Border Crossing! - RV-Dreams Community Forum

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Border Crossing!

Alie and Jims Carrilite · RV-Dreams Family Member

I think the only items they catch are the foods, and weapons. Long guns OK with paperwork, handguns a no-no. Check the Canadian website for updates on whats allowed. Last time we went north they were concerned about dog food of all things.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

They are not going rip up your coach, unless you give them a reason to. Many years ago I was acquainted with a US customs officer and from her I learned it's not wise to lie answering their questions. The stories she told me about the things they catch is still mind boggling. Mostly the stupidity of the people trying to slide things through the border. If you buy it out of the country, get a receipt, declare it, pay the duty, if any, and be on your way. If you don't they will make your life hell and your pocketbook a whole lot lighter than it would otherwise have been.

I've crossed many times from US to Canada(my sibs and mother live there) and in all the times I have crossed, only once did I have an issue and it was my own fault. I misunderstood a question (I didn't listen) and thinking they had asked where I was from and only partial hearing what country my citizenship was... I answered "American". As soon as it came out of my mouth I knew I goofed and corrected myself but that was enough to be pulled over to verify my citizenship in the office which took over half an hour.(the gate keepers are in no rush to get you on your way) So be it. Lesson, focus on the crossing, stop talking to the navigator, turn off the radio, have documents ready.

There is plenty of resources to determine what is declarable, dutiable, prohibited etc. read up on that and know in advance so you are prepared. There is nothing to fear unless you have something to hide. Sooner or later they will get you if that is the case... Is it really worth it?

FWIW, Brian

On edit, The Customs people do have a sense of humor, we crossed just last month with Josie and they wanted to know if she was of one those new "killer Beagle" varieties. We both had good laugh. And yes they wanted to know about the dog food but it was a non-issue. Did need current rabies shot info however.

-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 4th of April 2014 07:06:56 AM

-- Edited by biggaRView on Friday 4th of April 2014 07:11:28 AM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Remember if there is a problem and you must call an attorney.......

Press 1 for English or 2 for French......(depending on direction of travel) biggrin biggrin biggrin biggrin

Ask for an interpreter if you are unsure!!!!!!

I never had that problem..........Clavette's are only allowed one direction of travel.......out and leaving!!!!!!!

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Friday 4th of April 2014 07:07:12 AM

sologal · RV-Dreams Family Member

I have crossed several times fully loaded down and have not had any problems at all. Going from Can to U.S they even allowed me to take hamburger over but told me to eat it that night. Just watch your foods and limit it going both ways and of course if you have guns that will be a real hassle so beware of that issue if it relates to you. I have also travelled a few times at the smaller borders and they have just waved as I drove through [ Alberta to Montana]. On a bus from Toronto to New York however They checked every bag and wanted a detailed list of everything..Go figure.

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

As of June 2014...All Canadians are required to Electronically scan there passports upon leaving and re-entering Canada.......this will put a damper on snow Bird " fudging " the six month rule and will result in Health ins. and tax issues....

phyllen · RV-Dreams Family Member

We are going to Alaska in June, returning early Sept. Does this mean we have to empty our freezer of all meat? What about the fridge. Hate to think we have to buy everything once we get into Alaska and then again when we return to the lower 48.

Jim and Barb · RV-Dreams Family Member

We cross the border about 6 times a year and have never had a problem. They have looked through our fridge a few times and inspected the dogs paperwork but nothing more than that.

Jim

Bill and Linda · RV-Dreams Family Member

Answer the questions. If they ask, "Do you have any tobacco products?” don’t say “I don’t smoke.” That wasn’t the answer to their question.

Don’t take any guns.

There are lists of foods that are not permitted going each way. The US is more particular coming back from Canada. Remember, going into Alaska is coming back to the US. We just try to have the fridge really empty and except for some apples haven’t had an issue. They just took the three apples coming back to the US. The less you have the fewer possible mistakes. It depends on the agents, or so it has seemed to us, as to what foods are asked about.

Do not try humor. They don’t like it and have heard all the jokes. Humor is a good way to delay your trip.

