Crossing the border from Canada to US unofficially?

[thelegendaryrob]

> I have a prepaid Mastercard... Do you think they would buy that? You can't prove funds on a CC.

probably unnaceptable. as 'proof of funds', but if it has your name imprinted on it, acceptable as secondary ID.

they would most likely want to see the most recent statement on paper with 'funds available'.

(+ they aren't stupid, theyknow which mastercards are Prepaid.(and btw, 'prepaid' mastercards that load at check cashing stores or convenience stores are a RIPOFF. (many small banks, particularly the ones in wal-marts-will issue a DEBIT mastercard with minimal fees, no credit check, (tied to a checking acount)and no 'load' fees.)(those prepaids eat $8 or so every 'load')

incidentally, if you get caught in canada illegally, you will get deported.
if you get caught within 7 yrs of this first deportation, you will Do Time and be deported for Life.
if you get caught a THIRD time, the consequnces are worse.

[Raus]

If you are talking about crossing into Canada.. Just cross at a major tourist walking across point... Like Niagara.. I know this one from personal experience.. I walked across with my backpack and a state ID... They didn't even ask any questions... A place like that tourists from both sides go back and forth all the time...

[thelegendaryrob]

Just cross at a major tourist walking across point... Like Niagara.. I know this one from personal experience.. I walked across with my backpack and a state ID... They didn't even ask any questions... A place like that tourists from both sides go back and forth all the time...
note that raus apparently)dint have a (visible)bedroll, i;ve got questioned at this checkpoint whilst carrying a bedroll,but i had everything i needed to acomplish my mission:(i;ve gotten 'waved' thru without one)

a: I was going somewhere legitimate-(rock concert inontario)-and couild anwer when the show was and where it was (I had no ticket, but I had a hundred cash on me which =140 or so CDN.

b: i told them I was walkin across to the brock bus terminal to save $ on da hound (also true) CDN tix, bought IN CANADA in CANADIAN FUNDS are LOTS cheaper (after exchange) american funds than stateside trips of equivalent distance (the best part of this crossing, is the casino right there in brock always gives a good exchange rate)(and is open when thebansk are closed)

c: where was i going aferwards: stright answer: probably hitching down to NY state for subsuequent show by same band.(thus the bedroll, and CB radio in case I get stuck somewhere-sicne there is no direct intercity service without backtracks from TO to the area of upstate NY i wanted to go to)(especially at 2am)

State Id.

the most important thing here was the $75.(one-to one and a half day stated trip)(had i not been able to answer questions logically, or had an arrest record involving drugs or alcohol, or not hd at least $75 on me, iwould have been Denied Entry.)

my only major concern was , I had a coupla dozen ankle bells with me that had already been imported to USA once, and a second importation of the same trade goods into USA (after taking them out of the country) is technically illegal.

note: the statute of limitations on that reimportation I mentioned has since expired.

[Raus]

I actually walked across with my 70Kilo backpack full and strapped to my back..

[thelegendaryrob]

but was your bedroll exposed, or concealed?

and are you US citizen, or foreigner

sometimes canada customs is lots more hospitable to, say, british subjects crossing from the states, than americans.

[Raus]

No, I didn't have an exposed bedroll. My sleeping bag fits in the bottom pocket of my pack... But I am an American citizen..

[UnionJack]

[quote:24b5cd7925="Raus"]If you are talking about crossing into Canada.. Just cross at a major tourist walking across point... Like Niagara.. I know this one from personal experience.. I walked across with my backpack and a state ID... They didn't even ask any questions... A place like that tourists from both sides go back and forth all the time...[/quote:24b5cd7925]

Pre-911 or post?

I went into and out of canada a lot just prior to 911, but not things are much different.

Back then, they would ask you a few questions like, citizenship, where are you going, how long are you staying... then they would wave you through... (going into Canada)

Now I hear they give you the 3rd degree.

[thelegendaryrob]

jack, the procedures for crossing the US canadian border for US citizens or canadian subjects has NOT changed, these rules and procedures (both sides)were in place BEFORE 9/11. and they are the SAME now.


the ;3rd degree'; was no uncommon prior to 9/11 based on things like lack of fund, insuffucient identification, officers discretion, etc.


9/11 is largely irrelevant to us/canada border crossings by nationals of those countries. 9/11 only really effects procedures involving nationals of OTHER countries ;in transit; thru us or canada.

[UnionJack]

[quote:78bba00861="thelegendaryrob"]jack, the procedures for crossing the US canadian border for US citizens or canadian subjects has NOT changed, these rules were in place BEFORE 9/11. and they are the SAME now.


the ;3rd degree'; was no uncommon prior to 9/11 based on things like lack of fund, insuffucient identification, etc.


9/11 is largely irrelevant to us/canada border crossings by nationals of those countries. 9/11 only really effects procedures involving nationals of OTHER countries ;in transit; thru us or canada.[/quote:78bba00861]

I've only been asked for ID once, and that was AFTER they denied me entry and gave me a slip to take back to US customs.

While the rules and regulations might be the same, they are more strict than what they used to be... They've NEVER asked me about funds, ID, or a birth Certificate.... other than the time I mentioned.

I've crossed at Blaine, Windsor, and Port Huron... Port Huron was the one that hassled me so bad.

[thelegendaryrob]

i have ALWAYS been asked for ID , and funds avaialble, both before and after 9/11-so was every person in front of, and behind me. (it wasnt personal)

9/11 had nothing to do with it-blaine, in particular has always been very bureacratic, as regards pedestrian traffic, in my memory (they tend to 'wave' a lot of newer9undeer 5 yrs old) model *cars* thru (reason: the license plate acts as ID to some degree)

HOWEVER,officers discretion works BOTH ways-, so its not illogical for one to just ;wave; someone thru to avoid a headache.

THAT SAID, the *rules* (on paper) are the same as they ever were.
its up to each individual officer to follow them.

THAT said, why were you denied entry? lack of funds?