Hello,

Was recently in Canada and I have two questions: First, if I didn't file for my tax refund at the border is there a way to get it from my home in the states (still have all the receipts)? Second, I received a speeding ticket about 100 yards from the U.S. border in B.C. The ticket says I must send a check in Canadian funds, how do I do this? The officer said there was information about paying by credit card on the back (so the exchange would be automatic) but there isn't anything about it--not even a phone number. How do I handle this?

Thanks,

Al

Hello Al LaCarte,

Here's a brief explanation of the GST refund procedure:

http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/tax/nonre...ors/tax-e.html

Here is a PDF version of the Application for Visitor Tax Refund form:

http://www.ccra-adrc.gc.ca/E/pbg/gf/...gst176-03e.pdf

You can print the form, fill it in, attach the receipts, and mail it to the Summerside, Prince Edward Island address that's provided.

If you meet the requirements, the Canadian government will send you a refund check in US$. If I recall correctly, people around here have mentioned it takes 6 weeks or so for the check to arrive.

As for your traffic ticket, you can call 1-800-665-6442 between 8 am and 6 pm Pacific Time, and someone there will take your credit card details over the phone.

I just spoke with Joseph at that number, and that's what he told me. He also told me that the toll free number mentioned above works from the U.S. (I specifically asked him, because I've had the experience of some toll free numbers not working across the border.)

The above information came from a Google search for PAYMENT + TRAFFIC TICKET + BRITISH COLUMBIA. One of the links that came up was a website for Insurance Corporation of British Columbia. Following some links from there brought me to this page that had the phone number mentioned above:

http://www.icbc.com/Licensing/lic_fi...icket_pay.html

Al, I think you're the first one to get a speeding ticket while vacationing in Canada, or at least the first one to post a question. CONGRATULATIONS!!

Well, this was before I came to this website, but I've picked up a speeding ticket in Virden, MB a few years ago. I was already slowing down into the town, but still got clocked at 121km/h on the empty Trans-Canada...

Judy, You're brilliant! Thank you for all the great information.

FainaAgain,

I think nobody wants to admit it (except rkkwan, below). The funny thing is I had the cruise control set and simply didn't notice the speed change...bummer!

Thanks to all,

Al

Wow - Judy went above and beyond on this one- great work!
We were stopped in NS last summer by a RCMP officer for exceeding the posted speed. My wife was driving and she gave him the lame excuse that she's mixed up about the difference between km and mph. I was sure he'd roll his eyes and ticket her. but he patiently explained that no, km is less than mph and implied (correctly) that only an American would use that excuse. I think my 9-year- old made all the difference by asking the officer where his horse was. The officer laughed and just gave my wife a warning.

It would have even been funnier if your son had asked if he knew Dudley Do Right.

People who were addicted to the Bullwinkle and Rocky cartoon series in the 1950's and '60's will understand that one.

When stopped by the police away from home, one can often avoid tickets by just playing dumb tourist.