Taking a rental car from Canada into the States query.

[CivicMan]

A couple of questions for anyone who's tried this!

I'm intending to fly into Montreal and renting a car to drive into the US to friends who live just over the border in Vermont.

A. Is the customs/immigration when you drive into the States a simpler process than flying to New York and then another internal flight? I gather entry into the US by air can be a lengthy process.

B. Any problems with taking a rental car from Canada into the States and back?

The reason for driving is that it's only about 80 miles and looks like a lovely drive!

Any input gratefully received!

[Peter_1980]

Have you tried Enterprise/National/Alamo? They cover Canada and USA. If it is possible the .com website would say I would hope.

Avis, in Europe at least, will let you take a car from one country to another so it should be possible.

There is also bound to be a charge for the one way as the car, I guess, cant stay in the USA and be rented regularly.

Enjoy the drive though!

Peter

[sawman]

Ive done this with Budget - I am not certain but I'm not sure enterprise were as accomodating. Probably if your pick up office is close to the border they will be more amenable as the situation probably arises more frequently.

s

[ViperDave]

Getting into the US is a breeze at an airport compared to land crossing. When you go in you will be directed to park up and go inside to fill in the visa waver form and pay your entry fee (i think it was $6 last year) Process is similar to the air boarder except there aren't as many officials around and they will take longer than at a major airport with a 747 size queue behind you. If you are heading to see friends i would keep this quiet as they will then think you wont go home and start interrogating you on who they are and how you met them etc. Just tell them you are on vacation and have a hotel address available to you.

National had no issues with the car going into the US from Toronto, just told them when we picked it up and they issued the appropriate paper work for it to be driven in the US. Boarder control didn't even ask, That all may be different if you intend to leave it there though as you are now importing it.

[onlynik]

I think there is a surcharge for taking a car from Canada to the US, possibly to do with the insurance.

We were in Vancouver and were asked it we were going to take the car to the US, and it was noted on our hire agreement.

[CivicMan]

OK, thanks all, interesting stuff, especially ViperDave! Appreciated!

[agent006]

I've not done the border crossing in a Canadian registered car, but have crossed into Canada and back with a US hire car a few times. Go for a smaller road at a quiet time if possible. They'll be less busy so you'll get through quicker with border guards who are in a better mood than the hassled ones on the motorway.