[MG1]

Not sure if there was a thread on this or not, but what the hell?

I find myself going south quite often now that I have my passport and the warrant for my arrest has been lifted (speeding tickets, LOL). Just day trips. Nothing wild.

I'd like to hear from others of their experiences and adventures.





Just this Monday, I headed down to Seattle with one of my kids. We left at 5 in the morning to avoid any border line ups and to avoid Seattle rush hour (really bad down there). Went to Public Market, ate at a couple of restauarnts that were recommended by Guy whatshisnuts on Drive-ins, Diners, and Dives, window shopped at the outlets, etc. Overall a great experience. So many fricken places to shop!

I went to the Old Country Buffet in Bellis Fair and pigged out before heading back. Filled up with gas at Costco, too.

Border line ups were OK late evening and exchange rate being almost at par made the trip easier on the wallet.

I get US dollars exchanged at HSBC before heading down (no need to have an account there - as long as you don't exchange more than 500 bucks). Exchanging money down there is like a major rip off. If I'm desperate, I go to Costco in Bellingham and order a hot dog and pop for $1.50 and get change back in US dollars. Their exchange rates are better than most other retail shops in the US.

Yesterday, I went on a 5 minute trip to Sumas, Wa. to pick up a parcel at Letterlock. Zero cars in the line up. Helps when you work in Abbotsford. Went on my lunch break, LOL.

[TheNewGirl]

Most credit cards will give you decent exchange rates, 2.5% over current which is better if not on par with what you get when you exchange hard cash at the bank. On our most recent trip down we used Visa gift cards for extra cash rather then changing over piles of bills and this worked very very well as well. Then what ever is left you can just spend up here.

[MG1]

^ true, and I make major purchases on plastic. For small stuff, I like to use cash.

[tool001]

its quite easy to open bank account in us, specailly handy if u shop alot. they give u debit/credit c, so online purchases are quite easy. and no need to carry cash. plus exchange when rate is good, put in the bank account and leave for when u head south.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

how many people actually declare the correct amount


and how many ppl actually got busted for not declaring the correct amount

[StylinRed]

we can use our canadian costco cards down in the states? oO

or do you just have a us acct

[MG1]

I declare everything. The last thing I want is to have a black mark next to my name and be stripped searched every time I go............... wait............ hmm................. nvm.

I've recently rediscovered an old hobby of mine - scale model building. Any scale model, regardless of where it is made, is duty free. I believe this includes parts, like photo etch and whatnot. Anything just about anything made in the US of A is also duty free.

I declare the cost of items before taxes and I always get waived through if my purchases are under 50 bucks. I think the hghest was 80 bucks worth of items without being asked to go inside. If you go with friends, they ask for total amount purchased. I went with two friends and the total came out to 180 bucks. One of my friends' purchase was 125 bucks, but since it was total amount, he ended up paying nothing.

Really, not worth the risk. Just declare eveything.

[Expresso]

Always declared the correct amount as well. Not even worth the risk.

we can use our canadian costco cards down in the states? oO

or do you just have a us acct

They work worldwide.

[TOS'd]

I always have declared the correct amount. When I go on shopping trips down south, I always factor in duty on the big purchases. So even with duty included sometimes it's still cheaper down there than up here.


Yea, costco membership works world wide. I remember we would get a lot of international cards, and they would have to be swiped in differently at the cashier or something.

[cho]

how many people actually declare the correct amount


and how many ppl actually got busted for not declaring the correct amount

past few times me and my gf would make a list saying hwo much each thing cost

last 3 times, never been taxes and we've bought more than 300

[MG1]

we can use our canadian costco cards down in the states? oO

or do you just have a us acct

Costco card is good anywhere.

They sell good wine at US Costco and the selection of products is waaaay better.

If any of you cross at the 264th border station, make sure to get ice cream at Edaleen Dairy. Awesome ice cream. Not the best or anything, but good for the money. They're just minutes south of the border on the right hand side.

