i'll be traveling alone when i come up to montreal to visit SPs. i know that at the border they will ask if i am visiting a friend, on business, etc. what should i say? i suppose it's a bit unusual to be going on vacation by yourself. and even more unusuall if i make this a regular trip (once every month or two). also, they ask what hotel i will stay at. any reason why they need to know this?
Traveling to Montreal from the States . . .
- Thread starter Prime
- Start date
Prime,
They will ask what hotel that you will stay at and they may even call them. They will also ask what you are planning on doing in Montreal. Just be polite and don't give in. On one occasion I was asked three different times what I was planning on doing in Montreal. The answer was the same each time: "vacation." They are trained to ask the same questions multiple times because by doing so they squeeze out inconsistencies in responses and also try to intimidate you into giving particulars. For example they may say after you respond "vacation", "are you meeting anyone? are you seeing a girlfriend?" And the truth is it's none of their business and if you keeping answering "just taking a vacation, no set plans yet", there is nothing they can do. They are not going to whip or torture the truth out of you. Usually after answering the same question three times and being given the same answer three times, they stop. Just don't give in and remain polite at all times as these guys are just doing their job, and they really don't give a shit about you personally.
They will ask what hotel that you will stay at and they may even call them. They will also ask what you are planning on doing in Montreal. Just be polite and don't give in. On one occasion I was asked three different times what I was planning on doing in Montreal. The answer was the same each time: "vacation." They are trained to ask the same questions multiple times because by doing so they squeeze out inconsistencies in responses and also try to intimidate you into giving particulars. For example they may say after you respond "vacation", "are you meeting anyone? are you seeing a girlfriend?" And the truth is it's none of their business and if you keeping answering "just taking a vacation, no set plans yet", there is nothing they can do. They are not going to whip or torture the truth out of you. Usually after answering the same question three times and being given the same answer three times, they stop. Just don't give in and remain polite at all times as these guys are just doing their job, and they really don't give a shit about you personally.
EagerBeaver said:Prime,
They will ask what hotel that you will stay at and they may even call them. They will also ask what you are planning on doing in Montreal. Just be polite and don't give in. On one occasion I was asked three different times what I was planning on doing in Montreal. The answer was the same each time: "vacation." They are trained to ask the same questions multiple times because by doing so they squeeze out inconsistencies in responses and also try to intimidate you into giving particulars. For example they may say after you respond "vacation", "are you meeting anyone? are you seeing a girlfriend?" And the truth is it's none of their business and if you keeping answering "just taking a vacation, no set plans yet", there is nothing they can do. They are not going to whip or torture the truth out of you. Usually after answering the same question three times and being given the same answer three times, they stop. Just don't give in and remain polite at all times as these guys are just doing their job, and they really don't give a shit about you personally.
coming back to America, i've been been asked and others have been asked what hotel we stayed at. my concern is checking into a hotel and using an alias for privacy. the border official in America asks where i stayed and there's no way they can check since i used an alias. but yes, i like your idea of just answering their questions but not being specific. i know they're looking for people doing illegal activities, not someone seeing SPs, but i imagine it looks unusual to them travelling alone especially since i see myself visiting every month or so. they can tell you have crossed the border every time you do so.
If they asked you what hotel are you staying at, then by all means just tell them. I have been asked almost every time I come in, and when I tell them, that's it. Further, if they decide to check and your name is not on the system, it just makes it a bit more difficult. Simply put, just be honest. Tell them the hotel you're staying at and that you intend to "vacation" in Montreal, which is what you are doing anyway.
At the Trudeau airport, if you have a choice between a youngish female customs officer or an older guy, go with the older dude. They are not as inquisitive as the female customs. Maybe the customs guys already know the drill as far as traveling alone to see SPs
Cheers,
Cheers,
I can't for the life of me understand why people make such a big deal about border crossings. The one best piece of advice I can give you is, " Never volounteer information, simply respond to the question asked, nothing more." If asked what your citizenship is, simply say American, you don't have to tell them where you were born unless asked, don't tell them the hospital you were born in, the name of your dog, how many brothers and sisters you have, whether or not your last girlfriend likes cats or birds, what you had yesterday for breakfast and what your favourite food is. Am I making a point? Yes, answer the questions, HONESTLY, period. They will never, never, never ask you if you are going to Montreal to see a SP and have your brains screwed out of your head. They will however wish you a pleasent stay and as you drive away for your weekend of lust and debauchery, you can do so with one hell of a grin on your face
The SPs will not know your real name. You tell the agency your first name only. The agencies call your room asking for your room number and giving your first name. I have seldomly have had a problem. Being detained by the border patrol is a lot more uncomfortable than giving your name to the SP's. I have had it happened once because I didn't follow the protocol the other Merb members are suggesting. I was told later that because I did not give a definite staying time or length, they detained me and questioned me. I always tell them how long I plan to stay.Prime said:
I was drilled by 2 Canadian border patrols. They make you wait and let you sweat. I was let go after 2 hours, or maybe it was less. It seemed forever. They ask you if you ever had been arrested and they will check if you have a record. I have been told that they will detain you if you do have a record.
CaptRenault said:
CaptRenaul, I lift my hat!
A gentleman that wrote me asked for a good reason for the border, and I think you just found the best to give! Thanks!
My only question might be... would they wonder if he is carrying large sums of money? could that become an issue and attract unwanted attention?
Sophia
.
have your flight intinerary and hotel itinerary printed out and hand it with your passport. the last time I didn't do that, I got chosen for customs inspection, but as soon as the guy at customs asked me my occupation, I told him and he sent me on my way...
