Crossing the border (land) to Canada this weekend, need some assistance.
August 22, 2022 5:25 PM Subscribe
I'm feeling very nervous about crossing the border to Canada this weekend. This is triggered by trauma from the raid at my old roommate's house (police/cops/authority figures), being Deaf and potentially being cut off from communication, and the overload of information I'm seeing online. I'll be with a friend (passenger in his car). We'll be crossing after visiting Niagara Falls (the American side). I'm definitely probably overthinking this but want to make sure our bases are 100% covered, and would like help walking through everything.
The questions are:
1) Would I need to declare the snacks I'm bringing? Each of them? My friend would also be bringing his own snacks, probably vegan so maybe celery sticks, etc.; would this be an issue? We might bring along a 24 pack of water bottles and a cooler with ice for stuff. I seem to see online that fruit/vegetables aren't allowed to be brought across the border. Should I warn my friend to not bring any of those? How about small items like gum, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.? I see conflicting information on whether or not to declare them.
2) I plan to bring medications (Dicyclomine, prescription for stomach issues; Ibuprofen for headaches; Excedrin for any potential migranial headaches; and Pepto Bismel [generic version] for any potential heartburn). I also would be bringing alcohol eyeglasses cleaners (wet pads). Would any of those pose a problem? I seem to see online as well that some RX drugs that are legal in America aren't in Canada, but can't seem to find a way to verify that. Also, I saw a suggestion somewhere to bring only the amount of RX drugs I need for the # of days I'll be visiting Canada, but not sure if that's true.
3) Would I need to declare the value of my iPhone and iPad that I'd be bringing? I saw conflicting information about this.
Anything else to know?
I'm honestly dreading the process, I haven't crossed a border in almost 20 years, and being Deaf is a big part of the reason — misunderstandings or undeclared items. I'm honestly overwhelmed right now, and in general, dealing with authority figures for me is scary because of the Deaf component, as well as trauma from being awakened at 6am for the raid on my former roommate's home. I just don't want any problems—I want a smooth trip. Both my friend and I are Deaf.
If I have issues with the border patrol guard, would asking for a supervisor or Ombudsman be helpful? I plan to talk with my friend about my anxiety, but he might not completely understand and think it's not a big deal (he's more laid back than me), but I see warnings on Canada's website that fines or imprisonment can happen, so that makes me very nervous.
However, my goal is to beat my fear and go and have a good time.
Thanks in advance for your help and answers to my questions!
The questions are:
1) Would I need to declare the snacks I'm bringing? Each of them? My friend would also be bringing his own snacks, probably vegan so maybe celery sticks, etc.; would this be an issue? We might bring along a 24 pack of water bottles and a cooler with ice for stuff. I seem to see online that fruit/vegetables aren't allowed to be brought across the border. Should I warn my friend to not bring any of those? How about small items like gum, toothpaste, soap, shampoo, deodorant, etc.? I see conflicting information on whether or not to declare them.
2) I plan to bring medications (Dicyclomine, prescription for stomach issues; Ibuprofen for headaches; Excedrin for any potential migranial headaches; and Pepto Bismel [generic version] for any potential heartburn). I also would be bringing alcohol eyeglasses cleaners (wet pads). Would any of those pose a problem? I seem to see online as well that some RX drugs that are legal in America aren't in Canada, but can't seem to find a way to verify that. Also, I saw a suggestion somewhere to bring only the amount of RX drugs I need for the # of days I'll be visiting Canada, but not sure if that's true.
3) Would I need to declare the value of my iPhone and iPad that I'd be bringing? I saw conflicting information about this.
Anything else to know?
I'm honestly dreading the process, I haven't crossed a border in almost 20 years, and being Deaf is a big part of the reason — misunderstandings or undeclared items. I'm honestly overwhelmed right now, and in general, dealing with authority figures for me is scary because of the Deaf component, as well as trauma from being awakened at 6am for the raid on my former roommate's home. I just don't want any problems—I want a smooth trip. Both my friend and I are Deaf.
If I have issues with the border patrol guard, would asking for a supervisor or Ombudsman be helpful? I plan to talk with my friend about my anxiety, but he might not completely understand and think it's not a big deal (he's more laid back than me), but I see warnings on Canada's website that fines or imprisonment can happen, so that makes me very nervous.
