1st Time Traveling to Canada

[cowpuc]

All the above. Bring cash,credit,debit but leave the guns at home. You can run into real problems and big fines at the border.

 

Last year crossing into Alberta at Glacier NP, everything was fine between Tip, Tweek, the Canadian crossing guard and myself until we got to that ominous question = got any weapons.. I had told him no but he just seemed to not like my answer.. After about a 10 minute deliberation (no other vehicles in line) I finally gave up - told him that it just occurred to me that I did in fact have a weapon, pulled a little 2 inch jack knife out of Tweeks tank bag and offered to leave it with him if needed.. At that point he gave up (didnt smile - I think those guys have a contractual obligation not to smile) and motioned us thru - and I got to keep my jack knife!! Dog gone good thing he didnt search my bike because there, hidden within the walls of my Maintenance Department he would have found my 16 inch pair of Channel Locks - now those suckers are DEADLY!!

 

By the way,, anyone reading this that is thinking of hitting the 75th Sturgis Rally this year, might not be a bad idea to leave the handguns at home for that too. The State of South Dakota voids all CCW's and it is illegal to carry even if your an out of state Police Officer during that week.. Just an FYI..

[Semi-retired]

think you got ripped off by your exchange...1usd=121.97cnd....1cnd=81c usd plus exchange...when we go to states use 1 credit card for all gas accomodation large restaurant bills...carry cash for small stuff..

Hey, buddy~ just noticed your post today.

 

I'm a 10 year veteran of CIBC.......AND a cheap bug*er to boot, so I tend to track credit/debit card fees more judiciously than the average guy.

 

My hot tip of the day is......although putting everything on a credit card that allows "international" transactions (like using your VISA on both sides of the border) may be "handy" and make for easy bookkeeping.....be aware there are TWO "hidden" expenses to watch out for: 1. is the sometimes less-than-best exchange rate.....and 2. the less-often-noticed "out of country" FEE charged on every transaction, simply for the "privilege" of being able to use your domestic card in a foreign location...usually 1.5 - 2% Together, these can add up to the cost of a nice dinner out.....depending, of course, on the amount of usage.

 

MY recommended solution (although I know it's always a "regional" one, based on availability) is to find a service bureau or bank with the best available exchange rate (I use Continental Currency Exchange at my local mall, http://www.continentalcurrency.ca/) and convert the approximate amount you think you may spend....into the currency of your destination.

[BratmanXj]

Well the Weather botched the Lake Erie Plans so We'll be doing Lake Michigan again and staying dry. Going Counter Clockwise from the south end of the lake. If you see a Beige '99 with a Venture sticker and red FD and a Beige/Black HD Ultra stop and say Hi.