Posted on 11/10/2007 2:33:10 PM PST by fanfan
Canadians Pour Over Border As Dollar Stays High
Another weekend, another mad dash out of town. But where in the old days that almost always meant the rush to cottage country, now our high flying loonie means it's the endless line-ups at the border. The Canuck buck ended a week that saw it briefly hit the once mythical 1.10 cents US mark. It's since sunk back to 106.7 cents U.S., a four cent drop. But that's still enough to get the shopping juices flowing and the Ontario license plates going.
Sue Mills is making a weekend of it and is leaving from the Bay St. bus terminal. "I'm going to Buffalo, New York, I'm actually going to see a show and do shopping and a few stores," she explains. She's armed with $150 in American cash - an amount she got for the price of just $144 Canadian.
Even with the higher dollar, that's still not a lot of money for what she's hoping to come home with. "Jacket, sweaters, a couple of shirts, jeans, and then $10 for food. I'll save somehow." Add that to the $40 bus ticket and the taxi to get to the mall, and that's pretty lean.
But Mills - and you - should also beware of what you're buying and when. Those with a conspiracy-bent will have their paranoia on fire if they do that cross border stroll. Regulars coming back from the Queen City say they've noticed customs officials seem to be checking Canadian cars a little more closely than they used to. That's because there are specific rules about what you can bring back depending on how long you've been away. If you don't pay attention, you may not be doing your duty. But you'll most certainly be paying it. (See chart below.)
Another warning: the long waits at the border mean some people are being forced to factor in an extra 30 minutes to an hour for all those delays. And that uses up gas. Check the current wait times here.
But Mills doesn't care. "It's a hassle having to deal with that," she sighs as her bus gets ready to go. "But that extra wait is worth it because the amount of money you end up saving taking the bus as opposed to driving, it works out a lot better."
Somehow.
Because she wants it to be true.
LOL. By sheer force of will, she will save money, somehow.
What do you want to bet she isn't interviewed after her trip?
Gotta love the media.
My sister told me she saved $30 yesterday. She had to spend close to a $100 to do so, though.
“The poor woman actually thinks she will save money.
Somehow.
Because she wants it to be true.”
She might save a bit since prices tend to be lower here goods for goods. In any event, those of us who grew up with Quebecois tourists (especially the girls!) making our summers for us, are real happy to see them back.
You gotta spend to save, Bro.
The more you spend, the more you save!
I saved a peck of money today. I thought about going for a drive but decided to stay home and sit on my fat arse instead.
Habs just lost to the Senators 3-1.
The important thing was that she spent her money in the USA.
Being an Ontario woman, I have no direct experience with Quebec girls, but I’m glad they make you happy.
;-)
That’s how I do it, too.
Part of why I don’t think a weak dollar is all or mostly bad. US exports are way up and Canadians are coming here in droves to shop. The 3.9% GNP read of the 3rd quarter is largely due to US exports being so inexpensive and in greater demand due to the US dollar. The US media just wants to make it out to be “yet another Bush disaster.” It’s not. It’s probably something of a saving grace for the economy right now despite the credit crunch.
The Canadians are coming! Lock up your dairy products!
Off topic
The only loss we’ve had this year was on Thursday, when Emery played.
I don’t know much about hockey, but I know I don’t like Emery.
Yes, Canadian business people are just thrilled.
I live in Duluth Mn. Went to Target today. Every other car had Ontario plates. And we’re 2-3 hours from the border.
Quebecois girls are pretty cute, if you like that dark-haired, Neve Campbell-ish look.
With the Canadian dollar at an all time high against the American dollar I expect an inordinate amount of them to vacation here in Florida this winter.
Great, My day is ruined just thinking about that.
I bet they still are poor tippers and cheap.
Can’t see the keyboard through my tears.
Just wait until the Canadians check out how far their loonies will go at nice, quick, efficient American hospitals. Better get your surgeries quickly before Hillary ruins it for everyone.
There goes the neighborhood!
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