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www.snowbirds.org
Check with the Canadian/U.S. border service as well as the CSA before planning
any bulk purchasing of food items to take south to ensure items will not be
confiscated when crossing the border. In 2004, a general ban existed on
Canadian beef products, which included Canadian manufactured pet food that
contained beef or beef by-products.
Keep all receipts for items purchased outside Canada if required by Canada
Border Service Agency officials to verify what you are claiming on your customs
form when you return.
Review your vehicle from the perspective of a potential border inspector before
your arrival at the border or inspection checkpoint. Out of the ordinary (though
innocent) items can promote extra questioning.
Take off your sunglasses at the border and maintain eye contact with officials –
never mirror the attitude of an inspector who is having a bad day.
TRAVEL FINANCES
Cash
Carry a small amount of local currency to use for incidental expenses such as
tipping and taxis.
Carry travellers’ cheques that are widely recognized and/or an ATM card.
Check what form of currency is generally accepted in the country you are visiting.
Credit Cards
Call your credit card company and inform it of the travel period and countries you
will visit.
Check the expiry date of your credit card(s) prior to departing.
Confirm hotel charges before calling when using a hotel telephone – many
hotels have higher telephone charges than cellular phones.
Confirm that you can pay for accommodations, meals and incidental expenses
with your credit cards when making hotel reservations.
Confirm that your ATM bank card will work in the automatic teller machines
(ATMs) and checkout counters of your destination.
Valuables
Call your insurance company and inquire as to the respective coverage limits of
valuables. Some policies contain limitations and restrictions for loss or damage
away from your premises.