Manitoba Geocaching Association

Shinook and White Juan · Joined: 14 Mar 2007 Posts: 35 Location: Thompson

We are planning on going to Minnesota on easter weekend for some caching. I have never driven across the border in about 10 years so I am not sure of the regulations. Any info or suggestions would be appreciated. Thanks

dani_carriere · Joined: 04 Feb 2005 Posts: 512 Location: Winnipeg

I've cached over the border many times and have not had a problem.

The border officials on the way down will question you on what your purpose in going to the states is ... it's up to you whether you want to mention geocaching or not. I normally say I'm going shopping or on vacation or something.

For this year, you won't need a passport to drive over the border, but you will next year. For now, you will need to make sure you bring proof of citizenship (birth certificate) AND photo ID (driver's license).

Coming back, I've never claimed anything I've found in a cache or travel bugs. I'm trying too hard to tap dance out of the actual purchases I've made.

All in all, you shouldn't have any problems.

bevro · Joined: 18 Jan 2006 Posts: 90 Location: Winnipeg

If your significant other changed her named, be prepared to be harassed by the Cdn customs on the way back because the birth certificate doesn't match the license. Or bring a marriage certificate. Sometimes customs can be really prissy.

Or just bring a passport if you have one.

If you are out of the country for more than 48 hours, you can bring back $200 Cdn in duty free goodies (includes alcohol and tobacco).

Dutch 53 · Joined: 14 Aug 2006 Posts: 3 Location: Winnipeg

We have done caching south of the bourder lots of times. Like Dani said just tell the border people that your going for some R&R or shopping. Saying you are going geocaching could cause you some delays if you get an uninformed person asking the questions. They do not like anything that is different. Confused

FoodNinja · Joined: 28 Jun 2006 Posts: 110 Location: Winnipeg

We are going down too on the 6th to see Blue man group in fargo. planning on caching down and returning through peace gardens and brandon on the way back. I have never had any problems going down. I dont ussualy mention geocaching. One note though if your bring back any turdle juice have the size in volume recorded of all bottles on a piece of paper when you hit the return port, it will speed up your re-entry.

slippery_1 · Joined: 23 Apr 2006 Posts: 228 Location: Manitoba

Perks up---TurdleJuice?

someone squeezed a Turdle and got juice instead of Eggs? Twisted Evil

NovaToba · Joined: 24 Aug 2009 Posts: 71

ertyu · Joined: 25 Apr 2005 Posts: 556 Location: Winnipeg

The Emerson crossing doesn't seem to have an issue with the explanation of geocaching, but often something simpler like going for a hike or a picnic or the more obvious shopping is a better idea. Anything that is common and is actually what you are planning to do.

junglehair · Joined: 05 Apr 2005 Posts: 374 Location: Winnipeg

If I am going on a shopping/caching trip, then I'll just saying I'm going for shopping. If I am strictly going for caching (ie. going to be heading back over the border in a few hours without any shopping bags in the car), then I'll tell them I'm going geocaching. A simple explanation of the game usually suffices. I've never gone into the whole take something and leave something part of it though as that would open a whole new can of worms. I just tell them I search for the hidden containers and then sign the log book as proof that I found it. Some seem to find it interesting, some look at you like you have two heads. Oh well.