Q: Dear BBB;
I am thinking of heading to the United States soon to shop and take advantage of the strong Canadian Dollar and all the great deals I hear about down there! I am being told different stories about what I am allowed to bring back over the border from my shopping trip depending on how long I stay is and what I purchase. Am I wrong to be cautious about this advice?
~ Always looking for a Bargain
A: Always looking for a Bargain
You are RIGHT to be cautious about what anyone tells you when it comes to bringing back goods across the Canada/US Border. What may seem like a bargain (even with our strong loonie) may end up costing you a lot more than it is worth if you have to pay duty and other fees on what you thought was exempt.
Here are some tips to follow for a headache-free cross border shopping experience:
• Make sure you understand your personal exemption limits before you head across the border. You can find all the information you need at The Canada Border Services Agency website.
http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/publications/pub/bsf5056-eng.html
• Before you head down to scoop up the apparent deals south of the border make sure you are informed of all the applicable laws and regulations.
• Check the warranty and return policies on anything you purchase (especially big-ticket items). How do you return or replace a faulty item from another country? Is it worth the money you saved and the time and trouble to travel back across the border to deal with exchange or replacement?
Finally, even thought our loonie is strong against the US dollar why not think about buying locally and supporting our economy? You may just be eliminating possible headaches and frustration.