Shivika

As someone who loves to travel and explore new places, I’ve realised that crossing borders isn’t just about packing a suitcase and grabbing your passport. When you’re visiting a different country, even one as seemingly similar as Canada and the USA, there are some key legal differences that you should be aware of. Understanding these differences can make your trip smoother, more enjoyable, and less stressful.
Here’s what you need to know about the legal ins and outs of travelling between these two great nations.

1. Entry Requirements

Let’s start with the basics—getting into the country. Canada and the USA have specific entry requirements, varying depending on your nationality.

You’ll need a valid passport for Canada, but that’s not all. Depending on where you’re from, you might need an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) or a visa. If you’re a U.S. citizen, you don’t need a visa, but you do need to carry proof of citizenship, like a passport or a NEXUS card. If you’re coming from a country that requires a visa, make sure to apply well in advance, as these can take some time to process.

In the USA, things are different. All visitors need a valid passport, and if you’re from a visa-exempt country (like many European nations), you’ll need to apply for an Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) before you go. The ESTA is valid for two years and allows you to enter the USA for up to 90 days at a time. If you’re from a country requiring a visa, ensure you have that sorted before you leave.

One thing to remember: Canada and the USA are strict about who they let in. You might run into trouble at the border if you have a criminal record, even something minor. It’s always a good idea to check the specific entry requirements for your situation before you travel.

2. Alcohol and Tobacco

When travelling between Canada and the USA, knowing the regulations on what you can carry is crucial to avoid any fines or penalties. Both countries have strict but fairly standard rules regarding alcohol and tobacco.

In Canada, you can bring in limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco duty-free. Specifically, you can bring up to 1.5 litres of wine, 1.14 litres of liquor, or 24 cans (355 ml each) of beer. For tobacco, the limit is generally 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars, or 200 grams of manufactured tobacco.

These quantities are meant for personal use and should be within the limits unless you are prepared to pay duties and taxes.
The USA has similar restrictions. Travellers can bring in 1 litre of alcohol duty-free, but the exact amount may vary depending on your entering state. Tobacco allowances include 200 cigarettes or 100 cigars. It’s always best to check the specific allowances before you travel and declare any amounts that exceed these limits to avoid penalties.

3. Cannabis Restrictions

Cannabis is one of those topics where the legal landscape can be a bit tricky, especially when you’re crossing borders. In Canada, cannabis is legal for both recreational and medicinal use across the country.

You can buy it from licensed retailers, and there are clear rules about how much you can possess and where you can consume it – Seltzers are quite a common way to unwind amongst many. But—and this is a big but—you cannot take cannabis across the border. Even if you bought it legally in Canada, bringing it into the USA or any other country is illegal.

In the USA, cannabis laws are a lot more complicated. While it’s legal for recreational use in some states (like California and Colorado) and for medicinal use in others, it’s still illegal at the federal level. This means that even if you travel from one state to another, you could still get in trouble for transporting it across state lines.

If you’re caught with cannabis at a federal checkpoint (like an airport or border crossing), you could face serious legal consequences.
So, the takeaway here is simple: don’t travel with cannabis. Enjoy it where it’s legal, but leave it behind when crossing the border.

4. Currency Differences

One of the first things you’ll notice when travelling between Canada and the USA is the currency difference.

In Canada, you’ll be using the Canadian dollar (CAD), different from the US dollar (USD) used in the USA. This might seem obvious, but it’s important to remember when crossing the border, especially if you’re planning to use cash.

Luckily, both countries are very credit-card friendly, so you won’t have much trouble paying for things, whether you’re in Toronto or Seattle. Most places also accept debit cards and mobile payments like Apple Pay. However, it’s always a good idea to carry a bit of local currency if you find yourself in a situation where cards aren’t accepted.

One tip: if you’re using your credit card, be aware of foreign transaction fees. Some cards charge 2-3% extra on purchases outside your home country. If you’re planning to do a lot of shopping or dining out, consider getting a card that doesn’t charge these fees.

