# Discussion thread for the "Polls only" thread (Part 2) **URL:** \ **Category:** Miscellaneous and Personal Stuff I Must Share\ **Created:** [February 16, 2024, 2:56am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636 "2024-02-16T02:56:30Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 154
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3062 "2024-08-22T18:11:41Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > Since then I always assume they don’t care about single pieces of fruit and that sort of thing This can depend both on exactly where the fruit is, on where you’re going, and where you came from. It has very little if anything to do with how much you’re carrying. The produce import rules are important – they’re to prevent transport of invasive pests/diseases/plants. The potentially invasive organisms can be invisible to the naked eye and/or to anyone who doesn’t know exactly what to look for; and something you can’t even see can wind up wiping out millions or billions of dollars worth of crop, or wiping out vulnerable wild species. Please go back to declaring if you’ve got live plant matter. ---
**Author:** ![DCnDC](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/dcndc/32/2842_2.png) [@DCnDC](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/DCnDC)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3063 "2024-08-22T18:19:31Z")
I watch a lot of “Border Crossing/Customs” TV shows and you may get through scot-free 9 out of 10 times, but that 10th time you’d better be clean or they will destroy you. First-time offenders, usually “ignorant smugglers” as I call them, _usually_ get a warning and maybe a $300-500 fine in lieu of prosecution, but they put a note in your file, make you sign an acknowledgement that you’ve been told and understand the rules, and you’ve lost the benefit of any doubt for the foreseeable future; next 3-4 times they see you they _will_ check you _very_ thoroughly and you’re definitely not getting off with a fine if they find anything. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3064 "2024-08-22T18:26:43Z")
A relative was raked over the coals when applying for a Trusted Travel program because many years before, he realized he had an apple in his bag and asked the officer at the border what to do with it (there being no trash receptacles or rest rooms in that part of the airport). The TTS officer spent quite a long time playing “Yes, you do know how you violated the law!” (he had no idea what the officer was talking about), excoriating him, and threatening to bar him from ever getting Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. My relative emerged from the interview in tears. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3065 "2024-08-22T18:42:58Z")
We recently did an overseas move. We shipped all our furniture and personal effects by sea and had to declare them all when we ourselves arrived by air. This was as simple as presenting a packing list and signing a form at the airport customs desk. We also had to declare our cat, who flew with us, and this was only slightly more complicated: we presented her passport and vaccination record (which I don’t think the customs officer examined very closely), had to go to some cashier window to pay a $35 processing fee, and returned to the customs desk to get the receipt stamped. I also tried to declare some controlled substances (prescription medication) that I knew, by law, I was required to declare, but the customs officer didn’t care about it. She didn’t even want to know what medication it was. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:43pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3066 "2024-08-22T18:43:22Z")
> [@WildaBeast](#): > > Since then I always assume they don’t care about single pieces of fruit and that sort of thing, so I’ve just used the “nothing to declare” exit ever since. Depends a lot on the location, and where you are coming from. An apple from Ontario to NY? Not a problem. A peach from Italy to NY? Please don’t do that. It could be carrying peachpox. I always declare my food if it’s convenient to do so. Most of my food (typically chocolate bars) is of no interest. But depending on the precise wording of the sign, of it’s ambiguous, I’ll declare it. And once i carried seeds from Canada that had a proper phytosanitary certificate, but carrying them legally required me to go through a different line. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3067 "2024-08-22T18:46:05Z")
> [@susan](#): > > he realized he had an apple in his bag and asked the officer at the border what to do with it (there being no trash receptacles or rest rooms in that part of the airport). The TTS officer spent quite a long time playing “Yes, you do know how you violated the law!” (he had no idea what the officer was talking about), excoriating him, and threatening to bar him from ever getting Global Entry, NEXUS, or SENTRI. My relative emerged from the interview in tears That officer was an asshole. If you declare the item, they aren’t suppose to do anything more than confiscate it and tell you not to bring it next time. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:52pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3068 "2024-08-22T18:52:15Z")
> [@thorny\_locust](#): > > Please go back to declaring if you’ve got live plant matter. What is “live plant matter”—your piece of fruit is probably not still attached to the tree. As I recall, the local rules allow quite a lot of plant matter to move back and forth, but stone fruit is explicitly forbidden. I’m not sure whether this is because of potential disease or protectionism, but probably both. And definitely nothing still in soil. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 6:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3069 "2024-08-22T18:56:08Z")
> [@Dr.Drake](#): > > What is “live plant matter”—your piece of fruit is probably not still attached to the tree. It is still very much alive, unless it’s been cooked. Even if it’s dried out entirely, if there are seeds in there they’re still alive. And even individual leaves taken off a plant (any plant) will be alive for some time. Plus which, if the issue is disease organisms within a plant: some of them can remain alive in dormant forms even if the plant actually has died. If it isn’t thoroughly cooked, assume it’s alive. ETA: The rules for which plants can move freely and which can’t will vary based both on area and on particular times – a new pest can be discovered to be a problem, a known one may not be a problem in a given area either because it’s endemic and the system has adjusted or occasionally because it can’t survive in that area, and something can be likely to be a problem if it’s coming from an area where a problematic organism exists but not be thought to be a problem if it’s coming from somewhere not known to have such problems. So unless you’re thoroughly updated down to the particular day on the specific airport you’re travelling through, the exact species you’re carrying, and the region you’re coming from – declare, and hope that the customs agent is so updated. ---
**Author:** ![puzzlegal](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/puzzlegal/32/3827_2.png) [@puzzlegal](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/puzzlegal)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 7:10pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3070 "2024-08-22T19:10:18Z")
> [@puzzlegal](#): > > It could be carrying peachpox. Actually, i think it’s called plumpox. But it’s a disease of stone fruits. > [@Dr.Drake](#): > > but stone fruit is explicitly forbidden. I’m not sure whether this is because of potential disease or protectionism, Some of the rules are protectionism, but the stone fruit rule is definitely about disease control. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 7:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3071 "2024-08-22T19:12:24Z")
