Old 09-30-06, 11:30 PM
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Machka 
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Be absolutely sure you have the following information with you:

1) Passport

2) Itinerary, including the names and addresses of any hotels you might be staying at, or people you might be staying with.

3) Paperwork for any other modes of transportation you might be using such as flights, trains, busses, etc.

4) Cash or traveller's cheques, and also a bank statement with your current bank balance.

5) Proof that the bicycle is indeed yours ... receipts, or insurance papers are good.

You may not need any of this (except the passport), but security has tightened up so much on the border over the last few months, you may discover yourself heading back to the nearest town to collect it. Yes, this is based on my experiences crossing the border over the last year or so!

Also, it is best not to go into too much detail when you are talking to the border guards ... just answer their questions as briefly as possible ... provide them just the precise bit of information they are asking about. There is a list of about 25 standard questions they ask people crossing the border ... they don't ask everyone all 25, they will pick and choose 3 or 4 from the list. Some examples of those questions are:

1) your name
2) your city and country
3) have you ever been fingerprinted
4) what is your current occupation
5) have you been convicted of a criminal offense
6) have you ever been refused entry to another country
7) what is the purpose of your visit
8) are you carrying firearms
9) have you purchased alcohol or cigarettes to bring into the country
10) have you purchased any other gifts
11) have you purchased any new goods
12) do you have any food with you

Just be prepared to answer those and others.

Border crossing is SO much fun these days!!
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