Visiting Detroit, Michigan. What do I need to know to cross into Canada?

Question

What's it like in Canada? I'm a southern girl so I've no clue. Do I need my pasport? Is gas high there? Do I need to exchange my money? If so, how and where? Thanks!

Answer 1

Here is the basic information you need in a nutshell:

1) drivers License will likely get you into Canada, but a birth certificate (proof of citizenship) is needed to get back into the U.S. You don't need a passport yet, but if you have one, take it!

2) Gas is more expensive than in the states, about 92 cents a litre.

3) Most businesses near the border will take US Currency (not coins) tho at a higher exchange rate; it is best to have exchanged for at least some Canadian Currency. You can do this at any bank in the U.S. or in Canada. If you have a debit card, use that for most purchases, you get a better exchange rate, and just use cash for small purchases.

4) Speed is measured in kilometers per hour, not miles perhour. On the speedometer of your car, kilometers will be in small numbers under neath the large mph numbers you use in the U.S.

Have fun!!

Answer 2

Bring your woolies if you are coming this week. A hat and gloves are a must. Boots would be a good idea too, but you can deal with running shoes if you are just going to be car to house/hotel situation. We are in finally for a bit of snow.

The temperatures which have been at 40f are goiing to be under 20f the next week. You will get better value at your bank if you change your money at home, but bank machines are a dime a dozen as soon as you cross the border, look for CIBC, Bank of Montreal, Scotia..there are tons. Gas is crazy stupid. Fill up at night, not in the morning. The gas prices rise 20 cents per GALLON overnight, only to drop by 8pm. Bring two pices of ID, birth certificate and something else. Have a good vacation. GO to the DETROIT ZOO and see the polaar bears. Toronto Zoo is also good.

Answer 3

Hi- It's not a bad idea to have something more than a driver's license.

Windsor is the first city you get to from Michigan. There are some pretty good ethnic restaurants...they have an Italian district, and also there are good Chinese restaurants. It's nice to walk along the river...there's great views of Detroit.

From there, you can go to a lot of places. London is a couple of hours and is a nice city. Toronto is about 4-5 hours and is a major city...lots of traffic, but lots to see and do.

Gas is a little bit more expensive because they have more taxes than here. So, if you can fill up here, it's probably not a bad idea.

Regarding money, people accept US$ for sure. If you want to have Canadian money, then you can just find an ATM and it will dispense Canadian money.

I hate to say, but Canada is not a whole lot different from the US, especially the part of Ontario close to Michigan.


Here's some stuff off the web: www.visitwindsor.com

As of January 23, 2007: If you are travelling to Canada by air, a valid passport is necessary for return entry to the U.S. (see US State Department for requirements re air travel . )

A passport is presently NOT mandatory for travel by land (vehicle, train or boat) across the Canada/US border.

However, U.S. citizens entering Canada will be required to present proof of U.S. citizenship (i.e. passport, OR birth certificate along with a picture I.D.). Naturalized U.S. citizens should have their naturalization papers or wallet-size certificates. U.S. permanent residents require a valid U.S. Permanent Resident Card or the Resident Alien Card. (Resident aliens are required to carry their cards with them at all times.)

Travellers should also have the appropriate I.D. for all accompanying children.
For more information, contact the Canadian Embassy or Canadian Consulate closest to where you live. In Detroit, the Canadian Consulate may be reached by calling [phone] or by visiting www.detroit.gc.ca

For more information visit travel.state.gov/travel/tips/regional/regional_1170.html (*see under VISAS AND TRAVEL DOCUMENTS heading halfway down this page);
or www.cbsa.gc.ca/general/border/faq-e.html
or call U.S. Immigration at [phone] / [phone], or Citizenship & Immigration Canada Call Centre at 1-888-242-2100.

Answer 4

The other answers about ID required for entry into Canada and return to USA are very good, so I won't repeat that info.

You will need to do some math to figure things out, bring a calculator.

There are 3.79 litres (three decimal seven nine) per US Gallon. Our prices for gasoline are in Canadian cents per litre !
I bought gas yesterday at 71 cents per litre, which is a good low price for us, and 91 cents is a high price which we get occasionally. Usually, the current price is in between these two extremes.

You can figure out currency value with www.xe.com