Official "Border Crossing" Thread

[Xu.Vi]

Originally Posted by aalex

maybe the office find its easier to communicate with u in cantonese?

Hahha I think he was clearly just enjoying his job and practicing another language at the same time. I replied in English half the time. Even asked how to pronounce one of my passengers name as he was unsure of the pinyin.

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by ss6o4

Hahha I think he was clearly just enjoying his job and practicing another language at the same time. I replied in English half the time. Even asked how to pronounce one of my passengers name as he was unsure of the pinyin.

Sounds like we need more guards like this and less of the arrogant ones that line the stalls more often.

[Tone Loc]

I once had an African-American USCBP officer speak fluent, native accent Tagalog to me at OGG airport in Maui. My mind was full of what the fuck

[m3thods]

My best guess is that he might've been ex-military and stationed in the Philippines for a while.

Knowing Filipina women- one word out of that guy's mouth likely meant he got some action.

[Hamburger]

I'm going along with my friend to Point Roberts to pick up some items he ordered this coming Sat. I'm just going to help carry some of his items into his car.
I'm just gonna bring passport and some cash for emergency but nothing for me to pick up.
Is there anything different about Point Roberts than Blaine? I've never been through there. Sounds like they are more strict with procedure here.
Any tips when going through forward and back?
Anyone know the best time to go? We planning to get there by 9:30am.
So far from reading the past few pages, you declare everything.

[TypeRNammer]

Is it possible to get taxed on the shipping?

Brought back a down pipe which was valued at 479.99 and shipping was $20 bucks, got taxed for the full $499.99 USD

[syee]

Originally Posted by m3thods

Sounds like we need more guards like this and less of the arrogant ones that line the stalls more often.

Surprisingly, I find the US CBP guys at Blaine are super nice and friendly. They're always joking around and occasionally in the NEXUS lane, they'll greet you by name. I find however, at YVR, it's the complete opposite and they're complete douches.

On the other hand, the Canadian CBP folks in Blaine are the furthest thing from friendly. This goes completely against the friendly Canadian stereotypes people have of us Canadians. Maybe the US greet us with open arms in Blaine because they know you're going down to spend money and boost their economy?

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by syee

Surprisingly, I find the US CBP guys at Blaine are super nice and friendly. They're always joking around and occasionally in the NEXUS lane, they'll greet you by name. I find however, at YVR, it's the complete opposite and they're complete douches.

On the other hand, the Canadian CBP folks in Blaine are the furthest thing from friendly. This goes completely against the friendly Canadian stereotypes people have of us Canadians. Maybe the US greet us with open arms in Blaine because they know you're going down to spend money and boost their economy?

Likely. I've never had an unpleasant US guard. I lose count thinking of the unpleasant Canadian ones. I'm not sure why they need to feel like treating a citizen of the country they're protecting as akin to a terrorist/smuggler. You'd expect that from the US, but not from Canada.

My last visit, I declared the combined value of goods between my fiancee and me to the NEXUS guard. He proceeds to ask "how much did she spend?" and I replied with "oh, her items were part of the xxx amount. She spent xxx of it". He then replied with "well then she had something to declare then". I apologized, and he asked what we bought. I replied "Groceries and cloth-" where he interrupts me and says "Goodbye".

I was so confused.

[FN-2199]

Originally Posted by TypeRNammer

Is it possible to get taxed on the shipping?

Brought back a down pipe which was valued at 479.99 and shipping was $20 bucks, got taxed for the full $499.99 USD

Usually if you have proof before shipping and taxes, they charge you for whatever you paid. If it isn't visually separated, prepare to eat the whole thing. However, it's at the guard's discretion...

[IMASA]

I think you are supposed to declare the total cost (includes shipping and foreign taxes) that you paid to acquire the goods. If your receipt shows shipping and taxes, then you gotta declare the whole amount and will probably be used by the cashier to calculate what you owe.