However, my goal is to beat my fear and go and have a good time.
Thanks in advance for your help and answers to my questions!
Entering Canada is less scary than entering the US, and when entering the US nobody has ever inspected my pills / vitamins. I have had my purse, camera bag, and suitcase opened and rummaged in (felt like the US border guard was being racist, tbh), but never detained beyond that few minutes and never turned away.
I think it's wise to bring more medication than the exact number of days you're staying, just in case of a delay, but I wouldn't bring, like, hundreds of extra pills. Maybe double what you expect to need?
I'm sure you have this tool up your sleeve, but I would suggest bringing a clipboard and paper or a little white board and some markers, so you can write notes with anyone who has questions. I have a Deaf acquaintance who sometimes communicates by typing and showing their phone screen, but officers may not have their phones on them when in uniform, or be allowed to touch your phone, or may not be able to read tiny phone screen text clearly. Perhaps across the top, you could write, "Hello, we are Deaf, please communicate in writing, thank you! :)" and show it to the officer right off the top of the interaction.
Good luck!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:45 PM on August 22, 2022 [4 favorites]
I think it's wise to bring more medication than the exact number of days you're staying, just in case of a delay, but I wouldn't bring, like, hundreds of extra pills. Maybe double what you expect to need?
I'm sure you have this tool up your sleeve, but I would suggest bringing a clipboard and paper or a little white board and some markers, so you can write notes with anyone who has questions. I have a Deaf acquaintance who sometimes communicates by typing and showing their phone screen, but officers may not have their phones on them when in uniform, or be allowed to touch your phone, or may not be able to read tiny phone screen text clearly. Perhaps across the top, you could write, "Hello, we are Deaf, please communicate in writing, thank you! :)" and show it to the officer right off the top of the interaction.
Good luck!
posted by nouvelle-personne at 5:45 PM on August 22, 2022 [4 favorites]
If you
* don’t bring any fruit/veg
* bring a list of any medications, ensuring the Rx labels match your passport
* if you have months of supply of Rx maybe bring a limited amount
* bring a printout explaining your accessibility needs
You should be just fine. CBP is legally obligated to provide sign language access: youtube vid here
dicyclomine is legal here, according to the Health BC site. Not the same province, but we don’t have per-province legal medication.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 5:48 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
* don’t bring any fruit/veg
* bring a list of any medications, ensuring the Rx labels match your passport
* if you have months of supply of Rx maybe bring a limited amount
* bring a printout explaining your accessibility needs
You should be just fine. CBP is legally obligated to provide sign language access: youtube vid here
dicyclomine is legal here, according to the Health BC site. Not the same province, but we don’t have per-province legal medication.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 5:48 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
Plain text version of CBP accessibility requirements here.
posted by Jon Mitchell at 5:50 PM on August 22, 2022
posted by Jon Mitchell at 5:50 PM on August 22, 2022
The Canada Border Service Agency has information on traveling with a disability. See also their general border crossing checklist.
posted by mbrubeck at 5:51 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
I seem to see online that fruit/vegetables aren't allowed to be brought across the border. Should I warn my friend to not bring any of those?The actual rules for carrying food across the border for personal use are complicated, but border agents will typically just ask you not to bring any fresh fruits or vegetables across the border. You should plan to buy fruits and vegetables in Canada instead.
posted by mbrubeck at 5:51 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
Response by poster: Yes, US Citizen here. Would be my first time in Canada.
Re the medication bit: I saw here that people are required to declare medications, even without being asked to...? That's why I wasn't sure. Link
supercres: are you saying they didn't ask for any medications you had, and that you didn't need to declare it? I guess I'm confused on that bit.
I'm sure you have this tool up your sleeve, but I would suggest bringing a clipboard and paper or a little white board and some markers
Great idea. Sorry about your poor experience at the US border, btw.
posted by dubious_dude at 5:54 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Re the medication bit: I saw here that people are required to declare medications, even without being asked to...? That's why I wasn't sure. Link
supercres: are you saying they didn't ask for any medications you had, and that you didn't need to declare it? I guess I'm confused on that bit.
