Landing in a few months and want to save on moving costs

[wyho007]

I will be moving in 6 months and will make a short trip next month to Canada. I'll travel with a few friends. I'd like to save on shipping costs later at the official move, my friends are willing to let me us their airline baggage quotas (23kg per baggage, 2 per person). Is it risky to have some of my personal belongings moved there when going through the customs? Anything I should be aware of?

We're going on a 10 day trip, not sure if it'll get my friends into trouble when bringing so much things visiting. Mostly clothing and shoes that I will ask them to bring, nothing valuables.

 

[steaky]

Unless you use their quotas in bringing newly purchased expensive items (such as designer's bags / jewelries), then they might need to pay duties if being ask and check by customs. Otherwise I don't see any issues.

 

[wyho007]

Unless you use their quotas in bringing newly purchased expensive items (such as designer's bags / jewelries), then they might need to pay duties if being ask and check by customs. Otherwise I don't see any issues.

Stuffs they are bringing for me all just clothes and shoes, nothing else.

If being asked, can my friends honestly admit they are bringing stuffs for me in order to save me shipping costs in a few months? At this entry, I myself will still be a "visitor".

If they claim the stuffs are theirs, I'm afraid the CBSA will suspect they have a intent to stay longer than the 10 day trips and risks deny of entry.

 

[Bs65]

Maybe overthinking it but make sure your friends are aware of what they are carrying in their luggage that belongs to you in case they are pulled for customs inspection. They should not be landed with any surprises in response to ' did you pack the bag yourself' otherwise should be no issues although CBSA do sometimes ask how many bags someone has although unlikely to deny entry for that. Probably best once through the immigration desk to hold back and collect your luggage at same time as friends then hand in your customs cards at same time, again maybe overthinking it.

 

[wyho007]

Maybe overthinking it but make sure your friends are aware of what they are carrying in their luggage that belongs to you in case they are pulled for customs inspection. They should not be landed with any surprises in response to ' did you pack the bag yourself' otherwise should be no issues although CBSA do sometimes ask how many bags someone has although unlikely to deny entry for that. Probably best once through the immigration desk to hold back and collect your luggage at same time as friends then hand in your customs cards at same time, again maybe overthinking it.

My friends have never been to Canada and heard horror stories about CBSA that they got nervous. And their nervousness got me anxious too. When they are doing me a favour, I certainly will do anything I can to not get them into trouble. So, they should admit they pack the bag themselves and if being asked details regarding the items, they can tell the CBSA officer that they are helping me bring my belongings into Canada (I will make sure they know what's in the bags)? When saying so, will that get me into trouble when I am not resuming my residence until 6 months later?

 

[MapleLeaf18]

Just tell them you are using your friends' baggage allowance and declare the goods in their luggage. If you tell them honestly I don't see why it should be a problem then. But if you don't tell them upfront then they will suspect that either you are hiding something or making excuses lateron.

 

[COPRQuestion]

I will be moving in 6 months and will make a short trip next month to Canada. I'll travel with a few friends. I'd like to save on shipping costs later at the official move, my friends are willing to let me us their airline baggage quotas (23kg per baggage, 2 per person). Is it risky to have some of my personal belongings moved there when going through the customs? Anything I should be aware of?

We're going on a 10 day trip, not sure if it'll get my friends into trouble when bringing so much things visiting. Mostly clothing and shoes that I will ask them to bring, nothing valuables.

Just a quick question as I didn't see you updated your profile, have you actually received your COPR yet? In either case it shouldn't be a massive problem, as the other posters have suggested be upfront. I'm pretty sure there is no rule about friends carrying other peoples luggage, but you're right it does get a bit awkward if they are pulled over and asked questions.

And let's be honest 2 bags per person for a 10 day trip isn't exactly ridiculous.

One thing perhaps to remind you and something a lot of people fall foul of is food. Just make sure that yourself and your friends don't have any food good, dried meat etc in the bags. I know us travelers from HK seem to like to travel with loads of food and that can be picked up and you can be fined if you don't declare it.

Also if you're travelling with more than CAD 10k (HKD 61k) in cash remember to declare it as well on the customs form.

 

[wyho007]

I'm a returning citizen (living abroad) sponsoring my partner. I plan to move early next year regardless of her PR approval, though I would anticipate her application could have been approved or close to being approved by then.

Thank you for the reminder on food and cash. I'll only be bringing clothings/shoes. Nothing to declare. Only not sure if we will be pulled by the customs at exit when we are bringing big heavy suitcases on a 10 day trip.

 

[COPRQuestion]

I'm a returning citizen (living abroad) sponsoring my partner. I plan to move early next year regardless of her PR approval, though I would anticipate her application could have been approved or close to being approved by then.

Thank you for the reminder on food and cash. I'll only be bringing clothings/shoes. Nothing to declare. Only not sure if we will be pulled by the customs at exit when we are bringing big heavy suitcases on a 10 day trip.

Ah right, that's cool then.

Again, I wouldn't worry about it too much, paranoia has a way of attracting customs officials but I have to admit the CBSA seems to be more keen to stop people than any other country I've been to (and that's a lot).

I'm British and HK PR and never been stopped going through customs, Canada is the only country I get paranoid I've done something wrong.

Also as another reminder when you return officially rather than as a visitor you'll need to complete form BSF186