Have your vehicle registration in hand and know your license plate number or read it off the registration.

If you have been across the border before know when and where that was so when they ask you you’ll have the correct answer. Keep in mind they already know the second they scanned you passport.

Take off your sun glasses and if you have darkening prescription glasses remove then as you stop.

Turn off your engine when you stop.

Just answer the specific questions with a specific and short answer and it will serve you well.

suse1023 · RV-Dreams Family Member

years ago, maybe 1990 I went to an REM concert in montreal with some co workers. I drove my little car and they all chipped in for gas.
on the way home I was sleeping in the back seat and woke up a few miles from the border just in time to see my co-workers acting out that scene from cheech and chong--you know the one, with that funny smoke billowing out in every direction!
of course we got pulled out of line and the car searched while we were separated and questioned.
turns out that thanks to taking my elderly cat to the vet the week before, the carpets smelled like cat pee and they didn't tear the entire thing apart.
thank goodness for nervous kitties with weak bladders, and yes I damn near killed those guys.

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

If you carry liquor/beer/wine with you, understand the limits before you have to pay duty on what you have going into Canada.

Foods, it is different each time we've crossed, so we look up before crossing what is being checked for - - also differs with where you cross.

If you have Texas plates (as we do) be prepared to answer several questions about guns. We were asked about a half-a-dozen questions on guns.

Actually easier for us coming back into the US from the Maritimes than going into Canada. Again, it might be the Texas plates.

Barb

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike wrote:
As of June 2014...All Canadians are required to Electronically scan there passports upon leaving and re-entering Canada.......this will put a damper on snow Bird " fudging " the six month rule and will result in Health ins. and tax issues....

I don't understand the comment about [snow Bird "fudging" the six month rule]

Every time when crossing into the U.S. they would ask when were you last down in the U.S. and how long were you there.

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Barbaraok wrote:
If you carry liquor/beer/wine with you, understand the limits before you have to pay duty on what you have going into Canada.

Foods, it is different each time we've crossed, so we look up before crossing what is being checked for - - also differs with where you cross.

If you have Texas plates (as we do) be prepared to answer several questions about guns. We were asked about a half-a-dozen questions on guns.

Actually easier for us coming back into the US from the Maritimes than going into Canada. Again, it might be the Texas plates.

Barb

So there would be issues with a stocked liquor cabinet with open bottles that always carry around? I'm not a "rubby" but I usually carry up to 6 bottles of hard liquor, 6 bottles of wine, lots of beers and wine coolers. The other big concern is everything from bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and all the way down to the basement. I am wondering if they need an inventory list of everything on board before crossing so they know what was already owned or a new purchase.

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

TRAILERKING wrote:
So there would be issues with a stocked liquor cabinet with open bottles that always carry around? I'm not a "rubby" but I usually carry up to 6 bottles of hard liquor, 6 bottles of wine, lots of beers and wine coolers. The other big concern is everything from bedroom, bathroom, kitchen, and all the way down to the basement. I am wondering if they need an inventory list of everything on board before crossing so they know what was already owned or a new purchase.

Easy big fella. Actually, you sound more nervous than the proverbial "cat in a room full of rocking chairs". biggrin biggrin The alcohol is the only thing I can think that you listed that will be an issue. They may ask about the other items, if it gets that far at the border... but it's not likely. Always remember to give unto Caesar that which is Caesar's.

Sounds like a drinking party at your rig prior to crossing biggrin wink smile biggrin biggrin . From another thread... you could always "sweeten" your fresh water tank with that wine. biggrin biggrin . MarkS will be right over to start the wine, errrr water tasting! biggrin

-- Edited by biggaRView on Thursday 10th of April 2014 12:44:00 PM

Barbaraok · RV-Dreams Family Member

We had divided our wine up with our friends in order to get below the limit (we always carry 6 or more bottles of wine with us) and had forgotten about the 'bar' stock - open bottles of rum, bourbon, a couple of desert ports, etc., that were in the small cabinet behind the slide. They never asked about liquor, just about if we had guns, how many guns we had, where did we store our ammunition, what types of guns we carried, and on and on. They didn't ask about pets - we had two cats on board and I was sitting there with their rabies vaccination certifications in my laps, didn't ask about any food, just the guns and did we have more than $10,000.00 with us. To which my husband said "I wish" which got a very SHARP reply "I'll take that as a no" and a look that sent chills down my spine. Luckily, there was a trailer with a flat tire in the inspection lane and several big trucks backed up behind us, so we were sent on our way.

