I'd like to keep everything smooth.


thanks Isabell

Isabell,

Here are some great links to crossing the border with kids without both parents.

http://www.pptc.gc.ca//travel_tips/with_child_e.asp
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/faq/children_travel-en.asp

As for bringing things into the US, don't take oranges or anything with beef. Have everything in original packaging and you should be fine. I usually bring my makeup in my carry-on so I know it won't get broke in my suitcase.

Hope this helps

 

[ferris198]

Full cutody or not, you will still need a letter signed by the birth father, and notarized.
It must include the details of the trip such as date of departure, date of return, and destinatoin.
I had to get one last year when I took my son to Disney as my husband wasn't coming with us.
The lawyer I used charged me 25.00.
If you need more info let me know.
I think I still have the government website that has the wordings.
Good luck.

 

[CanadianPrincessMom3]

See I have full custody and he has NO access to her... He has not seen her in over 4 years.... I have no idea where he is... If you could forward me that website I would greatly appreciate it. He leaves me with nothing over 6 years ago and I rebuild my life and move on and he still comes to haunt any happiness I want to have.

Anyhow, anything else you can think of??

thanks Isabell

 

[tophee99]

Make sure you don't have any fresh fruits, veggies or meats.....they are not allowed to cross with you.

You can also stop that the Duty Free before you go to the states........the prices are in Canadian funds and much cheaper than even the US party stores (they have liquor, beer, perfume, clothing, etc.).

Good luck!!

Tophee

 

[ferris198]

The website with the sample letter is as follows:
www.voyage.gc.ca/main/before/consent_letter-en.asp.
Good luck I hope all goes well for you.
Please keep us posted.