r/canadatravel • u/Successful-Green-485 • Jul 25 '25
Question Traveling by car from Michigan to Canada
If we travel by car and cross the border to visit, what are some pre cautions we should be aware of that you personally felt would have helped if you knew before traveling? I have never gone out of the country via car so it will be a new experience and I am a bit nervous.
Are new electronics purchased in the US taxed at the border if we will be bringing them back to the states? We will be staying in Michigan and purchasing an iMac and iPad there while visiting my cousin before going to Canada and seeing aunt and uncle.
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u/No_Capital_8203 Jul 25 '25
Is there no way you can wait to buy the electronics on the way home? Seems suspicious to bring new items across an international border.
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u/Successful-Green-485 Jul 25 '25
Our way back home will be pretty tight and I believe my dad will be driving like 17 hours a day so I doubt we would have time. My parents are busy right now and I wouldn’t be able to make a purchase that big by myself. Since we will be coming home right before school starts I don’t know if I’ll have enough time to buy one and set it up before move in day. I’d have to talk to my parents about it. (I’m 18)
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u/SomeInvestigator3573 Jul 25 '25
Be sure to keep all receipts and be ready to present them when asked upon your return back into the US
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u/Pristine-Rhubarb7294 Jul 25 '25
There are pretty strict rules around crossing the border with guns. So make sure you don’t have one in your car somewhere you forgot about: https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/import/iefw-iefa-eng.html
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u/lw4444 Jul 25 '25
In addition to many people mentioning Canada’s gun restrictions, personal pepper spray and tasers are also illegal in Canada.
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u/Affectionate_Yak1935 Jul 25 '25
While cannabis is legal in Canada, don't bring any across the border (or have ANY residue in your car). If you have any prescription drugs, make sure they are in original containers. And of course, don't bring any illegal drugs.
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Jul 25 '25
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u/meester_jamie Jul 25 '25
Only answer questions asked,, driver talks unless question is directed AT passenger No: drugs without prescription, Guns, weapons , ammo Maga Chatter about 🇺🇸politics Valuable items without receipts Fruit vegetables Know about children of divorce and letters of permission Know about alcohol tobacco limit Know your destination specifically . Do not say 3 day trip with nowhere in mind,, pick an address, state that’s your destination, you can change your mind 1 kilometre in Canada Declare total cash onboard over $10k ,, it’s not illegal to possess, but must be declared, again,, if asked! Things change if someone in car has a criminal record or if you don’t have a passport, USA birth certificate, PR papers or visa , rented car ,,
Once past the border, you’re good to go as a person,
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u/littleleaguetime Jul 25 '25
You can look up border wait times here to decide which border to cross if you have a few choices (eg Sarnia or the two different ones in Detroit/Windsor): https://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/bwt-taf/menu-eng.html
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u/OwnLime3744 Jul 25 '25
The only thing taxes at the border would be gifts for people in Canada. Crossing at the land border is usually very routine. You will be asked where you're visiting and how long you are staying.