Going to CA was a cautionary excursion. The officer asked many questions including ones you'd expect, like if you have family there or if you're bringing drugs or weapons, as well as surprising ones, like how much money you have in your bank account. I answered everything honestly, and after what felt like forever (prob really just 5 mins), she finally let me through. It's understandable that the interrogation may be intended to make you feel like you're being treated like a criminal. It's for the safety of two nations. Thankfully they didn't put me through a deeper investigation. I was nervous, but I made it. Returning back to WA as a US citizen is a simpler matter. The only issue I encountered on my return trip was the unexplained traffic backup. We all sat in our motionless cars for about 20-30min, clueless why border patrol didn't seem to be processing people through. Finally, the lines start moving again and we made it back to USA. As symbolized by the Peace Arch, may CA and the US remain in peace for decades to come. read more

I flew in to Bellingham airport, took a cab to the border and walked my way into Canada, around midnight on a weekday. The Agents were suspect at first but really cool after I told them what happened. They asked the necessary questions, gave some directions and I was on my way. Not the typical time, circumstances or experience entering a country but it was the easiest and quickest border crossing I've had to date. Now, what led to me getting there, that's another topic not for this post. LOL. Thanks fellas read more

Canada Border Services Agency - Pacific Highway - Canada Border Crossing - Public Services & Government Near Me - Surrey, British Columbia

Canadian in general are very straightforward when it comes to this kind of work place. Like they aren't there to be your friend. Someone of them yes they are rude but not at all at this border. I have been in n out through this one since 2018 and never ever had any issues to be honest with the Canadian side or the American side. I do believe you treat people with kindness and respect you will get that back. So thank you to these amazing officers for making me smile every time I pass the borders :-) #canadianAmerican read more

Yrs ago the CBSA at this location decided to ding me on an item that was GST/HST exempt. When I politely objected to this the CBSA thugs working on that day took their revenge & tore my car apart (twice) finding nothing (because I am a law abiding citizen), and then moved on to me. Demanding that I hand over a fountain pen tucked in my shirt pocket that I had received as a gift, which the CBSA thug twisted the cap back on so hard, he shattered the threads, resulting in the pen having to be sent in to the manufacture's service centre for an extensive repair. I complained to a senior representative for the CBSA (and included an official signed letter from a govt's agency that testified to the GST/HST exempt status of the item the CBSA incorrectly collected tax on). In turn this senior representative (having conducted an investigation) wrote me back, apologizing for my treatment. That being said, since then when I have crossed form the U.S. back into Canada at this location I have witnessed other people being mistreated by the CBSA 'agents' at this location (as the many 1 star reviews here corroborate). And to anyone who is reading this; the hard lesson I learned on that fateful day: if the CBSA clowns screw up on taxes owed, whatever you do, don't dispute this, pay the amount and THEN once you are safely out of no-man's-land & back in Canada, complain about your treatment, reference the agent's badges in question, produce the supporting evidence and demand your money back. To do anything else simply isn't worth the risk of being abused by the CBSA like I was. read more

Man this place stinks, figuratively and literally smells like sewer. What was supposed to be a fun family trip into Canada for the day turned into us not even wanting to visit Canada. For context we are on vacation for spring break week. We planned on staying in Seattle a couple of days then going to Canada to possible hike, explore, and see what Canada is about. Also probably stay the night. That all changed when we arrived at the border crossing. We were met with rude guards who pretty much assumed we were smuggling some substance into the country because they thought it was odd for a family to drive from California to Canada. Of course we explained why and what we were doing the whole week and what led up to this point. Well we got called into secondary, we were searched, questioned again, also our phones swabbed. They said we had traces of methamphetamine on our phone screens which gave them permission to search our car. How low of them to lie and say this just to gain access to our car all they had to do was ask us but nope they didn't. At the end of all of this they allowed us to enter we went to lynn canyon bridge walked a little and left back to the U.S Would we go again more than likely not unless we win an all inclusive concert ticket. read more

Crossing into the Canadian border was easy, but unfortunately, the experience was soured by an extremely rude border patrol officer. My friends and I simply asked for a stamp on our passports to commemorate our very first time traveling out of the country. Instead of a polite explanation, we were met with a nasty attitude. The officer falsely claimed that the U.S. doesn't issue passport stamps, which we confirmed with U.S. border officers is untrue. They also told us they're not required to give us anything, which felt unnecessarily dismissive for such a harmless and meaningful request. A little kindness goes a long way -- and this definitely wasn't the welcome we hoped for on our first international trip. read more