This time I'm actually going to be visiting 2 people (non SPs) that I know in montreal, but am afraid to mention that cause I don't know those people that well..
This time I'm actually going to be visiting 2 people (non SPs) that I know in montreal, but am afraid to mention that cause I don't know those people that well..
Prime said:
ATMs!! Why would people carry lots of money these days???
Sophia said:CaptRenaul, I lift my hat!
A gentleman that wrote me asked for a good reason for the border, and I think you just found the best to give! Thanks!
My only question might be... would they wonder if he is carrying large sums of money? could that become an issue and attract unwanted attention?
Sophia
.
newbieatthis said:
Lolll yes, I'm an ATM type of person too, however from what I have seen, many hobbyists choose to accumulate a "reserve" for their discreet pleasures, so that nothing will show anywhere in their accounting.
CaptRenault said:Sophia, the answer is no:
...There are no restrictions on the amount of money that you can bring into or take out of Canada, nor is it illegal to do so. However, you now have to report to a customs officer amounts equal to or greater than CAN$10,000, or its equivalent in a foreign currency that you are bringing into or taking out of Canada.
Crossing the border with $10,000 or more?
As noted above, you have to declare how much you have if it is over CDN $10,000, but Canada is more than happy to have a foreign visitor bring in lots of foreign currency (assuming that it is not drug money, etc.) which he will then convert to Canadian dollars and spend in Canada.
And when he spends it at the casino or on you, for example
Thanks CaptRenault!
I'll pass this info along to my friend
He will be happy to know that!Sophia
xxx
.
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picasso said:At the Trudeau airport, if you have a choice between a youngish female customs officer or an older guy, go with the older dude. They are not as inquisitive as the female customs. Maybe the customs guys already know the drill as far as traveling alone to see SPs
Cheers,
I agree female officers have the reputation to need to prove themselves all the time and they're usually tougher on business. It is like the unfamous U.S black female officer in Detroit. It seems that I am the only person in town to never concern with.
Anyway, they could ask you how much money you have with you and how much you expect to spend during your trip. What job have you in your home country? Have you a criminal record? Are you carrying alhocol, cigarettes or drugs with you? (If I buy a case of beer, I always show it to them and they're always glad to see me declaring it. So, they don't bother with anything else.) If you say that you expect to attend to a pro sport game. Hockey = lockout, baseball club = moved in Washington,D.C., football = not in season. Also, it is a good idea to remember what club is visiting and what time the game starts.
Prime said:
How can one use an alias when most if not all hotels require some sort of official ID or a credit card when someone checks in? In the hotels that I've checked in when I've travelled, they've always asked me for my credit card and/or some sort of ID usually my passport or my driver's license.
Yeah, border crossings used to make me nervous because nowhere else in the U.S. do you get stopped while just driving along.
The thing is, border patrol agents are people, too. Just dress well (without going overboard) and drive a decent car. This is from my personal experience and from a friend who works for Homeland Security.
The thing is, border patrol agents are people, too. Just dress well (without going overboard) and drive a decent car. This is from my personal experience and from a friend who works for Homeland Security.
Plan your trips around festivals/events and buy tickets
I personally always go to an event or festival when visiting Montreal and have my tickets handy when stopping at the border. Of course you will want to pick a festival/event which you actually want to see but that should not be too hard. Between sporting events, concerts, and other festivals there is almost always something worth attending.
The Canadiens season lasts all winter, in the summer you have Grand Prix, Indy Car, Champ Car, a PGA Golf tournament, a Major tennis tournament, Jazz fest and other big concerts like U2 this November, there is even an International Beer Festival, and a Carnivale second only to Mardi Gras and the actual Carnivale in Rio. To not find a reason to attend an event in Montreal at least once a year you would have to hate Hockey, Motorsports, Golf, Tennis, Music, large cultural festivals, and BEER!!! Wouldn't you love to tell the agent that you are going to the Beer Festival!?
I personally always go to an event or festival when visiting Montreal and have my tickets handy when stopping at the border. Of course you will want to pick a festival/event which you actually want to see but that should not be too hard. Between sporting events, concerts, and other festivals there is almost always something worth attending.
The Canadiens season lasts all winter, in the summer you have Grand Prix, Indy Car, Champ Car, a PGA Golf tournament, a Major tennis tournament, Jazz fest and other big concerts like U2 this November, there is even an International Beer Festival, and a Carnivale second only to Mardi Gras and the actual Carnivale in Rio. To not find a reason to attend an event in Montreal at least once a year you would have to hate Hockey, Motorsports, Golf, Tennis, Music, large cultural festivals, and BEER!!! Wouldn't you love to tell the agent that you are going to the Beer Festival!?
HonestAbe,
Please tell us more about the International Beer Festival. I might have to force myself to make the trip!!
Merci....
BL
Please tell us more about the International Beer Festival. I might have to force myself to make the trip!!
Merci....
BL
I've flown into Montreal from the US at least 12 times over the last few years, and driven across twice. I've never had anyone ask where I'm staying or anything. Just "business or pleasure" and that's about it. I think anyone worried about this is just paranoid. If they ask where you are staying, just say the Marriott or something. If you are afraid they will check on this, believe me there's something else that's making you look suspicious.
You can always say you're going to visit friends for a few days, you don't know the exact address but it's in Westmont or somewhere. I seriously doubt if they would ask for a phone number to call.
In general, plan on not being asked anything beyond why are you visiting Canada and how long you plan to stay.
You can always say you're going to visit friends for a few days, you don't know the exact address but it's in Westmont or somewhere. I seriously doubt if they would ask for a phone number to call.
In general, plan on not being asked anything beyond why are you visiting Canada and how long you plan to stay.
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