I'm sure you have this tool up your sleeve, but I would suggest bringing a clipboard and paper or a little white board and some markers
Great idea. Sorry about your poor experience at the US border, btw.
posted by dubious_dude at 5:54 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Regarding food, fruit and vegetables are fine as is pretty much any processed food and certainly water and any toiletries items. Meat (including sandwich meat) can occasionally be an issue, especially if it is not in a package (though even then it is unlikely to come up). See details here. You're more likely to have problems if you still have some of this stuff coming back into the US, which is far more picky about importing food.
None of your medications will be a problem.
You don't need to declare your phone or ipad unless you intend to leave them behind in Canada.
Crossing the border to Canada is not a big deal at all.
posted by ssg at 5:55 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
None of your medications will be a problem.
You don't need to declare your phone or ipad unless you intend to leave them behind in Canada.
Crossing the border to Canada is not a big deal at all.
posted by ssg at 5:55 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
Generally, the agents welcoming you into Canada are more pleasant than the ones who will welcome you back into the US. They don't care about cell phones or tablets. Everyone is carrying them. I think not bringing any fruits or vegetables might potentially avoid some issues. Luckily, Canada sells fruit and vegetables. You'll most likely be crossing at the Rainbow bridge and once you're across there will be tons of places to buy whatever you want. But, I doubt it'll be an issue. Especially celery sticks. Thousands of Americans own cottages in Canada, and they bring food back and forth all the time.
Mainly, they just ask where you're going and how long you'll be there.
posted by jonathanhughes at 6:00 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Mainly, they just ask where you're going and how long you'll be there.
posted by jonathanhughes at 6:00 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
I think it's a good idea to bring enough medication to cover if you did have to delay return due to Covid. I think the longest you would be delayed is 10 days. The main point of the "only bring what you need" is don't bring so much extra that they think you're trying to stay in Canada longer or bring in more than personal use amounts. 10 days or 2 weeks extra beyond your expected length of stay is reasonable and unlikely to cause concern with not-heavily-regulated drugs like these.
posted by nat at 6:01 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by nat at 6:01 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
First, remember what they are looking for: drugs, weapons, criminal history, intent to overstay or work in Canada, insufficient funds, and unexplained nervousness. If you don't fall into those categories, they will not be gunning for you.
Answer their questions truthfully, but with NO DETAILS unless asked. It will probably go like this:
Q: Where are you coming from?
A: We are from City X.
Q: What brings you to Canada?
A: Tourism.
Q: How long are you staying?
A: 3 days.
Q: Where are you staying?
A: At a hotel.
Q: Are you bringing cash over $10k?
A: No.
Q: Are you bringing agricultural products?
A: Some vegetable snacks.
Q: Enjoy your trip.
The questions are so routine, you can pre-write these answers on index cards. And yes, you still need ArriveCan.
posted by dum spiro spero at 6:32 PM on August 22, 2022 [7 favorites]
Answer their questions truthfully, but with NO DETAILS unless asked. It will probably go like this:
Q: Where are you coming from?
A: We are from City X.
Q: What brings you to Canada?
A: Tourism.
Q: How long are you staying?
A: 3 days.
Q: Where are you staying?
A: At a hotel.
Q: Are you bringing cash over $10k?
A: No.
Q: Are you bringing agricultural products?
A: Some vegetable snacks.
Q: Enjoy your trip.
The questions are so routine, you can pre-write these answers on index cards. And yes, you still need ArriveCan.
posted by dum spiro spero at 6:32 PM on August 22, 2022 [7 favorites]
Definitely get the ArriveCan app and fill it out before you cross the border. My understanding is that this is required.
You only need to declare the value of things that you are intending to leave in Canada (like, gifts that you intend to give to people which will stay in Canada). You don't need to declare the value of your personal electronics, because you will be taking them home with you at the end of your visit.
posted by heatherlogan at 6:36 PM on August 22, 2022
You only need to declare the value of things that you are intending to leave in Canada (like, gifts that you intend to give to people which will stay in Canada). You don't need to declare the value of your personal electronics, because you will be taking them home with you at the end of your visit.
posted by heatherlogan at 6:36 PM on August 22, 2022
Your medicine is fine, as long as they are in prescription bottles with your name on them.
posted by kschang at 6:46 PM on August 22, 2022
posted by kschang at 6:46 PM on August 22, 2022
Response by poster: Your medicine is fine, as long as they are in prescription bottles with your name on them.
