The dreaded border crossing....

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 10:57 am

So this will be my first burn. I've been reading info on the BM site for a year and a half and my camp plans are well underway. I'm ready to embrace the dust, the fire, the cacophony and revel in it all. The one aspect of the whole trip that's got me in a twist is crossing the border. Ok, ok, I've seen Midnight Express and I'm not planning on trying to bring in anything questionable but based on this bit on the main site http://www.burningman.com/preparation/t ... o_brc.html , it seems like I'm in for a world of hurt if I say I'm going to BM. And what's the deal with bringing food across? I was hoping to do some pre-prep meals but I'm not sure if I can bring fresh foods across.
Anybody have any experiences/words of wisdom/folly they'd care to share?

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:39 am

The safest thing to do would be to wrap the food in foil packs and tape them to your body before attempting the borser crossing.

phil · Post by **phil** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 11:51 am

And whatever you do, don't say "please."

http://seattletimes.nwsource.com/html/l ... er05m.html

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:17 pm

Damn phil, I was planning on really playing into those polite Canadian stereotypes! I've crossed the border many times i my life and have seldom had any problem, although I have to say, border guards have gotten distinctly more sternly authoritative in the last several years. Maybe it's all those folks with foil packages taped to their chests that's pissing them off? I mean really, does my cooler filled with marinating barbecue to share with playa folk REALLY pose a national security risk?

BitterDan · Post by **BitterDan** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:52 pm

I was crossing into Canada a couple weeks ago and we all got the third-degree from the border agent. She asked, "How do you guys know each other?" in a snide tone and we responded that we were friends. She then puffed up her chest, let out an impatient grunt and proceeded to ask, "HOW do you know each other?" Then she pulled me aside and asked if I had ever been arrested and when I replied with, "No" she got really upset and gave me a look of "sure you haven't been arrested" and said, "YOU have never stood in front of a judge?" When I replied in the negative she took my passport and disappeared into a back room for 20 minutes before finally letting me go. So my first impression of Canadians was this border crossing agent and I can tell you the impression was not so favorable.

On the other hand, it took all of 30 seconds to cross back into the United States with no snide remarks of any kind. I love America!

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 2:22 pm

We have a cabin in northern Ontario and reg. cross in Sault Ste Marie, generally without a problem. I try to be pleasant with them as I answer they're questions. Occasionally they'll flag me off to the side for a cursory inspection. The last time coming back stateside I was flagged for the first time headed back into the states and in the inspection found in my cooler *gasp*! left-over chili. Learning there was burger in the chili, the guard who was playing the role of "bad guard" preceeded to read me the riot act about bringing meat across the border. I guess his family must own a meat market in the UP and he was just looking out for them lol. Anyway, "good guard" handed me a flyer telling me what I could and couldnt take either way. Only once in recent yrs have I had a guard who not only smiled, but he laughed as well!

I was speechless

Taking a Patient who was Canadian from Detroit Metro Airport to a hospital in Ontario, I was driving when we crossed into Windsor. The guard in her questioning of me asked if I had anything to declare, I said I had a patient in the back which earned me quite the dirty look. As she flagged us through, I mentioned to the pt.s son that it was a good thing we weren't carrying any drugs on board (we were in a basic ambulance). The son mentioned he had drugs with him.

Once I was able to re-start my heart I asked him to show them to me. Out of his breast pocket he pulled out epinephrine, atropine and lidocaine used in a cardiac arrest. The RN riding in the back had him carrying extra's, just in case

Ourania, just make sure you're aware of the rules, what to not bring, the PROPER ID to bring and be straight with them. Either that or find a deserted spot on the border and run for it

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 2:23 pm

We have a cabin in northern Ontario and reg. cross in Sault Ste Marie, generally without a problem. I try to be pleasant with them as I answer they're questions. Occasionally they'll flag me off to the side for a cursory inspection. The last time coming back stateside I was flagged for the first time headed back into the states and in the inspection found in my cooler *gasp*! left-over chili. Learning there was burger in the chili, the guard who was playing the role of "bad guard" preceeded to read me the riot act about bringing meat across the border. I guess his family must own a meat market in the UP and he was just looking out for them lol. Anyway, "good guard" handed me a flyer telling me what I could and couldnt take either way. Only once in recent yrs have I had a guard who not only smiled, but he laughed as well!

