Crossing International Borders for a Tattoo

[Intomyskin]

I’m considering a Canadian artist for my tattoo (I’m in the USA). It will be a large piece, so would require many trips across the border over a few years. 

It occurred to me that I may have to pay duty on a tattoo!  Since it will be large and I will be doing multi-day sessions, it will exceed the $200 limit for purchases in a 48 hour period.

I know one answer is “don’t declare it.” That would be fine if it was a one shot visit for a tattoo. However I will be making regular trips across the border for a couple of years (which I understand is a red flag in itself), and I will have to come up with a credible answer to “what was your reason for being in Canada?” Stating that I am going to Toronto as a tourist will look flimsy if i go every three months like clockwork. I’m concerned that after a few trips they may flag me and pull me aside and really quiz me. I’m not a good liar, and if they really press me it will be hard to account for my two days without saying that I spent my time getting tattooed.

I could just bite the bullet and declare the tattoo, and pay the duty, but then that opens the door to proving the cost (tattoo artists don’t give receipts), and possibly identifying the artist that didn’t provide a receipt, and risking getting them in trouble. Does anyone here have any experience on this that they can share?

[scottyg]

1. are you asking us for legal advice? I find that strange.

2. are services declarable? I thought you could only declare a good...?

3. google.com

4. failing that, http://www.cbsa-asfc.gc.ca/menu-eng.html

[scottyg]

Sorry for the sarcasm, was hangry.

[mattwallace24]

I also chose a Canadian (Montreal) artist for my sleeve. I made multiple trips with no issues. Upon crossing the border, I recall even mentioning I was there to get tattooed. The only follow up question I got was “aren’t there any good tattoo artists in the US?” I explained I was looking for a very specific type of Polynesian tattoo and the artist of choice was Canadian. No issues, duties, etc. I think they are really only worried about bringing in a large amount of purchased goods.


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[JAC1961]

My answer to any question would be... this thing? Nah, I've had it for years!  But I did eat a really expensive meal while I was there. 

[Hogrider]

Overthinking. 300,000 people travel between US and Canada each day. They aren't going to notice someone going every three months. You are a tourist. You love the city. The end.

Edited February 26, 2018 by Hogrider

[NihilNovum]

Heh sorry man but I found this funny. Never heard anyone even think of paying import taxes on tattoos! I've traveled and got tattooed a lot and I've even told them the purpose of my trip is to get tattooed and I've never had a problem.

[rdinak]

I used to live in North Dakota near the Canadian border. Visited there a lot. No worries. Have fun.