What I thought was funny is that coming back into the US we got asked about guns and about having $10,000 with us. I wanted to say "No, we spent it all on expensive Canadian diesel" but we went with the safe "No" answers. They did asked what I bought, I told them some t-shirts, a bottle of wine, some local produce, and his only comment was "Welcome home".

Barb

NWescapee · RV-Dreams Family Member

Sometimes it depends on where you cross and what kind of mood the border patrol folks are in. We spent a week in the Okanagon region of BC, had a great time visiting several wineries and yes, we bought wine and were prepared to pay the tax. Given that at the time we went the exchange rate was great, we weren't too worried about the tax $$. Crossing back into the US, the guy asked where we went and what we bought we were honest, he asked how much wine, we told him 1.5 cases and a 6 pack of a local Canadian beer and he waved us through and told us to wait until we got home to enjoy it biggrin

At that time we were WA state residents on the way home through one of the crossings in Central WA. I've heard from others that if you're crossing at a smaller crossing it's often easier, in WA coming in on I-5 seems to be the most problematic.

-- Edited by NWescapee on Thursday 10th of April 2014 10:00:38 PM

Dave and Denise · RV-Dreams Family Member

Been in and out of Canada numerous times. One thing that is constant is inconsistency. Sometimes you are practically waived through without question and another time you may be asked to pull over and go through a complete interrogation. Although, the interrogation aspect is less likely to occur than just a few general questions. If you have ever been arrested or convicted of a crime, make sure you tell them when asked. Canada has some very strict laws regarding DUI/DWI and variations thereof, so if by chance this applies to you do some due diligence up front to make sure you will not have a problem. While I never joke with them, they have joked with us. One time they asked us where we traveled in Canada and we told them we vacationed in Nova Scotia. Well it was November, and the guard just smiled and said nobody vacations in Nova Scotia in November. Of course that's why we went then.

dianneandsteve · RV-Dreams Family Member

We've crossed 13 times since 2010. The only time we were searched was at a tiny US crossing south of Salmo, BC. Everyone was getting searched. They confiscated Dianne's Christmas Cactus...the only plant she could keep alive We've admitted to being a little over on the booze or purchases and have been waived through.
I assume you are well aware that liquor is waaaaaaaaaay cheaper in the US. Let me know where and when you cross back into Canada and I'll help you polish off your stash so you're legal!

-- Edited by dianneandsteve on Friday 11th of April 2014 01:22:11 PM

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

dianneandsteve wrote:
...Let me know where and when you cross back into Canada and I'll help you polish of your stash so you're legal!

Better get in line... biggrin biggrin biggrin

Dogpatch · RV-Dreams Family Member

Bernie,

Like everyone has said here, you won't have a problem as long as you are honest with claiming. Pay attention to your time down there as it dictates your quantities to bring back.

I have been down and back about at least 1/2 dozen times. Never been searched, that being said, I was always honest in my answers (well, could possibly have forgotten a couple of small items) so "karma" that "you know what" never got enacted.

No they don't need to see an inventory of everything in your coach to check new purchases. If a new set of tires accidentally fell onto your coach, I don't know that they would catch that. But, if you had a new engine in a crate in your living room with the price tag on it, it's likely that they would want to see some paperwork!

The "six month rule" pertains to Canadians only being allowed to spend a total of 180 days in the States (without a Green Card) before having to return.

el Rojo and Pam · RV-Dreams Family Member

biggaRView wrote:
dianneandsteve wrote:
...Let me know where and when you cross back into Canada and I'll help you polish of your stash so you're legal!
Better get in line...

