Crossing border from Canada to USA

lakeside013104 wrote:

easycamper wrote:
They must have a feast in the border agent's lunchroom.

. :)

Easycamper; If it is NOT good enough for you to eat, what gives you the idea the border guards have a feast in their lunchroom? If your statement was a joke, so be it, Ha ha. :)
Lakeside

It was a joke, although not a particularly good one I admit.:)

Although I'm sure it has changed more than a little in the past 40 years, my dad worked as border guard on the Candadian side of the Detroit-Windsor tunnel in the 70's.

Two stories he tells that stick in my mind are as follows:

Once when a shipment of watermelons was coming north, the guards decided it was necessary to confiscate exactly one watermelon, which did end up in the lunchroom somehow.;)

On another occasion, a US citizen was coming into Canada after travelling through downtown Detroit. My dad asked the driver if he had any firearms. The answer was: "Yes, sir. And it's pointed right at your head!" The guy had rigged a shotgun up under the dash pointing out the driver’s side window in case he encountered any nefarious characters in Detroit. Needless to say, he had to leave his gun behind.

Matt_Colie wrote:
We lived in a border community and DW has relatives in Canada.
I keep trying, but noone can tell me what is on the US prohibited list that day. So, we do our best to not bring back anything fresh or that was not canned in the US. Yes, our people are not all that swift - Sorry.

Matt

Call the agents wife and ask her what is for dinner and then you will know what is on today's list. Applies both directions!!!!

Chris

Jim Shoe wrote:
......As I was sitting there in line, I saw an RV owner off to the side while customs officials finished removing everything out of it that wasn't welded down. He was clean, but had to put everything back by himself.....

How long were you sitting there that you knew all this?

We Made the trip from Michigan to Alaska last year, crossed the borders both directions multiple times, both sides asked each time about fresh fruits and vegetables. If you have something you want to keep cook it before getting to the border. each agent also would have other questions. I think they are looking for your reaction as much as your answer.
I think cummins12V98 and blofgren gave you some excellent advice also.
Milt

Cummins12V98 wrote:
Pull up have your sunglasses removed, look them straight in the eye, answer all questions quickly looking right at them, don't try to be cute with jokes, don't volunteer any information unless asked. Basically keep your mouth shut unless asked to respond. Yes they will ask you questions they already have the answers to. You and your vehicles are looked at before you speak to anyone. These tips will get you a long ways.

Exactly right. We have always done just this and have never had a problem; in fact we have found the vast majority of the agents are very quick and pleasant when you are up front with them. Just remember that they are doing their job and honesty and cooperation will go a long way. After watching a few episodes of Border Security I see some of the idiots these folks have to deal with and fully understand why they are the way they are.

mrlightrail wrote:

easycamper wrote:
Although it is a bit funny that on the way into Canada, they ask if you have any alcohol, tobacco or firearms. On the way into the US they ask if you have any fruits or vegetables. :)

Can you blame them? After letting in Shatner, Cruz, and Bieber, they have had enough problems with Canadian fruits entering the US.

LOL, thanks very much for the laugh; that was great!

All I have had confiscated with a crossing is some apples. They are not going to invade your RV to search for bacon. Produce is the main concern as the assumption is that you are bringing pests into the USA. Reality is that these pests come in with the daily shipment of wholesale produce and flowers from Central and South America.

I would not worry about frozen meat and it is going to be vastly safer to eat than most of what you can buy in the USA.

Please please please..Keep Bieber.

easycamper wrote:
Although it is a bit funny that on the way into Canada, they ask if you have any alcohol, tobacco or firearms. On the way into the US they ask if you have any fruits or vegetables. :)

Can you blame them? After letting in Shatner, Cruz, and Bieber, they have had enough problems with Canadian fruits entering the US.

Pull up have your sunglasses removed, look them straight in the eye, answer all questions quickly looking right at them, don't try to be cute with jokes, don't volunteer any information unless asked. Basically keep your mouth shut unless asked to respond. Yes they will ask you questions they already have the answers to. You and your vehicles are looked at before you speak to anyone. These tips will get you a long ways.