5. Legal Drinking Age

If you plan to enjoy a glass of wine with dinner or hit up local bars during your trip, you’ll want to be aware of the legal drinking age, which isn’t the same in both countries.

In Canada, the legal drinking age depends on the province. In most provinces, like Ontario and British Columbia, the legal drinking age is 19. However, in Quebec, Manitoba, and Alberta, you can legally drink at 18. So, if you’re crossing from the USA, where the legal drinking age is uniformly 21, it might come as a surprise that you can legally enjoy a drink at a younger age in parts of Canada.

On the flip side, if you’re a younger traveller heading from Canada to the USA, be prepared to wait until you’re 21 before you can legally drink. The USA is strict about this law, and bars and restaurants are diligent about checking IDs, so don’t expect to get away with underage drinking.

6. Health Insurance

Ensuring you have adequate health insurance is a key aspect of travel preparation. The healthcare systems in Canada and the USA differ, and having the right insurance can provide you with a sense of security and protection during your journey.

In Canada, healthcare is publicly funded, meaning residents don’t typically pay out-of-pocket for most medical services. However, if you’re visiting Canada from the USA or another country, you won’t be covered by the Canadian healthcare system.

If you get sick or injured, you could be on the hook for the total cost of your medical care, which can be pretty expensive. That’s why it’s essential to have travel health insurance covering you while you’re in Canada.

In the USA, healthcare is primarily privately funded and can be extremely costly. Even a minor visit to the doctor or a trip to the emergency room can result in hefty bills. If you’re visiting the USA from Canada or another country, ensure you have comprehensive travel health insurance covering any medical expenses you might incur. It’s also a good idea to check with your insurance provider to understand what’s covered and what isn’t before you leave home.

7. Transportation and Driving

If you’re planning to drive during your trip, whether it’s a road trip across the border or just getting around town, you’ll want to be aware of the driving laws in each country.

In Canada, speed limits are posted in kilometres per hour, so you’ll need to adjust your thinking if you’re used to miles per hour. The legal blood alcohol concentration (BAC) limit in most provinces is 0.08%, but some provinces have lower limits, especially for new drivers.

In the USA, speed limits are posted in miles per hour, and the legal BAC limit is 0.08% in most states. However, some states have lower limits for commercial drivers or younger drivers. It’s also worth noting that traffic laws can vary significantly from state to state, so it’s a good idea to familiarise yourself with the rules in the state you’re visiting.

So, whether you’re heading north or south of the border, remember these tips and enjoy your travels!

Traveling is an exhilarating experience, but it often comes with unexpected pockets of downtime.

Whether you are waiting for a flight, on a long train journey, or simply taking a break from sightseeing, knowing how to best use your downtime can enhance your travel experience and leave you feeling more fulfilled.

Here are some effective ways to plan and utilize your downtime while traveling.

1. Plan Ahead

Before embarking on your journey, anticipate where and when you might have some downtime. Look at your travel itinerary and identify periods where you will likely be waiting or resting.

Planning ahead allows you to pack appropriately, bringing along books, podcasts, or hobbies that you can enjoy during these moments. Pre-download entertainment and work materials so you are not reliant on Wi-Fi or mobile data.

2. Read and Listen

Downtime is perfect for indulging in various forms of entertainment. Whether you prefer reading, watching, listening, or playing, there is something for everyone.

Bring along a book or e-reader to catch up on your favourite novels, or download movies and TV shows to watch offline. Listening to audiobooks, music, or podcasts can also provide enjoyable and enriching experiences.

If you’re into gaming, portable gaming devices or mobile games at an online casino can be a fun way to pass the time.

If you game on holiday, it is a good idea to try titles with short reward times – you don’t want to be slogging through an open-world game where you have to put in a lot of hours between the exciting parts.

