Official "Border Crossing" Thread

[TypeRNammer]

Crossed back into the Canadian Side, the border guard on the nexus lane asked me if I have been in contact with anyone that has ebola.

Sort of threw me off guard after declaring groceries and gas.

[m3thods]

^I wonder what they could be fishing for with respect to a response. It's not like one would go "OK I HAVE DRUGS IN THE CAR" in response to that question. So odd.

[CRS]

Originally Posted by m3thods

^I wonder what they could be fishing for with respect to a response. It's not like one would go "OK I HAVE DRUGS IN THE CAR" in response to that question. So odd.

Or that they are taking simple measures to prevent the spread of an infectious and fatal disease.

[m3thods]

How would the normal layperson know they were in contact with someone with Ebola unless they were recently in a place that had confirmed cases (which when I last checked, didn't include Washington State)?

I don't mean to sound argumentative, but there are more effective ways to prevent the spread of a deadly disease than to simply ask a Canadian citizen driving across the border from Washington State whether they came into contact with anyone with Ebola.

[SoulCrusher]

^ care to elaborate. Would you rather they do blood tests for everyone coming across the border?

Last I checked there is an International Airport 2 hrs south of the border.

[Hehe]

I think they ask as a precaution. Assuming one has met anyone that could be at high risk of Ebola, the border personnels could maybe put the person on a watch list of some sort, and if that person starts to have symptoms, the hospital can be prepared in advance to prevent any further spread.

[JL23]

Originally Posted by 4444

sorry, i wasn't clear, you're right, pre-ship, but post tax. you are right that you do not get taxed on a service such as shipping, but all other direct costs, yes

Are you guys 100% sure you're not supposed to get charged for the shipping portion of it too? I paid nearly a $100 to ship a bedroom set to the border and I was charged taxes on the total dollar amount after shipping costs. So if that were true, I got screwed and will know for next time

JL

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by SoulCrusher

^ care to elaborate. Would you rather they do blood tests for everyone coming across the border?

Last I checked there is an International Airport 2 hrs south of the border.

I was speaking in more general terms with respect to the world reducing the spread of ebola, but if you must hear some less than invasive methods of checking compared to doing blood tests:

- Check passport stamps for countries that have known ebola cases
- Ask more specific questions like "did you travel to Dallas/NY"

And for the world in general:

-ban commercial travel to/from countries where the epidemic is rampant. This would exclude humanitarian efforts in the area, and at the same time you can take those same people back for a 2 week quarantine.

The point to my first comment is that asking if people came into contact with ebola is pointless, and I thought of it more as a tactic to throw people off to fish for other tells or information that may interest the border guards.

Originally Posted by Hehe

I think they ask as a precaution. Assuming one has met anyone that could be at high risk of Ebola, the border personnels could maybe put the person on a watch list of some sort, and if that person starts to have symptoms, the hospital can be prepared in advance to prevent any further spread.

How would the watch be implemented? You can either detain people at the border or let them go. There's no way they can shadow you and wait for you to get symptoms even if they suspect you might be a risk.

[Hehe]

Originally Posted by m3thods

How would the watch be implemented? You can either detain people at the border or let them go. There's no way they can shadow you and wait for you to get symptoms even if they suspect you might be a risk.

No need to detain anyone. If a dude met another person that could be at high risk, they tell the border guys, they add the dude on a list. If such name comes up at any hospital, red alert. (assuming the dude calls in before going to hospital/call an ambulance)

Again, it's being precautious.. not quarantine.

[cdizzle_996]

Originally Posted by JL23

Are you guys 100% sure you're not supposed to get charged for the shipping portion of it too? I paid nearly a $100 to ship a bedroom set to the border and I was charged taxes on the total dollar amount after shipping costs. So if that were true, I got screwed and will know for next time

JL

CBSA has always asked me the returning amount minus shipping costs.

