Crossing the Border: Need advice on traveling to Montreal from USA

[BroRage]

Hi,

I want a trip up to Montreal soon for some room service. I always hate crossing the border and having custom interrogating me with all the long and lengthy questions. I may be coming up solo and they will be asking even more questions. Was wondering if flying in better?

Any advice? I am sure there are seasoned mongers here with advice on crossing the border solo.

Thanks

 

[Mod 8]

Questions on providers should be posted in the 411 forum and general questions, such as this one, in the Lounge. Not in the review section.

Thread moved.

 

[rumpleforeskiin]

Bro I think you're making too much of a big deal about the questions, most require a one word answer.

Relax and just answer the questions, which usually take less than a minute. Your best answers, depending on the question are: yes and no, mostly no.

 

[muffinbuffer]

If you'll just do a quick search, you'll find other recent threads on this same (non-) issue.

 

[BroRage]

Thanks Patron and everyone on the advice. I will be heading up soon..

 

[sweetwater]

Hello Bro, I agree with Blues and Rumples. Answer with one word answers, Yes and No. Relax and think about the questions and answers, not the ladies you are about to see. Forget them momentarily. I know it'll be difficult, but if you are thinking about them, you'll probably have a smirk or smile on your face, and that could trigger more questions. :eyebrows:
I get more questions when I drive into Canada than when I fly. Usually flying is longer lines though.:crazy:
Good luck.
Sweetwater

 

[TheDon]

Just speak the truth, I'm going for this many days, I'm staying at this hotel, I'm going to try out the Montreal restaurant scene, I'm gonna check out the night life, I'm gonna check out the sites. Enough said.

 

[David Bowie]

Get your story straight. Simplify it and just say it is a pleasure trip to meet old friends.

 

[muffinbuffer]

Get your story straight. Simplify it and just say it is a pleasure trip to meet old friends.

No, no, no.

If you are actually meeting old friends, fine. If not, do not make any such claim. How would you answer if they asked for names or contact info? Any why lie in the first place?

Guys, there is no point in getting a story straight unless you plan to do something illegal or otherwise have something to hide such as a criminal record or drugs in your luggage. If you do, then I have no sympathy. If you don't, just answer their questions briefly and truthfully. "I think I'll go to some restaurants." "I plan to go to some clubs." "I might do some shopping." What else do they need to know? If you really are attending a specific event, tell them. If there is such an event but you don't plan to attend, don't lie about it.

You're crossing a border. They want to know if you pose a threat to their country. If you don't, why are you worried?

 

[CS Martin]

Well, seeing an escort is technically legal in Montreal as I understand it. I've always wanted to just be honest and say so. Anyone ever try this?

 

[CWipes]

No, I've never said that I'm here to see escorts.

I do end each interview by speeding off and yelling "SUCKER" out the window.

- CWipes

 

[muffinbuffer]

I do end each interview by speeding off and yelling "SUCKER" out the window.

I believe the proper technique is to flip the bird while yelling "so long, sucker(s)", or so my observations would leave me to believe.

 

[Mod 11]

You guys are funny!

I remember, in a similar thread somewhere, somebody did answer he was going to meet with some of the beautiful women of Montreal. As long as the custom agent is a guy, it should fly!
If it's a woman, either she might invite you, or she might ignore the answer, or she'll be an ass and grill you longer but, legally alone, that answer have no consequences.

No matter what guys, NEVER LIE to custom officials. Small white lies can be debunked quite easily and will just dig a bigger hole when the agent decide to let you know he's done toying around with you. Contrary to your wife, these officers are trained to detect lies and some clue-in very fast. As most are saying, keep it simple and short. Besides the standard questions, most times, what you answer to their questions have no interest for them, all they check is the way you answer and how you look when you answer.

 

[Quint]

The customs people do not have a sense of humor, just say vacation.

 

[Stoo]

I often run into this in a reverse way. I come from Ontario, but head into Vermont often in the winter. I generally plan a 'sleep-over' on the way down on Montreal, to partake of some of the local talent.

When I cross the border going into the US, I tell them I am going to ski, and the US customs/immigration guys REALLY don't like that I am travelling alone. They find it odd that I ski alone, and always try to uncover an ulterior motive... which there is not! I get the same thing coming back into Canada, although our guys seem much more concerned about collecting any HST that might be owing.

I am considering, and the OP might as well, getting a Nexus card. From what I understand, that eliminates perhaps 30 of the 40 questions they ask...

 

[Délincul]

You guys make me laugh! Do you know how it is to cross the border the other way! What about getting finger printed and have a face picture taken! Yes indeed, welcome to Canada!

 

[skimilk]

Border crossing

Hi everyone,
What do you tell the border agent when you are entering Canada? I've always said, I'm on vacation or I needed a getaway. But if they press and ask what you want to do there, I don't have a ready made answer. I can't very well tell them the main purpose of the trip is hobbying. Besides, when they swipe your passport, they know how many times and how frequently you enter the country. Doesn't that raise any suspicions?

Have people experienced any difficulties returning to the States? I've noticed border agents and TSA at airport make it their duty to make life difficult to as many people as possible. What do you tell them when they ask why you were in Canada and what you were doing there?

Thanks!

 

[czar]

There is already a thread on this. Search a little.

 

[VSOP]

Keep it simple, do not joke with them. Answer all questions directly. Do no look away or down. These rats are legends in their own minds and belive they are the great saviour and protector of their country.

 

[pokerpro]

Tell them you're coming here to gamble at the casino.
Do visit the casino, at least once, so you know what you're talking about if they ask questions about it.
You can also have a players card made and show it if needed to the border agent.