Discussions

Curious on peoples' experiences - I know there are a ton of people who do day trips to Bottineau and even a bit further. Now, since there is no actual "under 24 hour" allowance, I'd like to hear peoples' experience when they come back.  
 
Do you find they give you a hard time about the amount you purchase at the border? I fully expect to have to pay duty but I know I hear tell of lots of people who they just let through.  
 
I mean, we pick up stuff from border services all the time and unless it is something I have picked up to resell they have never even batted an eye at me.  
 
The reason I ask is I will be picking up another package when I go down there, but I was planning on going on to Bottineau this time to grab a few more things I cannot get here.  
 
Not planning on spending much, but just more curious to see if there seems to be an amount that they do decide "that's enough." and charge you duty and stuff.  
 
Thanks!

Depends who greets you at the border, but we really have never had any issues. We go about once a month and have only had to pay a few times...most are really good. Seems to be if it's under $250, they let you go. Our experience.

It seems to be hit or miss. I have been called in to pay duty/ taxes on as little as $50, but have also been waved through with as much as $300.

We went to Minot as well as picking stuff up at Border Shipping. We had some food items which we weren't charged any duty on and the other stuff we were. I have also been waived through with less than $150.00.

Thanks!  
 
I would assume as well, do not try to bring home alcohol or tobacco (not that I do, but I am guessing they watch for that more?)  
 
I use border services for a lot of Christmas shopping and have brought home packages well over $300 before but they never bother with us. (I am betting they see a lot of Canadians that time of the year - heck I was there one time and there was a line up of five or six cars - LOL)  
 
Like someone else said, guess it depends on who is in the booth.  
 
Thanks!!

It depends on what you buy. Under 24 hours you can't bring back any alcohol or tobacco. You should expect to pay taxes on all purchases. Duty is only charged on items that are made outside of US, Canada, or Mexico. Generally grocery items you won't get charged duty on. Getting waved through without having to pay taxes or duty is an exception of the rule. Once you're gone longer that 24 hours, there is a certain amount you can bring back as your 'exemption' that you won't get charged for.  
This is of course on personal use items, commercial use items is an entirely different ball game.  
 
Basically, if you're going down to Bottineau/Minot etc for a day trip (less than 24 hrs), you can generally bring back groceries and building materials and will get charged the taxes but no duty. Clothing and beauty products tend to be made outside North America and usually therefore have duty charged. If you get waved through you are just having a lucky day and enjoy!

I've never had to pay to pay duties or taxes in my life. Whether it was a few nights stay or a day trip. I've also only gofor a few hours just to get groceries in bottineau. And we bring back tobacco products. I always declare everything and provide receipts if they wish. I usually just get waived through. So I'll be shocked one day if they do decide to charge me something lol

I've found the people who work st customs to be pretty decent folks. I think they have to be somewhat skeptical due to the nature of their work.  
As long as you don't bring back alcohol or tobacco, and you're honest when you're over, they seem incredibly reasonable.

I have always had more problem going down, than returning. They go through everything when I go down.