I was speechless

Taking a Patient who was Canadian from Detroit Metro Airport to a hospital in Ontario, I was driving when we crossed into Windsor. The guard in her questioning of me asked if I had anything to declare, I said I had a patient in the back which earned me quite the dirty look. As she flagged us through, I mentioned to the pt.s son that it was a good thing we weren't carrying any drugs on board (we were in a basic ambulance). The son mentioned he had drugs with him.

Once I was able to re-start my heart I asked him to show them to me. Out of his breast pocket he pulled out epinephrine, atropine and lidocaine used in a cardiac arrest. The RN riding in the back had him carrying extra's, just in case

Ourania, just make sure you're aware of the rules, what to not bring, the PROPER ID to bring and be straight with them. Either that or find a deserted spot on the border and run for it

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 2:27 pm

Your first mistake was going to a female border guard. I always avoid them like the plague as
a) they seem to have something to prove
b) they have a stick up their collective asses (yes, it's a very long stick with lots of pointy branches)
I wasn't suggesting that it's only guards on the American side that have issues. I'm a big believer that suspicion is contagious and these days there seems to be more than enough to go round, whatever its source. I'm just hoping to get some tips from people who've dealt with the crossing on their way down to the playa.

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 2:33 pm

Thanks for the advice Sail Man. So I guess my plan to bring fresh groceries across the border is out of the question. Hmmm, so much for trying to prep meals ahead.

dragonfly Jafe · Post by **dragonfly Jafe** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 3:35 pm

...another possible issue; valuable stuff. When a grad student I got a paid research gig from Frito Lay where I got to instrument up one of their trucks and follow it around for a few days as it made deliveries. The Prof told us to take the "short cut" through canada. Of course, the border was several hours from michigan state so we attempted our crossing in the evening hours....on a friday night

The various instrumentation, oscilliscopes, analyzers, recorders, cameras, etc were worth 6 figures. In a plain van. Heaped in the back. A foot or two deep.

The Canadian guards asks what we are up to, we politely explain our gig. They then ask if we have receipts for all the stuff. Apparently they were concerned we were going to sell it in canada or something.

they pulled us aside, thoroughly searched our van (making us unload it all since we told them the stuff was very fragile and worth a couple of hundred thousand dollars). Then they let us re-load it all. Then they took us to a holding room (ie-cell). They would NOT let us return to america. We had to wait until we could reach someone at the university (on a weekend) that was high enough up to vouch for us. Took about 10 hours (was light the next day when we were finally allowed into canada). We made it to the customer just barely in time by driving straight thru (no sleep at the hotel). We ended up being awake for like 2 days straight.

Moral of the story: if you have a lot of expensive stuff, make sure you can prove you bought it (or rented it).

And having lived in michigan for years (occaisionally driving over the lawrence for labotts before I was 21) I have learned that in general canadian border guards are nice and american border guards are pricks with no sense of humor - so don't try them!

LostinReno · Post by **LostinReno** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:05 pm

ourania wrote:Your first mistake was going to a female border guard. I always avoid them like the plague as
a) they seem to have something to prove
b) they have a stick up their collective asses (yes, it's a very long stick with lots of pointy branches)
I wasn't suggesting that it's only guards on the American side that have issues. I'm a big believer that suspicion is contagious and these days there seems to be more than enough to go round, whatever its source. I'm just hoping to get some tips from people who've dealt with the crossing on their way down to the playa.

OMG! I almost peed reading this!

