|
|
| *Travel Tips>>>Toronto Travel Tips |
What should I keep in mind when travelling from Toronto to shop in Buffalo? |
Travel Info What should I keep in mind when travelling from Toronto to shop in Buffalo? Travel Tips A few things... I've always found crossing the border at the peace bridge to be less hassle and much less busy than Lewiston/Queenston, especially on the way back into Canada. Having said that, if you do end up driving the Lewiston route, you might want to take a little detour to buy some roadside fruit near Niagra, it's indescribeably better than anything you can get in a store. If there are any electronic/household items you are going to shop for specifically, make sure you do your homework on pricing, a small savings may not be worth it if you end up having to pay duty on it, and I've had things break or end up being defective once I've gotten back to Toronto...exchanges are much more difficult across the border. And don't believe the kid working at the store when he tells you it'll be no problem to return it in Canada, he'll say anything to get his commission ;) Most people do try to get away with not declaring all their purchases, but I can't stress this enough: The customs officers are not stupid. When coming back into Canada, declare what you think is a reasonable amount (i.e. while it may be less than what you actually spent, it's not so much less as to be suspicious) and have the receipts for what you are declaring ready. They will not believe you if you go into buffalo to shop and then say you've bought nothing, and will often search your car if they feel you are lying. I've often declared more than the allowable amount and they've just let us through even though we've admitted to being over. I think they appreciate it when you don't insult their intellegence. As for how much you're technically allowed to bring back, go to this site http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/e/pub/cp/rc40... and look under "What are your personal exemptions", it varies according to how long you are away. This is not to say that you can't cheat a little, but if you're caught in a big way it can get expensive or worse...see "False declarations and the seizure of goods" at http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/e/pub/cp/rc40... , so it's better to declare a reasonable-sounding amount and take a chance they'll make you pay duty on what you do declare than to get caught and have your stuff taken, or be flagged for your future trips. I usually do this and only occasionally am asked to pull over to pay duty, they usually let us go right through. There are some really great deals this time of year, have fun! Others The first thing to know is that you should not shop in Buffalo, but, rather, in Amherst and Tonawanda!. That with the Canadian dollar worth $0.94 US, don't expect the bargains,who might have been expecting. wear stuff you can easily put new clothes on underneath (like a hoodie) be sure to throw out any receipts for the stuff you're wearing before you hit the border, but declare some stuff so they won't get suspicious. even if you're not staying that long, bring a suitcase or bag and make sure it's not really empty (bring old clothes you won't mind removing if you overbuy) incase they search through your stuff on the way down..... and make sure to buy booze when you're down there. smirnoff is 50% |
| Tags |
| Montreal Niagara Falls Ottawa Quebec St. John's Toronto Vancouver Victoria Winnipeg General - Canada Belo Horizonte |
Travel Info Categories--Copyright/IP Policy--Contact Webmaster |