Computers and US Customs...

[antda 13]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journeys. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences and/or problems bringing over their laptop computers from Canada to the USA? If I do bring mine over (yes, I left my laptop computer in Canada, not my fault though, as I wanted to bring it over but couldn't at the time), is this something that I or someone else needs to declare or fill out paperwork at Canada/US Customs, or does it fall under the "under $10,000 personal property" limits? Is there anything else that needs to be done?

Also, what would be the best option for me?:

a) For me to take a short trip to Canada and pick it up and bring it back here to the USA

b ) For the other person in Canada who has my computer to bring it over here to the USA

c) For the other person in Canada to send/ship it over here to the USA via courier

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, or ideas appreciated. Thank you.

Ant

Edited March 22, 2007 by AntandD

[no one 0]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journeys. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences and/or problems bringing over their laptop computers from Canada to the USA? If I do bring mine over (yes, I left my laptop computer in Canada, not my fault though, as I wanted to bring it over but couldn't at the time), is this something that I or someone else needs to declare or fill out paperwork at Canada/US Customs, or does it fall under the "under $10,000 personal property" limits? Is there anything else that needs to be done?

Also, what would be the best option for me?:

a) For me to take a short trip to Canada and pick it up and bring it back here to the USA

b ) For the other person in Canada who has my computer to bring it over here to the USA

c) For the other person in Canada to send/ship it over here to the USA via courier

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, or ideas appreciated. Thank you.

Ant

I brought my laptop over in my hand-carried luggage with no problems at all. Did not declare it as it's mine, it's old, and I'm still using it for my own use.

I'd pick option A because my laptop's my precious, personal property (not so much now, but it was my main computer). Option B is fine too. Option C is just silly if you or someone you know is able to pick it up en route wherever... The fees simply are not worth it.

[antda 13]

Hi Em (nice to see you here again on VJ!),

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply. When you brought over on the hand-carry luggage, did they scan it through the x-ray machines (not sure if they have x-rays at land crossings though, but I assume that they do)? If so, did it cause any computer problems or other problems? Did you have to show a reciept or any other paperwork showing the cost of the computer too? Likewise, mine is old too (is four years considered old?), I was using it for my use, and was my personal property (hence, that's why I want it back so much!). Hmmm...Option A makes sense, as I really don't trust the other person with it. Lol...I just have to waste the time and the gas to get back to Canada, which I admit is not something I am happy about. But if I have to do it, then so be it. Too bad about bringing my cat though. Sigh...I miss my cat! As for Option B, it wasn't me that suggested it, as it was the other person who said it, and they would have to pay for their own expenses getting the computer here (so that saves money and time travelling to Canada on my end), but again, I don't trust them too. Option C was a last resort option, and the other person would pay for the shipping expenses (so that saves money and time travelling to Canada on my end), but again, I don't trust them nor do I trust postal people (especially Canada post). So Option A it is, I guess!

Thanks for your help and advice, I appreciate it.

Oh well, I'll eventually get my computer here some way or other. Thank goodness, my husband is nice enough to let me use his in the meantime

Ant

P.S. Check your email...I sent you a reply (to your previous e-mail) there....

I brought my laptop over in my hand-carried luggage with no problems at all. Did not declare it as it's mine, it's old, and I'm still using it for my own use.

I'd pick option A because my laptop's my precious, personal property (not so much now, but it was my main computer). Option B is fine too. Option C is just silly if you or someone you know is able to pick it up en route wherever... The fees simply are not worth it.

Edited March 22, 2007 by AntandD

[no one 0]

Hmm, I can't remember at the moment if they x-ray the laptop, but whatever they use to scan it... it's safe. You're supposed to have it in plain view, outside of its case, and be prepared to turn it on for the customs people (so that they know it's really a laptop and not a bomb or something). In any case, I think you're actually not supposed to put it through the checked luggage.

Nope, no receipts needed. It's kind of like the clothes on your body... they won't ask to see the receipts for those.

I read your email, but I've just started my new job today, so it's going to take me a few days to reply (your email's long!! )

[antda 13]

Hi Em,

Thanks for your reply again. Hmm...I guess they use the same machines throughout and the technology works pretty much the same way (as I had a digital camera scanned in those machines before and had no problems with that). Yes, I will show the customs people the computer if/when they do ask for it (though again I'm not sure what to expect there at a land crossing, as the last time I went through they didn't check anything we brought over in the car). Ok about not needing reciepts too (but I'll have one just in case, even though it's not worth anything much). Lol...now the question remains, when will I go back to Canada for a visit to pick it up?

As for the e-mail, don't worry about it, take your time, as I know long e-mails can take a long time in reading and replying (as you can figure out from my e-mail too).

Congrats on your new job! What are you doing? Do you like what you're doing? Is it a good working environment? Are the other co-workers nice there? Either way, I wish you success and happiness your new job endeavours.

Ant

Hmm, I can't remember at the moment if they x-ray the laptop, but whatever they use to scan it... it's safe. You're supposed to have it in plain view, outside of its case, and be prepared to turn it on for the customs people (so that they know it's really a laptop and not a bomb or something). In any case, I think you're actually not supposed to put it through the checked luggage.

