Community Forums

brian-nicola · 08-30-2018, 04:56 PM

A Border Officer will be armed with intelligence when they scan your passport, after that they have about 45-60 seconds per "contact" to decide to refer you to secondary or not. Truth is your friend and no attitude. For them to start "tearing apart" they would usually run a drug dog, get a second opinion from a supervisor. They don't have time to waste for the most part just to teach you a lesson.

igave · 08-30-2018, 05:15 PM

Some time ago there was an article in the paper about customs on the Northern Montana border catching a couple in their 70’s smuggling diamonds into the U.S. in their motorhome. I see articles occasionally about drugs, illegals, and all sorts of things getting caught here. Lots more goes on thru the borders that those folks have to contend with than most people even begin to realize. I behave myself, have my paperwork in order and have never had an unpleasant crossing. They’re only going to tear your rig apart if they believe there is reason to.

AudiDudi · 08-30-2018, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pigman1

<snip> I hit one customs examination where these guys ended up squeezing toothpaste tubes. .

I had that happen flying into Germany in 1973. Military flight and our group was flying in civvies.

Tahoejeep · 08-30-2018, 08:09 PM

I guess I should share my most memorable experience with security forces. I don't remember who used to guard the Hoover Dam when US 93 went across the top. I do know that one guard was REALLY upset that I tried to tour the dam with an assisted opening pocket knife! But I digress.

The new bridge was under construction and I wanted to drive across the dam one more time. I had my much modified Jeep Wrangler pulling our 16' Scamp travel trailer when I pulled to the right where all the trucks and RVs had to be inspected. The guard who came up was also Jeep enthusiast and was asking me all about my Jeep as he was doing his thing. Then I happened to mention the most interesting thing about my Wrangler was the 5.7 Hemi and 5 speed auto under the hood. He about came unglued! "You've got a Hemi??!!! This I've got to see!" I've never seen anyone poke their head into the Scamp to inspect it so fast! "Lets pop the hood!" "Oh, Wow!" "I've got to show my buddy this!" "Hey Joe, come look at this! He's got a Hemi!" "I've got to show my boss! Hey Boss, come look at this!" My wife could hardly believe this!

So I had three guards looking at my Hemi under the hood! I can just imagine what people thought as they drove by. "That guy sure must be in trouble. What's he hiding in there?"

slickest1 · 08-30-2018, 09:07 PM

We cross the border weekly into the U.S. and have being doing it for years. last week we pulled up and the guard said the computer randomly selected us for inspection.
It took 20 minutes and they really did not do much other then look in the trunk of the car.
Last month on a trip in our coach we had a agriculture inspection done. They just checked for fruits and veggies. They were very polite and friendly.

riverforest · 08-30-2018, 10:26 PM

slickest1, did you cross at peace arch ? I will be doing that in a couple of weeks. GF is canadian I'm american.

Jake21 · 08-30-2018, 10:32 PM

I crossed the Ca border a week ago. I was asked the following:
1: Where you going and for how long? Banff, 2 weeks
2: Ever been to Canada? Yes, long time ago. Montreal, Vancouver.
3: Where you from? Full Time in the MH
4: Do you have a fire arm? No, but I do have bear spray.
5: Have you ever owned a fire arm? No
6: Do you have Fruits and Veggies? No
7: Do you have alcohol? Yes

Agent: Enjoy your trip.

wnytaxman · 08-31-2018, 07:33 AM

There is one other banned item that most folks are not aware of when they cross the border. It's actually cash. It is illegal to enter into the US or exit from the US without reporting if you have $10,000 or more in cash on you. That is per person. Now most of us don't travel with that kind of dough on us, heck most of us spent it all on our RV's, but it is something that travelers need to be aware of.

AudiDudi · 08-31-2018, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wnytaxman

There is one other banned item that most folks are not aware of when they cross the border. It's actually cash. It is illegal to enter into the US or exit from the US without reporting if you have $10,000 or more in cash on you. That is per person. Now most of us don't travel with that kind of dough on us, heck most of us spent it all on our RV's, but it is something that travelers need to be aware of.

I never really understood the intent of that law as one can have a check book or credit card with them that can move more $$$ than that. One might also wonder why that law was never indexed to inflation.

grindstone01 · 08-31-2018, 08:33 AM

You are responsible for repacking and/or putting your vehicle back together when crossing the border. I lived near Port Huron, MI crossing and have heard of vehicles being disassembled and the owner's having to hire mechanic/tow trucks to put their vehicle back together. They won't let you sit there for a week to repack your vehicle, it will be towed to impoundment if you don't get it moved soon. Like earlier stated these full inspections are rare, but you have no rights at the border.
If you cross the border with $10,000 cash it's not illegal, but you need to declare it.
If you have had a MRI scan in recent weeks, the radioactive sensors will be set off and you/vehicle will be pulled in for additional inspections, BTDT.
Border agents will sometime be rude as a way of getting you riled to analize your reaction under stress. If they decide to do a body cavity search, oh well! (again no rights)
Crossing Canada/USA is usually no big deal, but most people don't understand their real exposure.

Whirrlly · 08-31-2018, 08:42 AM

interesting thread.

heck tho, I would want to put my own stuff back

you're screwed if they rip you apart, at that point, who puts it back is the last of my worries

riverforest · 08-31-2018, 10:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grindstone01

If you have had a MRI scan in recent weeks, the radioactive sensors will be set off and you/vehicle will be pulled in for additional inspections, BTDT.
Border agents will sometime be rude as a way of getting you riled to analize your reaction under stress. If they decide to do a body cavity search, oh well! (again no rights)

well this is a revolting predicament, GF is getting an MRI today & we will be crossing into canada in a week and a half or so. Damn, I don't like it when my Doctor does a cavity search...

dons2346 · 08-31-2018, 11:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by riverforest

well this is a revolting predicament, GF is getting an MRI today & we will be crossing into canada in a week and a half or so. Damn, I don't like it when my Doctor does a cavity search...

MRI is magnetic imaging. There is nothing residual left over to be picked up on border sensors. Have a good time

wnytaxman · 08-31-2018, 11:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AudiDudi

I never really understood the intent of that law as one can have a check book or credit card with them that can move more $$$ than that. One might also wonder why that law was never indexed to inflation.

The stated intent of the law is to reduce money laundering and tax evasion. Checks and credit cards can be traced but cash can't be traced. It can be easy for someone to move cash across borders and into accounts that can't be traced due to secrecy laws in those other jurisdictions. You're correct that it has never been indexed for inflation just like the limit on the amount of Social Security subject to tax has never been indexed.