Pesky US Custom Agents

[fensterlein]

Pesky US Customs Agents

Any Hobbyist here drive to Montreal during weekdays? It's funny how nonchalant the Canadian customs agents are, and sometimes they are even friendly; I rarely spent more than 5 minutes passing through their station. But when going back to the States, however, it is a totally different story. US Customs agents ask A LOT OF questions. In particular when told them I went there alone and that I had no friends there, they get suspicious. So any good tips?

 

[Uncle Kracker]

Coming back to America is always harder then leaving.

 

[bennyboy]

i must concur with train and EB - i have never had a problem either way - often, not even being asked to provide proof of citizenship...

look into the agent's eyes when you answer, remove sunglasses, turn the radion off - just show them some respect and you'll be fine (not that i'm saying you didn't...)

 

[fensterlein]

EB,

I have only been there a few times and I never really had any serious problem crossing the boarder, but just like Lawless said, US agents are very intimidating and agressive. I guess that gets me a little. I think it is just the opposite in Dorval airport. The US Customs Agents there are a lot more friendly, and the Canadian Customs Agents are a little more uptight, but no where near the level of the US boader customs.

I don't really worry about getting detained by the Canadians, there isn't that hobbyist guilt factor on my way in. PLus, have you noticed that there are a lot more good looking blonde chicks working for the Canadian Customs? Why is that? Cavity search? Please.

 

[gremlin]

Originally posted by Lawless
EB and SL

Nonetheless, US agents are more intimidating and more agressive than their Canadian counterparts. Small town syndrome for them or frustration!!!!

i agree on the contrast, the question is why. i cross the boarder hundreds of times a year. my business is intimately tied to cross boarder issues. i think differences in the attitude and more importantly *the skills* of the average US customs and immigration official and the average Canadian are obviously divergent...not just on the Canadian boarder but on all American boarders. i submit it is beause many US officials did not choose that service to begin with. many customs and immigration personnel first try to get into the FBI, then DEA, then the ATF, and only then consider boarder guard, customs or immigration. the same is not true of Canadian officials.

what will eventually happen will be one external boarder for all of canada and the US, much like the EU boarder entry ports. this will mean crossing the Canadian/US boarder will no longer require checks. the question then becomes, where does the excess US customs and immigration officials go?

 

[FaceMaster]

SL,

Something I read recently that further helps your latest point: while the murder rate is down 20% in America, TV coverage of violent crime is up 600 percent.

Reality and perception are two different things...

 

[fensterlein]

Ok, EB, you were right, this time around I did get stopped by the Canadian Customs. Here is what happened:

I was half way to Montreal on the highway and realized I forgot my passport. So I had to turn around to get my passport, and wasted, like, 7 hours or so, and I was more than just a little pissed. And then I got a speeding ticket, an hour away from leaving the land of free, only for gonig at 80 mph. So by the time I got to the boarder, I must had this criminal look on my face -- someone who's ready to shoot everybody in the station dead.

Anyway, then I encountered this really cute Canadian Customs Agent. She was sooo cute. She was in her twenties, looked just like Lindsay Price, ( http://movies.yahoo.com/shop?d=hc&id=1804513991&cf=pg&photoid=490119&intl=us ) quite Asian looking, with light green eyes, and black hair; looks a little chubby, but damn it, she was mad cute. Then she only questioned me for about 10 minutes then she told me to get lost, what a shame. But what's interesting about her questioning is that in one of the questions she asked me if I had a girl friend. I don't think she was hitting on me, but what does that have to do with anyting? I still can't quite figure it out.

And this time I actually had an easy time passing through the US Customs. A middle aged agent was at the booth, asked me where I was headed and let me passed. Wow. I guess there are some US agents who aren't assholes.

 

[poivoit]

Do exactly as your told.

When dealing with customs agents, do exactly what your told. Answer all questions, and do not joke with these bastards.(want to be cops)
If they do not like your face, they can flag you, or your car licence number and you can not get into the states for 5 years. Just on suspicion. No proof needed.

 

[Peeping Tom]

I do some consulting in the US and use the TN (NAFTA) visa to make sure the crossing is smooth. Most categories of profession are eligible, cost is 50 US for a shall issue, multiple entry visa good for a year. When you show this, you go straight through, zero hassles whatsoever. Many of you do business here anyways, so if you're getting hassles on your hobby visits you might look into getting one next time you do work here - you put the 50 on your expense claim anyways.

Now, if you could only put the SP on the ole expense claim ... hmmm, consultation with pinch valve specialist ...

 

[rolo514]

I also cross the border frequently both by car and more often by plane,and Stripperlovers tips on how to "approach" customs is dead on-you'd be suprised at the lack of common sense some people have in these situations-especailly now its no place to screw around they can make your life pretty miserable if they flag you in sthe system.
rolo

 

[Lawless]

This thread is brought back for Zaphyr who might have questions about crossing the border.

 

[Vladimir]

Made it back home this afternoon. No problems crossing the border at either side. Will report on my adventure when I have some time over the weekend. To give you heads up, it was a blast. 2 HDH 4 LDL, 1 incall, an FS club south of the city and the obligatory visit to Wanda's and ChezPare.

Catching my breath... a huge thank you to all of you for the advice, hints and support (ok, back to work now)

 

[Jaxon]

Originally posted by StripperLover

As far as the Montreal Casino is concerned, this subject has been talked to death on all Montreal radio station talk shows & when they (The Quebec Gov't) were trying to sell it to the tax paying public prior to it's inception, they told all of us, that it would bring in American tourists. What has been talk to death on radio, in particular is the fact that stats show that there are almost no American tourists coming here to lose their money at the casino, so telling them this bs, they know it's not true, so no use to say that. Just keep it simple and say, pleasure.

You are right StripperLover. I've been to Montreal twice now, and havent been to the casino yet. The fact that its not in the downtown core has something to do with it as well. I'll go sometime I'm sure, partly because I'm from a state with casinos and it would be interesting to compare, but it is way down (last) on my list of things to do.

 

[FaceMaster]

EB,

I don't go there often but when I do I notice that most people are either Asians or senior citizens. There's always a fair share of Americans and other tourists but I'll wager, as you do, that it's not a primary destination. If I was an American and I wanted to go to a casino, I would personally go to Las Vegas. But that's just me.

Still, from a financial point of view, the Casino de Montreal is extremely successful. I don't have figures handy but I have seen in-house yearly reports and they give back to the provincial government something like half a billion dollars each year. I believe the place is now open 24 hours a day and whenever I've gone there the place was packed.

 

[Lawless]

US Border Crossing,
We are getting away.

 

[Lawless]

US Customs

Had to go through Vermont US customs today and it's the first time in years I see the agents smiling! What a change for the best!
Relationship are getting better!
With beef from Alberta for GWB!