Nope, no receipts needed. It's kind of like the clothes on your body... they won't ask to see the receipts for those.

I read your email, but I've just started my new job today, so it's going to take me a few days to reply (your email's long!! )

Edited March 22, 2007 by AntandD

[Mephys 2]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journeys. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences and/or problems bringing over their laptop computers from Canada to the USA? If I do bring mine over (yes, I left my laptop computer in Canada, not my fault though, as I wanted to bring it over but couldn't at the time), is this something that I or someone else needs to declare or fill out paperwork at Canada/US Customs, or does it fall under the "under $10,000 personal property" limits? Is there anything else that needs to be done?

Also, what would be the best option for me?:

a) For me to take a short trip to Canada and pick it up and bring it back here to the USA

b ) For the other person in Canada who has my computer to bring it over here to the USA

c) For the other person in Canada to send/ship it over here to the USA via courier

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, or ideas appreciated. Thank you.

Ant

I brought my laptop over in my hand-carried luggage with no problems at all. Did not declare it as it's mine, it's old, and I'm still using it for my own use.

I'd pick option A because my laptop's my precious, personal property (not so much now, but it was my main computer). Option B is fine too. Option C is just silly if you or someone you know is able to pick it up en route wherever... The fees simply are not worth it.

If you need it soon, dont worry too much about the fees. My computer broke few months ago and right now its my air to breathe so my fiance had to send me another one from Chicago. He had a spare one and it costs only 30$ to ship it to me in Canada. Was way cheaper than buying another one. And if they send it to you to avoid customs fee maybe they (UPS or whatever carrier) would ask you to provide a copy of your GC to be exempted from any duty fees....but oh well it isnt that bad either they charged us only 30 cents since that was him sending to me in canada and he doesnt live in canada.

30$ shipping is worthed IMO if you have nobody to bring it to you any time sooner.

[antda 13]

Hi Mephys,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply. Sorry that your computer broke. You're lucky to have a fiance that can send you a computer though. How are you liking your new computer? As for the fees, I don't have to worry about it on my end, as I'll ask the other person to pay for it (since they took my computer anyways, and my cat too, but that's another story). Didn't know about the duty fees either, so thanks for telling about that. Did you have any problems with the couriers, customs, or any other postal or government agency when the computer was sent to you? I know that in your case, it was sending a computer from the USA to Canada, but I'm not sure how it would work the other way around, from Canada to the USA. Lol..and no, I don't want another computer now, as the main thing is that I want the files back from the computer that I had! Meanwhile, I hope that my husband's computer can last until I get that computer back....Grr....But yeah, as a last resort, I will consder option c, as frankly it's not worth my time and money to go back to Canada to pick up the computer. If I consider that option, I guess I'll just have to trust the courier system.....

Ant

If you need it soon, dont worry too much about the fees. My computer broke few months ago and right now its my air to breathe so my fiance had to send me another one from Chicago. He had a spare one and it costs only 30$ to ship it to me in Canada. Was way cheaper than buying another one. And if they send it to you to avoid customs fee maybe they (UPS or whatever carrier) would ask you to provide a copy of your GC to be exempted from any duty fees....but oh well it isnt that bad either they charged us only 30 cents since that was him sending to me in canada and he doesnt live in canada.

30$ shipping is worthed IMO if you have nobody to bring it to you any time sooner.

[piosenka 0]

My fiance spent a couple months with me and he has a huge desktop computer. Each time he would send his computer so he and I could play games together when he was here. We used Fedex and UPS two different times. UPS somehow managed to dent his computer, but Fedex didn't leave a scratch. I forgot exactly how much it cost, but it was a lot more than what a laptop would cost to ship. The thing is that after he sent the computer back home, I got a bill from fedex saying I owed 15.00 for customs... So I'm not really sure what thats about :/ If you do send it, it's a good idea, but just beware that you may have some charges come to you afterwards.

[Niels Bohr 72]

I have brought my laptop from the US to Canada, and from Canada to the US with no problems at all. All countries that I ever travel to did not give me any problems.

[antda 13]

Hi Pioseka and Everyone Else,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply, especially about the comparisons using Fedex and UPS. Sorry about your computer dent with UPS though. So there are shipping costs and duty/customs costs too? How much does it costs exactly (or an estimate) to ship a laptop from Canada to the USA? Hmm...Budget accordingly, I suppose. Is there any special way to package (eg. special packing paper or packing techniques) so the computer doesn't get damaged when shipping it over? How long does it take to ship a computer over from Canada to the USA?

By the way, wasn't it easier for your fiance to use your computer while he was visiting you for a few months, instead of shipping it back and forth between the USA/Canada or Canada/USA?