I'm about to go pick up a $350 radio that is coming back from warranty repair. I checked online and it indicates I have to declare the full amount of the value of the repaired item.
I know I have to declare it, but do I have to pay duties/tax on it? I already paid it the first time when I brought it over.

[saveth]

Originally Posted by m3thods

My last visit, I declared the combined value of goods between my fiancee and me to the NEXUS guard. He proceeds to ask "how much did she spend?" and I replied with "oh, her items were part of the xxx amount. She spent xxx of it". He then replied with "well then she had something to declare then". I apologized, and he asked what we bought. I replied "Groceries and cloth-" where he interrupts me and says "Goodbye".

I was so confused.

That's happened to me during my declaration. So I declared another item and he said goodbye again. So I thanked him and drove off.

[PeanutButter]

Originally Posted by TypeRNammer

Is it possible to get taxed on the shipping?

Brought back a down pipe which was valued at 479.99 and shipping was $20 bucks, got taxed for the full $499.99 USD

If you don't highlight the subtotal or point out the shipping fee the CBSA agent is just going to take the total cost of the goods because they don't give a crap and won't even bother digging any deeper than what you put in front of them.


I've been pulled in three times at point roberts and each time they would just look at the total cost. I had to point out the shipping each time. You don't save much, but it's the principle of the matter.

[Euro7r]

Went down to PR last week to pick up a package. Biggest dick US border guard I've encountered from all the times I've gone down. Asks me where I'm going, I reply "TSB shipping" to pick up a parcel. Responds with "Obviously" and let's me go.

I'm thinking wtf. That's all I can reply with is that I'm going to tsb and picking up a package. If it's so obvious, no point asking. He looked pissed off, which i don't feel sorry for as he "obviously" hates his shit job.

[PeanutButter]

Originally Posted by Euro7r

Went down to PR last week to pick up a package. Biggest dick US border guard I've encountered from all the times I've gone down. Asks me where I'm going, I reply "TSB shipping" to pick up a parcel. Responds with "Obviously" and let's me go.

I'm thinking wtf. That's all I can reply with is that I'm going to tsb and picking up a package. If it's so obvious, no point asking. He looked pissed off, which i don't feel sorry for as he "obviously" hates his shit job.

If he's the biggest dick border guard you've encountered, you're lucky.
He let you go without a hitch, but gave you a little attitude? I think you're taking this a little too personally.

You don't know what's going on in his life, we all have bad days.

[Gucci Mane]

i have to go across at blaine to pick up an item with a value of $900. hoping i dont get shafted too much...

[m3thods]

Originally Posted by Knight_KB

i have to go across at blaine to pick up an item with a value of $900. hoping i dont get shafted too much...

Just expect to get taxed. In 2011 I picked up a lens for $2000. The CBSA officer paused, and replied, "What was that amount again?" I repeated, she sent me to secondary, and sat inside for 15 mins while they ripped apart my moldy Nissan Sentra lol

[Presto]

Originally Posted by PeanutButter

If he's the biggest dick border guard you've encountered, you're lucky.

I don't mind if the border guard is rude or blunt, as long as they wave me through in 15 seconds or less, then my experience is positive.

[ruthless]

Originally Posted by IMASA

I think you are supposed to declare the total cost (includes shipping and foreign taxes) that you paid to acquire the goods. If your receipt shows shipping and taxes, then you gotta declare the whole amount and will probably be used by the cashier to calculate what you owe.

I'm about to go pick up a $350 radio that is coming back from warranty repair. I checked online and it indicates I have to declare the full amount of the value of the repaired item.
I know I have to declare it, but do I have to pay duties/tax on it? I already paid it the first time when I brought it over.

Take proof with you that it was only a warranty repair(emails, invoice, etc.), more importantly take the original receipt they gave you when you paid taxes the first time. If you lost the receipt then you're out of luck and might get taxed on it again.

[vitaminG]

Originally Posted by TypeRNammer

Is it possible to get taxed on the shipping?