Our local Trader Joe’s (WA) always has little conveniently updated handouts as to what’s legal to take across the border. I’m sure they’re not responsible for the accuracy, but it’s _very_ convenient—especially as the border services website is surprisingly hard to navigate when seeking this information. When I moved countries, it didn’t even occur to me to try to move such things. I gave away all my plants and dumped out my spices, just in case. I don’t think anyone would have cared about coriander seeds, but you never know. ---
**Author:** ![Spiderman](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/spiderman/32/230_2.png) [@Spiderman](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Spiderman)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 7:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3072 "2024-08-22T19:42:58Z")
> [@psychonaut](#): > > We also had to declare our cat, who flew with us, and this was only slightly more complicated: **we presented her passport** ??? ---
**Author:** ![snowthx](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/snowthx/32/10660_2.png) [@snowthx](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/snowthx)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 8:08pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3073 "2024-08-22T20:08:30Z")
When crossing into California, we have “Agricultural Inspection Stations” along the major roads and interstates, since California ag is enormous and always at risk from invasive pests. There is usually a lane for “Returning CA Residents/Locals” and then another lane that leads to an inspection area. All commercial trucks are supposed to stop and get inspected, but regular cars always just drive thru the bypass lane (or in the case of the interstate, just stay in their lane). Who know what people have in their cars? However, the stations also look for [invasive species](https://www.msn.com/en-us/news/us/spotted-lanternfly-eggs-intercepted-at-california-state-line-with-nevada/ar-BB1obhXj). ---
**Author:** ![Loach](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/loach/32/350_2.png) [@Loach](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Loach)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 8:12pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3074 "2024-08-22T20:12:47Z")
I try to walk 1-2 miles a day at exercise pace. 10 miles with good shoes shouldn’t be a problem but my feet will probably be sore for a day or so. Where I live is relatively rural. There is no mass to transit. When I lived in a more dense suburb it still didn’t make sense because everything is too spread out. When I do visit NYC I have no problem jumping on the subway. ---
**Author:** ![psychonaut](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/psychonaut/32/4655_2.png) [@psychonaut](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/psychonaut)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 8:24pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3075 "2024-08-22T20:24:41Z")
> [@Spiderman](#): > > > [@psychonaut](#): > > > > **we presented her passport** > > ??? The EU started a standardized [travel scheme for pet dogs, cats, and ferrets](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Pet_passport), complete with passports. The passports have since been recognized by non-EU countries such as Canada, the United States, and Australia. ---
**Author:** ![susan](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/susan/32/17537_2.png) [@susan](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/susan)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 8:36pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3076 "2024-08-22T20:36:00Z")
Which the border officer did, but more than a decade later, the TTS officer was sadistic about it. ---
**Author:** ![thorny\_locust](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/thorny_locust/32/431_2.png) [@thorny\_locust](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/thorny_locust)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 9:39pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3077 "2024-08-22T21:39:12Z")
To be fair about the last poll, I’ve only gone through customs a very few times in my life. And I think the last time was back when you could still carry your pocketknife in your pocket. (Now the word “pocket” has decided to look weird.) ---
**Author:** ![carrps](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/carrps/32/2957_2.png) [@carrps](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/carrps)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 11:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3078 "2024-08-22T23:46:13Z")
> [@DrDeth](#): > > As a young boy, I rode one of the last Red Car lines. It’s one of my very, very early memories. I had to be around two yo. We were on Venice Blvd, and I remember passing the Helmsman statue. I think that’s the only reason it stuck in my memory. Hey! The Helmsman is in Marina del Rey now! ---
**Author:** ![silenus](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/silenus/32/166_2.png) [@silenus](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/silenus)\ **Post date:** [August 22, 2024, 11:55pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3079 "2024-08-22T23:55:21Z")
“A friend of mine” once drove from Alaska to SoCal via the Alcan with both handguns and weed stashed in the small trailer he was hauling behind his truck. No problems crossing into Canada or back into the US. In fact, the crossing into Canada was early in the morning and he doesn’t recall even seeing Canadian Customs. The only comment from the US Border Control agent was “Welcome back.” No forms, no search, no nothing. Of course, this was 1982. ---
**Author:** ![Dr.Drake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/ad7895/32.png) [@Dr.Drake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dr.Drake)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 12:08am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3080 "2024-08-23T00:08:11Z")
I have been a participant in the cross-border transit of undeclared items across both Mexican and Canadian borders—starting at the age of one. As I’ve mentioned elsewhere, I grew up in San Diego (with its proximity to Tijuana) as the son of an illegal immigrant from Canada, in the 20th century, so my world was pretty casual about borders and their rules. As an adult I’ve rather revised my attitude! I have Nexus now and I’m not about to jeopardize it. ---
**Author:** ![Zyada](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/zyada/32/3028_2.png) [@Zyada](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Zyada)\ **Post date:** [August 23, 2024, 1:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636/3081 "2024-08-23T01:35:17Z")
My family went to Germany when I was in college. At the time, i was collecting the mini bottles of liquor, and my boyfriend had requested a certain type of cigarette not available in the US. I was the only person in our family that had to declare anything. Mom rolled her eyes [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=153) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/discussion-thread-for-the-polls-only-thread-part-2/997636.md?page=155)