[Gh0stRider]

Anyone have issues with crossing the border with the receipt on your phone instead of printing a hard copy?

no, ive presented the officer with my email receipts before.

[J.C]

I haven't been asked for a receipt the last 5 times I've went
They just ask me the total and usually wave me thru if it's under 400

[Gh0stRider]

i mean, when asked to go inside to pay, but at the kiosk no.

[heisenberg]

anyone have issues with crossing over now that weed is legal in washington? i was given a hell of a time and i think that was why.

[PandaDog]

So I started shipping items to Blaine instead of Point Roberts.

Does anyone have an input of how lenient the border guards at Blaine will waive you through instead of sending you inside to pay taxes?

During my last dozen trips or so at Point Roberts, I can safely say you can get waived through bringing in $300 or less

[m3thods]

So I started shipping items to Blaine instead of Point Roberts.

Does anyone have an input of how lenient the border guards at Blaine will waive you through instead of sending you inside to pay taxes?

During my last dozen trips or so at Point Roberts, I can safely say you can get waived through bringing in $300 or less

I haven't been taxed in about 20 or so visits. Half of those visits I was north of $500 with just my fiancee. Other half I was in the $300 range. When I got taxed, it was for $2200 (a lens).

Hard to say with certainty what limit guards are willing to let slide. Now that I have NEXUS, it seems I have to spend a crazy amount to get a third sentence aside from "how much are you declaring" and "have a good night".

[Swuz]

So I started shipping items to Blaine instead of Point Roberts.

Does anyone have an input of how lenient the border guards at Blaine will waive you through instead of sending you inside to pay taxes?

During my last dozen trips or so at Point Roberts, I can safely say you can get waived through bringing in $300 or less

Agreed, shouldn't have a problem with anything less than $300. Wouldn't make any sense for them to drag you in and tax you any less than 30 bucks.

On a side note, has anyone here ever missed a NEXUS interview. Had one scheduled the other day, but forgot about it. Could this effect the their final decision for approval?

[racerman88]

However, there is still a chance that you will get that one border guard that feels that they should tax everyone.

[IMASA]

Before I had Nexus, I would get pulled in whenever I bought over $400 for 1 item, ie an intercooler, methanol injection kit, etc. If I said I spent over $400 on groceries, clothes, gas, household items, etc, then they'd let me pass.

Nexus seems to be more lenient. The most I've ever bee waived through was $1400.

[FB6]

Got taxed for $400 of snowboard stuff at Blaine Nexus but never got taxed at Point Roberts Nexus before.

[Gucci Mane]

So I started shipping items to Blaine instead of Point Roberts.

Does anyone have an input of how lenient the border guards at Blaine will waive you through instead of sending you inside to pay taxes?

During my last dozen trips or so at Point Roberts, I can safely say you can get waived through bringing in $300 or less

dont state the value unless you are asked to do so. say you went down to fill up gas and get a package.

[saveth]

Agreed, shouldn't have a problem with anything less than $300. Wouldn't make any sense for them to drag you in and tax you any less than 30 buck

This is mostly true. However, I've been sent in to pay taxes on 200 dollars worth of goods and 12 pack of beer in the nexus line at peace arch. It doesn't bother me because I travel to the states every 2 weeks so I don't mind paying every now and then. I've also been lectured at the kiosk about bringing beer back just to be told "goodbye" after telling him I knew the rules.

[HonestTea]

Whens the best time to cross on a weekday, like Monday for Peace Arch or Pacific Crossing?

[Klondike]

Early morning, Peace Arch.

Or get Nexus.

[MG1]

Whens the best time to cross on a weekday, like Monday for Peace Arch or Pacific Crossing?

Just after shift change. Before 6, it is one lane only. I think they open up one more lane at around 6 am. 8 am is when they open more lanes, plus that's when they open the ready lane. Get there about 5 or 10 minutes after they open the lanes. I have no idea when they add more lanes after that as I avoid crossing in the afternoon. If others can let us know, that'd be a good thing.

[MG1]

'Cause I'm too lazy and tired to look this up........... hoping someone would know.

I'm looking to get a Milwaukee 18 volt Fuel cordless impact wrench. It's $329 USD and $499 CDN. I was wAndering how much duty is on something like this. With exchange rate not great right now, it might not be worth it - if duty is high.

Shipping is free, so that is not a factor.

Milwaukee M18 Fuel 18-Volt Brushless Lithium-Ion 3/8 in. Impact Wrench XC Battery Kit with Free M18 4.0 Ah XC Battery-2654-22-48-11-1840 at The Home Depot (http://www.homedepot.com/p/Milwaukee-M18-Fuel-18-Volt-Brushless-Lithium-Ion-3-8-in-Impact-Wrench-XC-Battery-Kit-with-Free-M18-4-0-Ah-XC-Battery-2654-22-48-11-1840/204308863)

[IMASA]

Tools (electric handheld) is Category 4
If made outside US, 8% duty.

[MG1]

Okay, then. Off to get it south of the border......... what a deal!

If it were a difference of 50, even 100 bucks, I would buy here, but damn!

On sale at KMS, it's $479.00.


450 ft/lbs of fastening torque (claimed 750 peak)

up to 1100 ft/lbs in reverse................ hard to believe.


EDIT: Found a Canadian on-line supplier. 409.97 with free shipping.

http://www.jccayer.com/product.php?productid=7909

HST only. The company has had some bad reviews, but gonna give it a shot. Buying Canadian, mun. Check out the specs! Not bad for a cordless. Went friction ring instead of pin detent.

[MG1]

Whens the best time to cross on a weekday, like Monday for Peace Arch or Pacific Crossing?

It depends if you have a Nexus or Enhanced Drivers License.

I crossed on Friday at around 9 AM. I had totally forgot that it was a long weekend. Listening to AM 730, it was reported that the line up at PA were 45 minutes to an hour long.

I heard the truck crossing was a little less (10 - 15 minutes less), so I was about to go there, instead. I then remembered that the truck crossing has no ready lane. I decided to go Peace Arch. It took me a grand total of 3 minutes, maybe less, to cross the border. Was faster than Nexus lanes.

I LOVE MY EDL!!!!

Cheaper and faster to get EDL. Too bad our border stations don't have ready lanes. For that reason, I'll probably/eventually get the Nexus card.

[tiger_handheld]

Anyone in Surrey/Langley use the Aldergrove/sumas crossing and just take HWY 1 back home? Is that crossing faster than PA/PTX?

[Noreason]

I know a few buddies who work for CBSA.

Generally the rule is if you're bringing back essentials like groceries, food, gas, etc. they are way more lenient with duties since they see you as a normal person looking to save a few bucks and get by.

If you're bringing high value or luxury goods then the threshold is generally lower.

But as always it's up to their discretion and how they're feeling that particular day.

[Volvo-brickster]

I heard the truck crossing was a little less (10 - 15 minutes less), so I was about to go there, instead. I then remembered that the truck crossing has no ready lane. I decided to go Peace Arch. It took me a grand total of 3 minutes, maybe less, to cross the border. Was faster than Nexus lanes.



Does that mean you are able to use the nexus lne to get to the ready lane ?

[MG1]

Yes. You basically have to. And, it feels so good drving by everybody else in the other two lines. Now I know how those Nexus buggers feel like when passing all the commoners, LOL.

[JordanLee]

Yes. You basically have to. And, it feels so good drving by everybody else in the other two lines. Now I know how those Nexus buggers feel like when passing all the commoners, LOL.

I thought using the Nexus lane was only for Nexus users? I have a Nexus but my girlfriend only has her EDL. It would be pretty sweet to use the Nexus lane and jump over to the READY lane but I thought that was restricted.

I'll ask the border guard the next time I'm over.

[snowball]

^

It's actually a loophole, I wouldn't ask the guard. It just so happens that the 3rd Nexus lane is also the ready lane for regular users, so really anyone with a chip can by-pass the regular lanes through nexus but it wasn't intended for that purpose.

[SkunkWorks]

Silly question but I have the new passport with the chip inside - is that scannable for the Ready lanes too? Or is it just the EDL?

[Harvey Specter]

EDL only.

[MG1]

For those in the Fraser Valley, USA Gas (Tesoro) and Super Duper in Sumas, Wa. has gas @ $3.69 / gal for regular. It's been that way since last Friday. Close to 10 cents cheaper than Costco, Bellingham. Good old fashion gas price wars?

