Alcohol and Tobacco cannot be claimed as gifts by Americans or Canadians.

Americans can bring up to a certain amount of alcohol for personal consumption only
if they intend on staying in Canada for 48 hours or more.

They are entitled to 1.14ltrs of hard liquor or 1.5ltrs of wine or 24(12ounce) beers and 200 cigarettes/tobacco allowance.
Essentially the same exemptions as Canadians who have been outside the country for 48+hours
Per individual over 21. Also keep in mind exemptions cannot be combined, these are per traveller whether or not they meet the allotted quantities or not.
If they bring more than this then they will be charged on the overage and the taxes/duties/markups are really high

Any modifications/services done to a Canadian vehicle outside of Canada is subject to taxes(GST+PST) and possible duties.
For example an oil change done down south is subject to taxes.

Keep in mind you get taxed on top of the total amount it cost you to perform the service, including WA state tax, labour, environmental fees, warranties, everything except shipping & handling.

Has anyone parked at this place:
Bellingham Parking - Park & Fly from BLI! Airport parking, Bellingham WA

when flying out of the Bellingham airport? They seem to be the cheapest lot, but their website is sketchy...

I've parked there for a week while on vacation earlier this year. No issues at all. They are just a couple of minutes from the airport.

Cool, but do you drive an Acura..........

Last Friday at 7 AM was a 45 minute wait...

how long are you gone for? It's only $1 cheaper than the cheapest airport lot.

I'm gone for a week. The cheapest airport lot is $2/day more expensive, but it's far enough away to require a shuttle.

But yeah, to save $14....probably not worth the hassle.

August 19, 2014.

Sumas border crossing at 9:42 am = 5 minutes heading south, gas $3.69/gal, 12 minutes to fill up car, one jerry can, check Powerball ticket (no win :okay:), 3 minute wait heading north.

Look across to check lineup going south -- 45 minutes long and growing........ talk about timing it right!

How long is the usual wait at night time (around 10-11)? Would like to fill up in Blaine when I'm up
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My sister crossed at Sumas a few days ago and went to Bellingham for shopping. On the way back, got pulled over for a search. They went through her car, made a mess, and went through her phone, including private messages. Apparently it's legal but it seems fucking ridiculous..

I've had my car searched. Nothing remotely as bad. Lady apologized and said it's a random thing, nothing personal, and that she had to do it. Basically opened the trunk, saw my one jerry can and said, "Don't bring gas in cans across." This was about a year ago. Stopped bringing cans across for about a month. Dumb, because everyone was bringing across two, three at a time.

For them to search the car like that, they must have suspected something. Something about your sister and her traveling companions must have set off some alarms.

What did she say? What did she bring back and who was she with? The info will help everyone here - what not to say/act/do.

I often see young travelers getting searched. About two weeks ago at Peace Arch, I saw this sedan with all its contents strewn across the ground. Camping gear, tent, backpacks, etc. I felt sorry for the couple. They must have said something....... either that or had items that had smell of weed/drugs.

When I go across, I take absolutely the bare minimum. Say only what i have to say and put on the charming/trusting smile I always have.

Sorry to hear your sister had to go through all that. I'm knocking on wood that it doesn't happen to me.

I never bring anything with me except maybe a backpack with clothes if I'm staying over night

Scared when i drive my truck down though cause if they ever pull out my system it's never going back in the same :(
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Going down to the US at that time is very light to minimal. Coming back is another story. That's when people come back with all their shopping and 10 cans of gas.

Keep listening to AM 730 Traffic Radio. It comes in pretty clear well into Bellingham, unless you have a crappy Alpine deck like I do, LOLOLOLOLOL.

Last time I got dinged bringing back 4 cans.

I went a few days ago on a Saturday.

Filled up 3 jerry cans this time.

Declared groceries and gas, ready to declare total value.

Got waived through.

I never bring anything with me except maybe a backpack with clothes if I'm staying over night

Scared when i drive my truck down though cause if they ever pull out my system it's never going back in the same :(
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Shes a teenager and went down to Bellingham with her friend. She told them she spent around $30(the truth), and they thought that it was suspicious that she went all the way down to Bellingham and only spent $30. Next time she's leaving her phone at home. She also mentioned that the border guard was very rude..maybe she just caught him on a bad day.

Theres your problem right there.

No officer would believe anyone would drive all the way there and JUST spend $30 lol

That tax on a tax used to do my head in when I first got here.

Only legal to search if you didn't lock the phone. So on laptops tell them to search on the guest account!

Oh always remember the officiers' badge number. Jot it down afterwards, you are well in your write to write an email etc.

Not true. Whether or not there is a password/lock a border services officer can search the phone/electronic device. A police officer is another story.

If you refuse to provide a password then they can keep your phone until they can get someone to unlock it(hack) and who knows how long that will take ;)

O and an email(complaint) about an officer wanting to go, or going through your phone/electronic device isn't going to do much since it is within the customs act that an officer can search you including your electronics, luggage, vehicle without having reasonable grounds or any suspicions what so ever.

I've gone down for about the same or even less. I tell them I went to casino and did pre scouting for Christmas shopping. The casino thing works well. Sometimes you go down and there's nothing worth getting, except gas.

Last time I told them I had craving for Sonic Drive In food, LOL.
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False.

I know . First hand experience.

oh i asked a border guard when they sent me in for taxes if its possible im flagged for always getting called in. she said not unless they found something i didn't declare. So i should be fine. Guess i just have shitty luck and get taxed for anything over 200$ :okay:

o man
just came back after a 90 minutes wait at the border

went w/ family
brought back a HB suit w/o paying anything (score!)

For those interested, Border Security season 2 airs Aug 27 at 9pm on National Geographic channel.
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