That's why when buying on eBay I try to find items with high shipping and low buy it now

[MG1]

At the Silver Thief enjoying my free prime rib buffet. Once a year. It's not my birthday, but members get one free buffet per calendar year. Gas here is pretty cheap. The one bad thing about Silver Reef is its not off the freeway or close to it. Neither is Northwoods, but at least Norhwoods is 10 minutes from Sumas and 5 from Aldergrove crossing. Im off to Norhwods after this where it's 100 for 100 today.

[geeknerd]

Originally Posted by m3thods

I was speaking in more general terms with respect to the world reducing the spread of ebola, but if you must hear some less than invasive methods of checking compared to doing blood tests:

- Check passport stamps for countries that have known ebola cases
- Ask more specific questions like "did you travel to Dallas/NY"

And for the world in general:

-ban commercial travel to/from countries where the epidemic is rampant. This would exclude humanitarian efforts in the area, and at the same time you can take those same people back for a 2 week quarantine.

The point to my first comment is that asking if people came into contact with ebola is pointless, and I thought of it more as a tactic to throw people off to fish for other tells or information that may interest the border guards.




How would the watch be implemented? You can either detain people at the border or let them go. There's no way they can shadow you and wait for you to get symptoms even if they suspect you might be a risk.

It's a simple question. They probably expect a NO but I'm sure they have some procedures ready if a person said yes. it also makes citizens feel like the border is being productive, canada is safe, etc. i would assume they have some power ex, 'we'll let you in on the condition you take a blood test..., or visit a hospital to get checkd out, etc'

[MG1]

Just got back from the US and sure enough, they asked me if I had been to Africa in the last 21 days.

[LP700-4]

Is it true that HK and American residents are exempt from being taxed going back into Canada?

[Traum]

Originally Posted by LP700-4

Is it true that HK and American residents are exempt from being taxed going back into Canada?

[LP700-4]

that's what family friend is trying to tell us. Still no clue

[cunninglinguist]

Originally Posted by MG1

Just got back from the US and sure enough, they asked me if I had been to Africa in the last 21 days.

I went to Point Roberts today and the guard didn't ask me. Probably more strict at the main terminals.

[hchang]

Originally Posted by LP700-4

Is it true that HK and American residents are exempt from being taxed going back into Canada?

Yeah if you're a resident outside of Canada who's visiting Canada, and went down to states for gift shopping you're exempt from duty tax coming back into the country.

[604dragon]

So im gonna be heading to seattle in the next week. mainly gonna be around downtown so im wondering wheres a good store to buy supplements down there? I wanna grab whey protein, fish supps, vitamins and also what are the restrictions and limit on bringing back supplements across the border?
thanks

[Hehe]

Originally Posted by 604dragon

So im gonna be heading to seattle in the next week. mainly gonna be around downtown so im wondering wheres a good store to buy supplements down there? I wanna grab whey protein, fish supps, vitamins and also what are the restrictions and limit on bringing back supplements across the border?
thanks

I have always gotten better deals online than any B&M store. I'd recommend ordering online, have it shipped to borders and pick them up.

[dotdot]

Mostly just gas its cheaper

[Akinari]

Declared my $254 cat-back, got called in to pay taxes. My only credit card wasn't working for some reason and bank was empty, no cash on me either.

$34 tax, lady waved me through just told me to go, said she doesn't want to make a big hassle with Nexus cardholders.

So lucky

[cdizzle_996]

Originally Posted by Akinari

Declared my $254 cat-back, got called in to pay taxes. My only credit card wasn't working for some reason and bank was empty, no cash on me either.

$34 tax, lady waved me through just told me to go, said she doesn't want to make a big hassle with Nexus cardholders.

So lucky

Time for a job

[tiger_handheld]

Originally Posted by Akinari

Declared my $254 cat-back, got called in to pay taxes. My only credit card wasn't working for some reason and bank was empty, no cash on me either.

$34 tax, lady waved me through just told me to go, said she doesn't want to make a big hassle with Nexus cardholders.

So lucky

$254 cat back
$0 in bank account

Priorities are in order!

[Gh0stRider]

got questioned about ebola on my back from blaine.

"have you been in contact with anyone that has ebola?"
"have you visited any other countries in the 3 weeks?"