Boarder Crossing tips?
 

so finally my northwest trip is only 4 weeks away! and I wanted to ask for boarder crossing tips. I've read online to have passports ready and held by driver, windows down, no music, no sunglasses, and cell phones off. we won't be bringing any liquor or food, much less produce, pets, or firearms.

are there any other tips one may miss or forget? I've never driven through the boarders, so any tips would be greatly appreciated :)

Don't worry about it. Most border guards are fine. If you have nothing to declare, they will let you drive off after a few questions.They'll likely want to know where you're headed so know the exact address of your fist destination. Purpose of your trip. Been there before and when. Enjoy!!!

If you are crossing into Canada, it is very easy. Canadian border guards are very friendly and the wait is not too long unless it is a 3-day weekend like this weekend. On the way to the US, the wait is usually longer and the inspection is more thorough. I have also found the US customs agents more gruff and down to business. Whereas Canadians say "have a great time" or "welcome", I think the US guards just kind of waive you in most of the time. No fruit or produce is allowed to be brought in, if I remember it correctly.

jennise, just make sure nobody in your car has a DUI. Canada is not very tolerant on that count.

Just expect that the Canadian border guards will engage in some conversation that is helpful for screening (where you are going, how long, gifts bringing in, etc.). They are usually wonderfully polite and friendly, but also very observant and alert.

On the U.S. side the border guards are much less affable and will be more gruff. Still, they are fine - do not try to slide by not declaring liquor and other stuff they restrict. They often search. We like to visit the Okanagan and buy wine, and always declare. Tax is very low, but if you state there is nothing to declare and then they check, you are toast. If you buy "222" aspirins or other over the counter drugs, know the rules.

Useful tips - turn off your cell phone. Roll down both driver and passenger window (particularly when crossing into U.S.) - not required but often appreciated. Be polite, be friendly, don't make stupid jokes. They are there to protect, not to give you a hard time unnecessarily.

Don't panic if you are subjected to a random search. It just means you got selected by a computer for no particular reason. If you have declared everything, or even forget some small items it will be no problem.