[MG1]

Beware of deep pothole in the southbound Nexus lane. Felt like I lost my front wheels from it.

Also, it's the second time this week I've had my truck and car searched. Wednesday night it was a full search and this morning a trunk check with the 1001 questions routine.

[bcedhk]

That pothole has been around for ages. I wonder why they haven't fixed it...

I wonder if they do more searches if they see you going back and forth more often with a truck?

I have been driving a small hatch to pick up my items for the past year, and I've only been searched once (open all doors and hatch)

[Tr1ll]

Might be getting more strict because of this CBSA employee fired, others under investigation over 'serious misconduct' | CTV News (http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/cbsa-employee-fired-others-under-investigation-over-serious-misconduct-1.1950329)

[trollguy]

Might be getting more strict because of this CBSA employee fired, others under investigation over 'serious misconduct' | CTV News (http://www.ctvnews.ca/canada/cbsa-employee-fired-others-under-investigation-over-serious-misconduct-1.1950329)

meh, unlikely

[MG1]

This was crossing into the US.

[Harvey Specter]

Beware of deep pothole in the southbound Nexus lane. Felt like I lost my front wheels from it.

Also, it's the second time this week I've had my truck and car searched. Wednesday night it was a full search and this morning a trunk check with the 1001 questions routine.

Glad you posted this because it's a bitch of a pothole.

[MG1]

Glad you posted this because it's a bitch of a pothole.

Yeah, my little doughnuts for tires took a beating. I guess I missed it the last couple of times I've been in that lane, LOL.

Also, for those who give a damn, they're back!!! Costco Red Velvet cupcakes. Yes, those delicious artery clogging, heavenly tasting, way oversized to eat in one sitting, cupcakes. Waited a whole year for it. And, they're on sale. I still had the receipt from last year to remind me. On sale for the month of August only. Then they're gone. (Okay, maybe till end of September).

[EvoSpider]

Hey guys, does the new BC Services Card work with the ready lane?

[MG1]

Hey guys, does the new BC Services Card work with the ready lane?

Nope. I have a BC Services Card and I remember them telling me it won't work.


As a side note, the Americans have EDL's as well. It's voluntary just like here. I wish our border crossings had ready lanes.

[tomatogunk]

Had the pleasure of being welcome to Canada by a female officer named Ma earlier today at Peace Arch. She was by far the prettiest CBSA officer I've seen, very courteous and responds with a smile too.:sweetjesus:

[MG1]

Had the pleasure of being welcome to Canada by a female officer named Ma earlier today at Peace Arch. She was by far the prettiest CBSA officer I've seen, very courteous and responds with a smile too.:sweetjesus:

Is she South Asian by any chance? I didn't see her name tag (part of the no lookey in that area, program), but she is cute as a button and vey bubbly.

[tomatogunk]

I think for the most part she is, though she seems to be a mix of something as well to me

[MG1]

That'd be her. She is like the most cheerful border guard I've met at any border crossing. I've seen her twice. Once I talked with her for nearly five minutes.......... damn the people behind me. She wanted to know more about the casinos I go to, LOL. And no, I wasn't hitting on her. She could be my granddaughter, ffs. <------- had to put that in there before Himac comments, as usual.

Positive people are contagious. She definitely made my day. Hopefully, she doesn't become negative over the years working at a place where people tend to be dickheads (the travellers).

I'm also glad you said "pretty" and not hot, beautiful, gorgeous, etc. She is very pretty - hit the nail on the head.

[smoothie.]

Don't lie, you'd hit it

[MG1]

^why would I want to hit something? And what would I use? I don't get it..........:troll:


oh, I get it....... hit the nail on the head.

I see what you did there.

[winson604]

Went to pick up a package a couple nights ago around 11pm for the first time. Quick and painless, very easy.

Only thing I fucked up on was not realizing it was Friday night so had to wait 30m going in and 20 mins coming back. If only I waited 1-2 hours more before I left.

[nah]

Anyone know if the officers at the airport are as lenient as the officers at the land crossing? The limit is $800 for over a week and I bring in say $1200, is there a chance I coul dget by without being taxed?

[godwin]

Just be honest and hope for the best.

Anyone know if the officers at the airport are as lenient as the officers at the land crossing? The limit is $800 for over a week and I bring in say $1200, is there a chance I coul dget by without being taxed?

[J-Chow]

Anyone know if the officers at the airport are as lenient as the officers at the land crossing? The limit is $800 for over a week and I bring in say $1200, is there a chance I coul dget by without being taxed?

It's a 50/50 chance whichever crossing you travel through.

Just take Godwin's advice.

[hotjoint]

It's a 50/50 chance whichever crossing you travel through.

Just take Godwin's advice.

What would you say if you were his CBSA agent? :accepted:

[nah]

It's a 50/50 chance whichever crossing you travel through.

Just take Godwin's advice.

I'm talking about the airport, not a crossing...

[IMASA]

Anyone recall how busy the Nexus lanes are at the Peace Arch going south during long weekends? I guess if the regular lanes are backed way up, just getting to the Nexus lane will be difficult.

[JesseBlue]

it sometimes reaches the traffic light because they don't open up both lanes...still better than regular line

[Traum]

Anyone recall how busy the Nexus lanes are at the Peace Arch going south during long weekends? I guess if the regular lanes are backed way up, just getting to the Nexus lane will be difficult.
No idea how bad the Peace Arch Nexus lanes would be during long weekends, but I can't imagine it being too bad. The Nexus lane starts way back around the Duty Free shop, so that's a LOT of distance for cars to line up on.

[MG1]

The Nexus lanes heading into US seems to be taking longer these days. Feels like the border guards are keeping drivers longer.

Nexus back into Canada, not so bad.


Anybody else notice this trend?

[IMASA]

I only experience this if I travel to the states alone in the Nexus lane. If I tell them I'm going to Blaine to pick up parcels, they'll ask down to the detail of what I am picking up.

[MG1]

Thanks to those Islamic extremists from Canada and US who have gone off to fight overseas, border checks have gone up. What the hell? I don't get these people. These people should lose their citizenship the moment they leave. We provide them with freedoms and a stable environment and they turn around and threaten to come back and cause chaos. Holy wars are an oxymoron. Heavy on the moron.

Canadian government plans ?targeted interventions? to stop citizens from joining armed Islamists in Syria | National Post (http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/29/canadian-government-plans-targeted-interventions-to-stop-citizens-from-joining-armed-islamists-in-syria/)

[StylinRed]

Thanks to those Islamic extremists from Canada and US who have gone off to fight overseas, border checks have gone up. What the hell? I don't get these people. These people should lose their citizenship the moment they leave. We provide them with freedoms and a stable environment and they turn around and threaten to come back and cause chaos. Holy wars are an oxymoron. Heavy on the moron.

Canadian government plans ?targeted interventions? to stop citizens from joining armed Islamists in Syria | National Post (http://news.nationalpost.com/2014/08/29/canadian-government-plans-targeted-interventions-to-stop-citizens-from-joining-armed-islamists-in-syria/)

I agree its insane except when I heard the majority of them are from Alberta and a lot are white converts then it all made sense...because you know Alberta ;)

Makes me second guess my trip to Turkey though as I can see being thrown on a list and stuck in secondary on my returns from it, as I hear a lot of these foreign fighters are entering through Turkey -_- blegh

[syee]

Anyone recall how busy the Nexus lanes are at the Peace Arch going south during long weekends? I guess if the regular lanes are backed way up, just getting to the Nexus lane will be difficult.

In the past, I've been lined up all the way back to the Duty Free on the Nexus lane during a long weekend and that was about a half hour wait. Still better than the 3 hour wait you'd get at the regular line on a long weekend.

[J-Chow]

What would you say if you were his CBSA agent? :accepted:

lol, I would imagine they would focus more on big ticket single items (i.e.: a watch for $1300?), or major overages on liquor and tobacco products.

But that's just me.

:concentrate:

I'm talking about the airport, not a crossing...

Oops, reading comprehension fail....

[jamie5d]

In the past, I've been lined up all the way back to the Duty Free on the Nexus lane during a long weekend and that was about a half hour wait. Still better than the 3 hour wait you'd get at the regular line on a long weekend.

