GST = Goods and Services Tax. Federal "sales" like tax that is charged at the rate of 5% on virtually all purchases. Some times shown as an add on, merchandise purchases, sometimes included, fuel and restaurants. Either way is kosher.
PST = Provincial Sales Tax, just that, a sales based tax levied by the individual provinces with the exception of Alberta. Alberta = no sales tax.
There is another acronym that you will not encounter unless you are going to the maritimes. HT being harmonized tax where the PST and the GST are charged as a single entity. The retailer attempts to satisfy the federal and the provincial government! Reminds me of an old saying, "that dog won't hunt'!
Also Kim, I was a little remiss in not advising you to check the hours of operation of the Maida US/Canada crossing. It is not open 24/7 as a lot crossings are not. Better safe than siting waiting on you "sorry" a**.
Cheers;
Vic
We are going in after we see the Glacier Park in Mt. What is best entry from there I notice there are two. Which one would be the best or should I say the fastest.
Gene"n"Betty 2003 G.M.C. 3500 S.L.T.ext cab dually duramax/allison
2009 33ft Crossroads Seville 3 slides. Just the Wife, me and Dusty a loud mouth Parrot.
22geno wrote: We are going in after we see the Glacier Park in Mt. What is best entry from there I notice there are two. Which one would be the best or should I say the fastest.
North on Montana 17, becomes Alberta 6. North and west to Cranbrook and then north on 93 to hwy 1. Make a decision from there as to course to Alaska. The Icefiels Parkway is spectacular. Stay on 93 and head to HWY 1 to then north to Lake Loise, Banff and Jasper. From there you decide. Again M/Q works pretty well here too. this way is also likely the quickest and is an absolutely gorgeoous drive. If you are a golfer you are going by several dozen spectacular gold courses.
Vic
22geno wrote: GST Are you saying I may have to pay tax on the fuel I am carring. 91 gal tank in bed.
Nope - your fuel is just fine, you don't have to worry about that.
For the record, I have crossed the border into the U.S. twice in the past year and both times customs agents have inspected our 5'er. They looked in all the cupboards, the fridge and both times we had to extend the slider. Last time, about 10 days ago, they confiscated 1 apple, dog cookies and a clove of garlic. Like others have said, I just told them "have a look and take what you want".
22geno wrote: GST Are you saying I may have to pay tax on the fuel I am carring. 91 gal tank in bed.
NO. GST is similar to SALES tax. You pay the GST (tax) on only the fuel purchased. Another analogy would be the federal and state tax on fuel in the US. You pay on what you purchase.
Vic
We have crossed into Ontario for two weeks to visit friends on 5 of the past 6 years. Only one time have we been asked to pull to the side for further inspection. Appeared to be a random search since all questions and answers were the same as other years.
Funny story on the search. We were in a 34 ft class A motorhome pulling a small car. They came into the motorhome, opening and searching each and every cabinet. Throughly searched the car including pulling the golf bags out of the trunk and searching every zippered pocket in the golf bags. Then they sent us on our way without even asking to open even one of the outside basement storage compartments!
One suggestion, have the license plate numbers for your vehicles handy - they always ask us for the tag number of our toad.
Dave & Kathy
2007 Monaco Knight 40PDQ towing 2003 Odyssey
Two cats - Kitty & Casey (18 & 15 years old)
Internet/Cell - Sprint - Sierra Wireless AirCard595U
Fulltime since October 2007
Canada Border Guard: "How long have you been in the U....S....?
Me: Since 2pm yesterday? (It was a little after 3pm.)
Ca B. Guard: "What is the value of the goods you are bringing with you?"
Me: "$44 and change" You're allowed $50.00 GST free.
Him: "Have a good day".
& going the other way, rather memorable. I was crossing with friends, a bit hippyish in style. I had said I find it helps to have a middle class top on. We don't go in for that stuff was the answer. Well, we got searched. As driver I patiently went along with having all ash trays searched, luggage opened, for a good 1/2 hour. At that point, I turned to one girl and said: "Did I ever tell you Mary Ruth's powdered milk story?" It took less that 30 seconds for the senior border guard to say, enough is enough.
Of course, Mary Ruth (5'0' natural blonde, but with brain, was flying with back pack, ice axe etc. for a winter weekend on Mt. Washington) had a border guard just about take the pack apart and expected another white powder rather than powdered milk.
We were boarded going into Quebec, maybe for 15 to 20 min, and then coming back into US in Montana we were boarded again. Nice people, just doing their job. We weren't held up long and I have to tell ya, it's a learning experience.
Can't say how many times we've crossed, about a dozen I think. Each time was not a problem at all. We've been questioned, but RV never searched.
IMO have a well animal certificate signed by a vet with original signature. If a dog, showing shots. Can't say about cats. Make sure to tell customs you have the animal. Heard about people detained returning who had not declared dog on entry. Apparently wasn't fun.
Chuck
Wonderful Wife
Lovely German Shepherd.
1999 Mercedes ML320 TV
2003 Wanderer 187TB Toybox (3620# UVW, 4800# loaded) Not yet camped in Hawaii, 2 Canada Provinces, & 2 Territories. I can't be lost because I don't care where this lovely road is going
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