BirdTalk Dear Bird Talk, We are considering purchasing a trailer from another couple in Alberta. The trailer remains year-round in a California RV park. Is there anything to be cautious or aware of with regard to insurance and registration of the unit? I will be going to California to view the unit in person before purchase. Bruce Andrusiak Edmonton, AB Editor: Here are a few things to consider: • Is there a lease and for how long on the lot? Can you be evicted? • If the land is owned, what are the restrictions? • Review the park’s financials, as there may be large assessments coming; can the park increase your fees? And when and how much? • Do the current owners have a proper RV registration? Where? • Are you agreeing to import the RV to the U.S., by mistake? • Review the park’s rules and regulations – some are tough and unfair. • Are any taxes or fees due to anyone? • In some cases, the park has the right of first refusal on sale. Do they? Finally, I would hire a U.S. lawyer to review everything. A local U.S. agent will be able to provide insurance. Thousands and thousands of snowbirds have done exactly what you are doing and, almost universally, they have been very happy with the results. It is a wonderful lifestyle and a great way to meet new friends. Dear Bird Talk, Can I do repairs to my own property in California (non-permit-required work)? Thanks. John Bastone Cobble Hill, BC Ed.: Yes, of course. I would be very cautious if it is a rental property, however, and would visit the county office for advice. Dear Bird Talk, If I flew back to Canada after three months in the U.S., then boarded a plane the following day to return for another two months, would I run into any problem with CBP? Helen Morgan Fort Macleod, AB Ed.: This is a great question and the answer is “No”, everything would be fine. You are normally allowed to come and go as you please. We actually have recommended this in the past to reduce your insurance costs. Three months plus two months can incur a substantially lower cost than five months. Also, many people have 40-, 60- or 90-day plans from work. If these have very good limits ($1 million plus) and good terms, you may not have to buy insurance at all. Dear Bird Talk, A question about line 1 in the form8840, what to enter as a snowbird going for 150 days? What type of U.S. visa (for example, F, J, M, etc.) and date you entered the United States… Mike Mares Ottawa, ON Ed.: As a snowbird, with no intention of working in the U.S., you enter on a “B2” Visa. This is normally done verbally as you pass through U.S. Customs and Immigration and allows you to stay for up to six months. Dear Bird Talk, A friend of mine just sent me an e-mail stating that U.S. border guards now have the authority to request your cellphone and its password. If you refuse, the border guards can confiscate the phone for up to five days. Is there any truth to this? Ian Walker Ottawa, ON Ed.: Yes! Actually, the border guards can do almost anything they like to protect the United States. There have been many “bans for life” issued recently, usually relating to marijuana issues, however. It is illegal to bring marijuana into the United States, period! I would, personally, not even own stock in a marijuana company as that could be considered aiding and abetting its use. Messy! We will have more on this in a later issue. Dear Bird Talk, I will be spending the winter in Arizona and would like to know if I need to provide the Lyme vaccine to my dog before crossing the U.S. border? He has all of his other vaccines (basic + rabies) already. Christine Choquette Waltham, QC Ed.: I love learning new things. I did not even know that there was a Lyme disease vaccine. I have crossed the border many times with our dog friends and never had this raised as a question by border agents. But do make sure that you have proper records from your local vet to present at the border for the other vaccines. Dear Bird Talk, As a snowbird, it seems that I am required to have two Amazon Prime accounts, one in each country. I cannot get through the Amazon maze to confirm this; can you with your resources obtain an answer? Jim Anderson Castleford, ON Ed.: Another surprise for me. Amazon has charged me twice – once in Canada ($89) and once in the U.S. (US$99). I did not even notice this and certainly did not approve it. We will do a little investigation and see if we can fix it, but I doubt that we will be successful. Dear Bird Talk, We have been members of CSANews for 20 years +; we enjoy reading and look forward to receiving it. I would like to add to your list of hikes [from CSANews 107, Fast Facts] the BRUCE TRAIL, which is made up of nine sections: Niagara, 8 | www.snowbirds.org
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