How about OTC medications I plan to bring, such as Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, and Excedrin? And should I pre-declare all the medications, or wait until asked? Conflicting information again.
Sorry for the threadsit, but believe it or not, your answers are helping a lot!
posted by dubious_dude at 6:51 PM on August 22, 2022
How about OTC medications I plan to bring, such as Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, and Excedrin? And should I pre-declare all the medications, or wait until asked? Conflicting information again.
Sorry for the threadsit, but believe it or not, your answers are helping a lot!
posted by dubious_dude at 6:51 PM on August 22, 2022
Dum Spero Spero has it. Simply answer every question asked by the guard, honestly, but with as little detail as possible. E.g.:
—-
Guard: Bringing any food?
You: Just a few snacks for the trip.
—-
Guard: Anything to declare?
You: Just a few snacks for the trip, and my medications. I have a list of my medications here if you’d like to see them.
—-
Try to avoid long detailed explanations if possible (which is hard if you’re an anxious person!) Try to get in the mindset of “if they want more detail, they’ll ask for it.” Extraneous detail just invites more scrutiny, which you want to avoid. Say just enough to honestly answer the question, and nothing more. If your friend is less anxious and willing to be the person who drives the car across the border (therefore being the “main” person to communicate with the border guard), that might be a good idea.
I’ve crossed the border many times with both medications and snacks, and never had any issue. I’ve never been asked about my meds. I think once or twice I’ve been asked if I was bringing any food, I said “snacks”, and that was the end of it. Toiletries are definitely fine, no need to declare.
While in theory fines and imprisonment are technically possible, that is extremely, extremely unlikely if you mean well and are trying to follow the law. Realistically, the worst that can happen is that they search your vehicle and/or confiscate something you’re bringing. I don’t mean to understate the trauma of that experience, because I’ve always been quite shaken up on the rare occasions I’ve had my car searched, but the chance that you’ll receive any kind of punishment is practically zero.
Have a great trip! I have quite a lot of anxiety about border crossings as well, but almost always everything turns out fine.
posted by mekily at 6:58 PM on August 22, 2022 [5 favorites]
—-
Guard: Bringing any food?
You: Just a few snacks for the trip.
—-
Guard: Anything to declare?
You: Just a few snacks for the trip, and my medications. I have a list of my medications here if you’d like to see them.
—-
Try to avoid long detailed explanations if possible (which is hard if you’re an anxious person!) Try to get in the mindset of “if they want more detail, they’ll ask for it.” Extraneous detail just invites more scrutiny, which you want to avoid. Say just enough to honestly answer the question, and nothing more. If your friend is less anxious and willing to be the person who drives the car across the border (therefore being the “main” person to communicate with the border guard), that might be a good idea.
I’ve crossed the border many times with both medications and snacks, and never had any issue. I’ve never been asked about my meds. I think once or twice I’ve been asked if I was bringing any food, I said “snacks”, and that was the end of it. Toiletries are definitely fine, no need to declare.
While in theory fines and imprisonment are technically possible, that is extremely, extremely unlikely if you mean well and are trying to follow the law. Realistically, the worst that can happen is that they search your vehicle and/or confiscate something you’re bringing. I don’t mean to understate the trauma of that experience, because I’ve always been quite shaken up on the rare occasions I’ve had my car searched, but the chance that you’ll receive any kind of punishment is practically zero.
Have a great trip! I have quite a lot of anxiety about border crossings as well, but almost always everything turns out fine.
posted by mekily at 6:58 PM on August 22, 2022 [5 favorites]
In addition to the questions dum spiro spero listed, they often ask where you are staying in Canada (they don't mean the address (unless they ask specifically), just "with friends in $town" or "at the youth hostel"), are you bringing alcohol into Canada (they mean beer/wine/liquor, not your glasses cleaner; there's a limit on how much you can bring) and do you have firearms or other weapons (because Americans like assuming they can bring guns into Canada willy-nilly, they're not suspecting you).
You don't fill in the declaration card when you enter by land, but you can find the questions and a link to the PDF version here. That can be a guide for what information you want to have written down in advance.