[MG1]

past few times me and my gf would make a list saying hwo much each thing cost

last 3 times, never been taxes and we've bought more than 300

You must have quite the girlfriend. :)

[Alatar]

I haven't been down in a while. I'm debating a purchase of a new snowboard and boots on my next trip, but we'll see.

I used to go down weekly, but haven't been in a couple of months now. Remember, if you're gone 48+ hours, you reach your liquor/tobacco exemptions and can bring back your limit. ;) Any 48+ hour trip I make, I tend to bring back some liquor. Yay for duty and tax free!

[MG1]

I haven't been down in a while. I'm debating a purchase of a new snowboard and boots on my next trip, but we'll see.

I used to go down weekly, but haven't been in a couple of months now. Remember, if you're gone 48+ hours, you reach your liquor/tobacco exemptions and can bring back your limit. ;) Any 48+ hour trip I make, I tend to bring back some liquor. Yay for duty and tax free!

Can you go into detail how the duty free shops work for those who don't know?

thanks...........

[TOS'd]

Can you go into detail how the duty free shops work for those who don't know?

thanks...........

He meant when you go for more than 48+ hrs (but less than 7 days), you can bring back $400 per person without getting taxed at the border.


Time out of country...................................Exemptio n Limits
Out of country within 24 hours....................CA$0
More than 24 hours, but less than 48 hours..CA$50
More than 48 hours, but less than 7 days.....CA$400
More than 7 days.......................................CA$750


If you have been outside Canada for at least 48 hours and are of legal age, you can bring back only one the following free of duty and tax as part of your personal exemption:

* 1.14 L (40 oz.) of liquor; or
* 1.5 L of wine; or
* 24 X 355 ml (12 oz.) containers of beer.


Anything more than the one, will just be subject to duty and taxes. So you can bring back as much for however long you go, as long as you pay duty and taxes.

[Alatar]

The duty-free shop is just your last chance to buy stuff duty-free if you're over your time limit for exemption. You can just as easily purchase the same liquor/wine/beer in Bellingham or Seattle, but it's useful if you forgot, prior to getting to the border.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

shit i was thinking buy a set of coilovers and not declare

because taxes and duty is nearly 20% more already


but now im gonna hesitate after reading this thread


but on 2nd thought i think i could use another strategy...


go down US for vacation 2-3 days

if two people than technically allowed to have $800 worth of goods

if coils around $1200 before taxes than seems like i have a higher chance being waived thru even if i declare everything


when you declare, is it before taxes and shipping etc or the total amount

[TOS'd]

^ Should factor in cost to stay down there too though. One time I went down for a day ($50 limit/person) we calculated taxes to be around $70, there were 4 of us. We had stayed one night in a hotel already. The cost to stay another night was $80, but would bump up the limit to $400/person. The cost to stay was more than the taxes we would have paid, so we just went home, declared, and didnt have to pay. Just something to think about. Unless you plan on sleeping in your car for 2/3 days, lol.

[TheNewGirl]

we can use our canadian costco cards down in the states? oO

or do you just have a us acct

We used ours in the states with out any problems.

[jmvdesign]

So who knows this super fine Asian halfer chick working as a Canadian border guard? Can't miss her. She's absolutely stunning and wears no make-up and works the counter when you pay taxes for your declared items.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

should ask her if she is available
;);););)

[MG1]

So who knows this super fine Asian halfer chick working as a Canadian border guard? Can't miss her. She's absolutely stunning and wears no make-up and works the counter when you pay taxes for your declared items.

Which border crossing and most importantly, PICS??????

Your absolutely stunning may not be that, although I have low standards. LOL


If she's that stunning, I'ma gonna insist on paying some taxes to get some heavenly eye candy. Does she wear the full uniform and guns??????? Woo hoo!!!!

[MG1]

shit i was thinking buy a set of coilovers and not declare

because taxes and duty is nearly 20% more already


but now im gonna hesitate after reading this thread


but on 2nd thought i think i could use another strategy...


go down US for vacation 2-3 days

if two people than technically allowed to have $800 worth of goods

if coils around $1200 before taxes than seems like i have a higher chance being waived thru even if i declare everything


when you declare, is it before taxes and shipping etc or the total amount



Better yet, get them installed down there and declare your old ones as used ones bought off eBay or flea market. Make fake eBay invoice. You can always ship your old ones to a US mailbox to be picked up later. LOLOLOLOLOL........

