Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Regional Forums > North America
North America Topics specific to Canada and USA/Alaska only.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 14 May 2014
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: Nelson NZ
Posts: 92
Importing from US to BC Canada

I am thinking of buying a new 2013 KLR 650 in Vancouver. I need luggage, crash bars, a seat and a few other things which are available in the US from various suppliers. Total will be about CAD2000 in value. I need some help to understand how much tax I will be paying on the value of this gear if I get it sent to my address in Vancouver and also if there is any tax how will it get collected. Thanks in advance
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 27 May 2014
RIP: 5/3/21
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Onalaska, Washington, USA
Posts: 335
If you can drive down and pick it up in Seattle or somewhere north you should be able to drive back with no problems. I buy a lot of stuff from Canada and have it shipped to me with no problems, (Washington) and I think it can go the other way as easy. If I pay tax in BC then I own no tax here but if it come in with out having paid BC tax then I am suppose to send the state some money, got to remember to do that some day. Hope someone from the other side of the border has more clarity on this and can answer you.
Bob
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 29 May 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: NorthVancouver Island
Posts: 137
Quote:
Originally Posted by DLyttle View Post
I am thinking of buying a new 2013 KLR 650 in Vancouver. I need luggage, crash bars, a seat and a few other things which are available in the US from various suppliers. Total will be about CAD2000 in value. I need some help to understand how much tax I will be paying on the value of this gear if I get it sent to my address in Vancouver and also if there is any tax how will it get collected. Thanks in advance
If you have the equipment sent to a Canadian address be sure to have it shipped via the US post office and not through UPS courier... Motorcycle parts are duty free to Canada but you will likely get charged the Canadian taxes {5%GST + 7% pst} on such a large purchase, which would amount to about $240 on $2000... Canada post also charges a border fee of something like $8 on top of that.. Small purchases of $100 or less almost always slip through the border with no fees charged ...

If you go through UPS the brokerage charges could amount to several hundred dollars on top of the 12% taxes, so I strongly recommend you avoid vendors that are not willing to ship via the post office...

Burnaby Kawasaki is a good place to look for a new KLR in Vancouver, as they usually have the previous years leftover new models at much reduced prices...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 31 May 2014
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: British Columbia
Posts: 246
Smile Shipping stuff - USA to Canada

I get a lot of Motorcycle parts and gear from US vendors - I prefer to support Canadian companies, but sometimes availability and cost are too much of a factor. When the Canadian $ went to par or above, it was very compelling to purchase from the US.

If you are in Vancouver, the easiest/ cheapest method I have found is to set up an account at a 'post box' service like Mail boxes International, in Blaine. You generally have the choice to pay either a small yearly fee (in exchange for cheaper per item rate) or no fee, but higher per package rates. It is something like $10 for the year, and $2:50-$5 for most packages. They will hold your packages indefinitely, but there will be a small weekly fee past about 2 weeks - all reasonable costs. The main advantage is that many US vendors ship for free, or very cheaply, to US addresses. On something like a helmet, this could easily save you $30 in shipping alone. On small items (like one tee shirt, or a few small tools) you often get nailed on minimum shipping fees.

Going down to pick up is easy, I find I can usually do a run down to Blaine and back in about 1.5 to 2 hours, less if the borders are not busy. I find that most of the time if I'm under $200 they don't bother sending me in to pay the taxes, but it depends on the mood of the border attendant that you get. Print your receipts ahead of time so you have the exact $ value, and expect to pay GST on most items, which you will probably pay if you have them shipped to Vancouver anyway.

Now, I would never suggest doing something underhanded like installing parts on your bike in the parking lot and not declaring them at the boarder, but I know I've seen BC licensed vehicles up on jacks out front of hotels in Bellingham with lots of cardboard boxes strewn around... so it must happen.

I completely agree with the previous post - Don't ship UPS (as opposed to USPS - the post office) to Canada! UPS charges ridiculous brokerage fees. Some places only ship UPS, but usually there is another option.

Good luck with your purchase, and happy Farkling.
Reply With Quote
Reply

Tags
canada, imports, taxes


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Planning a Trip across Canada in 2012 Sheila1940 North America 21 16 May 2014 14:45
Instalment Plan Bike Storage in Canada Brett Dean North America 0 3 Feb 2014 09:58
Paper Work for Importing Into Canada Brett Dean North America 2 31 Oct 2013 12:09
Trans Canada trail or Trans Canada highway? mark manley Overland Bicycle Travel 8 18 Jul 2012 02:45
questions about canada andy1979 North America 5 17 Jul 2012 03:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 21:38.