My experience is that Canadian immigration officials are thorough (the longest it's taken me to cross a border is entering Canada), but not capricious, cruel and obviously discriminatory in the way US ones are.
posted by hoyland at 7:04 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
You don't fill in the declaration card when you enter by land, but you can find the questions and a link to the PDF version here. That can be a guide for what information you want to have written down in advance.
My experience is that Canadian immigration officials are thorough (the longest it's taken me to cross a border is entering Canada), but not capricious, cruel and obviously discriminatory in the way US ones are.
posted by hoyland at 7:04 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
You are required to get the ArriveCAN app on your phone to submit your Covid vaccination information. The good news is that you can also use the app to fill out your customs declaration in advance, up to 72 hours before you cross the border. The app has written prompts that make it very clear what you are and are not allowed to bring. See this page on the Canadian government's website.
posted by capricorn at 7:45 PM on August 22, 2022
posted by capricorn at 7:45 PM on August 22, 2022
Oh, and (because I was also confused about this) you can fill it out LESS than 72 hours before you cross the border, but not MORE than 72 hours.
posted by capricorn at 7:50 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by capricorn at 7:50 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
I cannot speak to being Deaf, but I have done a bunch of US/Canada land crossings! The only thing on your list to be mindful of is fruit/veg. I've experienced border guards on both sides being pretty strict about it (I once saw a couple eat a bunch of peaches, and throw out the rest. I think I was on a Greyhound bus, which is a more thorough screening than driving.) The reason for the rule is to protect agricultural interests on both sides of the border. You might get lucky, but I always err on the side of caution for these things.
Enjoy your visit! :)
posted by invokeuse at 8:36 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Enjoy your visit! :)
posted by invokeuse at 8:36 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
Given my personal experience entering Canada, which was a long while ago, granted, you'll most likely hand them passports, they'll ask where you're going and for how long, the driver will reply that you're visiting x place for y days and they'll respond with a "welcome to Canada!" If they do ask anything more, answer truthfully and succinctly. Worst case (unless you're actually trying to smuggle contraband, anyway) is that they say no thanks and you go home. That is highly unlikely unless you have a criminal history that makes you ineligible to enter without a prearranged visa.
Returning to the US is often less pleasant because CBP likes to recruit asshats who like to grill the shit out of everyone, but you need not worry. Just don't bring fresh food or purchases over whatever the limit for having to declare them is these days and the worst that happens is you get some unnecessary hassle. You're a US citizen and can prove it, so they have to let you enter. It's not like being a noncitizen where they can just up and decide not to let you in because they're having a bad day.
posted by wierdo at 8:58 PM on August 22, 2022
Returning to the US is often less pleasant because CBP likes to recruit asshats who like to grill the shit out of everyone, but you need not worry. Just don't bring fresh food or purchases over whatever the limit for having to declare them is these days and the worst that happens is you get some unnecessary hassle. You're a US citizen and can prove it, so they have to let you enter. It's not like being a noncitizen where they can just up and decide not to let you in because they're having a bad day.
posted by wierdo at 8:58 PM on August 22, 2022
OP asked:
>>How about OTC medications I plan to bring, such as Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, and Excedrin?
Leave them in original bottles and you should be fine. It's pretty obvious what's what to customs folks who sees dozens of those daily. They know what's out of place and what's not.
IMHO, personal medicine should not be declared, unless you have something that has potential to be abused, like heavy opiates (Fentanyl, Codeine stuff, etc.) then only if they ask you. I doubt you would be bringing in enough to compete with a local pharmacy. :D It should be pretty obvious it's just "personal use" quantities.
posted by kschang at 9:27 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
>>How about OTC medications I plan to bring, such as Ibuprofen, Pepto-Bismol, and Excedrin?
Leave them in original bottles and you should be fine. It's pretty obvious what's what to customs folks who sees dozens of those daily. They know what's out of place and what's not.
IMHO, personal medicine should not be declared, unless you have something that has potential to be abused, like heavy opiates (Fentanyl, Codeine stuff, etc.) then only if they ask you. I doubt you would be bringing in enough to compete with a local pharmacy. :D It should be pretty obvious it's just "personal use" quantities.
posted by kschang at 9:27 PM on August 22, 2022 [2 favorites]
This doesn't answer any of your questions directly, but I hope it's helpful to read anyway: crossing the border can be a very anxious experience and it's totally understandable to feel nervous. But, you are not the first Deaf person to cross the border, and the CBP likely know about the existence of Deaf people and have some way of handling it! I say this as an ASL interpreter who lives near the border, who knows interpreters who cross the border regularly for work (even during covid border closure), and who knows of CBP staff with exposure to specific Deaf community members.