Ant

My fiance spent a couple months with me and he has a huge desktop computer. Each time he would send his computer so he and I could play games together when he was here. We used Fedex and UPS two different times. UPS somehow managed to dent his computer, but Fedex didn't leave a scratch. I forgot exactly how much it cost, but it was a lot more than what a laptop would cost to ship. The thing is that after he sent the computer back home, I got a bill from fedex saying I owed 15.00 for customs... So I'm not really sure what thats about :/ If you do send it, it's a good idea, but just beware that you may have some charges come to you afterwards.

Hi Consolemaster,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply. Glad that you had no problems travelling with your laptop, and likewise, I hope I won't have any problems too.

Ant

I have brought my laptop from the US to Canada, and from Canada to the US with no problems at all. All countries that I ever travel to did not give me any problems.

Edited March 24, 2007 by AntandD

[Melyssa 0]

Hi Everyone,

Good luck on your immigration journeys. Anyways, I was wondering if anyone had any experiences and/or problems bringing over their laptop computers from Canada to the USA? If I do bring mine over (yes, I left my laptop computer in Canada, not my fault though, as I wanted to bring it over but couldn't at the time), is this something that I or someone else needs to declare or fill out paperwork at Canada/US Customs, or does it fall under the "under $10,000 personal property" limits? Is there anything else that needs to be done?

Also, what would be the best option for me?:

a) For me to take a short trip to Canada and pick it up and bring it back here to the USA

b ) For the other person in Canada who has my computer to bring it over here to the USA

c) For the other person in Canada to send/ship it over here to the USA via courier

Any thoughts, suggestions, comments, or ideas appreciated. Thank you.

Ant

I have brought my laptop to the U.S. 4 times and back to Canada as well with no problems whatsoever and never needed to declare it. I'm guessing it might be different with a desktop computer? But I think people know laptops are convenient for travelling! But anyways all I ever had to do was tell the officers at the POE it's a laptop and also take it out of its bag at the security check at the airport. Nothing else.

Edited March 24, 2007 by melytha

[antda 13]

Hi Melytha,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply and for telling about your experience with bringing your laptop to and from Canada to the USA, and that you had no problems with it at customs. Did they ever search what was inside of the computer (eg. files) when you took it out at the security desk? I agree, a laptop computer is convenient and easier to work on too. Sigh, I miss my laptop computer, even though I apperciate my husband for lending me his desktop computer to use in the meantime.

Ant

I have brought my laptop to the U.S. 4 times and back to Canada as well with no problems whatsoever and never needed to declare it. I'm guessing it might be different with a desktop computer? But I think people know laptops are convenient for travelling! But anyways all I ever had to do was tell the officers at the POE it's a laptop and also take it out of its bag at the security check at the airport. Nothing else.

[piosenka 0]

Hi Pioseka and Everyone Else,

Good luck on your immigration journey. Thanks for your reply, especially about the comparisons using Fedex and UPS. Sorry about your computer dent with UPS though. So there are shipping costs and duty/customs costs too? How much does it costs exactly (or an estimate) to ship a laptop from Canada to the USA? Hmm...Budget accordingly, I suppose. Is there any special way to package (eg. special packing paper or packing techniques) so the computer doesn't get damaged when shipping it over? How long does it take to ship a computer over from Canada to the USA?

By the way, wasn't it easier for your fiance to use your computer while he was visiting you for a few months, instead of shipping it back and forth between the USA/Canada or Canada/USA?

Ant

Hi Ant,

Yes it would have been easier to just use my computer, but him and are HUGE computer dorks It's how we met each other in the first place. We actually play computer games heavily, so us both having computers here allowed me be on at the same time he was. I could do some work and design and I could also game with him!

I just spoke with my fiance, he said that shipping from Canada to US cost 40 some bucks, but to send it back, it was $160! Also, keep in mind it was a very large and it was 35lbs, so I'm sure if you are just sending it one way, it shouldn't be too bad and not nearly as expensive.

Mary

[antda 13]

Hi Mary,

Thanks for your reply. Ahh...now I see why it was easier for your fiance to ship his computer over than to use yours. Lol..though if you're doing a lot of computer using, and shipping and travelling, maybe you both should consider getting a laptop computer too? Thanks for the estimate about the shipping costs. Hmmm....maybe I can ship my cat and my laptop computer at the same time, as combined together they are about the same weight as a desktop computer (just kidding about the cat though, as I don't think they allow cats on couriers, and my cat can't travel in a cardboard box). But yeah, I'll get an exact estimate from the courier companies too, just in case I choose option c; although now I have a better idea as to how much it costs and what to expect cost-wise, since you mentioned it in your reply.

Happy gaming and computer using! Lol..the computer is addicting, isn't it?

Ant

Hi Ant,

Yes it would have been easier to just use my computer, but him and are HUGE computer dorks It's how we met each other in the first place. We actually play computer games heavily, so us both having computers here allowed me be on at the same time he was. I could do some work and design and I could also game with him!

I just spoke with my fiance, he said that shipping from Canada to US cost 40 some bucks, but to send it back, it was $160! Also, keep in mind it was a very large and it was 35lbs, so I'm sure if you are just sending it one way, it shouldn't be too bad and not nearly as expensive.

Mary

Edited March 24, 2007 by AntandD