By diversifying your entertainment options, you can ensure that your downtime is always enjoyable and never boring.

3. Document Your Journey

Use your downtime to document your travel experiences. This can be through journaling, blogging, or vlogging. Reflecting on your journey can be a therapeutic and rewarding activity.

Write about the places you have visited, the people you have met, and the experiences you have had. Not only does this serve as a great way to remember your trip, but it can also be shared with friends and family.

4. Learn Something New

Traveling presents a unique opportunity to learn new skills. Use your downtime to take an online course or learn a new language, especially if it is relevant to the country you are visiting.

Language apps like Duolingo or Babbel can be both fun and useful. Additionally, many online platforms offer short courses on various topics, from photography to cooking. Learning something new can make your downtime productive and enjoyable.

5. Stay Active

Physical activity can be a great way to use your downtime. Many airports and train stations have walking paths, and some even offer yoga rooms.

If you are staying at a hotel, check if they have a gym or swimming pool. Going for a walk or doing a quick workout can help you stay energized and healthy during your travels.

6. Connect with Others

Use your downtime to connect with fellow travellers or locals. Engaging in conversations can lead to fascinating insights and new friendships.

If you are in a public space, such as a café or lounge, strike up a conversation with someone nearby. Social media and travel forums are also excellent ways to connect with others who might have valuable tips or be traveling to the same destinations.

7. Relax and Reflect

Sometimes, the best way to use downtime is to simply relax. Traveling can be exhausting, and taking some time to rest and recharge is crucial. Find a quiet spot, close your eyes, and meditate or practice deep breathing.

Reflect on your journey, appreciate the experiences you have had, and give yourself a moment of peace.

8. Plan Your Next Move

Use your downtime to plan the next steps of your trip. Research the places you will be visiting, look for recommendations on things to do, or make reservations for restaurants and tours. Having a well-thought-out plan can make the rest of your journey smoother and more enjoyable.

Downtime while traveling does not have to be wasted time. With a bit of planning and creativity, you can turn these moments into opportunities for enrichment, relaxation, and connection.

Whether you choose to read, learn, stay active, or simply relax, making the most of your downtime can greatly enhance your travel experience.

Mexico due to its proximity to the US and Canada, is always a popular travel destination. Hence the question – is Mexico city safe for solo female travellers is asked often. Here’s areas to avoid, best tips for solo travel and how to have the best time when visiting!

For many Americans, their perceptions of Mexico City and Mexico as a whole is shaped by Hollywood, certain popular TV shows, and American news shows. So, lots of people associate Mexico City with slums full of clumsily built, drug-ridden, and unsanitary shacks.

Mexico City does have slums, of course – and is worth adding to your itinerary in addition to places like Cancun; just like any other large city nowadays.

However, it’s also a bustling modern metropolis with a gorgeous city centre, lots of historical sights, a lovely night scene, and very modern infrastructure. And, just like any other large modern metropolis, some parts of Mexico City are safe for solo female travellers, and others – not so much.

Knowing which is which and how to stay safe at all times is key for solo female travellers, so let’s go over things in a bit more detail below.

Is Mexico City safe?

Mexico City isn’t just surprisingly safer than what most American TV shows and movies would show you. It is, in fact, even safer than what you’d expect when comparing Mexico City to other large metropolises.

For example, Mexico City has a significantly lower murder rate than many US cities.

On the other hand, however, such statistics should be taken with a grain of salt as they depend on exactly how crimes are categorized, and many are of the opinion that there are too many disappearances and unsolved deaths in Mexico City that should be counted as murders.

So, is Mexico City “safe?” Not really – the city does have its risks and ill-intended people, just like any other place on Earth.

However, is Mexico City more unsafe than other large cities around the globe?

With the exception of some notoriously safe European capitals – no, Mexico City isn’t notably more unsafe than most other modern large cities, and it’s even statistically safer than lots of others.

What parts of Mexico City should you avoid as a solo female traveler?

