Visiting Canada

[wshc 46]

This might be in the wrong forum but didn't seem specific enough for the Canadian forum.

My wife is German and I am a USC. We have passports from our respective countries. We are going to meet next week in Canada for a week (mini vacation) since her paperwork is still processing at USCIS and can't come home to our house in the USA yet. She is flying from Germany and I am driving in to Canada.

Although I have checked and confirmed that neither one of us need anything other than our passports to enter Canada, I am scared of all immigration processes after the nightmare the USCIS is dragging us through - (long story) -

Am I missing anything or is it just as easy to enter Canada with only our passports as it seems to be?

Another dumb questions - do US ATM cards usually work in Canada? (Of course a fee is expected)Any trouble with getting Canadian dollars with a US Bank's debit card?

Thanks in advance for any help or advice you can offer.

Edited November 17, 2011 by wshc

[canadian_wife 1,822]

Ha ha, Yes, Canada will happily accept your money, even if it is drawn from a Canadian ATM from a US account!

Easy to enter Canada? Well, as easy as it can be I guess. It's not like we just let anyone and their brother come in, obviously proper identification is required, and if asked, the proper ties to show that either one of you will return. And as always, it is up to the CBP at the time of entry.

Good luck

[hikergirl 277]

I know some of the little bank kiosks like in bars or malls won't work with US cards because they use a different network, but most Bank ATMs will work.

I have also seen where US Credit Cards won't work in the gas pumps but will work inside the store.

I am not sure of what your long story is for immigration, but either one of you can be inadmissible to visit Canada if you have certain criminal offences. (DUI, possession)

Best wishes.

[wshc 46]

I know some of the little bank kiosks like in bars or malls won't work with US cards because they use a different network, but most Bank ATMs will work.

I have also seen where US Credit Cards won't work in the gas pumps but will work inside the store.

I am not sure of what your long story is for immigration, but either one of you can be inadmissible to visit Canada if you have certain criminal offences. (DUI, possession)

Best wishes.

Thanks for the information in this post and the other poster above this one - sounds good, about the ATM's too -

No criminal offences or anything like that. Just a 10 day over stay on VWP and waiting for I-601.

Now I just have to hope that a blizzard doesn't pop up and keep me stuck there past my vacation time since I am driving!

Edited November 17, 2011 by wshc