Finally visiting home!

[T.O_2_FL 0]

So in a couple of weeks we are finally going back home to visit! I am soooo excited as I have not seen my parents and friends since our wedding in May!

From what I understand, when I go through the CDN border I can just show my CDN passport....and when returning back into the U.S. just show my U.S resident's card right?

A couple of other questions come to mind....

When I enter Canada, can I use the $750 tax free limit on goods? My parents want me to get a few items that would be worth around $150.....

Do I tell them that I am a U.S. resident?

When I return to the U.S., I have the $800 tax free limit on goods right? Must stock up on Canadian goodies!

Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated!

[Krikit 1,165]

From what I understand, when I go through the CDN border I can just show my CDN passport....and when returning back into the U.S. just show my U.S resident's card right?

A: I've never actually been asked for my passport at the Canadian border.... just asked what my citizenship is and the usual, standard, questions. At the American border have your greencard ready.

When I enter Canada, can I use the $750 tax free limit on goods? My parents want me to get a few items that would be worth around $150.....

A: You are allowed to bring in unlimited gifts of up to $60 CDN each. (This does not include tobacco or cigarettes.)

Do I tell them that I am a U.S. resident?

A: It will come out in the questions they ask you. Just follow their lead.

When I return to the U.S., I have the $800 tax free limit on goods right? Must stock up on Canadian goodies!

A: Yes! (After 48 hours. Under 48 hours it's $200.)

This is a good site for customs information: Peace Bridge Authority

Have a great trip, T.O!

Edited September 30, 2008 by Krikit

[Marilyn. 340]

I just showed my green card both ways...

they did ask us to show some kind of proof of identification though.. hubby just tried to show his DL but they weren't happy with that, luckily we had taken his Birth Certificate along...

Edited September 30, 2008 by *Marilyn*

[T.O_2_FL 0]

oh yay!

Thanks for the answers!

Time to dig out my warm clothes for the trip up north!

[Emancipation 2]

oh yay!

Thanks for the answers!

Time to dig out my warm clothes for the trip up north!

Awe have a great time!!

They generally ask me the total value of goods that I am bringing into Canada and leaving.. so it's good to have that number at hand. They've never given me problems with it, but they always seem to ask the question

[antda 13]

Hi TO2FL,

Have a good time in Canada on your trip back up north to visit your family and friends!

In my situation, when I go into Canada, I show my Canadian Passport (I don't have a Canadian Birth Certificate) and my US Green Card. When I come back to the USA, I show my US Green Card (and for for the heck of it, throw in my US driver's license). And I didn't have any problems on either side of the border with this (lol..though once the Canadian border guard got confused and asked me how long I was out of Canada, to which I said "I live there"). On both sides, they usually just ask: citizenship, purpose of trip, how long, anything to declare, and be in and out in less than 5 mins.

Make sure too, if you're driving over, that you bring enough change for the toll bridges (about $3.50-$4.00, one way to Canada). If you are going towards the NYS/Canada border, I recommend you use the "Peace Bridge", as that's the quickest one to get to and from at. And make sure too, that you declare whatever items you purchase, if they ask for such. And always remember to tell the truth .

Hope this helps. Dress warm! Have a fun trip up north back home!

Ant (Travelling between Canada/USA sometimes...)

So in a couple of weeks we are finally going back home to visit! I am soooo excited as I have not seen my parents and friends since our wedding in May!

From what I understand, when I go through the CDN border I can just show my CDN passport....and when returning back into the U.S. just show my U.S resident's card right?

A couple of other questions come to mind....

When I enter Canada, can I use the $750 tax free limit on goods? My parents want me to get a few items that would be worth around $150.....

Do I tell them that I am a U.S. resident?

When I return to the U.S., I have the $800 tax free limit on goods right? Must stock up on Canadian goodies!

Any thoughts or experience would be greatly appreciated!

[T.O_2_FL 0]

Ohhh thanks so much everyone for the helpful pointers....

And yes we'll be driving....I have to pick up the rest of my things that couldn't fit in the car the first time around....hope they won't tax me for all my old belongings....

And yes, I've always told the truth...one time they asked me how much I spent on items in the U.S and I said about 50 bucks...they asked on what and I said Victoria Secret under wear! The Custom's guy's face turned red...he he he

[Krikit 1,165]

They won't tax you on your belongings. I bring stuff back every time. lol

If you're driving, the cheapest gas along the route is:

Brunswick, GA. Exit 36a

Wytheville, VA

Washington, PA

Erie, PA

An excellent halfway point to stay the night is:

Fairfield Inn & Suites Wytheville

[antda 13]

Hi To2Fl,

Nope, they won't charge you on your belongings. In fact, I had to bring all of my belongings this way, over several car trips, as "there was no first time around for me", as I only had 2 weeks worth of stuff with me when I first came over (see my timeline for more info). Luckily I didn't have too much stuff to bring over, and they didn't bother checking when I did bring it over during those trips....

Lol...funny about the Victoria's Secret..well, at least you told the truth..lol... Next time you cross with more Victoria's Secret, just claim them as "personal belongings"....

This reminds me too of the time I claimed/told the truth about my "smarties" (you know, the chocolate candy they sell in Canada only), and I had to explain about that

Since then, I don't bother claiming such a minor item...(lol..it's not illegal to bring "smarties" after all).

Ant

Ohhh thanks so much everyone for the helpful pointers....

And yes we'll be driving....I have to pick up the rest of my things that couldn't fit in the car the first time around....hope they won't tax me for all my old belongings....

And yes, I've always told the truth...one time they asked me how much I spent on items in the U.S and I said about 50 bucks...they asked on what and I said Victoria Secret under wear! The Custom's guy's face turned red...he he he

Edited October 1, 2008 by AntandD