Rickresource Rickenbacker Forum

Can us Yankee’s get across the border without a hassle, with a bunch of Ric's?

ya ... but when you come back you will have to convince the border patrol that you didn't buy them in Canada ...

Jeff's right about that; I had some friends play a Bluegrass gig in Canada....this was way before 9/11 too...almost didn't make it back with their gear. I'd make sure you have proof of ownership docs with you...

They should know you can't find Ricks in Canada.
I think you can have them documented when you cross the border originally, with serial #'s etc. That way all you have to do is produce the paper showing you had them when you first crossed over.

I recorded once in Canada. They also made us give a deposit on the value of our instruments, only to get it back when we recrossed the border. So we would not sell them in Canada. Is that still the case?

I recorded once in Canada. They also made us give a deposit on the value of our instruments, only to get it back when we recrossed the border. So we would not sell them in Canada. Is that still the case?

I think the deposit thing went away with NAFTA but I'm not sure. I would think as long as it is a North American product it shouldn't be an issue what you take either way. We (in Michigan) are receiving tons of trash daily from Canada as it is a waste PRODUCT and falls under NAFTA. So what's the big deal about a few guitars?

I too would consider Toronto if it is there.

I went to a computer conference in Toronto in the mid 90's ... I was a guest speaker and I was presenting a software product so I took my own computer ... going into Canada was no problem at all but coming back I had to convince the border guard that I did not buy the computer in Canada ... also after 9-11 you may need a passport or birth certificate to go back and forth easily ...

I go back and forth several times a month. Here's my experiences:

Rics have "made in USA" on them, this should enable you to bring them back without issue. However, you can be safe and stop at US customs on the way out and register any guitars with serial numbers (I do this at Canadian customs on my way out). Guitars are now duty free under NAFTA (I have bought a couple in 2004-2005 from the US and only had to pay Canadian Great Sucking Tax and a broker fee, no duty). No deposit required. Carvin even ships to Canada for free now.

Getting back into the US will probably be more difficult than getting into Canada. We let anyone in, even Ric freaks.

I think the passport thing comes into effect in 2007, at the same time Canucks will require passports to enter the USA (they are already required at airports, but not drive throughs).

Computers would definitely be an issue either way, because none are really made in Canada or the USA. Different animal from guitars. Yet I have never had a problem either way with my Dells or Toshibas (in the past 15 years at least). It really depends on the customs agent, your demeanor, and the politics at the time.

...Dean

Dean, yur post is of interest to me-I have ordered my 360 BBR through Jackson Music,an authorized dealer in Grand Island NY, just over the Niagara Falls border. I was assuming I'd have to pay duty on it as well as the tax. That's not so? As I understand it, I pay NY sales tax and Canadian GST but can then get a rebate on the NY sales tax. Do you know anything about that? Also, what is this broker fee you mention?

If there is a Toronto Rickfest in say.....December, I could coordinate it with a planned trip to see one of my favorite bands of all time, The Pursuit of Happiness, on their reunion tour.

Bill,

When you bring a instrument into Ontario that's been bought in the USA, you will only pay GST and PST. There is no duty, that disappeared with the NAFTA agreement.

What will happen is, you will be asked to produce a receipt. The value of the receipt will be converted into Canadian dollars and that's the amount you will pay GST and PST on.

Do yourself a favour if you can, simply spend 24 hrs in the US and you can claim $200.00 on anything you've bought. At 15%, that's $30.00 that you wouldn't have to pay in tax. Every bit helps.

Just went to D.C. on business last week. Flew out of Pearson in Toronto. Only had birth certificate and Ontario Health Card. No problem getting into the U.S. Some problem getting back into Canada.

FYI.

Bill, I had to pay a $25 broker fee for two guitars I had shipped in by UPS or Fedex. The UPS man collected the broker fee and gst. I had to pay to get the guitars. I bought one in Philly and brought it back, got away without tax, but not strictly kosher. I didn't pay any US sales tax once they knew I was from out of state. If you get charged the tax, you can fill out reclaim forms on line for those states that require it.

Mick, I fly out of Trudeau here in Montreal and they won't let you through airport security without a passport. Neither will US customs. They even have to scan them. Pearson must be less difficult. Sometime in 2006 it will be mandatory at all crossings.

Just noticed, Musicians Friend is now shipping to Canada. FYI.

...Dean

Did you say Canadian "A" you hosiers.