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

lol dont know any shops down there

[Presto]

Gotta get off my ass and get Nexus for me and the fiancee. We head down once a month or so. If it's a short trip, we'll stock up at Trader Joes and head down to Red Lobster.

Our strategy has been to go during the week, instead of the weekend. It's always a comatose crawl to the US Customs on the weekend. Too many FOBs that don't know how to get through the border efficiently. When I get to the guard, I just tell him I'm going to Trader Joe's and Red Lobster, and I'm waved through in less than 30 seconds. That C-lai driving vehicle that was before me took 5 minutes, including a walkaround of her vehicle. Guh.

[MG1]

lol dont know any shops down there

You can always ask one of the RS sponsors if they can come close to the deal you can get down in the states. You'd be surprised - worth a try. I never buy car stereo shit down south, because I can get good deals up here without the hassles. Plus, I like supporting small businesses up here.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

nah the deal i can get is already a smoking deal, its just the additional taxes and duty piss me off.


Anytime we bring something in or any shop we gotta go thru these procedures


shipping, duty, exchange rate, 12% taxes
:bullshit: it really adds up quite a bit

[hchang]

^ Why not install it in the states?

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

^

like i said i dont know any shops down there, but i will put that into consideration.


Coils i got my eyes on, if somehow i can avoid taxes and duty it will be about $400 dollar cdn difference

:(

[TRDood]

Just spend wisely and you will not be worrying about duties/taxes.

Here's my strategy:

1. I have a BMO US credit card
2. My bank staff rates exchange cash at market rates (zero spread)

This is my weekend trip... Never waited for more than 30 mins at the borders (both ways)

Day 1
After work, get to the border at 6pm. I arrive in portland by 12-1am depending on rest stops. Sleep in a hotel.

Day 2
Shop tax free

Day 3
Shop tax free, leave at 4pm. Depending on rest stops, I get home at around 1030pm.

On average, total cost for gas and hotel shouldn't be more than $50 a person.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[lilaznviper]

whats the percent on duty when you cross the border if you have to pay?

[TOS'd]

nah the deal i can get is already a smoking deal, its just the additional taxes and duty piss me off.


Anytime we bring something in or any shop we gotta go thru these procedures


shipping, duty, exchange rate, 12% taxes
:bullshit: it really adds up quite a bitIf its such a smoking deal then even with the duty it should still be well under the price up here. Dont see why you keep complaining.

When i go down i factor in the duty on most big purchases anyways. And if i dont get taxes after declaring, its just a better deal for me.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

[Culverin]

Yeah, I got caught before trying to sneak stuff back.
I got fined, and supposedly got a black mark.
I think i've crossed the border 15 times since, they've never checked my car since.

If you go on a weekday at Point Roberts, they are nicer.
I think out of the last $2000 I brought back, they waived me across for $1500 of it. Just declare, it's less hassle, and you might just get it tax/duty free anyways.


So who knows this super fine Asian halfer chick working as a Canadian border guard? Can't miss her. She's absolutely stunning and wears no make-up and works the counter when you pay taxes for your declared items.
I wish I knew her. I really don't mind so much when I have to pay duties now. It just means I get to walk in and say high.
She's pretty serious though.


Which border crossing and most importantly, PICS??????

Your absolutely stunning may not be that, although I have low standards. LOL


If she's that stunning, I'ma gonna insist on paying some taxes to get some heavenly eye candy. Does she wear the full uniform and guns??????? Woo hoo!!!!
Point Roberts.
No pictures.

Why?
Cause she does wear the full uniform and gun.
I dun wanna get shot.

[tool001]

they should scrap that $50 day limit already, wtf does $50 get nowadays ..jack shit.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

Just spend wisely and you will not be worrying about duties/taxes.

