Important ? regarding passport

[ricktoronto]

Originally Posted by Wannago

I just went thru 2 different customs stations between Canada and U.S. this past week and they both examined my passport more than when I arrived and left the D.R. They asked more questions... almost broke out in a sweat.. like I was guilty of something.

Deb

You get to like the don't care (except for bribes) attitude of migracion and exit/control in the DR, though when I connect in MIA on the way home not once have the INS/DHS agents been anything other than pleasant, polite and fast. (though the ones at Toronto pre-clearnce all act like Eliot Ness half the time for some reason)

Canada used to harangue as to the frequency of my visits, until I pointed out Section 6 of the Charter once and that shut them up fast since I was right.

Still they do try to catch the fakers in the act with a few questions but if you are Canadian once they establish that they are not supposed to grill you further. Just tell them you are Canadian, you have a right to enter and you declared all purchases and that should suffice. Authority figures excercise authority over those who are willing to submit more than anyone else.

[Wannago]

Originally Posted by ricktoronto

You get to like the don't care (except for bribes) attitude of migracion and exit/control in the DR, though when I connect in MIA on the way home not once have the INS/DHS agents been anything other than pleasant, polite and fast. (though the ones at Toronto pre-clearnce all act like Eliot Ness half the time for some reason)

Canada used to harangue as to the frequency of my visits, until I pointed out Section 6 of the Charter once and that shut them up fast since I was right.

Still they do try to catch the fakers in the act with a few questions but if you are Canadian once they establish that they are not supposed to grill you further. Just tell them you are Canadian, you have a right to enter and you declared all purchases and that should suffice. Authority figures excercise authority over those who are willing to submit more than anyone else.

The AF were for the most part nice, but even in Germany I don't think they asked so many questions as I came and went. I am a U.S. citizen and I really don't mind the scrutiny. But being the submissive type, maybe they do like to exercise authority over me. The D.R. people just look at your papers, smile and say "have a nice stay".

[ricktoronto]

Originally Posted by Wannago

The AF were for the most part nice, but even in Germany I don't think they asked so many questions as I came and went. I am a U.S. citizen and I really don't mind the scrutiny. But being the submissive type, maybe they do like to exercise authority over me. The D.R. people just look at your papers, smile and say "have a nice stay".

What are the "AF"?

I think the DR for tourists in and out, don't expect non-locals to understand them and on the incoming side tourism is 99.9% of the reason and customs does the shakedown (though how customs expects tourists to understand Spanish any better than migracion doesn't expect them to is a mystery). Cuban migracion officers are also dead silent as you enter and sit in booths so low all you see are the tops of their heads. (What's Spanish for dandruff?)

Now with this stupid 15 day tourist card limit the tax people get to try the shakedown on the way out and again the migracion are left out.

I can only assume like a restaurant or bar they pool their tips. I'd hate to be a migracion guy in a world where everyone after me has their hand out and I can't get a piece.

[Wannago]

Originally Posted by ricktoronto

What are the "AF"?

I think the DR for tourists in and out, don't expect non-locals to understand them and on the incoming side tourism is 99.9% of the reason and customs does the shakedown (though how customs expects tourists to understand Spanish any better than migracion doesn't expect them to is a mystery). Cuban migracion officers are also dead silent as you enter and sit in booths so low all you see are the tops of their heads. (What's Spanish for dandruff?)

Now with this stupid 15 day tourist card limit the tax people get to try the shakedown on the way out and again the migracion are left out.

I can only assume like a restaurant or bar they pool their tips. I'd hate to be a migracion guy in a world where everyone after me has their hand out and I can't get a piece.

AF = Authority Figures

Security is fine at airports... they can search me all they want... but as I drive thru customs at Ontario/U.S. ... well some want the title of your car, proof of insurance, your passport, b.c. (birth certificate), d.l. etc. Wow, it's quite the shakedown... but all in the name of security and safety.. it's ok.

Gee I wanted to go to the DR1 party in London.. missed it by a day

Deb