Intomyskin Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 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? Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/ Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottyg Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 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 Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138357 Share on other sites More sharing options...
scottyg Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 Sorry for the sarcasm, was hangry. Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138358 Share on other sites More sharing options...
mattwallace24 Posted February 24, 2018 Share Posted February 24, 2018 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. Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Intomyskin and Dan 2 Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138359 Share on other sites More sharing options...
JAC1961 Posted February 25, 2018 Share Posted February 25, 2018 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. scottyg 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138360 Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hogrider Posted February 26, 2018 Share Posted February 26, 2018 (edited) 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 bongsau, scottyg and Dan 2 1 Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138373 Share on other sites More sharing options...
NihilNovum Posted March 11, 2018 Share Posted March 11, 2018 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. Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138437 Share on other sites More sharing options...
rdinak Posted April 19, 2018 Share Posted April 19, 2018 I used to live in North Dakota near the Canadian border. Visited there a lot. No worries. Have fun. Quote Link to comment https://www.lastsparrowtattoo.com/forum/t/7995-crossing-international-borders-for-a-tattoo/#findComment-138852 Share on other sites More sharing options...
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