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Thread: getting money into Canada

  1. #1


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    getting money into Canada

    I might play in some Canadian casinos soon. The thing is, how do you get large amounts of money over the border?

    I have thought maybe I could open a bank account just inside the US border and bring over $9k, then if I lose it just keep going back to the American bank and reloading.

    But then if I accumulate a bunch of Canadian money, how to get it back into US? Can I as an American open a bank account in Canada, or would that cause problems?

    I could just declare $10k+ and go back and forth, but then wouldn't I be at risk for civil asset forfeiture?

  2. #2


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    Quote Originally Posted by beta View Post
    I might play in some Canadian casinos soon. The thing is, how do you get large amounts of money over the border?

    I have thought maybe I could open a bank account just inside the US border and bring over $9k, then if I lose it just keep going back to the American bank and reloading.

    But then if I accumulate a bunch of Canadian money, how to get it back into US? Can I as an American open a bank account in Canada, or would that cause problems?

    I could just declare $10k+ and go back and forth, but then wouldn't I be at risk for civil asset forfeiture?
    You're looking for trouble. Don't fuck with either Canada or US customs. Play the game properly.
    1. USD 9k exceeds 10k Canadian - must be declared to Canada Customs.
    2. Customs won't seize your money, unless you try to screw the system. There are various levels if forfeiture depending on the gravity of the offence.
    3. You will need a Canadian address to open a Canadian bank account.
    4. Carry your bank withdrawal slip with you, so that you can prove source of money.
    5. Never lie to customs - they take a dim view.
    6. Don't try to hide your outside USA winnings. The IRS wants their cut.
    7. Download both USA and Canadian currency disclosure forms.
    8. [email protected] send me an email, tell me what border area you're interested in.
    9. It's the value of currency that requires declaration. Exiting USA with 9k does not require declaration to US customs
    10. Entering Canada with 9k USD exceeds 10 k CAD, requires declaration to Canada Customs
    11. Common sense.

    It's not a big deal to declare money.

  3. #3


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    I agree with this. In my experience travelling from the US into Canada the customs officers take their job very seriously and can delay your trip if they suspect a problem.
    Casino Enemy No.1

  4. #4


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    Just declare it. But make sure you’re 100% accurate. My friend recently crossed the boarder with 40K USD (which equivalent to 50K Canadian I think) and he said it was a pain in the ass. It took a while to get in and out, but he made it. He also told them he was a professional gambler.

    If you’re going to do it, don’t try hide anything, otherwise there’s always a possibility of getting it confiscated. The boarder patrol told my friend that if declares 35K when he’s actually got 50K, then he risks the possibility of having all 50K confiscated, as opposed to just the difference.

  5. #5


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    I started my comment a while ago and got distracted. I just came back to finish, but noticed Freightman wrote a really good detailed response after I finished posting. Go with that! Lol

  6. #6


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    No need to open another bank account or be afraid to bring over $10K. Just declare it. I'm a Canadian citizen with no criminal record and have travelled with over $10K in cash to several countries. By far the most scrutiny I have faced is coming back into my own country. Sure they can inconvenience you after you get off your flight but they know they really can't do much so long as you declare the accurate sum. Luckily they're paid enough so that we don't have to worry about bribes or theft. Also try to be as friendly as possible. They love nothing more than to waste an asshole's time.

  7. #7


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    In declaring how much you have, do you have to be accurate right to the penny can you say something like I have between $12,500 to $12,600.

    When I go on a trip I seldom know the exact amount of money on me. In fact I believe there is also a dollar or two in my wallets coin pocket.

  8. #8


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    Quote Originally Posted by Midwest Player View Post
    In declaring how much you have, do you have to be accurate right to the penny can you say something like I have between $12,500 to $12,600.

    When I go on a trip I seldom know the exact amount of money on me. In fact I believe there is also a dollar or two in my wallets coin pocket.
    MWP
    What you're describing will not cause any issues, though some customs agents, when filling the form, like to be exact. What customs is looking for is non disclosure, pissible terrorist or criminal activities.

    What I do is have 5 packs of exactly 5k each in envelopes in my pockets, and loose bills in my wallet. When asked, I will say that I have exactly 10,15 or 20k (whatever the amount in my pocket) and 3 or 400 in my wallet. That way, I can be free and easy at airport if departure, and if they want to count my wallet contents, they are welcome to do so.

    The key is - be prepared - be open and honest. They will almost always, if not always ask, why you are carrying so much money. Be oreoared with the truthful answer.