Again, not saying this to invalidate your feelings, especially since you have some trauma that makes your anxiety legitimate and understandable. Just saying this to try to help reframe your expectations.
I think others above have given great advice about your specific questions, but I agree with the overall advice to bring a whiteboard/marker or pad of paper/pen, write out that you're Deaf, and be polite and friendly. Know that border guards are very serious people, so you may not get much overt friendliness/smiling, but they are professionals who will know how to guide your interaction with them.
Other little advice: once you get the green light, roll up to the booth with all windows down and sunglasses off, passports ready. Don't feel rushed to get through because there is a line, you take all the time with the guard that you need. It will likely be a brief and painless interaction, and then you can enjoy the rest of your trip. If at any point anything does go "wrong" or get more complicated, you have a right to request an interpreter (likely will be VRI), but again, that is a worst-case unlikely situation!
Hope all goes well and enjoy your trip!
posted by carlypennylane at 10:08 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
Again, not saying this to invalidate your feelings, especially since you have some trauma that makes your anxiety legitimate and understandable. Just saying this to try to help reframe your expectations.
I think others above have given great advice about your specific questions, but I agree with the overall advice to bring a whiteboard/marker or pad of paper/pen, write out that you're Deaf, and be polite and friendly. Know that border guards are very serious people, so you may not get much overt friendliness/smiling, but they are professionals who will know how to guide your interaction with them.
Other little advice: once you get the green light, roll up to the booth with all windows down and sunglasses off, passports ready. Don't feel rushed to get through because there is a line, you take all the time with the guard that you need. It will likely be a brief and painless interaction, and then you can enjoy the rest of your trip. If at any point anything does go "wrong" or get more complicated, you have a right to request an interpreter (likely will be VRI), but again, that is a worst-case unlikely situation!
Hope all goes well and enjoy your trip!
posted by carlypennylane at 10:08 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
Small-d deaf person here, and Canadian.
No disrespect, but you may be overthinking things here a bit. Answer strictly the questions that are being asked of you (and they will be minimal), have your ArriveCan app filled, and there should be no problems. Never supply more information than is asked for.
I wouldn’t cross over with any fruit or veg, just to avoid that hassle — we have those here, too. The rest of it — meds, electronic equipment — they won’t care.
As for how to negotiate the border as a Deaf person, you already have those tools in supply. In any event, you won’t be the first Deaf person the crossing guard has encountered.
Just give straight answers as best you can to the questions that are being asked, and you’ll be fine.
posted by Capt. Renault at 10:13 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
No disrespect, but you may be overthinking things here a bit. Answer strictly the questions that are being asked of you (and they will be minimal), have your ArriveCan app filled, and there should be no problems. Never supply more information than is asked for.
I wouldn’t cross over with any fruit or veg, just to avoid that hassle — we have those here, too. The rest of it — meds, electronic equipment — they won’t care.
As for how to negotiate the border as a Deaf person, you already have those tools in supply. In any event, you won’t be the first Deaf person the crossing guard has encountered.
Just give straight answers as best you can to the questions that are being asked, and you’ll be fine.
posted by Capt. Renault at 10:13 PM on August 22, 2022 [3 favorites]
For electronics, they're interested in things that you plan on leaving with Canada, not your personal items that will go back with you. Business traveller, have a laptop, have never declared said laptop and would explain it's mine and travels with me if asked (which has never happened).