I've had this happen on a few long weekends as well. Luckily all 3 nexus lanes were open, so it didn't take as long as it looked. However, most of the time was spent trying to get into the Nexus lane itself because people without the Nexus card keep driving in the lane till the last second then try to merge into the regular passenger vehicle lanes.

There is also a brief period at about 10:20-10:35am on weekdays where the Nexus lane goes all the way back to the Duty Free. I've seen this happen several times.


The Nexus lanes heading into US seems to be taking longer these days. Feels like the border guards are keeping drivers longer.

Nexus back into Canada, not so bad.


Anybody else notice this trend?
It depends on the border guards, sometimes they wave me through without saying anything, other times they have stopped and opened the trunk. I think the lineups are mostly due to so many people having Nexus cards now, and it's understandable-for the cost of the card it's a great value.


Also, I expected the border to be packed because of the Labour Day weekend, but there was barely any wait going through the Nexus lane (but about an hour wait for regular vehicles). That was unusual.

[Ford_Fanatic]

Quick question. Are there any letter carriers within a short walking distance of the border?

I can't cross the border so my plan was to drop my wife off so she can walk across to pick up packages for me. (She has a Nexus pass if that makes a difference.)

[MG1]

At Sumas crossing there are at least four that I know of. There's a new one going up that is less than a block away from the US border station.

At one time, one of them even offered free golf cart rides to and fro and even delivered the package to you as you crossed. I think they stopped doing that because of complaints.


24/7 Shipping, the one I use most often, is about three city blocks away from the US border station.

Then there's Letterlock and Ship Happens further up the street.

[nah]

The most annoying thing about Peace Arch Nexus are the idiots exiting from Duty Free blocking the lane. It could be blocked for a good 10+ minutes waiting for the regular lane to start moving again. That's why you sometimes see the Nexus lane out to the highway.

[MG1]

At Angel of the Winds right now. gas is $3.43/gal or something like that. Ribs for 99 cents, $5.00 free slot play and gifts. I luv this place. chilli cheese fries (99 cents) and shrimp cocktail ($1.49), ftw! Free wifi to boot. .

[aalex]

At Angel of the Winds right now. gas is $3.43/gal or something like that. Ribs for 99 cents, $5.00 free slot play and gifts. I luv this place. chilli cheese fries (99 cents) and shrimp cocktail ($1.49), ftw! Free wifi to boot. .

just wondering is it brand name or no name gas?
do they offer good exchange rate in casino?

[MG1]

Made error, it's $3.34/gal. It's no name gas. Been using it for a while. No issues. You need to sign up for discount card. No fees or anything.

[Skittlez160]

Was anyone else caught up in the crazy lines coming back into Canada last night? This was around 9:15pm. The line for Pacific started on I-5 and the Peace Arch line was just after (north) the Pacific exit lol.

[v_tec]

Was anyone else caught up in the crazy lines coming back into Canada last night? This was around 9:15pm. The line for Pacific started on I-5 and the Peace Arch line was just after (north) the Pacific exit lol.

8pm, 2 hours wait :okay:

[IMASA]

8pm, 2 hours wait :okay:

Nexus, 5 min wait at Peace Arch :D

[v_tec]

Not sure about Peace Arch...but X Cross' Nexus was pretty backed up too.

[Gumby]

Was anyone else caught up in the crazy lines coming back into Canada last night? This was around 9:15pm. The line for Pacific started on I-5 and the Peace Arch line was just after (north) the Pacific exit lol.
Everybody rushing back with their kids so they can go back to school the next day? ;)

[LP700-4]

Got caught at 7 finally crossed at 8:30 at pacific. Did they finally fix that bus lane-> duty free -> front of the line bypass? Seems like there was 2 passenger vehicle lanes yesterday

Time for nexus

[Kilinim]

Peace Arch, 1.5 hr wait at 6:30pm

[Acura604]

last time i was at the US side of the border in the secondary (just minor stuff), i over heard this lady getting grilled.

she had nexus access but what she did was she had 3 passengers that did not have nexus. so she drove along the nexus lane, let the passengers off and let them walk through the border while she used nexus. she got busted.

[m3thods]

last time i was at the US side of the border in the secondary (just minor stuff), i over heard this lady getting grilled.

she had nexus access but what she did was she had 3 passengers that did not have nexus. so she drove along the nexus lane, let the passengers off and let them walk through the border while she used nexus. she got busted.

What an idiot. I must've been told 3 separate times by 3 separate people at my application that dropping people off at the border while using the NEXUS lane was not allowed and can result in getting your pass revoked.

I hope that they took her pass away. She clearly knew what she was doing.

[tiger_handheld]

At Angel of the Winds right now. gas is $3.43/gal or something like that. Ribs for 99 cents, $5.00 free slot play and gifts. I luv this place. chilli cheese fries (99 cents) and shrimp cocktail ($1.49), ftw! Free wifi to boot. .

Wow thats all the way in Arlington... anywhere close that has killer deals like that?

Anyone been to Silver Reef? I always see the sign, but never been...

[xmisstrinh]

silver reef sucks. prefer tulalip buffet

[Skittlez160]

8pm, 2 hours wait :okay:

Oooh ouch :(

Our wait was about 1.5 hours. We were able to get to the D street exit from I-5. From there we filled up at Chevron then waited in line to get to the duty free. After that it was a short wait and we were through.

[Skittlez160]

Everybody rushing back with their kids so they can go back to school the next day? ;)

That and there was a Seahawks game too. Even heading back north on the I-5 from Portland, I took I-405 to bypass downtown Seattle traffic. That was a good choice for sure.

[v_tec]

Oooh ouch :(

Our wait was about 1.5 hours. We were able to get to the D street exit from I-5. From there we filled up at Chevron then waited in line to get to the duty free. After that it was a short wait and we were through.

At what time?
Yeah, mines was just under 2 hours including gas and everything :(

[mb_]

When you're bringing back used stuff over the border, do you just tell the border guard you're bringing back a used item, state the purchase price and some sort of proof of the said purchase price?

[syee]

When you're bringing back used stuff over the border, do you just tell the border guard you're bringing back a used item, state the purchase price and some sort of proof of the said purchase price?

If you paid via Paypal, just print out the transaction statement and use that. They've barely ever looked at the receipts when I've gone across the border.

[HonestTea]

Yesterday was a good 2-3hr wait at the border around 8pm coming back into Canada

[mb_]

If you paid via Paypal, just print out the transaction statement and use that. They've barely ever looked at the receipts when I've gone across the border.
That's what I figured... Looks like a Facebook conversation will have to do :lol :concentrate:

Yesterday was a good 2-3hr wait at the border around 8pm coming back into Canada
Got to Pac Hwy at around 7:10, crossed at around 8:20 so looks like I lucked out lol

[flawless]

Yesterday was a good 2-3hr wait at the border around 8pm coming back into Canada

Got to truck crossing at 6. Lined didn't move for 15 minutes. Cut to Peach Arch to test my luck and got through in 50 minutes. Good thing I didn't convince my gf to wait it out and cross later at night lol.

[racerman88]

Yesterday was a good 2-3hr wait at the border around 8pm coming back into Canada

It was almost 5 mins at the nexus line on Sat night.

[Skittlez160]

At what time?
Yeah, mines was just under 2 hours including gas and everything :(

When we got off the I5 it was around 9:30pm and by the time we left duty free it was around 10:45pm.

[MG1]

Gas is $3.15/gal. At Angel of the Winds. Wont be long before it goes below 3 bucks.

[Noreason]

Gas is $3.15/gal. At Angel of the Winds. Wont be long before it goes below 3 bucks.

I went last evening just to Blaine, premium gas was $3.60 so I assume regular was around $3.40ish a gallon and here I thought $1.26/L was cheap in the lower mainland.

Spent maybe 20 min total waiting line and in the US.

[Akinari]

Gas is $3.15/gal. At Angel of the Winds. Wont be long before it goes below 3 bucks.
Was $2.97 at exit 299 (SB) where the Costco and Target is.

[tonyzoomzoom]

$2.92 at Fred Meyers at Burlington

[MG1]

Was $2.97 at exit 299 (SB) where the Costco and Target is.

Is that the cash only place?

$2.92 at Fred Meyers at Burlington

Is that wiith the usual 3¢ off member price? Some people have really scary discounts, 'cause they buy so much in groceries there. Unfortunately, I don't. They advertise you can earn up to a dollar off a gallon. WTF?