The quick and simple answer is the same as with any other large city on the planet – avoid all poorer areas in and around the city, especially those parts away from the city centre.

One area to single out, in particular, would be Iztapalapa because of its higher rates of violent crimes against women.

Such areas are a significant part of Mexico City and are themselves a big reason why many Mexican brides flock to mail order bride sites in an attempt to find foreign partners and move out of Mexico.

So, as a solo female traveller, you’d do well to avoid such parts of the city too.

How safe is Mexico City at night?

Some parts of the city are quite safe even at night, but others aren’t.

The places where you can be relatively safe alone at night include Condesa, Roma Norte, and Polanco, for example.

In general, the inner parts of the city and those sections near large tourist attractions are pretty safe even at night, as there are still a lot of people and law enforcement around.

However, in most other parts of the city, solo female travellers would do best to either stay safely indoors or hang out with groups of other people they can trust. If you can’t find a group to walk with, it’s best to get an Uber instead of walking at night.

Safety tips for solo female travelers in Mexico City

Stay in touch with your loved ones

Ideally, you should always have at least a couple of close friends or relatives who are always aware of your day-to-day plans in Mexico City, where you’ll be, at which time of day, and so on.

This way, in case of an emergency, the authorities will always have a couple of well-informed contacts to help point them in the right direction.

Don’t share too much on social media

Keeping your close friends informed of your vacation schedule should not be done publicly via social media but should be done through private messages.

This is a very common mistake nowadays, as everyone always rushes to share everything they do online. This is a bad idea, however, as it enables people with bad intentions to also track your whereabouts.

Keep your valuables safe

This safety tip is crucial for travel anywhere in the world – make sure you’re never carrying too many valuables around, never keep all your money in one place, never use ATMs in alleys, and always make sure that your belongings are kept in trustworthy places that are difficult for pickpockets and other thieves to access.

Get insurance

Emergency health insurance and personal articles insurance are must-haves when traveling, especially for solo travellers. This isn’t just a Mexico City-specific precaution, it’s just always a good idea. The costs aren’t all that great, but the extra safety and security you get are more than worth it.

US travellers should enrol in the STEP program before visiting Mexico City

The Smart Traveler Enrollment Program – or STEP – offers very helpful safety tips, keeps you in contact with the local US embassy in case of emergencies, and also helps your loved ones keep in touch too. For travellers from other countries, it’s equally important to look for other similar programs.

Learn at least a bit of basic Spanish

Knowing even just a couple dozen basic Spanish phrases and words will help you a great deal while you’re in Mexico. Not only will it help you in better communicating with the locals, but it will also help you stay safe.

Having some basic understanding of Spanish will ensure that you can get directions from the locals more easily without misunderstanding them and getting lost, it helps you to not look, as too much of a tourist and an easy mark for pickpockets, and it can even help you understand people when/if they talk behind your back.

Find a safe crowd you can hang out with, especially at night

Being a solo female traveller doesn’t mean you should travel solo 24/7.

One of the best things you can do is to quickly find – maybe even beforehand online if possible – a group of other tourists or locals you can trust to hang out with. This is especially key at night, as you don’t want to wander the streets of Mexico City alone and on foot if you can help it.

Try not to look like too much of a tourist

Pickpockets and other ill-meaning people all around the world are always looking for tourists to scam, rob, or hurt.

Tourists just make for easy marks because they are less informed about the area they are in, as well as less connected with people there. So, if you look like a local as much as possible, you will be considerably safer.

Mexico City is an amazing tourist destination that everyone should visit. Not only that, but a lot of the perceptions Americans and Europeans have about this city are quite inaccurate, and Mexico City is much safer than you might have guessed.

That said, it’s still a large and multifaceted metropolis that has certain ‘less safe’ areas and ill-meaning people. So, all the basic safety tips that apply for international travel everywhere around the globe also apply for Mexico City.