Here's my strategy:

1. I have a BMO US credit card
2. My bank staff rates exchange cash at market rates (zero spread)

This is my weekend trip... Never waited for more than 30 mins at the borders (both ways)

Day 1
After work, get to the border at 6pm. I arrive in portland by 12-1am depending on rest stops. Sleep in a hotel.

Day 2
Shop tax free

Day 3
Shop tax free, leave at 4pm. Depending on rest stops, I get home at around 1030pm.

On average, total cost for gas and hotel shouldn't be more than $50 a person.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)


How many people?
If its such a smoking deal then even with the duty it should still be well under the price up here. Dont see why you keep complaining.

When i go down i factor in the duty on most big purchases anyways. And if i dont get taxes after declaring, its just a better deal for me.
Posted via RS Mobile (http://www.revscene.net/forums/announcement.php?a=228)

its a great deal, but knowing if im capable of saving another $400 would be pretty sweet too, than i can pick up some sway bars at the same time
:D so not complaining trying to figure out the best strategy

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

Yeah, I got caught before trying to sneak stuff back.
I got fined, and supposedly got a black mark.
I think i've crossed the border 15 times since, they've never checked my car since.

If you go on a weekday at Point Roberts, they are nicer.
I think out of the last $2000 I brought back, they waived me across for $1500 of it. Just declare, it's less hassle, and you might just get it tax/duty free anyways.



I wish I knew her. I really don't mind so much when I have to pay duties now. It just means I get to walk in and say high.
She's pretty serious though.



whats the percent on duty when you cross the border if you have to pay?



6%




Point Roberts.
No pictures.

Why?
Cause she does wear the full uniform and gun.
I dun wanna get shot.

Pussy

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:;)




btw

how much did u get fined, did they strip the shit out of ur car like u were hiding cocaine or sth

[MG1]

Pussy

:rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl::rofl:;)




btw

how much did u get fined, did they strip the shit out of ur car like u were hiding cocaine or sth

Never mind stripping the car...... they strip searched him......... all cavities. then they ripped him a new one......... sorry, couldn't resist. Now if the hot babe was in charge, that's a different story. Good enough for an episode of Brazzzers, LOL.

[q0192837465]

I never have problem crossing the border. My gf & I usually go down there for a day & come back with ~ $300 worth of stuff. Everytime they just waived us thru.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

^

whats the average rate for one night?
$100? $150? $200?

[q0192837465]

^ I dun think there's an average rate. It really depends on the guard & wut he felt like at the time. I think the way to look at it is cost/benefit. They'r gonna taxe u 12%. How much do u have to bring back before it is worth it to do all the paper work? The other thing is they have to go thru each item and assign tax/duties accordingly. If u bring back 10 items that r worth $30 each, they have to go thru each item and categorize them, all for $36 of tax, maybe eve less. Is it worth their time? Most likely not.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

sorry i think i meant average price to stay one night at the hotel lol

[Gumby]

whats the percent on duty when you cross the border if you have to pay?
Don't confuse duty with taxes.

Border guards can choose to charge taxes (12%) if you're over your personal exemption limit. Stupid how they base it on the price you paid AFTER tax (so you get tax on top of tax).

The best way I can describe duty is a "penalty" they charge for items that aren't "duty free", such as alcohol or cigarettes. The duty rate is different depending on the item.

[q0192837465]

^ i won't say it's penalty, it's import tax

lol, stay in dirty motels for 60-70 a night. Or u can always sleep in ur car.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

ewwwwwwwwwwwwww dirty motels
:rofl:


reminds me of the movie that a couple stayed at a ghetto motel and got robbed/killed? forgot what it was called

the movie is 3-4 years old i think

[tiger_handheld]

Gotta get off my ass and get Nexus for me and the fiancee. We head down once a month or so. If it's a short trip, we'll stock up at Trader Joes and head down to Red Lobster.

Our strategy has been to go during the week, instead of the weekend. It's always a comatose crawl to the US Customs on the weekend. Too many FOBs that don't know how to get through the border efficiently. When I get to the guard, I just tell him I'm going to Trader Joe's and Red Lobster, and I'm waved through in less than 30 seconds. That C-lai driving vehicle that was before me took 5 minutes, including a walkaround of her vehicle. Guh.

where is the nearest red lobster?