Anyway, Bellingham as of now is the cheapest place to get gas in all of Washington. How convenient for us, eh?

[MG1]

This should be in the food section, but.........

If you are in Pike's Place Market, do not, I repeat, do not go to the Chinese restaurant there. It has got to be the worst place of all time. The food was average at best, but the prices, wow!

Pike Place Chinese Cuisine - Downtown - Seattle, WA | Yelp (http://www.yelp.com/biz/pike-place-chinese-cuisine-seattle?sort_by=date_desc)

The place must have gone downhill since some of those reviews, either that or Americans don't know what good Chinese food is supposed to taste like). After I sat down and checked the prices, I was shocked. I ordered a bowl of wonton soup. $10.75. After ordering, I asked how many pieces and lady said 5 pieces! When I got the soup, there were 8 pieces in there - must have been the eyes popping out of my head reaction that got me the three extra pieces. I know it's Pike's Place and prices are going to be high. Anyway, I figured the food must be good, right? I don't mind paying high prices if the food is good. Nope. I'm stretching it when I say average. Old mothers of poor family trick - drown everything in pepper. I've never had wonton soup so smothered in pepper.

I check the bill when leaving. Gratuity added already and charged for tea. Okay, I 've seen that before, but add that to everything else and wow.

Couple behind me ordered fish - I overheard 90 bucks!

They don't have a website, but the menu that's on the Internet is nowhere near what the actual menu is like. They must have changed ownership/management, but damn........ I felt a little ripped off.

Later that day, went to Tulalip and had their buffet (seniors discount, ftmfw!). All is well now - bad taste in mouth is gone. Now, if I can only make my wife forget about me dragging her into that damn restaurant at Pike's Place, I'll be good. BTW, no menu for viewing and once seated, I don't get up and leave. Maybe it's time to change that habit.

[tonyzoomzoom]

that was the posted price at Fred Meyer. I believe that was what I paid (no discounts for me).

[Klondike]

Goodyear wipers are $4.99 a pair at Costco Bellingham. It's a limit of 2 though (one pair).

Got there yesterday somewhat early and there was no lineup for gas. As usual saw the buddy guys with their trunks full of milk and jerry cans.

[noclue]

So what I've been hearing is that bellingham is kinda dead now due to the currency rates and relatively cheap gas prices in Canada. True?

[MG1]

I've seen shorter lineups the last little while. Not sure why, but I'm not complaining.

[m3thods]

So what I've been hearing is that bellingham is kinda dead now due to the currency rates and relatively cheap gas prices in Canada. True?

Not on the weekend imo. Went last Sunday both inside and for gas. Wanted to kill myself in both lineups.

Went earlier to Burlington, and omg it was so nice and calm. Calmer than any Costco here or in Bellingham. Gas was 3.19/gal as well, but a quarter tank would've been gone by the time I got home so it really isn't worth it to drive all the way down there to get gas only.

[tonyzoomzoom]

Definitely not worth it just for gas but for shopping, Burlington > Bellingham

[CorneringArtist]

Is that the cash only place?



Is that wiith the usual 3¢ off member price? Some people have really scary discounts, 'cause they buy so much in groceries there. Unfortunately, I don't. They advertise you can earn up to a dollar off a gallon. WTF?

Anyway, Bellingham as of now is the cheapest place to get gas in all of Washington. How convenient for us, eh?

You need a certain amount of points to get the dollar off. Not sure of the points conversion rate, but if it means saving on diesel in my case, I might alternate between going there and to Chevron on my monthly trips. I was getting 10 cents off with my aunt's card.

[Gerbs]

Anyone been to point roberts? Know the gas price?

[MG1]

Definitely not worth it just for gas but for shopping, Burlington > Bellingham

Yes, Burlington is waaaaay nicer. Even the Winco there is awesome. Less crazy Canadians and the locals there are much nicer.

[a90a93]

I was at Point Roberts around 2:00 yesterday. No line up at the border going south, about 10 minutes going back over. The line up at Point2Point was 20 minutes. Gas was only 98.9/ltr for regular :)

[hchang]

Gas is 113.9 today in Abbotsford!!!!!

Do you guys spend US cash down south? American Credit
Card? Or just Canadian CC

I figure with gas at 113 it's cheaper to fill up here, with the exchange rate and foreign exchange from CC

Helps Support the local economy a bit

[tonyzoomzoom]

Yes, Burlington is waaaaay nicer. Even the Winco there is awesome. Less crazy Canadians and the locals there are much nicer.

Wait! There's a Winco in Burlington ??

[MG1]

My bad, Marysville. I get those two places mixed up all the time.

[tonyzoomzoom]

All is good. At least now I know :)

[bicboi]

Wow, when did border cops become such dicks? lol

Went down last weekend with my buddy to pick up some car parts (not even gone for 2 hours) and when we came back they pulled us and searched my whole car. They ripped interior pieces out, threw out everything onto the ground, put the dog in my car, and searched our phones. Swear to God there was some profiling going on. lmao

[PandaDog]

Had some PMSing border guard bitch giving attitude the last time I crossed back into Canada from Peace Arch
I had to go inside to pay taxes, and I only declared ~$180...
Seemed like she was sending every vehicle inside

I've been through that border 20+ times and have declared closer to $300 without having being sent inside

Oh well, you win some you lose some

[ilvtofu]

Gas is 113.9 today in Abbotsford!!!!!

Do you guys spend US cash down south? American Credit
Card? Or just Canadian CC

I figure with gas at 113 it's cheaper to fill up here, with the exchange rate and foreign exchange from CC

Helps Support the local economy a bit

Thing is if you're an hour west of Abby that's not the price.
Another thing is the 'premium' for premium (pardon the pun) is less per gallon than it is here for per litre normally.
If you have shell FRN in the states you save even more, usually $0.05-0.10/gallon for me

[hchang]

Wow, when did border cops become such dicks? lol

Went down last weekend with my buddy to pick up some car parts (not even gone for 2 hours) and when we came back they pulled us and searched my whole car. They ripped interior pieces out, threw out everything onto the ground, put the dog in my car, and searched our phones. Swear to God there was some profiling going on. lmao

For sure they profile. I got pulled over in line and got my rear seats taken out when I went with a buddy.

Were your tattoos showing? LOL

Thing is if you're an hour west of Abby that's not the price.
Another thing is the 'premium' for premium (pardon the pun) is less per gallon than it is here for per litre normally.
If you have shell FRN in the states you save even more, usually $0.05-0.10/gallon for me


What do you mean by an hour west of Abby?

Like Hope?

I guess if you have to fill premium that makes sense.

Gas is 110.9 today in Abbotsford today. Prices are looking good!

[inv4zn]

^Hope is EAST of Abbotsford...

An hour west from abby would be the entire lower mainland lol

[bicboi]

For sure they profile. I got pulled over in line and got my rear seats taken out when I went with a buddy.

Were your tattoos showing? LOL

Yeah haha. Going to cover up next time and see if that makes a difference...

[hchang]

^Hope is EAST of Abbotsford...

An hour west from abby would be the entire lower mainland lol

Lol doh that's what I meant.

I'm retarded

[MG1]

f@ck me............. exchange rate getting worse. Someone said 88 before getting better. I hope they're right, 'cause we're at 88. At least lineups are shrinking, LOL.

[MG1]

Damn........

[PandaDog]

So much buying power lost in 2014 compared to 2013 :okay:

[KDMofo]

Got pulled into secondary to confirm my total declaration amount tonight. When I was released, went to check everything and noticed - by smell - that the guard didn't fully tighten a bottle of fibre glass resin. Got to it fast enough that it only leaked into what ever was in the bag and a bit onto the trunk lining. I

[Gerbs]

I wonder how much gas in Point roberts is

[DC5-S]

The cunt charged me tax on US tax at the border today. I bought a set of winter tires and declared it at $320. I go inside and the bitch charged me on the total amount after tax. $350. This happened at aldergrove crossing. Even tho its not much more it's still totally unnecessary, and BS. I asked her why and she said we charge on the total? Wtf

[v_tec]

The cunt charged me tax on US tax at the border today. I bought a set of winter tires and declared it at $320. I go inside and the bitch charged me on the total amount after tax. $350. This happened at aldergrove crossing. Even tho its not much more it's still totally unnecessary, and BS. I asked her why and she said we charge on the total? Wtf


$320 for set of 4 [new] winter tires? Damn that's cheap. I would be thankful if I can even buy 1.5 tires for that price.