    It doesn't hurt to do what flash advises - to have original withdrawal slips on your person (in your wallet)

  9. #9
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    I use to play a lot up in Vancouver so I am familiar with this question. I use to be very worried customs officials would steal my cash after hearing civil forfeiture stories. Especially when I first started playing. So, just like you, I really never wanted to declare. But it's important to know that customs officials rarely seize cash from people who follow the rules. In fact, I've never even heard customs officials (US and Canadian) seizing cash as long as you were honest with them. They have no reason to take your money unless you lie to them, or it's obvious it's proceeds of crime.

    I've transported large amounts of cash ($50,000USD+) before in numerous currencies to and from Canada. It's not a problem if you are honest with them. Someone mentioned customs takes their job very seriously. That is very true, especially in Canada. Canadian Customers Officers, and the CBSA (Canada Border Services Agency) are some of the strictest, meanest, customs officials I have ever come in contact with on my worldwide travels. I have been almost everywhere, and do not know why the crazy canucks are the worst by far. I was taken to secondary screening last time after I declared all my cash and did everything they asked of me. They are very strict, I would not recommend playing any games with these guys, or trying to structure how much cash you have so you don't have to declare. Also keep in mind when you're going INTO Canada you have to declare anything over 10,000CAD not USD. So your example of $9000 would actually have to be declared as it's over 10,000CAD. In fact $8100USD is over 10,000CAD so you'd even have to declare that!

    Border agents are not known to seize cash the way Cops in America do. You really only have to be nervous and worried in places like Oklahoma, Illinois, or other highways used to ferry drug money that you happen to be driving on with a lot of cash.

    I would recommend bringing over the border however much you want to bring, and declaring should you need to. Save bank receipts, casino receipts, and any other receipts you can gather that you can present to the border officers should they ask how you got the money. But be completely honest and straightforward with them. Don't be afraid to tell them you're a professional gambler. Even if they give you odd looks, and repeat what you just said in a surprised tone. They will do that no matter what your answer is to see what your reaction is. Be honest! Do not make up any stories. Also, just a tip I learned, the money is 10,000CAD/USD PER PERSON, not per vehicle. It's very hard to find the answer to this question, but I finally did when I just asked them. So if you're traveling with several people, it depends on how much EACH person has on them.

  10. #10
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    +1 to BlackljackFeign. Very well written.

    Although I am largely retired I have travelled between
    the USA and several other countries, Canada included.

    I purposely withdraw a high 5 figure sum from my F.C.U.
    Regular C.T.R/'s are a good thing my skeptical friends!
    I carry the receipt with me, on my person. Every time
    that I have had a T.S.A. minion or Customs Agent ask
    me why I have so much cash, I say I plan on 'gambling
    to excess' (L.O.L.) and show my bank receipt which even
    indicates the distribution of bills. The receipt is exculpatory
    evidence (to anyone) that there isn't any 'ill-gotten gain'.

    Once I had a middle 5 figure sum in cash, and an additional 5
    figure sum in casino chips. That made the T.S.A. fellow curious
    but he quickly realized that they needed to return it all to me.


  11. #11


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    Excellent post by blackjackFeign.
    2 points
    Not 10k per person or vehicle, 10k per family unit (husband and wife for example)

    U mentioned Vancouver. They are the meanest. Other ports are much better.

    Over 10k, you are always sent to secondary. It’s where the form is filled

  12. #12
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    Great thread: very informative and an OP and 10 relevant responses without devolving into sand lot ad hominem! Well done!


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

  13. #13


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    A couple of other points, as a Canadian who goes to the US. This can be engineered by a US resident in reverse.

    1. With my regular day to day Canada Bank accounts (in my case, Royal Bank), I have a USD savings account. Attached to this is my Royal Bank USA USD savings account. The accounts are linked, so that I can easily transfer money between the 2.
    2. I also have, linked to Royal Bank USA, a debit card, with no charge ATM withdrawals.
    3. I have relaxed daily withdrawal limits. Though never used, the value is obvious.
    4. I have a Royal Bank USA issued USD Visa card.

    Though not germane to the OP, for those Canadians travelling with significant others, Royal Bank Westjet Elite MasterCard.
    CAD 119 annual cost. 1.5% westjet dollars back, 2% on flights, ANNUAL COMPANION PASS cad 99 return, whereever Westjet flies in North America, (299 Mexico Hawaii, 399 Europe) no charge checked baggage, medical insurance trip cancellation, car insurance etc. We have a family event across the country in October. Westjet dollars not spent can be applied to car rental and hotel. For anyone who travels, with family, and who racks up enough expenditures, the value is obvious.

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