I also travel with tylenol and antihistamines and again, it's never come up and I have no plans on raising it unannounced. They're not prescriptions, and I recommend the precautions above (specifically: labelled bottles) for prescriptions, but it generally doesn't get a mention. If they ask if you're carrying illegal drugs (possible, but highly unlikely) the answer is no, and not 'no but'.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:29 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
I also travel with tylenol and antihistamines and again, it's never come up and I have no plans on raising it unannounced. They're not prescriptions, and I recommend the precautions above (specifically: labelled bottles) for prescriptions, but it generally doesn't get a mention. If they ask if you're carrying illegal drugs (possible, but highly unlikely) the answer is no, and not 'no but'.
posted by How much is that froggie in the window at 11:29 PM on August 22, 2022 [1 favorite]
RE: Electronics -- if memory serves, they *are* allowed to check through your phone or laptop or even flash drives to check for contraband (usually, some really vile forms of porn, if "Nothing to Declare" is to be believed) but if they doubt your intentions to enter Canada they will dig deeper. Like if you are really here as a tourist you probably would not bring your resume, have photos of a "farewell party" in your very recent timeline, or text messages to your "boss" discussing your work schedule in Canada. :)
posted by kschang at 12:37 AM on August 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by kschang at 12:37 AM on August 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Response by poster: This was amazing, and very helpful. Loving the whiteboard idea, will do a version of that. I also love the idea of having a chart of medications (RX and OTC) handy if I'm asked to show it.
I feel much more calmer about the prospect of going through customs in Canada now, thanks to all of your help. After this weekend, I'll report back how it went on both ends!
posted by dubious_dude at 5:21 AM on August 23, 2022 [4 favorites]
I feel much more calmer about the prospect of going through customs in Canada now, thanks to all of your help. After this weekend, I'll report back how it went on both ends!
posted by dubious_dude at 5:21 AM on August 23, 2022 [4 favorites]
I have NEVER been asked about medications and go to Canada often via Detroit. We went last week and were not asked about ArriveCan - just handed over passports. The border agent wanted to know where we were going and why (visiting family - which family he asked? And when we told him he wanted to know if they or we were dual citizens - answer - them, not us. OK have a good trip was the reply.) Do bring your vaccination card - we were not asked to show it going in or out though.
He asked what we were bringing - and you'll get asked that coming back too. They don't care about your personal meds or electronics. I wouldn't bring any fruit or vegetables - you can easily pick those up at a store and it's just a potential problem. Packaged stuff like chips or nuts will be a non-issue. Also note that your US credit card will work in Canada although you may need to notify your bank you're crossing the border. And have fun!
posted by leslies at 5:28 AM on August 23, 2022
He asked what we were bringing - and you'll get asked that coming back too. They don't care about your personal meds or electronics. I wouldn't bring any fruit or vegetables - you can easily pick those up at a store and it's just a potential problem. Packaged stuff like chips or nuts will be a non-issue. Also note that your US credit card will work in Canada although you may need to notify your bank you're crossing the border. And have fun!
posted by leslies at 5:28 AM on August 23, 2022
The one thing I can think of is in the reverse direction - you might not want to bring Kinder eggs back to the US from Canada.
Also note that your US credit card will work in Canada although you may need to notify your bank you're crossing the border.
Highlighting this - it's a good precaution.
Have a good trip!
posted by trig at 5:52 AM on August 23, 2022
Also note that your US credit card will work in Canada although you may need to notify your bank you're crossing the border.
Highlighting this - it's a good precaution.
Have a good trip!
posted by trig at 5:52 AM on August 23, 2022
I just thought of something that (if you haven't yet) you should definitely check: Is your cellphone plan set up for roaming in Canada? Typical options are: (1) a way to activate a per-day charge (on my carrier it's $12 per day) to use your ordinary phone plan minutes/data/texts/etc. in another country; (2) some kind of blanket deal where you pay no roaming charges in Canada; (3) exorbitant unplanned-roaming fees (particularly for data) that you don't want to get surprised with on your next bill. Typical keywords for your cellphone plan website would be "international roaming" or maybe "travel with your phone".
posted by heatherlogan at 6:30 AM on August 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
posted by heatherlogan at 6:30 AM on August 23, 2022 [2 favorites]
Data point: I happened to be in a Bank of America branch not long before a recent trip to Quebec, and I mentioned that I'd be out of the country and if I still needed to give the bank notice about that. They explained that because of chip & PIN tech, and because of mobile phones and location sharing and such, there was no longer a need to let the bank know where I was going because they'd know. We never had issues with using our bank cards when we were in Quebec.
posted by emelenjr at 6:57 AM on August 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by emelenjr at 6:57 AM on August 23, 2022 [1 favorite]
Regarding Kinder eggs... Kinder Surprise is banned in the US. The US equivalent is called "Kinder Joy". Actually had to look that up last week. :D
posted by kschang at 9:40 AM on August 23, 2022
posted by kschang at 9:40 AM on August 23, 2022
Response by poster: Piggybacking onto this question, another question just came up—should I get travelers health insurance as well? It's not entirely clear if my health insurance would cover any emergencies while there in full, so might it be a good idea? It'd only be for three days (two nights), but still, you never know.