I soooo agree. Although I've personally had more issues with the US side than the Canadian, hubby won't let me drive across the border anymore because when I drive we ALWAYS get pulled in. I'm not too sure why other than I am female and everytime I've had an issue it was with a female officer.

We cross at Sweetgrass MT, Coutts AB frequently when visiting the inlaws. The bastards took my orange that was sitting on the center console (probably came from FL to begin with

) when we were coming back into the US. Then we had to play 50 questions with what other food we had. They were ok with my little bag of Old Dutch dill pickle potato chips and our legal allotted limit of Canadian alcohol, they just had a beef with my orange. My guess is they only have issues with fresh foods such as produce and meat. My advise would to buy all of your food on the US side. If you drink, bring your alcohol from Canada, our beer sucks! If you don't drink, bring ME beer from Canada!

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 4:52 pm

It will be my pleasure to bring some Canadian suds to share on the playa! I think I'll let my husband drive to the border and handle the crossing, I'm waaaay too mouthy and likely to piss off the guards more than him. I'm glad I'm not the only woman who avoids the female guards.
I hadn't thought of the expensive equipment angle though. Shouldn't be much of a problem as I don't plan on bringing my oscilliscope down for the burn. ;)
So, dry foods ok; fresh foods bad.
Hmmmm....What I don't get is that we import half of our produce from the States to begin with. Maybe it gets contaminated with something while its up here? How would one recognize socialized medicine or poutine contamination?

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 5:46 pm

BitterDan wrote:"YOU have never stood in front of a judge?"!

How come no one asks me that?

Post by **Elderberry** » Sat Mar 07, 2009 6:56 pm

theCryptofishist wrote:
BitterDan wrote:"YOU have never stood in front of a judge?"!
How come no one asks me that?

LOL That was funny.

JK

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:41 am

Has anyone done the drive from Toronto? Google maps recommend crossing at Sarnia and say the drive is about 36 hours straight. This seems a bit optimistic to me. Maybe if I had one of those flying Hexayurts I read about in another thread....LOL
We are planning on driving straight through, stopping only for meals and bathroom/gasoline breaks. Does anyone have any idea what I should anticipate for driving time?

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 11:00 am

I've done the drive from Detroit, took me about 31 hrs, so google sounds bout right. I havent crossed in Sarnia so cant speak from exp. there but have in Windsor at the tunnel and the Ambassador bridge and both coming back are pretty much the same. On the state side at the bridge they are re-building all the approaches and support facilities and the rds are a mess so I would avoid that for now, although I believe the latest I've heard is they are sposed to be done in August. LOL we know how that always works out.

theCryptofishist · Post by **theCryptofishist** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 5:46 pm

Does google actually "recommend" a particular route, or do they just give the shortest one on freeways?

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Sun Mar 08, 2009 9:15 pm

I'm not actually sure. I just assumed it was the shortest route across. It's actually a much straighter line than I would have guessed. Apparently the Black Rock desert isn't THAT much further south than Toronto. Weird, given how hot it gets there.
Do you have a favourite route to recommend or know any good pit stops along the way? It'll be my first time traveling in this part of the States and it'd be nice to make the most of the drive. Mind you, it'll require slowing down a little from the "drive straight through" pace.

edeveber · Post by **edeveber** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:28 pm

I once went to Cincinnati for a marathon (I'm in London, Ontario) and, because I did not want to eat fast food on the road before the race, brought with me a duffelbag of fresh fruit and veggies. That was a bad mistake. This time I guess I'll just make a grocery stop on the other side of the border.

CdnChick · Post by **CdnChick** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 3:16 pm

I've been going to the Burn from Calgary since 2004. I've never had a problem. There are a few key items to note to make your life easier:

1. Tell them you are going camping.
This is not a lie, but also does not arouse suspicion.

2. Purchase your tickets with will call delivery.
A quick stop on the playa ensures your tickets don't "disappear" at the border.

