Border CROSSING

Crossing the Canadian / United States of America border

Rules governing the entry of foreigners are subject to change and you should check with the relevant authorities close to the time you will be making a crossing.  Generally crossing this border is straight-forward and will include going through immigration customs both ways.  The biggest hassle is usually the length of the queues, so consider avoiding peak times such as public holidays and the start and end of the working day.

Ensure you have the necessary papers.  Identification papers such as a passport or birth certificate are recommended over a driver's license or voter registration card.  You also may be asked to show a return air ticket or proof of sufficient funds.  Know the rules and make sure your appearance is not cause for suspicion (probably not a good day to be wearing your "legalize marijuana" t-shirt!).  Customs inspectors  do have the power to ruin a vacation. 
If you come under strong scrutiny for any reason, answer questions directly and politely.  Tempting though it may be, wise-cracking and rudeness will only be to your own detriment.

When crossing the border on public transportation such as ferries, trains and buses, you will if necessary, be reunited with your luggage in order to take it across yourself.  Transport companies take the inspection time into account in their schedules, and while mass transit is usually treated efficiently, the companies have no power over delays.  Vehicles may be searched at the discretion of the customs officials, whether or not the traveler feels that he or she has complied with customs requirements.

Standard questions you might be asked by a border guard include: "Where are you from?", "Where are you going?", "How long will you be in Canada?" (sound like you know for how long, even if your plans are flexible, and ensure the intended length of your stay is within the legal limit), "What is the purpose of your trip?", and "Are you bringing anything with you that you intend to leave behind?"

Driving across the border

Border officials are on the lookout for stolen cars, or people attempting to avoid paying duties on bought cars.  So you will want to be carrying documentation to show you are not perpetrating such scenarios.

Driving a rental car across the US-Canadian border is usually not a problem, so long as you have made this arrangement with the car rental company.  Make sure you have a copy of the rental agreement with you, and that is states you have permission to take the vehicle across the border.

If you are driving a private car which isn't registered in the name of someone going on the trip, bring written proof that you have the permission of the owner to take the car into the other country.

Close to the time you intend to cross, it might be worth asking locals about the comparable prices of gas/petrol in each country (factoring in exchange rates), in order to make a budget-conscious decision as to which side to "fill up".