BORDER TIPS:

? For distances and speed limits, a kilometer (km) is about 0.6 of a mile (mi) and a mile is 1.6 km.
? To find approximate equivalents use: 
Kilometers x 0.6 = approximate miles. 
Miles x 1l6 = approximate kilometers. 
? Comparing gasoline measurement: one U.S. gallon (gal) = 3.78 liters (L). 
Example: .35 a litre = $1.32 a U.S. gallon (.35 x 3.78 = $1.32). 
? Temperature conversion: Celsius to Fahrenheit (0C x 915 + 32 = F0) 300 C = 860 F 

CURRENCY EXCHANGE:

? Canadian and American currency systems are similar- a dollar is 100 cents. 
? Currently, Canadian money is not pegged and floats freely on the currency market. Its relationship to the U.S. dollar varies daily. Check at the border crossing for the current value. 
? To avoid exchange problems, visitors are urged to exchange funds at the nearest financial institution. 
? Major bank cards and credit cards are honored in both countries.

CUSTOMS U.S. CITIZENS:  

? Once every 30 days each U.S. resident who stays in Canada more than 48 hours may take home $400. (U.S.) worth of merchandise free of U.S. duty and taxes, providing the goods are for personal or household use. 
? The above includes 34 oz. of alcohol (for those 21 years of age or older) and one carton of cigarettes. 
? If visiting less than 48 hours, only $25. (U.S.) of merchandise is duty and tax tree.

CANADIAN CITIZENS: 

? Four times a year (Jan-Mar, Apr.-June, July=Sept, Oct-Dec), each Canadian resident who stays in U.S. more than 48 hours may take home $100. (Canadian) worth of merchandise free of Canadian duty and taxes, providing the goods are for personal or household use. 
? The above includes 40 oz. of alcohol (must be 19 years of age for B.C. and 18 years of age for Alberta) and one carton of cigarettes. 
? Once a year, if Canadian resident stays in U.S. for 7 full days or longer, the duty free merchandise can amount to $300. ( Canadian). 
? To make Canadian Customs clearance easier, keep receipts and invoices handy.

GENERAL INFORMATION: 

? Just a reminder- postcards and letters will need Canadian postage stamps if mail is posted in Canada, and U.S. postage stamps if mailed in the United States. Check at a post office for proper rates. 
? In British Columbia, the law requires that drivers and passengers must use seat belts.