I will file a formal complaint against BANKAR. He was racially discriminatory towards me and my friend. We are great citizens of the US going to Canada for one day and BANKAR harassed my friend insisting he had drugs on him. He cleared my friend and then 5 minutes later asked him to come back for inspection (breaking from protocol). My friend replied he didn't have anything on him over and over and BANKAR kept insisting as if he already made up his mind about my friend. My friend kept telling BANKAR he can open the bags and check for himself, however BANKAR proceeded to keep displaying intimidation tactics. My friend does not drink or smoke. Not a sip or puff. I was scared the situation could escalate (like other situations have in history). The other officers didn't seem to support BANKAR's harassment. BANKAR went on to intimidate my friend regarding his life trying to find anything to frame him on. BANKAR needs to be reassessed for discrimination. Not everyone operates in the box BANKAR puts people in based on the color of their skin. I was distraught listening to how differently BANKAR treated my friend as opposed to others that came before my friend. Just because you are an officer does not mean that you are above anyone else & it does not mean that you can blatantly disrespect anyone. The CBSA's motto is to treat people with professionalism, integrity and respect. Bankar did not accomplish any of this. He was not simply doing his job, he was doing extra. Extra things that were not asked of him to do and not taught in his training to do. If you face any type of mistreatment like this, it is important you exercise your right to free speech. That you report mistreatment so things don't get overlooked or to protect future travelers. Always get the name of the person. Look for the badge or get a card. You can also ask for the supervisor on the spot instead of leaving the border to report later. Yelp: When someone is on duty, they represent the establishment and can indeed be called out. read more

CBSA seized 180 cigarettes from me claiming that they have a CDN value of $1011.15 WHAT?!!! That equates to a CDN value $5.62 CDN per cigarette!!! Not the $.32 CDN (32 cents CDN per cigarette) actual value. Where do they come up with these numeric values? Making up numbers in a cave? Not being able to do simple math after performing a simple search on Google? The only legitimate or reasonable answer is that they intentionally ridiculously and over inflate seizure values to make themselves look better to their superiors and the government. They obviously claim thousands of times over what they actually seize and someone needs to be held accountable for these actions. read more

Coming back to Canada has no issue at all and we are reminded to download ArriveCAN app so we don't get 14-day quarantine next time. The line is always very long and they are always working hard to protect Canada by touching documents from travelers. We should have more respect and comply with the law so everyone can have a better day. read more

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Officer made the rest of my life easier. He used his origami skills to staple my visa into my passport for easier showing! Shared a nice laugh! read more

Disrespectful, aggressive and they treated us like criminals. Every single person has the right to be treated and spoken to nicely and we are all innocent until proven the opposite!!! Not viceversa!!! 2 adults and 1 dog . US citizens. One of them in his 70s. Some of them were cordial but just made excuses for the terrible attitude of the ones that were not. You are law enforcement but you still must treat other people with kindness and respect. Or maybe because I'm a woman and Latina?? Racism? "Macho"attitude? The guard who is a woman was really friendly and kind. I asked if I could watch while they were going through our entire vehicle contents and was treated badly. I do not trust them. If they steal something who is going to make them accountable? If they break something, who is going to make them accountable? Don't we all have the right to watch what they are doing when they decide to take apart our entire vehicle??!! read more

Canada Border Services Agency - Pacific Highway - The officers who treated us like criminals. - Public Services & Government Near Me - Surrey, British Columbia

Disrespectful immediately. No idea there was an app you have to use to show passport and vaccination card. So even though I had the documents they turned us around to wait 3 hrs to try to cross again. Not that they even care but not a warm welcome that's for sure. read more

05.01.2022 Close to midnight It was my first time crossing the border and my customs officer was SO warm, friendly, and welcoming. Even though he had a mask on, this man gave off such attractive vibes and I wish I asked for his number or email or SOMETHING lol. Is that even allowed? He was so nice and gave me advice, too. I wanted to ask more questions, but I had to go back to the bus full of people waiting on me lol... If a coworker or someone who knows him is reading this, send me a message ;) Thanks to that man, my border crossing was an experience I'll never forget! read more

Visited Vancouver last weekend. Generally, the process for crossing over to Canada is easier than the one coming back to the US. This specifically has to do with more traffic heading the other way. Took BoltBus rather than driving up and entered through the Pacific Highway Crossing. There is a different process if you are arriving via bus. Once you get to the crossing, all passengers have to disembark and bring their belongings into the building. The driver did have to clear customs first, before giving the passengers the go ahead to get off the bus to do their portion. You need to fill out a customs form like you do when you are travelling by plane to another country when crossing. A passport, passport card or enhanced Washington state driver's license is also required. Once all passengers have passed customs and driver has given the okay, then you are allowed back onto the bus. Apparently any deviation from this plan will mean all passengers will need to do the process again. So be sure to follow instructions correctly. The process did not take as long as it could have. Fortunately, there were no passengers with passport/visa related issues. Otherwise, it could have taken much longer. As long as you have everything required to enter and answer all questions asked with short clear and concise replies, it should be a relatively smooth process to gain entry. Just be mindful of what is required. read more

One of the nicer border crossings. This is an alternative if you don't want to take the Peace Arch (Douglas) crossing. Not much parking here, unless you're getting frisked. The real tricky part with using this crossing is that if you are heading to the crossing from the nearby gas stations or Nexus office, that you do NOT just turn N onto the ramp. I took a wrong turn and almost got slapped with a fine. Thank goodness there was a break in the cones so I could get out of that lane. You want to head S to H street, then pull 2 turns. Other than that, don't do anything illegal and it's usually pretty quick getting into Canada. read more