3. Register anything expensive
You don't need receipts for owned items. Stop at the Canadian side BEFORE approaching the US. You can register electronics, etc. to prove they were yours before entering the US. Annoying, but handy. I believe you can also get registration in advance at your local office if you have one.

4. Don't bring anything illegal across
Period. Ever.

5. Declare things honestly
I declared 6 flats of 24 beer when driving across last year - I had the receipt ready and everything. They could have charged me duty, but didn't.

6. Don't give them ANY reason to search you
Once they find one "infraction" - things downward spiral very quickly. They are obligated to follow-up until they can prove you are compliant with their countrry's rules if you give a reason to start looking. They also have no legal obligation to reassemble your vehicle if they tear it apart (either border direction).

7. If you're nervous, you seem guilty of something
Seriously - I learned this from an old cop friend of mind. If you pull up with a smile, address them with respect (sir/ma'am), and answer questions in a relaxed fashion you have better odds of having an uneventful experience (the best kind)!

I have crossed with rainbow braids and piercings showing. I have towed a U-Haul (they thought we were moving) and had no problems.

You will run into issues if you are planning to bring:

- large scale art projects (why do you have a fiberglass UFO covered in tarp on your roof!!)
- gifting items that they may consider saleable (especially shirts, jewellry, or higher cost items)
- things that the US has very different laws for (ephedra and BZP are legal in Canada, and are as illegal as heroine in the US)

I hope this info helps you out. The crossing you take can make a difference as well. There's a guy in my camp who's come from TO a few times. You could PM me your email and I could pass it along to him :)

Safe travels!

CdnChick · Post by **CdnChick** » Mon Mar 09, 2009 4:17 pm

Also find some other TO folks:

http://eplaya.burningman.org/viewtopic.php?t=27771

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Tue Mar 10, 2009 11:04 am

theCryptofishist wrote:Does google actually "recommend" a particular route, or do they just give the shortest one on freeways?

I just googled detroit to gerlach and it directed me to take I80 all the way which of course is the most direct route. however, it also directed me to take the jungo road from winnemucca and not continue on to fernley and head in that way. So yes, it seems to show, initially, the shortest route.

robotland · Post by **robotland** » Wed Mar 11, 2009 5:31 pm

Sail Man wrote:I've done the drive from Detroit, took me about 31 hrs

The funny thing is that it's longer from the WEST side of Michigan! Thirty-TWO hours, and that, of course, is NOT including pit stops or naps....My Personal Best is about that plus ten hours and I usually don't even stop to stretch my legs until I'm well into Iowa.

Sail Man · Post by **Sail Man** » Thu Mar 12, 2009 11:17 am

robotland wrote:
Sail Man wrote:I've done the drive from Detroit, took me about 31 hrs
The funny thing is that it's longer from the WEST side of Michigan! Thirty-TWO hours, and that, of course, is NOT including pit stops or naps....My Personal Best is about that plus ten hours and I usually don't even stop to stretch my legs until I'm well into Iowa.

Well, those of us from the EAST side are able to warp the space-time continuum because we wear hats made from aluminum foil to prevent the "Others" from learning of our actions.

Or it could be that we get a bigger head start and can go faster. Why, we practically are zooming at light speed when we pass the Zoo, whilst your just getting started.

jeez, just try and factor in time changes and see what it gets me lmao

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Mon May 25, 2009 7:14 am

I got this quote from the Homeland Security website and it would seem to indicate that any kind of food product is out of the question:

"We regret that it is necessary to take agricultural items from your baggage. They cannot be brought into the United States because they may carry animal and plant pests and diseases. Restricted items include meats, fruits, vegetables, plants, soil, and products made from animal or plant materials."

