Crossing the Border

[jokacz]

Last couple times they asked me on the Canadian side if I was just going for a ride. I said no, and gave my standard answer of going to dinner and the Downer with friends. Never mention the Kingsway, any motel but the KW is fine. When they ask where I'm staying I say Niagara Lodges, which is usually true anyway. The closest I've had to a problem on the Canadian side was when I had the bad luck of getting a trainee and they made her play by the book. I confessed to having a couple bottles of Vodka. She told me I was only allowed one, but let me through anyway.

[Tiger]

Originally Posted by wantsome

I just tell em I'm meeting Ford in Toronto at a 12 step meeting

Just remember to bring your towel.

[drluv1]

Originally Posted by Wakeup

That didn't change with 9/11...I've been to Canada since then and all I told them was "business"...that was it...

Figured there was some new Canadian policy they were referring to...

Really, when you say business that usually piques their curiosity more. I know a couple people that went over the Border in their business vehicles and got questioned vigorously to prove they weren't doing Business in Canada. Maybe if you go through customs in an airport it's different, but going by rental car (I assume) on Business would make you WAY more likely to be questioned more intensely. Do you go to Canada often? that would make a difference as well.

[drluv1]

Originally Posted by moneytalksny

I really mean no offense but your comment wasn't helpful at all. I would favor legislation for people not to start bullshit feedback with "I mean no offense" and then follow up with offensive statements.

You may not be aware of this but you get the third degree when crossing the border or at least I have in my last three visits. Casino is helpful
to me personally because I wasn't even aware that this may have been a viable option.

If you don't like the topic just move on. Better yet start a better one.

MTny

I assume you are not from Buffalo. It really isn't much of an ordeal, just don't get caught in a lie. It's not much different than being pulled over by a cop. As long as what you are doing in Canada is legit and your answers are believable it's not a problem. You will be asked citizenship(need a passport or enhanced DL),purpose of trip, do you have any alcohol or tabbaco, Do you have any weapons? You may be asked if you have ever been convicted of a crime( if you have, even DWI, forget it) and how much money you have. As long as your answers are satisfactory, you'll be on your way. They may ask you some secondary questions about your trip, it's not unusual, just be honest. If you do get pulled over for a secondary inspection, don't worry, as long as you've been honest about what you're bringing and your ID checks out, you'll be ok. They pull over suspicious people, but do random checks as well, rarely do they ask you many question at these check, they search your car and give you your ID back and away you go.I've probably been pulled over 25 times out maybe 1000 trip and they never find anything(they did find things I had forgotten I had in the car, but nothing illegal),,but I still get pulled over once in awhile and it's seems to be more when I do something different than normal( Going to Sundowner)

The bridges can get very backed up this time of year,especially on the Weekends. If you google " rainbow bridge traffic", that will take you to the website that will give you crossing times for all 3 bridges. I believe they have customs info on there as well.

[Luvbubbles]

One of my ufriends has a cottage at crystal beach, so I have all the information I need to provide.

[moneytalksny]

Originally Posted by JohnnyCap

You weren't aware crossing customs was necessary to go to a casino in another country, or you weren't aware going to a casino in another country was a reason to go through customs? Or were you not aware you could go to a casino there?

Actually wasn't aware that the casinos even existed .

Originally Posted by JohnnyCap

Don't let the fear mongers cause you terror. You have the right to fuck pussy on both sides of that river. You're a man!

Fuck yeah...

Biggest problem for me is that I've been going up there for legit business and feel like I'm tripping up. Need a good trip proof excuse for pussy..

[moneytalksny]

Originally Posted by drluv1

Really, when you say business that usually piques their curiosity more. I know a couple people that went over the Border in their business vehicles and got questioned vigorously to prove they weren't doing Business in Canada. Maybe if you go through customs in an airport it's different, but going by rental car (I assume) on Business would make you WAY more likely to be questioned more intensely. Do you go to Canada often? that would make a difference as well.

Yeah.. That one word one would fuck you royally based on my experiences.

MTny

[Plastic Man]

tell those fucking ...fascist pigs ...youre going to the ...mosque ...to get fitted for ...a special ...vest ...for a big ...party

...that will get you over the border ...no sweat

...pussy jimmies

[Wakeup]

Nope, only went once in my life, in 2006. Landed in Quebec. At customs they asked and I said "business trip", I think were the exact words. He mentioned something about trying to find time to enjoy myself and I said thanks. That was it.

[Guest070916]

Originally Posted by Wakeup

That didn't change with 9/11...I've been to Canada since then and all I told them was "business"...that was it...

Originally Posted by Wakeup

Nope, only went once in my life, in 2006. Landed in Quebec. At customs they asked and I said "business trip", I think were the exact words. He mentioned something about trying to find time to enjoy myself and I said thanks. That was it.

Landing in Quebec may be different since it's an airport and many visit for business meetings, etc.

Used to visit Ontario by car 2-3 times a week back in the rip-roaring days when we got over 50% more for our strong USD. If you mentioned business they may want to know what your business is, depending on who the Customs agent was. Some didn't really care but some would really give you the 3rd degree. Found it best to say, going to the casino and or the Downer now but many times they will still ask if you have plans to 'meet' anyone while here. If you say yes they will want to know who. Same goes if you say you plan to visit friends. If you tell them your going to a cottage, they may want the cottage address, so be prepared.

[Chica Chaser]

Originally Posted by drluv1

Really, when you say business that usually piques their curiosity more. I know a couple people that went over the Border in their business vehicles and got questioned vigorously to prove they weren't doing Business in Canada. Maybe if you go through customs in an airport it's different, but going by rental car (I assume) on Business would make you WAY more likely to be questioned more intensely. Do you go to Canada often? that would make a difference as well.

Every time in the last few years, thats been the case. I think what that comes down to is if you are travelling "on business", they want to make sure you are not earning any money that they can't get the income tax on.
Now days....I'm "on vacation" and always "going fishing" there.

[Guest070916]

Originally Posted by Chica Chaser

Now days....I'm "on vacation" and always "going fishing" there.

Those are good cover reasons also but again be prepared with proper documentation to substantiate them if Customs asks. If you can't, appear nervous or start to stumble, you may be pulled over for secondary inspection where things can get pretty hairy. In secondary inspection you have NO rights, can be questioned more intently while your vehicle is throughly inspected! Also any cell phone, smart phone or laptop you may have could be fully inspected and or copied. If you refuse they will be confiscated!

Truckers are the ones who get nailed bad on this. At least once a week we read in our local Buffalo newspaper about some trucker being convicted for having child porn on his laptop, which was discovered during secondary inspection.

[JohnnyCap]

Originally Posted by Celso

At least once a week we read in our local Buffalo newspaper about some trucker being convicted for having child porn on his laptop, which was discovered during secondary inspection.

Holy hyperbole Celso! At least once a week? I doubt you can come near ten that were in the Buffalo newspaper this year, which we're about 24 weeks into. My brief google search revealed just one Canadian Border Agent who was arrested/convicted on kiddie porn charges.

Not saying it doesn't happen, but not to this extent.

As with anything, when crossing the border the number one thing is to not be a raging asshole.

[East Amherst]

Just wondering fellow hobbiest's. Can you get over the bridges with a NYS licence and birth cert OR do you have to have a enhanced licence or passport??? Just wondering. Have not been over to Canada since 9/11. Thanks for anyone who could help me. EA

[Tiger]

EA - You have to have a passport or an enhanced license.