I'm always happy to help out a fellow RVer.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

60 gallons of wine in the tank, 60 gallons of wine, draw one up, drink it all down, 59 gallons of wine in the tank.... Etc. if i were a lush, i would park by the canadian border and hold a sign "will help with alcohol overages". However, being a type 2 diabetic with a DW who understands diabetes and owns a big stick i only drink in moderation. Ah yes, Moderation, ND. Great little city, right at the Canadian border. How convenient!

Seriously though, i have one hand gun. Probably dont really need it but, if I did, it would be in Alaska where the wild life is many times bigger than a bread box. I know about all the ways to get it sent to AK but it would certainly be nice if our neighbors to the north would make an exception for common sense. I dont believe in registration either. I wonder if they would ask me to open my safe?

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

Zip lock bag at the bottom of the freshwater tank full of wine should keep it hidden!!!!!

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

But Mike, if the bag leaked the gun would never shoot straight again!

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

Well seeing as to how I,...... A Canadian, started this thread on "Border Crossing". It was more intended on "Me" the Canadian crossing the border with the Coach loaded with goodies. I could care less about the needs of those that "Need" to carry a Pea Shooter. We Canadians are not allowed to carry one and definitely can't carry one in the U.S.
You see.....The thing that gets me is if the Canadian Dude says anything about the Pea Shooter Rave.........They get banned. However if anyone South of the border brings it up the conversation can go on forever.
As for some of you....Thanks but I wasn't looking for tips on how to "Smuggle" beer & wine accross the border. Also I'm not insecure and frail that I have to concern myself about sportin' a Pea Shooter. Maybe start another thread on that stuff..

TRAILERKING · RV-Dreams Family Member

MarkS wrote:

.......... but it would certainly be nice if our neighbors to the north would make an exception for common sense.

Oh yes and I'm accused of being unfriendly and judgmental. If i would post crap like that I would be "Warned", "Banned", you name it.

Quite Biased in my opinion.................Wouldn't most others agree?

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

TRAILERKING wrote:
MarkS wrote:

.......... but it would certainly be nice if our neighbors to the north would make an exception for common sense.
Oh yes and I'm accused of being unfriendly and judgmental. If i would post crap like that I would be "Warned", "Banned", you name it.

Quite Biased in my opinion.................Wouldn't most others agree?

I'm pretty sure Mark was referring to the Canadian Customs/Immigration rules & regs and not Canadians in general. I'm Canadian and while I don't agree on the need or rights to own a gun issue, desiring to have a gun for self defence and aquiring the proper training in gun use, to which I presume Mark as a Ret'd Military person has received at least a minimum of, his point of common sense make perfect sense. I was not the least bit slighted by his comment. A gun is a tool after all, and maybe some people should not have them. To each his own as long they don't infringe on the rights of others. The gun question is really a political hot potato and is best discussed in forum dedicated to that issue and not here in the friendly confines of "our house".

-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 14th of April 2014 03:22:46 PM

-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 14th of April 2014 03:25:38 PM

-- Edited by biggaRView on Monday 14th of April 2014 03:29:53 PM

Lucky Mike · RV-Dreams Family Member

I always look at the gun issue as moot.........If I have one ,its up to the other to decide if they want to find out......why ruin the element of surprise!

If you are a gun owner,no matter what country your from....you should know and follow the laws accordingly.....if you are unsure of the laws , your not ready to take responsibility of being a gun owner and should immediately and properly dispose of your gun until your ready!!

Guns
Politics
Religion

should be banned from all discussions in life ........no matter how you mix them or use them, all 3 are involved in the end!!!

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Monday 14th of April 2014 12:55:15 PM

BiggarView · RV-Dreams Family Member

Lucky Mike wrote:
Guns
Politics
Religion

should be banned from all discussions in life ........no matter how you mix them or use them, all 3 are involved in the end!!!

-- Edited by Lucky Mike on Monday 14th of April 2014 12:55:15 PM

Amen brother, I'll vote for that,..... shoot I just blew the list out of the water!!! biggrin biggrin biggrin

Agree with your other comments as well.

MarkS · RV-Dreams Family Member

I'm sorry if anyone took offense to my remark. It was not pointed at people but at rules.