:okay:

[4444]

The cunt charged me tax on US tax at the border today. I bought a set of winter tires and declared it at $320. I go inside and the bitch charged me on the total amount after tax. $350. This happened at aldergrove crossing. Even tho its not much more it's still totally unnecessary, and BS. I asked her why and she said we charge on the total? Wtf

they charge on total landed cost.

deal with it. the person is not a cunt, you are above the limit.

unlucky? yes. the person a cunt? no

[Expresso]

they charge on total landed cost.

deal with it. the person is not a cunt, you are above the limit.

unlucky? yes. the person a cunt? no

You just got unlucky. I've been charged typically pre-ship.

[4444]

You just got unlucky. I've been charged typically pre-ship.

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

[ruthless]

The cunt charged me tax on US tax at the border today. I bought a set of winter tires and declared it at $320. I go inside and the bitch charged me on the total amount after tax. $350. This happened at aldergrove crossing. Even tho its not much more it's still totally unnecessary, and BS. I asked her why and she said we charge on the total? Wtf

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/dm-md/d13/d13-4-3-eng.pdf

Read #15.

And in the future say what you posted to his/her face and see what happens.
At the end of the day she charged you an extra $4.04...:rukidding:

[MG1]

Damn, less than 5 minutes coming back this afternoon at 4:30.

Got gas at Freddy's @ $2.92/gal for regular.

[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]

^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]

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]

^ 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.


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]

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]

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]

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]

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

[LP700-4]

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

[cunninglinguist]

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]

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]

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 :lawl:

[cdizzle_996]

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 :lawl:


Time for a job :)

[tiger_handheld]

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 :lawl:
$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?"

[smoothie.]

2nd sign from border:
peace arch 75 mins
truck crossing 45 mins

1st sign from border
peace arch 40 mins
truck crossing 90mins


:lawl:

downside of bringing a friend without nexus, having to worry about this shit.

[PandaDog]

My nexus appointment coming up on Nov 13 :fullofwin:

I've waited months for this...

[MG1]

Gas was $2.759/gal today in Sumas. Cheaper than Bellingham Costco or FM.

5 minutes to cross into US and 5 back, with 5 minute detour to 24/7 shipping.

[m3thods]

^As an update, Bellingham Costco was $2.82/gal yesterday. Funny seeing the Shell on Coast Meridian at 3.50 with everyone else around it hovering around 3.15-3.25.

Oh and for you Chipotle fans- Bellis Fair location opens on Nov. 17th.

[vixroar]

Oh and for you Chipotle fans- Bellis Fair location opens on Nov. 17th.

There's already one downtown

[van_city23]

There's already one downtown

i thought it was quite obvious that it was meant for the people that go shopping across the border since we're in the border crossing thread and not places to eat in vancouver :suspicious:

[Kilinim]

Haven't gotten gas at the Bellingham costco before. What types of payment do they take?

[MG1]

Haven't gotten gas at the Bellingham costco before. What types of payment do they take?

Just Amex. I stopped going there because of that. I like to use my Amazon.ca card to avoid the foreign currency transaction fee. Actually, I've stopped going there for so long, they may have changed their policy, LOL. Not that I want to line up at that gong show.

[shenmecar]

Just Amex. I stopped going there because of that. I like to use my Amazon.ca card to avoid the foreign currency transaction fee. Actually, I've stopped going there for so long, they may have changed their policy, LOL. Not that I want to line up at that gong show.

Nope, still only accept Amex and Costco cash cards at Costco gas

I love my Amazon.ca visa too. =D

[Spectre_Cdn]

^You can pay with your membership card and a Costco gift card. If you buy the gift card in Canada, the conversion to USD is done at the pump and is pretty reasonable.

[m3thods]

There's already one downtown

Yes as a Chipotle fan, I am aware of this fact. As well as the upcoming location at Metrotown.

Prior to Bellis Fair, the next closest location was Burlington. Some people who cross the border as often as I do may not want to make that drive simply to partake in the delicious deliciousness that is Chipotle.

[4444]

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.

how would I prove i'm not a resident of canada without going on my foreign passport (you can only show 1 passport)?

bc, as far as i'm aware, you're 100% right... but if i come in on my british passport (i'm not a resident of canada) it might be a pain vs. coming in on my canadian... but bc i'm british, i don't have a residency card in the country i'm in (thanks EU)

[ceeteezy]

With the CDN dollar so low, is it still worth it to get gas from the states right now?

[Traum]

Gas only turned out to be ~$0.10 cheaper in PR when I went down 2 weeks ago. Not worth it unless you are already going down there for something else.

[van_city23]

i filled up in blaine on monday for 2.87 a gallon, filled the car and 2 big jerry cans for a total of 29 us gallons. Thats around $97 CAD. At 1.233 a litre, it would cost about $135 for the same amount. Saved about $45, live about 15 min drive from the border, the time i went was about 5 min wait to cross on both sides and had to pick up a couple of packages. So was worth it for me.

I think if you're only going for gas, it's still worth it if you live close enough to the border but also if you're filling up a jerry can or 2 as well.

[Mr.C]

Gas only turned out to be ~$0.10 cheaper in PR when I went down 2 weeks ago. Not worth it unless you are already going down there for something else.

I filled up @ .95 for 92 at Shell. That's, like, 40c/liter savings.

[Traum]

I filled up @ .95 for 92 at Shell. That's, like, 40c/liter savings.
Is that USD $0.95/L at Shell? Cuz after conversion to Canadian dollars, you are really just looking at Cdn $1.062/L.

[Mr.C]

Is that USD $0.95/L at Shell? Cuz after conversion to Canadian dollars, you are really just looking at Cdn $1.062/L.

$1.087 per liter Canadian

It was $1.429 at the chevron close to my place. Saved 34c/l on an almost empty 95l tank.

Thirty dollar is thirty dollar yo

[Traum]

Haha, I'm glad it worked for you, esp when your tank is almost 2x as big as mine.

[m3thods]

With the CDN dollar so low, is it still worth it to get gas from the states right now?

I find it's best if you make a trip out of it. In most cases, you're saving at least a quarter per liter compared to Vancouver gas prices.

I don't go out of my way to drive the 45 mins required to head across the border just to fill up on gas (and that's taking into account my NEXUS pass). However, I do a fair bit of US online shopping, so I find myself in the US at least once every two weeks.

[PandaDog]

Paid $0.74L (USD) for regular gas at Blaine today....

Feels great to fill up the entire car for under $29USD and getting cheapo packages at 5DPackages

Sometimes I just wish the gas tank was bigger so I can indulge on more gas savings :okay:

How's everything going on over at Point Roberts? Haven't crossed to that area since making the switch of doing everything at Blaine

[Gerbs]

2 days ago I paid 0.61 for reg and .71 for 92 for my jerry cans. Filled up my corolla for 19 dollars lol

[6o4__boi]

Anyone know what the store hours are like for remembrance day at Bellingham stores?
Mainly bellisfair mall and costco.
Thinkin of heading down there on Tuesday but if hours are shit or most places are closed I won't bother

[m3thods]

Anyone know what the store hours are like for remembrance day at Bellingham stores?
Mainly bellisfair mall and costco.
Thinkin of heading down there on Tuesday but if hours are shit or most places are closed I won't bother

Just looked at the BF site. I assume it's Sunday hours, so it closes at 6pm. Costco is always closed on stat holidays.

[MG1]

As long as Harbor Freight and the casinos are open, I'm good. Freddy's has early morning specials, so that's another reason to go. Winco is open 24/7. Walmart. Kohls. Trader Joes. Just to name a few places open.

[InvisibleSoul]

I don't know why there were so many people heading down south on Saturday. Border lineup at noon was over 90 minutes, when it should be around 40 minutes usually.

Was planning to pick up some packages at 24/7 Parcel and then do some shopping in Bellingham after... but 1:30pm came around, and the official government website hadn't updated since noon, so unless the wait was under an hour, we weren't going to make it.

It finally updated again at 1:40pm... and it said the wait was 60 minutes. My wife REALLY wanted to go, so the challenge was on. Oh, we also only had an estimated 38 kilometers worth of gas in the car.

