hello cd members

i am planning to go across the border for shopping

what things to keep in mind ,and do we have to pay duty at the canadian

border for the things that i have shopped in the U.S

also if you can tell me what places are good for shopping in buffalo

i tried searching the forum but couldnt find much advice

thanks for your replies.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
akkiluck

With 120 US cents= 100 Canadian cents you are looking at a straight 20% tax on US goods.
At Niagra falls, you have outlet shopping centres at Military Road. There is one big mall in that road which has a decent amount of stores inside that that are outlet stores. Please be informed that food in the food court is very costly there (and you pay in US$) and that you visist other chains like Macdonalds, Burger King (BK) outside and pack your food to be eaten outside. Apart from this there are many small outlet stores at the Military road (Google for more information).
Buffalo is a big city and I donot think that there are any outlet malls there (other CD's can advise). There will be shopping malls which would have many stores selling its goods for a nice discount (as US is in deep recession and they need to push out stuff fast).
When you return within 24 hours, you receive NO TAX exemptions at all. However if you go as a family and have a toddlet / infant and arrive at the night time, the officer will not generally ask you to pay tax (subjective).
Try to cross the border with a near empty gas tank and fill Gas in the USA. It will be a warning to Cdn. Gas retailers to stop gouging the Canadian tax payers with their excessive profits.

Hope this helps.

Peace by TK

-----------------------------------------------------------------
I am a Gents and not a Ladies.

Yes, fashion outlet and walden galleria (more expensive but designer stuff) are the two places GTAians go to.

No exemption if you go and come back the same day.
What you can do is wear old clothes/shoes and throw them in the mall and wear the new stuff one above the other and then wear the jackets.
Anything you can hide in purse/handbag (not trunk) under dash is also ok.
After that if the total value of stuff u declare to the agent is <100 bucks ur still ok. Antyhing more than 100 they ask u to pay GST, PST,
It still is cheap to buy in US (even if dollar is at 88) especially designer stuff

If ur a PR then
OFC you need a US VISA
The first time you go they will stamp a I94 on each passport which will be ~6$ US Each)
This process takes anywhere from 20 mins to 3 hours depending on the port/time etc)
I94 is usually valid for 6 months

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Live and Let Live

Marshalls & TJ Maxx beat any oulet store handsdown! Google for locations in Buffalo.

Just give some thought to how you'll get the stuff back to Canada. Hint:- "your used"clothes are exempt fom duty

-----------------------------------------------------------------
Microsoft - Which end of the stick do you want today?

Did you mean 120 CAD = 100 US?

Quote:

---

Originally posted by tamilkuravan

With 120 US cents= 100 Canadian cents you are looking at a straight
Peace by TK

---

http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html#P007

False declarations and the seizure of goods
If you do not declare goods, or if you falsely declare them, we can seize the goods. This means that you may lose the goods permanently or that you may have to pay a penalty to get them back. Depending on the type of goods and the circumstances involved, we may impose a penalty that ranges from 25% to 80% of the value of the seized goods.

In addition, the Customs Act provides border services officers with the authority to seize all vehicles that were used to import goods unlawfully. When this happens, we impose a penalty that you must pay before we return the vehicle.

If you do not declare tobacco products and alcoholic beverages at the time of importation, we will seize them permanently.

A record of infractions is kept in the CBSA computer system. If you have an infraction record, you may have to undergo a more detailed examination on future trips.

If you have had your goods seized, and disagree with the action taken, you can appeal. To do this, you should write a letter to us within 90 days of the date of the seizure to tell us you want to appeal. You can find more information about the appeal process on your seizure receipt form.

Claiming unaccompanied goods
-------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Declare what you are bringing back in full.
They can search anywhere, including your handbags if they wish to.
Its not worth the stress/anxiety/headaches of attempting to make stories at the border. You can be fined up to $10,000 and have ur car seized.

-----------------------------------------------------------------
~ Morning rain

MR is correct.

Last week we were at the Fashion outlet mall. The intention to go to US was to return the I94 on return and also buy some stuff for my kid.

The deals were great. On the border we told the officer what we had brought. The value was not much about 300-350. And that was for my kid. The officer was fine and told us see you next time.

However a few cars were asked to go to the office after the boot was checked. So they have the right to check anything. The onus might fall onto you to prove.

Be truthful and if luck favors you you might not have to pay any duty.