Travel to/from Canada

[rich85704]

I'm a US citizen, with a passport. I'm considering travel into Canada in a month or so. Forgive me if these questions should be asked elsewhere, and redirect me? The most informative-looking sites on the web seem to be many years out of date.

I'll be in Canada for a week or so at most, entering and exiting via border crossings in Idaho and/or Montana.

I won't be traveling with a firearm, or a pet, or a child. I will have registration and title for the motorhome.

I understand that gasoline is more expensive in Canada.

I'll check with ATT and Verizon about wireless services, and my vehicle insurance company about coverage in Canada.

I understand there are limits on alcohol crossing the border in both directions; can someone direct me to current info on that?

Ditto food... frozen food, canned food, packaged food like pasta.

House plants? I normally travel with one plant. Is this likely to be more of a hassle than it's worth?

Fresh fruits and vegetables? Seems like the best course of action is to have a minimum of this going in either direction, and expect that it may be confiscated at the border if the agent is having a bad day.

What else should I be considering? In other words, what questions should I be asking that I'm not?

Thanks!

Rich

[Willcamp4]

Don't forget a car insurance rider for Canadian coverage. We just got back from a trip to Canada, had a wonderful time, and found each border crossing quick and easy. We were also prepared with printed lists of any item that resembled a restricted item or food, but were not asked. Have the documents ready to hand over along with your passports before you arrive at the Port of Entry.

One thing to remember when you get there is they drive at Kilometers per hour, and slower than we do in the US, so I recommend practicing reading your speedometer in KPH. Some newer cars have the ability to switch the gauges to metric. If you can it really helps. Have a great visit.

[obgraham]

Indeed as has been discussed on these forums before, US Medicare covers treatment in Canada in only a few very specific situations.
However, many Medicare Supplement plans offer coverage, usually with limitations, or up to a specific dollar amount.

[Community Alumni]

HollardawgUSMC wrote:

rich85704 wrote:
I"m the OP on this thread. Many thanks for a lot of useful information and opinion.

One topic I neglected to mention: health insurance. My Medicare doesn't "work" in Canada. Does anyone have experience with short-term private health insurance coverage for US citizens in Canada?

Rich

Who told you that Medicare isn't good in Canada?

Apparently it is but with limitations;
https://www.caring.com/questions/medicare-coverage-and-traveling-to-canada
You are best to verify your own specific needs and situation prior to traveling.

[HollardawgUSMC]

rich85704 wrote:
I"m the OP on this thread. Many thanks for a lot of useful information and opinion.

One topic I neglected to mention: health insurance. My Medicare doesn't "work" in Canada. Does anyone have experience with short-term private health insurance coverage for US citizens in Canada?

Rich

Who told you that Medicare isn't good in Canada?

[canadafan]

Have a look here for visitor medical insurance:

https://www.visitorsinsurance.ca/#/

I have not used it but have looked closely at it, all the insurers seem to be well respected Canadian companies.

[thomas201]

Our health insurance is also worthless outside of the US. I purchase a policy online from e-insurance when we travel. Iceland, Europe, and a couple of African countries. However, I have never had to use it yet, so the most important question is unanswered, "Does it work?" Searching on line is a pain, most of your hits will be for travel insurance, not health.

[ford-willy]

I crossed into Alberta at Sweet Grass the 3rd week in May. I was asked 3 different times and wording if I had any weapon. NO, no, no. Then the Alchohol questions started. Then tobacco. The only other question was if no guns what are you using for defense? My wife lifted up a can of Bear repellant to show him. He said your ok to go. That was it. My wife had a list of foods all made out and he said he did not want to see it. --- When we crossed back into Canada from Tok Ak. about the same. Very similar coming back from Hyder into Stewart.

[garyhaupt]

NCWriter wrote:
I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet, but people here in the past have reported that having a DUI, DWI, or other drug/alcohol conviction on your record in the U.S. can be a reason for denied entry into Canada. This apparently goes for not only the driver but other passengers, too.

Yep..and it applies in both directions. It is based on whether or not the offense was considered to be of a criminal nature in the country one is entering.

And yes..it is about anyone in the vehicle.


Gary Haupt

[NCWriter]

I don't think anyone has mentioned this yet, but people here in the past have reported that having a DUI, DWI, or other drug/alcohol conviction on your record in the U.S. can be a reason for denied entry into Canada. This apparently goes for not only the driver but other passengers, too.

[SideHillSoup]

When we travel south of 49, we buy our travel insurance through BCAA, which is like AAA, maybe give them a call.
Soup.

[rich85704]

I"m the OP on this thread. Many thanks for a lot of useful information and opinion.

One topic I neglected to mention: health insurance. My Medicare doesn't "work" in Canada. Does anyone have experience with short-term private health insurance coverage for US citizens in Canada?

Rich

[luckyd]

We bought a planter with three very small cacti in it
four years ago. This was purchased in Arizona. We have had it on our dash
in the MH since purchase. This past year we have seen it flower.

We are Canadian snowbirds that head south every winter.
Our plant sits proudly on the dash in plain view.
We have never been asked about plants and had several border
agents come on board to check the fridge.

The plant sits right by the door and is not disguised in any way.

[NWboondocker]

Don't assume border guards have a sense of humor. A buddy of mine got denied entry after making a 1-liner wisecrack about his buddy behind him in line (3 motorcycles), which the guard didn't take kindly to. Maybe having a bad day, but it sure ruined his trip with friends (he split and toured the northern US on his own).

No issues on my trip through last year in a class C with the family. We had some food that might've been a problem, but no questions asked.

[obgraham]

I agree with garyhaupt to a degree.

I'm always friendly, with a smile and "how are you". Often not reciprocated, but that's fine, they are doing their job.

However, I always answer the questions directly, to the point, and add no more.

Whether they decide to come into your rig for a lookylook is out of your hands, so I don't worry about it.

When we're done, it's always "you take care" and I'm out of there.

I've never had a significant problem, and I have had the search a couple of times. So be it.

Finally, I prefer to get my cash at an ATM, using a card with no foreign transaction fee added on. I think I get a better rate than inside the bank, but if not, it's a only a few bucks different, and the ATM is a lot quicker. I think it is disrespectful to plan to use US dollars in Canada.