We make it to the sign near the border, and it says 50 minutes at Peace Arch, and the time is 2:15pm. Not looking promising. Fortunately we got the best line up, and made it through at 2:57pm. Got to 24/7 Parcel at 2:59pm. :fuckyea:

Oh, and the car also had an estimated 1km in gas remaining. :fuckyea:

Gas was $2.819 at Fred Meyers in Bellingham.

[v_tec]

I don't know why there were so many people heading down south on Saturday. Border lineup at noon was over 90 minutes, when it should be around 40 minutes usually.

Take Monday off, then 4 days long weekend.

[InvisibleSoul]

Take Monday off, then 4 days long weekend.

Yeah, that was my best guess... especially when the volume headed home that same day was lower than usual. When I checked at around 10:30pm, it was only about a 15 minute wait going north.

Still surprised though... were there really that many people leaving for a four day weekend?

[LP700-4]

Loool I was in the same boat. Started to head out at 10:30, saw on the first sign right off oak st bridge that its 55 mins, seemed alright, then reached second sign and it shot up to 75 minutes i knew we were in for a long ass wait. Was gonna go duty free at peace arch but then decided for pacific as there was susposedly less people. Still spent at least a hour and a half idling with gas light on and running on air.

Was surprised how blaine chevron was 2.99 regular when bellis fair stations were around 3.25 or more. Thought the further you go the cheaper it is?

[racerman88]

I don't know why there were so many people heading down south on Saturday. Border lineup at noon was over 90 minutes, when it should be around 40 minutes usually.

Was planning to pick up some packages at 24/7 Parcel and then do some shopping in Bellingham after... but 1:30pm came around, and the official government website hadn't updated since noon, so unless the wait was under an hour, we weren't going to make it.

It finally updated again at 1:40pm... and it said the wait was 60 minutes. My wife REALLY wanted to go, so the challenge was on. Oh, we also only had an estimated 38 kilometers worth of gas in the car.

We make it to the sign near the border, and it says 50 minutes at Peace Arch, and the time is 2:15pm. Not looking promising. Fortunately we got the best line up, and made it through at 2:57pm. Got to 24/7 Parcel at 2:59pm. :fuckyea:

Oh, and the car also had an estimated 1km in gas remaining. :fuckyea:

Gas was $2.819 at Fred Meyers in Bellingham.

I was getting annoyed too b/c the nexus line was almost 10 mins long

[InvisibleSoul]

Was surprised how blaine chevron was 2.99 regular when bellis fair stations were around 3.25 or more. Thought the further you go the cheaper it is?

That doesn't seem right. I think it was $3.74 at the Blaine Chevron when I filled up there just after 3pm. Later on, it was $2.79 at those two yellow gas stations on Meridian near Bellis Fair. I filled up at Fred Meyer at $2.819.

[6o4__boi]

i find it stupidly annoying that some store sites don't say what their fucking holiday hours are.

[LP700-4]

Just to clarify I'm talking about the one on H St at pacific crossing. Was definitely 2.99 for regular as this reciept is for 92 and its 3.45
http://i.imgur.com/fPclDph.png

I filled just after 1 and then topped up at 6 and still same price

[InvisibleSoul]

Just to clarify I'm talking about the one on H St at pacific crossing. Was definitely 2.99 for regular as this reciept is for 92 and its 3.45
http://i.imgur.com/fPclDph.png

I filled just after 1 and then topped up at 6 and still same price

Okay, I was talking about the one just off of Peace Arch.

Not sure why the Chevron near Pacific Crossing was that much cheaper...

[hirevtuner]

made my usual gas and food trip to Pt. Roberts, Shell @ .97/litre for premium

full tank of gas + 20L jerry can = $75 USD and lasts me about a month

[MG1]

Washington Gas Prices - Find Cheap Gas Prices in Washington (http://www.washingtongasprices.com)

I check prices in Sumas, Washington and Bellingham, Washington. Oh, and Ferndale. Keeping in mind that 4 cents difference per gallon equates to roughly one cent per litre. Also distance and proximity to casinos, LOL.


EDIT: Imma gonna go to 'Murica today. RS mini meet at Bellis Fair?

[MG1]

I guess Costco US is open. Was at the Burlington location getting freebies then hot dog, lol.

[hchang]

So who's at bellis fair

[Acura604]

No other place to put this but anyone know how to fix deformed plastic jerry cans?

It's getting sucked inwards or something

http://imageshack.us/a/img912/8374/y4aBoQ.jpg

[InvisibleSoul]

No other place to put this but anyone know how to fix deformed plastic jerry cans?

It's getting sucked inwards or something

http://imageshack.us/a/img912/8374/y4aBoQ.jpg

Yeah, just recently I noticed mine had this as well, but not quite as bad as your's.

It's to do with the temperature, specifically the contents are cooler than when it got sealed.

You can reproduce this easily by taking any plastic bottle and filling it with hot water then capping it. It won't take long for the water to cool inside, and the bottle to shrink.

I didn't find any information about this online, but I think you have to do the reverse to get it to expand again. Get normal pressure in the container by letting it sit outside in the cold and unsealing the cap enough to let it breathe. After that, seal it and bring it inside and let it warm to room temperature. The container SHOULD have expanded some. You can repeat by that procedure to make it expand more.

[hchang]

^ don't completely close the cap when they're empty

[vitaminG]

is there any way to make those jerry cans pour faster? i had the old style jerry cans with the breather in the back and they were like 20 times faster to empty

[FN-2199]

is there any way to make those jerry cans pour faster? i had the old style jerry cans with the breather in the back and they were like 20 times faster to empty

With the shitty self-ventilating spout, nope. Took way too long to pour with it, so I ditched those cans for the military style ones. Nothing beats the breather at the back.

http://www.thewarehouse.co.nz/is-bin/intershop.static/WFS/TWL-B2C-Site/TWL-B2C/en_NZ/product/large/21/af/63923000151_l.jpg

[hchang]

is there any way to make those jerry cans pour faster? i had the old style jerry cans with the breather in the back and they were like 20 times faster to empty

There's a ventilation line built in the hose. Keep that end on top and pour it at a slight incline (little by little)

I got one of these tubes from Canadian Tire it was under $10

http://www.amazon.com/Super-Siphon-Hose-Pack/dp/B000ZORJ1E

If you got a trunk or bed you can put the jerry can on top (as long as it's at a higher elevation) and let the tube do it's work

[TOS'd]

How is the line up at 10am on a Saturday? I'd usually try to be around 8am, but I have to do something before going. Is it better, not as busy, if I went after lunch?

[inv4zn]

10am is the peak. I'd go later...

This is of course, assuming you're not nexus, and that it's a "regular" Saturday (ie. not black friday, holiday, etc.)

[TOS'd]

Thinking tmr, and yeah, regular non-nexus. Best to wait after lunch?

[Kilinim]

I needed to ship something to California the other day and figured I'd do it from PR to save on shipping. Had no idea there's a $10.75 fee to do so :/

[Traum]

I needed to ship something to California the other day and figured I'd do it from PR to save on shipping. Had no idea there's a $10.75 fee to do so :/
Who is charging you the $10.75? US border guards?

[InvisibleSoul]

Thinking tmr, and yeah, regular non-nexus. Best to wait after lunch?

10am to 2pm is the worst time. If you have an Android device, download an app called Border Wait and it'll have graphs of the normal wait times.

[pb.kidz]

I needed to ship something to California the other day and figured I'd do it from PR to save on shipping. Had no idea there's a $10.75 fee to do so :/

I've had that happen to me before. Was shipping some used parts that I sold. Its a free or commercial purpose or some shit

[Kilinim]

Who is charging you the $10.75? US border guards?

I guess? US customs maybe.

[XplicitLuder]

you get charged a fee for selling in states i believe. happened to me years ago as well.

Going down to do some shopping with le gf tmrrow. Thinking of leaving burnaby around 8am , no nexus as she doesnt have one. Lines shouldnt be too long right? black friday is next week so we hoping nothing too crazy this weekend

[Akinari]

All 3 Nexus lanes were stalled with all cars told to turn off engines this morning at around 10AM. Three dogs were sent out to sniff all the cars, one black F150 had the dog sniffing for a long time and eventually the border guard opened the liftgate and hopped on with the dog to rummage through everything the truck had in the back...