As for my bank and cell plan, good ideas. I believe my cell plan covers Canada travel, but I'll double check.
posted by dubious_dude at 9:44 AM on August 23, 2022
As for my bank and cell plan, good ideas. I believe my cell plan covers Canada travel, but I'll double check.
posted by dubious_dude at 9:44 AM on August 23, 2022
RE: Traveler's health insurance -- not required, as you are a tourist and unlikely to be a drain on the Canadian health system, esp. with US just a few hours away at most. But if it helps give you ease of mind, it'd be worth it. Just make sure it covers transport back to the US to your home tonw, or something like that.
Your phone may roam in Canada, but you will likely need to notify the carrier that you are going, and turn off the Canadian coverage upon a certain date. Same with your bank, helps enhances security as the bank knows when to allow such and when to turn them off. Doublecheck once you got home.
posted by kschang at 9:47 AM on August 23, 2022
Your phone may roam in Canada, but you will likely need to notify the carrier that you are going, and turn off the Canadian coverage upon a certain date. Same with your bank, helps enhances security as the bank knows when to allow such and when to turn them off. Doublecheck once you got home.
posted by kschang at 9:47 AM on August 23, 2022
Your credit card may give you travel insurance.
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:49 PM on August 23, 2022
posted by nouvelle-personne at 12:49 PM on August 23, 2022
I would get the travel health insurance - I've actually needed to use it in the past and there wouldn't have been time to wait for [the hours it would take you to drive back across the border and to a US hospital] before getting treatment.
posted by trig at 12:43 AM on August 24, 2022
posted by trig at 12:43 AM on August 24, 2022
If it would help with peace of mind, you should know that travel medical insurance is ridiculously cheap (like, in the low tens of dollars for a shortish trip). I buy mine through United Healthcare SafeTrip. Never used it, though.
posted by mosst at 7:34 AM on August 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
posted by mosst at 7:34 AM on August 24, 2022 [1 favorite]
A quick add to this great thread: if you intend to cross the border with a pet, research what vaccination records or other documentation is required.
posted by werkzeuger at 10:26 AM on August 28, 2022
posted by werkzeuger at 10:26 AM on August 28, 2022
Response by poster: Update: all went very well. Crossed both sides with absolutely no problems at all — was a quick, painless ~5 minutes interaction both ways (but a VERY long wait going into Canada across the Rainbow Bridge - about an hour waiting in line!). Quick and basic questions were asked, and answered with no problems. Whew!
Thanks again for setting my mind at ease! Much appreciated.
posted by dubious_dude at 9:08 AM on August 29, 2022 [2 favorites]
Thanks again for setting my mind at ease! Much appreciated.
posted by dubious_dude at 9:08 AM on August 29, 2022 [2 favorites]
This thread is closed to new comments.
My crossings into Canada recently (2-3 times in past 6 months) have amounted to, "Purpose of your visit? How long are you staying?" (tourism, one night or w/e) and then on the way back into the US, "Did you buy anything that you're bringing back?" (no). They will look into your back window and look at everyone's passport and COVID record (actually, not sure if the latter is still true). Brought everything you're mentioning and didn't even think to declare it.
Get the ArriveCan app and pre-register your visit, then you can print the receipt with QR code and hand it over with your passport. It will ask you where you plan to quarantine if you get a positive COVID test; don't stress about this. If you have a hotel booked or are staying with a friend, provide that address. If not, provide any hotel address near where you're visiting. (You just need a plan, not a reservation or anything.)
You will know better than me how to deal with minor government functionaries as a Deaf person, but you can probably treat them however you do TSA. They are federal law enforcement (on both sides) but they're most interested in keeping the lines moving. You will likely stand out from their normal processes because you are Deaf, but however you plan ahead for TSA should work here.
posted by supercres at 5:42 PM on August 22, 2022 [8 favorites]