[Alatar]

sorry i think i meant average price to stay one night at the hotel lol

I'd have to ask my one night stand. ;)

where is the nearest red lobster?

4231 196th St. Lynnwood, WA

[TRDood]

How many people?


4 people, at least 3-star hotels. On average, I can priceline it to be about $35-50 each night.

btw, hotels in Portland are much cheaper compared to Seattle.

[Alatar]

One trick with hotels, the ones slightly away from Interstates are on average $5-10 cheaper than the ones directly near Interstates.

[TOS'd]

4231 196th St. Lynnwood, WA

Oh how I love red lobster..

[syee]

they should scrap that $50 day limit already, wtf does $50 get nowadays ..jack shit.

Well, if they go by the book, anything under 24 hours is $0 limit. It's only after 24 hours you get the $50 exemption.

Nexus is a must if you go down regularly. Its on average about a 90 minute wait on any given weekend if you go around 10am. Nexus is usually 10 minutes or less but I've had days when it's been a 20 minute wait.

To be honest, I don't really shop at the stores in Bellingham. It's usually not that great a deal. I'll buy as much as I can online and have it shipped to my mailbox and do one big pickup once a month. I might go more often now that I work in Surrey and I'm only 15 minutes away from the border. I always factor the taxes in as well into my price to make sure it's still cheaper than here before I buy.

For you Nexus guys who have drove over recently, I heard that you don't even have to fill in the TDC anymore - you can just verbally declare. Is that true?

[MG1]

rates at 9.991 at the moment..............

woo hoo!!!!!!

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

got a dumb question


when you come in and declare, say you are over the limite.

Will the border police charge you 12% canadian taxes on top plus 6% duty?

or...?

[MG1]

got a dumb question


when you come in and declare, say you are over the limite.

Will the border police charge you 12% canadian taxes on top plus 6% duty?

or...?


Yes.

Hopefully you are getting this item on line and not paying US state tax. That would suck.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

^

ya it reall would

US taxes is 7-8% i think, than 12% cdn taxes, than 6% duty

LOLL totally pawned

[MG1]

Getting them installed down there is sounding better now, huh?


There must be some reputable shops in the Seattle area.

[Mugen EvOlutioN]

indeed

[1exotic]

P-P-P-P PARITY

$1 - $1


got a dumb question


when you come in and declare, say you are over the limite.

Will the border police charge you 12% canadian taxes on top plus 6% duty?

or...?

The last few times I didn't even have to pay duty, only hst. I guess it just depends.

But this was from shipping to Point Roberts, if you're going through the Surrey border, probably ?

[TOS'd]

There are tons of reputable shops in Seattle, you just have to look for them on local Seattle forums, etc.

[miky]

Just to make sure, do non-canadian visitors on their visa can declare whatever amount only when they declared everything and claims that the items will only be of personal use? No gifts over $60 and nothing will be used by a canadian?

[v_tec]

Anyone know if Tulalip still give $20 for slots/table during your birthday month?

[underscore]

Is there anything special I need to do if I want to cross the border and pick up $10k USD worth of electronics for business use? Do I have to do anything ahead of time or can I just cross like usual and pay the duty?

[68style]

I don't know that many details, but it's definitely very different if it's for business use. You should call CBSA or go through their website... They often specifically ask if things are for business use and I believe if they are the products are subject to different import duties (ie: bicycles for resale are subject to 40% tariffs and things like that)

[Mikoyan]

Is there anything special I need to do if I want to cross the border and pick up $10k USD worth of electronics for business use? Do I have to do anything ahead of time or can I just cross like usual and pay the duty?

You definitely do not want to show up at the border with $10k worth of commercial goods without all your paperwork in order. It's much different than bringing back personal goods.