What should've been a quick 10 min gas run turned into a 25 min gas run

:heckno:

[XplicitLuder]

Peace arch at about an hour wait right meow. Why can't I just sneak my gf thru nexus :( lol

[CRS]

Peace arch at about an hour wait right meow. Why can't I just sneak my gf thru nexus :( lol

Wowwww

Did you get bitched at?

Because it's dumb shit like this that some border guards love to use to revoke your nexus.

[InvisibleSoul]

Wowwww

Did you get bitched at?

Because it's dumb shit like this that some border guards love to use to revoke your nexus.

Pretty sure it was a hypothetical question, not that he actually tried doing it...

[CRS]

Pretty sure it was a hypothetical question, not that he actually tried doing it...

Yeah. My bad.

Read that completely wrong.

:okay:

[XplicitLuder]

haha no i didnt do it. You get told in the beginning when you get your nexus if you do it and get caught they can revoke it so i dont want to try it :P it wasnt so bad tho. Everywhere they said about an hr wait, but i was through in about 40 and like 15 on the way back around 4pm

[Nvasion]

went on Saturday at 830 am and there was a 1 hr 45 min wait... good thing me and my gf has nexus and the wait was 20 seconds :)

[VanCellClinic]

Yeah you won't be able to sneak her through nexus.. If you try they will almost always take your nexus card away.

[JesseBlue]

haha no i didnt do it. You get told in the beginning when you get your nexus if you do it and get caught they can revoke it so i dont want to try it :P it wasnt so bad tho. Everywhere they said about an hr wait, but i was through in about 40 and like 15 on the way back around 4pm
find new gf with nexus...easy case...next

[MG1]

1.14 exchange rate.......... damn.

[XplicitLuder]

find new gf with nexus...easy case...next

LOL thanks for the tip. They are so stubborn when you tell them they should get it .. its okay, she knows she barely will come down with me cus she doesnt have nexus :concentrate:

[tiger_handheld]

how much are duties taxes on a 1L bottle of alcohol (think Red label)? Is it cheaper than BCL once everything is paid for? I'll be going on a same day trip.

Just thinking out loud here...

[racerman88]

Not worth it for a day trip. Huge surcharge on liquor.
Ask someone who is going on a trip to bring you one back hassle free.

[Eff-1]

how much are duties taxes on a 1L bottle of alcohol (think Red label)? Is it cheaper than BCL once everything is paid for? I'll be going on a same day trip.

Just thinking out loud here...

it depends on the type of alcohol, alc % by volume, size of bottle and country of origin. there are online calculators you can look up. don't be surprised if duty and tax doubles your purchase price.

[nns]

Where's a good place to eat in Washington? Sorry if wrong thread.

[smoothie.]

Paseo - Carribean Roast Sandwich
Din Tai Fung - weekend mornings: 20 mini xiao long bao
Cheesecake Factory - Chicken Bellagio
Dicks Drive In: Around 12AM - Cheeseburger fries and a shake

[MG1]

Just got back from trip to Bellingham. Fred Meyer gas was $2.63 a gallon for regular. Wtf? How low can you go takes on a whole new meaning. Meanwhile, gas at Superstore in Abbotsford was 98 cents a litre, counting in the Superbucks (7 cents off per litre). At these prices, maybe those cheap asses from Richmond can come out to the mini meets in Vancouver. LOLOLOLOL.

j/k

[inv4zn]

Where's a good place to eat in Washington? Sorry if wrong thread.

You realize Washington is a state right lol

That's like asking where a good place to eat in BC is.

[Tone Loc]

You realize Washington is a state right lol

That's like asking where a good place to eat in BC is.

Phnom Penh.

(No, seriously, there's one in downtown Seattle - Chinatown area - and it's AMAZING. One of my favorite places to eat, second only to the "O.G." Phnom Penh in Vancouver's Chinatown)

[dared3vil0]

Border guard tonight was such an asshole...

Him: Where were you?
Me: Shopping in Bellingham.
Him: What was the purpose you were shopping for?
Me: Christmas gifts.
Him: Any alcohol or Tobacco?
Me: None.
Him: Don't lie.
Me: ???
Him: What was the purpose of the trip?
Me: Christmas shopping...
Him: Christmas shopping? A kilo of cocaine and a handgun could be Christmas shopping, I'm going to ask you one last time; what did you do in the US?!
Me: *lists everything i bought and did*
Him: Hands passports back while shaking his head.


Wowwwww... Crossed the border a million times never had something like that...

[PandaDog]

^They want you to be very very precise now. I had a female border guard get angry at me before and she taxed a $120 value item

You might as well list everything upfront right away. Who knows, if you list a lot of things down to your last item they won't tax you since it's a lot of paperwork involved

[Speed2K]

Border guard tonight was such an asshole...

Him: Where were you?
Me: Shopping in Bellingham.
Him: What was the purpose you were shopping for?
Me: Christmas gifts.
Him: Any alcohol or Tobacco?
Me: None.
Him: Don't lie.
Me: ???
Him: What was the purpose of the trip?
Me: Christmas shopping...
Him: Christmas shopping? A kilo of cocaine and a handgun could be Christmas shopping, I'm going to ask you one last time; what did you do in the US?!
Me: *lists everything i bought and did*
Him: Hands passports back while shaking his head.


Wowwwww... Crossed the border a million times never had something like that...

Lol, I guess "Christmas shopping" is pretty ambiguous. I'll usually give a value right away, then answer any questions the border guard might have. If they ask me what I bought I usually just summarize the category of items (i.e. automotive parts, household items, cloths, groceries, etc...).

[dared3vil0]

I tried to directly answer his questions though, he didn't ask me what i bought, nor for a value lol.

[InvisibleSoul]

Border guard tonight was such an asshole...

Him: Where were you?
Me: Shopping in Bellingham.
Him: What was the purpose you were shopping for?
Me: Christmas gifts.
Him: Any alcohol or Tobacco?
Me: None.
Him: Don't lie.
Me: ???
Him: What was the purpose of the trip?
Me: Christmas shopping...
Him: Christmas shopping? A kilo of cocaine and a handgun could be Christmas shopping, I'm going to ask you one last time; what did you do in the US?!
Me: *lists everything i bought and did*
Him: Hands passports back while shaking his head.


Wowwwww... Crossed the border a million times never had something like that...

WTF? That's crazy. If that is actually how the conversation went down, I would say that's crossed the line to being inappropriate.

[InvisibleSoul]

Lol, I guess "Christmas shopping" is pretty ambiguous. I'll usually give a value right away, then answer any questions the border guard might have. If they ask me what I bought I usually just summarize the category of items (i.e. automotive parts, household items, cloths, groceries, etc...).
Yeah, except if the conversation went as described, the agent didn't even give him a chance to say what items he bought.

[dared3vil0]

WTF? That's crazy. If that is actually how the conversation went down, I would say that's crossed the line to being inappropriate.

Word for word how it went. And exactly, it crossed into being inapproprate pretty quickly lol.

[TOS'd]

I've only had one not so pleasant experience crossing the border south, happened back in August.

Him: Where are you going?
Me: Bellingham airport to fly to Las Vegas for x amount of days.
Him: Where are you going?
Me: I am going to the Bellingham airport..(cuts me off)
Him: No. You are not an American citizen, you do not have the right to enter our country and go where you want. I have the right to deny your entry because you are not an American. So I will ask you again. Where are you going.
Me: I would like to go to the airport so I can fly to Las Vegas..(cuts me off)
Him: So you would LIKE to go to the airport. You need to ask permission to enter the USA. Because you have now asked properly, I have decided to let you enter. (hands back passports) Go.

Probably left out some of his other points but that was the gist of it. Saying how its a privilege and that I should be grateful to enter his holy country bullshit.

:fulloffuck: powertrip much.

Wish I was driving my car so I could have recorded the conversation. So wtf.

[Xu.Vi]

I've only had one not so pleasant experience crossing the border south, happened back in August.

Him: Where are you going?
Me: Bellingham airport to fly to Las Vegas for x amount of days.
Him: Where are you going?
Me: I am going to the Bellingham airport..(cuts me off)
Him: No. You are not an American citizen, you do not have the right to enter our country and go where you want. I have the right to deny your entry because you are not an American. So I will ask you again. Where are you going.
Me: I would like to go to the airport so I can fly to Las Vegas..(cuts me off)
Him: So you would LIKE to go to the airport. You need to ask permission to enter the USA. Because you have now asked properly, I have decided to let you enter. (hands back passports) Go.