Brought back a down pipe which was valued at 479.99 and shipping was $20 bucks, got taxed for the full $499.99 USD

you pay tax on services as well as goods, shipping is a service. you shouldnt be charged duty on service but i think you would definitely have to pay tax

[jmvdesign]

Has anyone successfully applied for a TN work visa at the border based on the NAFTA agreement? I'm a Canadian citizen and I got offered an internship in Santa Cruz, California. I'm finalizing all the paperwork in order (I have the offer letter, education background, & experience). I want to know how difficult the interview process can be and want to hear other people's experience. TIA.

[Dennis R]

They are idiots on both sides of the border. Last year I went on vacation with my dog. They asked me if I had any dog food, I said I have a few cans. So the prick pulls over and I have to wait an hour while they do an "agricultural" search for a can of dog food. Morons didn't even notice the 6' cargo carrier on the roof. Coming back into Canada I had $900 worth of stuff. They asked me how much spend while away, I mumbled ...hundred. Ok go ahead. Guess they didn't hear the 9

[MG1]

^I'd like to hear you call them morons and pricks when you're at the border. See how that goes.

I cross on average three times a week. Most of the border guards I've come across are pretty nice and down to earth. My favourite is this young South Asian gal. She's usually at the Peace Arch crossing on the Canadian side. One time, we got into a great conversation that lasted way longer than it should have. Poor people behind me......... she has the greatest smile and a bubbly personality.

The worst border guard I have ever had the displeasure of meeting was this big black dude at the border crossing into Detroit. Yes, murd0c, he was way scarier than your avatar. Dude must have been a drill sargeant in the US army at one time, 'cause the way he went on. I was expecting him to yell, "Drop down and give me 50!" He asked questions at a very fast pace, in which I had answers to immediatley....... this, of course, pissed him off even more. He was breaking into a sweat, and his questions became dumber each time. My son and daughter, both in their mid twenties were like in shock. We laugh about it now, but at the time we had visions of this dude pulling out his gun. Come to think of it, I should have called him a prick, LOL.

[MG1]

Enough border guard talk. If you don't know already, one of the great places to go when you are in Seattle is Oberto's Factory Outlet. Chinese dude who works there (possibly runs the place) is hilarious. A little nuts, but funny.

My favourite product is their microwaveable pork rinds. Being a factory outlet, they have tonnes of great deals on close to expiry and overstock items. Asian BBQ Steak Strips were on sale for a buck each a couple of days ago. Wasn't sure if they were any good, so I bought 5 of them. Man, they are good. Bacon jerky, another favourite of mine.

Anyway, the place is close to the I-90 overpass at Ranier Avenue South at Beacon Hills. It's a few blocks from the chinatown area.

Oh Boy! Oberto Factory Outlet - Beacon Hill - Seattle, WA, United States | Yelp


Definitely not a place to take a vegan, LOL.

Before anyone screams cholesterol, fat, yada yada yada, read the nutrition guide labels and this shit is not close to being bad. It's all protein, man.

[syee]

Originally Posted by jmvdesign

Has anyone successfully applied for a TN work visa at the border based on the NAFTA agreement? I'm a Canadian citizen and I got offered an internship in Santa Cruz, California. I'm finalizing all the paperwork in order (I have the offer letter, education background, & experience). I want to know how difficult the interview process can be and want to hear other people's experience. TIA.

I did with my former employer.

If you've got all your paperwork lined up, then it shouldn't be a problem. They'll send you into secondary and one of the CBP guys will look at your documentation and then send you off to pay your $50 and stamp your passport. It's not really an interview - it's more along the lines of verifying your job description fits under the NAFTA rules and that's it. I can probably count on one hand how many questions they asked me.

It's only good for a year though so you'll have to go through the whole process again a year later.

[RuffleCopterz]

Planning to travel to Las Vegas but going to drive to Seattle to take a flight there as it's a lot cheaper. Just wondering if you guys think there is any difficulty that could arise/problems when crossing the border? Group of 6 guys, will be traveling at 6AM (peace arch)