We crossed the Canadian border Wed. 24 May
We topped fuel in Oroville Wa and crossed with full tanks. As we pulled into the gate at Osoyoos crossing we see a new sign, "do not set air brake parking brake" when we get into the gate the guard te...
Forum Discussion
myredracer wrote:SoundGuy wrote:
Anyone who intends to cross the US / Canadian border is obligated to understand policies and restrictions put in place by both countries. There's no magic to any of this - don't follow those rules and you can expect to be challenged.
It really is as simple as this. ^^^ It is 100 percent YOUR responsibility to know the rules in either country and do not rely on a customs agent at a booth to tell you what a particular rule is. You either need to go onto the gov't websites or go inside to the office and talk to an officer inside. Rules can change quickly too. Some items can be banned in one direction and be okay in the other. Know exactly what is in your RV at all times and be prepared to accurately and truthfully declare it. Rules can also vary from the east to the west. Just follow the rules and you'll have an uneventful experience...
Trying to sneak alcohol across the border is asking for trouble and not just monetarily. I once tried to bring back a $10 bottle of rum and they wanted to charge me $50 duty. I had to park on the Canadian side and walk the rum back to the duty-free store. OP got lucky this time.
If you have NEXUS, they can take your card away for good for the smallest of infractions like say not declaring an orange. Some rules can be obscure, for ex. you are not permitted to take a spouse's close with you if he/she isn't with you. Generally speaking, we've found it's the US border guards that can be nasty and hard on you.
I wish Americans would leave their firearms at home. You just don't need them here unless you're going hunting or heading to Alaska.
Both the US and Canadian border agencies have reality TV shows that cover various crossings along the border and what can get people into trouble and are interesting to watch.
Keep in mind,, we were totally prepared to pay the duty owed, The Canadian Customs agent simply asked if any of the booze was for re-sale, our answer was no, It was all going to Alaska with us.
after that he changed subject. never mentioned duty or anything else about alcohol.
OBTW we had 2 cases of Beer, 3, 5 liter boxes of wine, and 2 other bottles of wine, plus 2 qts of Canadian Crown Royal.
When he didn't want to talk about anymore neither did I. :)