Probably left out some of his other points but that was the gist of it. Saying how its a privilege and that I should be grateful to enter his holy country bullshit.

:fulloffuck: powertrip much.

Wish I was driving my car so I could have recorded the conversation. So wtf.

Sounds like something the Canadian border guards would say.

[InvisibleSoul]

I've only had one not so pleasant experience crossing the border south, happened back in August.

Him: Where are you going?
Me: Bellingham airport to fly to Las Vegas for x amount of days.
Him: Where are you going?
Me: I am going to the Bellingham airport..(cuts me off)
Him: No. You are not an American citizen, you do not have the right to enter our country and go where you want. I have the right to deny your entry because you are not an American. So I will ask you again. Where are you going.
Me: I would like to go to the airport so I can fly to Las Vegas..(cuts me off)
Him: So you would LIKE to go to the airport. You need to ask permission to enter the USA. Because you have now asked properly, I have decided to let you enter. (hands back passports) Go.

Probably left out some of his other points but that was the gist of it. Saying how its a privilege and that I should be grateful to enter his holy country bullshit.

:fulloffuck: powertrip much.

Wish I was driving my car so I could have recorded the conversation. So wtf.

That is ridiculous.

Hey customs agent douchebag, if you want the proper answer, then ask the proper question.

Who the hell answers "Where are you going?" with "I would like to go to the Bellingham airport?"

Ask the question as "Where would you like to go?" then, asshole.

[hchang]

^ I dont see a problem with that

Being in our countries are a privilege, not a right.

Just because you flown from thousands of miles away and oceans apart doesn't mean our border services have to admit you into our country

Just because you wanna bang that hot girl doesn't mean you can

[InvisibleSoul]

^ I dont see a problem with that

Being in our countries are a privilege, not a right.

Just because you flown from thousands of miles away and oceans apart doesn't mean our border services have to admit you into our country

Just because you wanna bang that hot girl doesn't mean you can

You missed the point. If that was how the conversation actually went, then the border agent was looking to power trip and berate him for no good reason.

[smoothie.]

Reading all of the above shit... get nexus.



"Hi"
"Bye"

/end

[Akinari]

Crossing the border to pick up some new headphones today, showed officer my Nexus and he said get going, I said thanks and started driving away.

As my car starts moving he yells "HEY where do you think you're going? I asked where you going?"

I reverse back and told him I thought he said "get going." Told him I'm going to pick up some headphones, he waved me through.

:derp:

I swear he told me to get going, not "where you going." I distinctly remember only four syllables coming out of his mouth :lawl:

[m3thods]

Reading all of the above shit... get nexus.



"Hi"
"Bye"

/end

Yep pretty much my experience lol

Crossing the border to pick up some new headphones today, showed officer my Nexus and he said get going, I said thanks and started driving away.

As my car starts moving he yells "HEY where do you think you're going? I asked where you going?"

I reverse back and told him I thought he said "get going." Told him I'm going to pick up some headphones, he waved me through.

:derp:

I swear he told me to get going, not "where you going." I distinctly remember only four syllables coming out of his mouth :lawl:

Shit I'd be so flustered I'd probably get into an accident getting back into the stall lol

[vitaminG]

border guards arent customer service agents, their job isnt to be nice to people. its to keep illegal people and things from the country. you just have to deal with it and move on with life .

think about all the retards and people who are trying to be sneaky and smuggle jeans and other dumb shit. id probably turn into the biggest asshole if i had to work there.

[MG1]

I've had some bad ones, but overall, they are pretty good.

Coming back to Canada, I come across this one guy who always says, "Welcome back." Shit, that makes my day. I think they all want to be nice, but the job isn't easy. People lie to them all the time. Anyway............

[hchang]

You missed the point. If that was how the conversation actually went, then the border agent was looking to power trip and berate him for no good reason.

Then don't cross the border lol

They can shove their arm up your ass if they wanted to

All you gotta do is look presentable and respectful... "Morning sir, good day, evening, yes sir, no sir"

I've never had any unpleasant experiences

A thick skin goes a long way in life

[Vege]

I have been pulled into the office to have my car searched when crossing into the US through the Nexus lane and have had a Customs Officer get upset with me because I didn't answer specific enough.

Customs: What is your purpose for entering the United States?
Me: I am going to get groceries in Bellingham.
Customs: That is not what I asked you, what is your purpose for entering the United States?
Me: ???? I am going to get groceries at Costco and Fred Meyer in Bellingham.
Customs: Groceries could be anything. Are you meeting up with someone to purchase drugs.
Me: No sir, I am planning to buy a roasted chicken, bread, eggs and etc. My grocery list is in the car.
Customs: Next time be specific so you don't waste my time asking you the same questions.
Me: Ok....

[MG1]

I've caught myself giving them very specific info. To the point, they think I'm nuts. I even give them to-the-minute times, where I was, what I purchased, what I thought of the cashier, etc. Mind you, I go border shopping two to three times a week. Kind of used to it all.

[InvisibleSoul]

Then don't cross the border lol

They can shove their arm up your ass if they wanted to

All you gotta do is look presentable and respectful... "Morning sir, good day, evening, yes sir, no sir"

I've never had any unpleasant experiences

A thick skin goes a long way in life

Sure, and they can tear your car to pieces too if they wanted to.

Doesn't mean they HAVE to be assholes for no good reason. Maybe if you gave them attitude, it's understandable... but for those exchanges above, it sounds completely unwarranted.

Unless you know otherwise, why are you assuming dared3vil0 and TOS'd weren't being presentable and respectful?

Just because you've never had any unjustified unpleasant experiences doesn't mean it doesn't happen.

I've had one totally incompetent border agent, but none that were outright offensive.

[InvisibleSoul]

I've caught myself giving them very specific info. To the point, they think I'm nuts. I even give them to-the-minute times, where I was, what I purchased, what I thought of the cashier, etc. Mind you, I go border shopping two to three times a week. Kind of used to it all.

I never supply any more details than is asked of me, but I almost answer their questions before they finish asking them now because I'm so used to the exchanges.

"Where do you live?" Vancouver
"Where did you go?" Bellingham
"What did you do?" Shopping
"What did you buy?" Some groceries and baby items
"How long were you down there?" About eight hours
"Did you meet anyone down there?" No
"Are you bringing back any alcohol or cigarettes?" No
"What's the total value of goods?" $425
"Why are you coming back so late?" Shopped at Walmart for a few hours.
"Bye"

[hchang]

Unless you know otherwise, why are you assuming dared3vil0 and TOS'd weren't being presentable and respectful?




Unless you know otherwise, why are you assuming they weren't

I wasn't in the car with neither of them.

You only have so long to make a good first impression, people shouldn't judge but the fact of the matter is we do. They might've been respectful but the way you act/present yourself is a big factor too. When somebody walks towards you you analyze them, yes?

[MG1]

TOS'd is always presentable and respectful.......... at least in real life. Not so much on RS.

[TOS'd]

TOS'd is always presentable and respectful.......... at least in real life. Not so much on RS.

Exactly what ma' old man said.

I was/always have been presentable and respectful when crossing the border.

Obviously if he asked the question as "Where would you like to go?" then I would have responded with "I would like to go to.."

Instead he asked the question in the way unlike 99% of the other border guards have ever asked me and I replied in a manner which I do 100% of the time. I say exactly where I am heading and answer their standard questions.

This guy was looking for an excuse to power trip for sure. I may not cross the border as much as some people in this thread, but regardless there are times when they are nice and times when they are straight up assholes. And I've experienced both situations but its not going to stop me from crossing the border.

[LC21]

Got dinged $118 for $850 coilovers. Dammm, they going hard now.

Today's conversion is 1usd = 1.16cad, omgasss

[MG1]

Gas prices continue to plummet. $2.49 per gallon cash price. FM was $2.56 this afternoon.


Crossed PA at around 6:30 am. 4 lanes open and no lineup.

[H.Specter]

came through point roberts today at 12pm, nexus lineup northbound into canada was at the in'n'out parcels. p2p parcel was unbelievably full, looked like a soup kitchen line up.

didn't get dinged for $320 worth of gifts though. gas was 86.9/L for supreme 92 at the minimart