You probably should start reading here:
Step-by-Step Guide to Importing Commercial Goods into Canada (http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/guide-eng.html)

[underscore]

Thanks guys, sounds like it'll be more involved than I thought. To clarify, it's 6 consumer grade laptops for use in our office (the model isn't sold in Canada) so hopefully there's a slightly simpler way to do it since we only want to order them once.

[MG1]

customs broker?

[quasi]

^

As MG saiid go through a broker, I order materials for work all the time from the US that I can't get here. Sometimes the dollar value is large, it's never been an issue when I've went through a broker. They do charge you a fee but they deal with all the bullshit, you pay your duties/taxes and it arrives wherever you want no problemo dude.

If you want to know who we use PM me, I'll grab the info when I get to work this morning.

[godwin]

If your company is willing to pay up front for the tax involved (I don't think there is duty on computers).. the customs agents won't care.

It only gets complicated when you try to claim it as a company (especially for resale)...to save that really little bit on GST up front. You can get the amount back eventually anyways if your accountant know what he/she is doing.

When I was using Point Bob, I used to bump into a local "glamour" star from time to time. First few times, she tried to claim things via her company, after a while, she stopped using the business line, since she realized the hassle is more than its worth.

Thanks guys, sounds like it'll be more involved than I thought. To clarify, it's 6 consumer grade laptops for use in our office (the model isn't sold in Canada) so hopefully there's a slightly simpler way to do it since we only want to order them once.

[MG1]

Just got back from a trip to Bellingham............

There are still bargains to be had even with the shitty exchange rate. Just gotta be careful.

Definitely no line ups. I crossed back into Canada at the Aldergrove crossing and of the three lanes open, I was it - nobody else.

Crossing into the US this morning at 7:00 am, five lanes were open and each one had about three cars lined up.

Trader Joe's is where I go, 'cause there are just so many things that are not available up here at any price (except for Pirate Joe's, LOL). Winco for bulk foods. My favourite peanuts coated in rice cracker is about a third of what I get them for up north. Then there's the 10% above exchange rate I get at the casino on weekends (Friday/Saturday). Then before I cross, I get some ice cream at Edaleen Dairy. They take Canadian at 85. All their products, including cheese, milk, and anything else they have in their store(s).

At Lowes, I paid less for some tools today - and that's including exchange and........ factoring in the No Tax event at the Canadian Lowes. also, Washington tax is 8 %.

When I go south of the border, it is for many reasons, and because of Canadians staying away in droves, it's a blessing in disguise.

Next week, I'll be getting my yearly free birthday buffet at the Silver Thief, I mean Reef. $26.95 Seafood buffet for free. Actually, I'm not into seafood, so most likely go when it's Prime Rib Buffet night.

Combine all the above with parcel pickup and it's really worth the trip. Shipping in the US is uber fast, less expensive, and quite reliable compared to our system. I've had stuff sent from Toronto that arrived faster in Blaine than at home....... four days faster. Go figure. Sender on eBay made an error and sent one of my packages to my other address in the US. Left the same day, hee hee.

[JHatta]

Edaleen Dairy is the best!

[MG1]

^ yes they are - from their humble beginnings on their Guide Meridian farm to three more retail locations, including their Ice Cream Shoppe in Downtown Lynden.
Ed and Eileen never thought it'd become one of the most popular places for people on both sides of the border to get awesome ice cream.

[StylinRed]

people in the states hate USPS, they always complain about missing packages or incorrect delivery issues

but i've only had 2 bad experiences with them so :thumbs:


I wanted to go down to pick-up some packages, Sumas border listed a 5min wait, but when you look at the camera the lineup was huge! what amounted to a 30min-1hr wait so i decided against it

Can't see many deals with a 40% exchange + WA Taxes + 2.5% Credit Card exchange levy (my packages were from orders from a month+ ago without WA tax)

[MG1]

Amazon.ca Visa = no exchange transaction fee.

WSDOT app.

Sumas = worse crossing of the bunch these days, in both directions.

BTW, Aldergrove northbound is great........ after months perhaps years of being shitty, people have started to avoid it. Now that the renovations are done, it's really empty. Masses are always slow to react.