Day Trips

John and Judy are heading to Buffalo for the night to shop and have dinner. Can they shop at the Duty Free before entering the U.S.?

Yes they can. Any purchases may be subject to tax & duty upon returning to Canada just like any purchase at a U.S. retail store. They should only purchase alcohol and tobacco they plan to consume in the U.S. (or gift to someone in the U.S.) to avoid paying high tax & duty upon returning to Canada.

Sally, Natasha and Jules are headed to New York for a week to meet up with friends. They want to pick up gifts for their friends and liquor for the party. Can they purchase gifts and liquor at the Duty Free before entering the U.S.?

They can purchase both. They can buy 1L of alcohol each tax & duty free and can purchase more if they’re ok with the possibility of being asked by U.S. Customs to pay a very small amount of tax & duty on any excess purchases – see above. They can return to the U.S. with up to $200 each tax & duty free.

Bonnie and Sherry went to see a play in Toronto for the day and are on their way home to Rochester. Can they stop and shop?

They can return to the U.S. with up to $200 each tax & duty free. If they want to purchase alcohol and/or tobacco they can but may have to pay a very small amount of tax & duty if U.S. Customs asks them to – see above.

Amy, Mark and Tim are heading back to Niagara Falls, NY after having spent a few days in Toronto watching a concert and sightseeing. Can they buy Duty Free on their way home?

Each person can return to the U.S. with up to $800 tax & duty free including alcohol and tobacco. They may also purchase in excess of their allowance which U.S. Customs may ask them to pay a small amount of tax & duty on. Many people do because even with the small amount of tax & duty there is a considerable savings.