Posted on: 07-06-10 09:41:20
I am Canadian citizen, so there's no need for US visa. But is it worth to stay overnight in US hotel and then shop there, since we will get the exemption in Canada? Do you tell the Canadian officers that you went to US for shopping or mainly to site-see and then shopped on the way back home?
I have heard they do not like Canadians to go across the border to spend money? So if you mention shopping as your main goal, they will tax you, irrespective of the amount. Is this true?
What do people do to get the benefit of cross border discounts? What is the best way. Please share your experiences....
Correct me if I am wrong. If you are bringing the stuff over lets say worth $200 and let the officer know about it. Even if he sends you to re-evaluate the stuff don't you have to just pay PST+GST (HST...whatever)? If you are buying stuff from Duty free shop then you pay duty + taxes. But for other stuff just taxes. Still not a bad deal.
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Originally posted by mississauga2
I am Canadian citizen, so there's no need for US visa. But is it worth to stay overnight in US hotel and then shop there, since we will get the exemption in Canada? Do you tell the Canadian officers that you went to US for shopping or mainly to site-see and then shopped on the way back home?
Telling them that you visited US solely for shopping is alright. There's no harm. As mentioned above, this is exactly what I tell them and never had to face any difficulties or excessive questioning because of this reason.
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I have heard they do not like Canadians to go across the border to spend money? So if you mention shopping as your main goal, they will tax you, irrespective of the amount. Is this true?
Not true. Canadians are only helping their retail sales and overall economy when shop there. Who won't like it?
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What do people do to get the benefit of cross border discounts? What is the best way. Please share your experiences....
Know where you want to shop beforehand. All stores/malls have updated sites where you can get their weekly flyers. Keep tab on the exchange rates as well. You can also check out the site: http://www.redflagdeals.com" rel="nofollow">LINK
Good luck.
If I buy clothes say, worth $200, how much tax do i pay extra at the Canada customs? Is there a formula they use to impose duty?
Quote:
Originally posted by mississauga2
If I buy clothes say, worth $200, how much tax do i pay extra at the Canada customs? Is there a formula they use to impose duty?
Review this link, as it outlines the duty rates:
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#s5