I get the no fresh food thing, but does anyone have any direct info regarding taking dry/canned goods across? It would be nice to be able to at least pack basics like rice, canned foods, dry noodles and such and pick up fresh foods once I'm in the States. There's no contact numbers on that site to call for info (at least not numbers that work from Canada). I mean any "products made from animal or plant materials" would pretty much disqualify anything edible, no?!

brattynat · Post by **brattynat** » Mon May 25, 2009 7:49 pm

4 burns searched once, it was a woman. Think very carefully about everything you have with you and what friends may have left from previous events. I had a mirror that someone used at a party 6 months previously, for coke and I completely forgot about it having not been the one doing it myself. I had the mirror in my purse so I could freshen up and look all picknicky crossing back to Canada and they found the traces. It never even crossed my mind. When they called us over I was shocked that out of all us, it was *me* they wanted (I'm the most straight-edged person I know, lame yes, but still awesome) They threatened to strip search all of us starting with me if they found anything else and I told them to keep looking because there was nothing more to find (which there wasn't). I also had friends who brought a couch and some random had left a baggie in when they packed up to head home, not a fun return. Also a friend had a roach in her purse because someone was going to toss it on the ground at a party and she didn't want them to litter and she forgot about it, the girl wouldn't even know how to roll one, and now has a record. It's the tiny things that get you, the traffickers somehow get through but we, the little oblivious ones get busted.

dragonpilot · Post by **dragonpilot** » Mon May 25, 2009 8:19 pm

Not all fruit, veggies, and meats are prohibited. This site lists things allowed in both countries.

http://www.gonorthwest.com/Visitor/plan ... border.htm

I sea kayak Canada every summer and bring in 2-3 cigars, packaged cheeses, dried fruit, packaged meats, beer...but all in quantities limited to personal consumption...not like I'm setting up a convenience store.

Coming into the US is pretty much the same, with some minor variations.

klondike_bar · Post by **klondike_bar** » Wed May 27, 2009 11:28 am

any idea what estrictions exist on vehicles?

In my case, it is likely (unless proper repairs are purchased) that my vehicle will still have a cracked driver side mirror, and a missing licence plate renewal (i failed an etest, and my going excuse is that im on my way to a garage/just left a garage after getting a quote/saving up for repairs/etc).

unfortunately, i have a funny feeling the border wont like my car very much in the above state...

ourania · Post by **ourania** » Wed May 27, 2009 12:55 pm

Hey Klondike,
I went back to the Homeland Security website and the best info I could find was this: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/clearing/

It has more to do with importing/exporting vehicles for personal use, rather than actually driving them across though. I'd go to a glass shop and have them cut you a new mirror to fit your drivers side mirror, then afix it with contact cement. It should do in the short term. As far as the sticker goes, I highly doubt folks on the American side of customs would even recognize what that sticker is for or question why it's not up to date. I could be wrong but I'd be surprised if it were a problem. Just make sure the car isn't really belching exhaust or looking like it might collapse any moment. Give it a good cleaning, fix the mirror and bonne chance my friend!
BTW, which crossing are you planning on using and when are you leaving?

SilverOrange · Post by **SilverOrange** » Wed May 27, 2009 1:35 pm

klondike_bar wrote:any idea what estrictions exist on vehicles?

In my case, it is likely (unless proper repairs are purchased) that my vehicle will still have a cracked driver side mirror, and a missing licence plate renewal (i failed an etest, and my going excuse is that im on my way to a garage/just left a garage after getting a quote/saving up for repairs/etc).

unfortunately, i have a funny feeling the border wont like my car very much in the above state...

I would advise having your shit tight. I was just went up to Ontario from Michigan to go fishing. Coming back on the Canadian side they already had all of our info pulled up before we even got to the booth. The only thing I could figure out is cameras reading your license before you get to the booth. They even knew about an old warrant I used to have, so don't think they're not thorough. The mirror is an easy fix, but I would take care of the registration. It would suck to have plans fucked for that.

The dreaded border crossing....

The dreaded border crossing....

Not related to food but related to crossing