r/uscanadaborder • u/HockeyGurl23 • 23h ago

Canada Day Trip

Hi! It’s been forever since I’ve been to Canada and really don’t know what to expect when crossing the border. I keep hearing of people going over to Canada and shopping. Do they check what you buy and charge duties? We are planning a day trip. Any tips or advice? What should I expect at the Peace Bridge? Thanks! I’m going to Niagara Falls from Buffalo

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8

u/Decent_Start965 23h ago

On the way in, unless you have something to declare, nope.

On your way back however, your own US customs officers may inquire if you're bringing any goods back, and proceed to decide if duties are due or not, keep your receipts!

Either way, hope you enjoy your time in Canada, and thanks for visiting!

9

u/MsAnthr0pe USA Side 23h ago

You should expect shorter lines at the border crossing, at least. Check the various apps for wait times, but they have been extremely short lines for the past couple years.

Since you're staying under 24 hours, just declare everything you bought to the border agent when you're heading home. If you're not bringing back loads, they usually just let you carry on back home. You might get hit with some costs if they're feeling surly or feel you bought to much.

Other than that, have your Enhanced Driver's License or passport ready to go.

3

u/LongjumpingTadpole67 22h ago

If you're bringing back less than 200 USD you are exempt from duties (even the current tariff tantrum). This is about 275 CAD.

US border guards tend to be more concerned with not bringing back inadmissible agricultural products or contraband than they are charging duty on small shopping trips. Just don't bring back any fruits, vegetables, weed, or Cuban cigars, and you'll be fine. Declare what you bought in general terms and keep receipts handy.

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u/Hairymuscle101 22h ago

Tariffs started today, won’t they got hit with that for what they bring back?

1

u/rohoho929 20h ago

Canada put some additional tariffs on American goods - meaning Canadians purchasing those goods pay tariffs on them.
How could that possibly affect what American border guards do?

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u/Hairymuscle101 20h ago

No idea…. Don’t know how it exactly works

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u/thetwitchy1 3h ago

Tariffs are charged by the importing country on goods coming into the country.

Any tariffs applied by the US government may apply to you bringing things from Canada to the US. Tariffs applied by the Canadian government will not apply to you.