[Bring_Back_Shantz]

To anyone who is adamant that the Canadian border guards are a bigger pain in the ass than the American ones, I'd say that that is more a matter of preception than reality.

Think about it. For probably 99% of the people on this board you're dealing with Canadian customs officials when you're coming home. That means you're dealing with them when you're bringing products back (which can cause problems), and usually at the end of a vacation. Of course you're going to have worse experiences with them, you're probably in a bad mood because you just got off a flight, and all you want to do is go home, not answer a bunch of questions.

Dealing with the American guards on the other hand, you're usually at the start of your vacation, and you aren't trying to import anything (usually), so there is a lot less explaining to do. Also, if you're flying into/out of Calgary into the states, you deal with the US customs guys before you get on your plane, so you're likely excited and in a good mood, so of course you think dealing with them is easier. It's like any profession though, there are gonna be some folks that are nice people and good at their jobs, and there are gonna be a few jerks. Being Canadian or American has very little to do with it.


Honestly, I've never had a bad experience crossing a border, because I stick with the age old, rule that if at all possible the only things out of your mouth should be "Yes sir" or "No sir", and when they ask non-yes/no questions, be as clear and precise as you can.