CDN Citizen US University

My Girlfriend is a Canadian citizen who going to school in the states. She is coming home for Christmas shortly and is wondering about paying duty on presents. Is there a limit on how much she can spend or if she has to pay duty on ANYTHING? How about BIG purchases like Televisions or Computers?

Thanks!
Adam

Depends on whether she's a resident of the US or Canada, which basically means whether she's got a DL in the US or Canada because CBSA will want proof. Canadian residents can bring back $750 (excluding booze and cigarettes) duty-free, visitors from the US can bring in $60 Canadian worth of gifts duty-free.

If you're thinking of trying to get a deal on a laptop or whatever, bear in mind the duty can be really high, plus they add on GST and PST if applicable. Check the duty guide on the CBSA website for the applicable duty, although it can be faster just to phone the local CBSA office and ask. Goods that originate in a NAFTA country (Canada, US, Mexico) are duty-free. But not GST free.