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Old 03-05-2013, 08:05 PM   #1
lightning79
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Heading into the U.S. for the first time

Hello friends,

I've just booked myself into the KOA in Great Falls, Montana, for two weeks, starting in late July. It's my first time crossing the border with the camper, and I'm just wondering if there's anything I should be aware of (border protocol, what I have in the trailer, etc). Any help from my American friends on here would be most appreciated!

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Old 03-05-2013, 08:49 PM   #2
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We have crossed many times usually from BC. It's generally no problems, they ask where your going and how long, do you own the vehicle and is the insurance up to date. Some fresh fruit and vegetables can be a problem as well as firewood. Best to buy that stuff once in the US.

If you have a dog make sure its shots are up to date and you have papers.

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Old 03-05-2013, 10:01 PM   #3
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Kevin -
In addition to the suggestions given by Ray, you will be asked for your Passports so make sure you have them and they are up-to-date. Drivers' licences are no longer acceptable.

Citrus fruits are a no-no as well as some other items and it is probably best to buy your groceries when in the US as recommended above. If you like, you can always speak with the nearest US Customs Officials and get a list of things that are not allowed to be brought into the US.

Some kinds of firewood are permitted --- milled/processed or finished lumber is ok - just don't bring any pieces of "raw" or green wood.

Depending upon which border crossing you use, you may get by with a short stop or "if your number comes up on the computer" you may be asked to pull over and have your RV searched. It is most often a random number I think.
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Old 03-06-2013, 05:48 AM   #4
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As a general rule of thumb, I would personally buy ALL of your groceries down there. They can be sticky with not only fresh fruit, but also meat. Going down with a freezer full of meat, and having to toss it all at the border sounds like a lot of wasted money to me.
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Old 03-06-2013, 04:23 PM   #5
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+1 on buying food across the border. Trip to Vegas, I went down completely empty and hit Wal Mart in Omak.

I did get inspected on the way down. They were 5 minutes in the trailer and I was on my way.

Was 45 minutes on the way back. I think they were checking that I didn't buy the trailer down south.
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Old 03-06-2013, 05:20 PM   #6
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+1 on buying food across the border. Trip to Vegas, I went down completely empty and hit Wal Mart in Omak.

I did get inspected on the way down. They were 5 minutes in the trailer and I was on my way.

Was 45 minutes on the way back. I think they were checking that I didn't buy the trailer down south.
Mmmmmmm. Omak. GREAT Mexican restaurant in that little town.
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Old 03-06-2013, 09:09 PM   #7
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Thanks guys, I appreciate it! I'll be sure not to take any produce or meat, and I'll get what I need down there. I have my passport up to date, so I'm looking forward to it. I'm a teacher, and I get my summers off, and have booked a few places, so I"m all excited!

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Old 03-07-2013, 07:59 AM   #8
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I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the GF KOA once you return. We're looking for spots outside of Alberta (stupid online reservatiuon system!) which aren't too far.
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Old 03-07-2013, 11:43 AM   #9
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Mmmmmmm. Omak. GREAT Mexican restaurant in that little town.
I think we had a burger there.

What is the Restaurant's name? Might be heading there in a month or so.
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Old 03-07-2013, 06:00 PM   #10
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Rancho Chico. A little warning tho...... Go with a very large appetite.
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Old 03-08-2013, 04:02 PM   #11
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Thanks. Will have to try it.
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Old 03-08-2013, 04:47 PM   #12
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I'd be interested to hear your thoughts on the GF KOA once you return. We're looking for spots outside of Alberta (stupid online reservatiuon system!) which aren't too far.

I'll certainly post up when I get there, I'm a teacher, and it won't be till the last week of July and first week of August. I'm also booked into a campground in Lethbridge for a week. Any places you can recommend in southern Alberta for when I head back into Canada on the 7th?

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Old 03-10-2013, 07:29 AM   #13
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I'll certainly post up when I get there, I'm a teacher, and it won't be till the last week of July and first week of August. I'm also booked into a campground in Lethbridge for a week. Any places you can recommend in southern Alberta for when I head back into Canada on the 7th?

Kevin
Which campground in Lethbridge? Did not like the one by Henderson Lake.
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Old 03-12-2013, 04:44 PM   #14
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Which campground in Lethbridge? Did not like the one by Henderson Lake.
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