Canada Border Services Agency - Pacific Highway - Front of building~ - Public Services & Government Near Me - Surrey, British Columbia

Funny story. My friend and I made a trip to go to Langley, BC to do some work at the LDS (Mormon) Temple there. She had recently gotten her passport. The Canadian policeman thought it odd that we were going up there just to go to the temple then go back home the next day, and my friend, being a smart aleck, didn't help matters so he inspected our bags. So don't be stupid and try to crack a joke with the border police. read more

Incompetent. US Citizen trying to cross border for consulting job in Canada. First time; told to go present letter from paying Canadian company. Drove to Belligham, rented room in hotel for wifi, got letter from Engineering VP, printed out and went back. 40mi round trrip. Female agent unwilling to answer questions, just told me to get letter. Said there was no fee for meetings, $150.00 fee for work permit. Second time: short fat incompetent low IQ male Canadian Immigration agent: didn't believe me I was a consultant. Produced letter from VP Engineering with his mobile phone number. Refused to call to verify truth. Told me to go back to US and produce 2 sets of documentation. Drove back to Bellingham, 40mi round trip to print out consulting agreement and go to separate border crossing for trucks with documentation on 4 servers in car for value of servers. Not type of personality you could ask questions to, always answered with incomplete and incorrect information. Deliberately misleading. No way to file complaint. The paper he gives you to reenter the US with his signature on it is illegible. They don't print the names on the forms so you can't track them down. Third time: success!!! Found someone who was willing to answer questions. Took 10h and 3 trips between border and Bellingham Wash Comfort Inn hotel to get through. Incredibly incompetent. Different people tell you different things of what to do. Website is also vague. No wonder all the technology companies are doing poorly like RIM and Nortel. Who wants to put up with those incompetent people? I wonder if the US side is any better. Can't be worse. Low IQ agents. Never met anyone so dumb and incompetent in trying to produce truthful answers. Businesses can't operate this way because they would be out of business. Last agent told me my passport was now flagged and I would have a difficult time entering Canada from now on. Is ok.... putting my time elsewhere... good luck with your future technology companies Canada. Maybe you can teach some of your border agents to program. read more

The roommate and I drove from Seattle to Vancouver for a couple nights stay. We crossed the border on Saturday, January 16th around 3:30pm. Crossing the border into Vancouver was quick and painless. We both had our passports ready and knew the basic info about our stay: hotel info, how many nights, why we were going to Vancouver, etc. It only took a couple mins for us to cross. I did see other people getting their trunks search in one particular line, so I'm glad we didn't pick that one. Compared to our trip back into the US (which took 40+ mins), getting into Vancouver was a breeze. Just make sure to have your info and documents ready! read more

Review #064 - 2018 In life, there's not much you can do to avoid sitting in traffic when crossing into another country, but it's nice that this particular border happens to be located in front of the Peace Arch Park so it made the 1-hour wait bearable. I guess I should've realized that since it was the Saturday before Easter and kids would be out of school for spring break would make traffic move even slower. However, since we were allowed to run in and out of the car to snap some photos, it didn't feel as slow and annoying--for me, that is. Unfortunately, the baby was not very happy in the backseat while mommy was playing tourist photographer. At least, the person who checked our passports was very quick and efficient by the time it was our turn. read more

If I take the Bolt Bus or any bus to the States then on return I will cross at this boarder. If you take the bus they will take a different lane that bypass all cars. The bus is parked and you have to take all belonging inside to go through custom. Once in awhile I will drive and cross here and not at Peach Arch. Here is for Truck Crossing as well. Usually wait is less here compared to Peach Arch. read more

I mean seriously. What do you want me to say. It's a "border." Thank goodness for friends who prepared me about what could potentially happen at the border. Follow your GPS and we took an exit right before the freeway border crossing into a public street that also crosses the border. Just expect a different style of communication, super attractive people, and prepare answers for random questions about your travel plans across the border. Recently moved to Washington and the asked us, "Why do you have CA license plates and a WA Drivers license?" What may seem obvious to myself and my driver, we repeated what we stated already twice before, "We just moved to Washington." Expect to have to get out of your car, go into the office, answer the same questions as you did at the stall, and get your car searched while you wait in the office. WHATEVER CANADA....WHAT-EVEA!! read more

Crossing into Canada, no problem. I had my passport and my wife's First Nation and our kids are both so...yeah. Went through late at night. Coming back, different story, of course! Because of the long lines we arrived late at the airport, had to reschedule our flight, etc. but the airport was very accomodating. I know it was our fault for not scheduling better. Next time, we'll know better. Border employees, I know you're just doing your job...respect! read more

Unfortunately we reach point that they can refuse entry for us citizen lol thanks to Donald trump I can't believe they didn't allowed me to enter to Canada 2 time and they told me if I try for 3t time they will put me in 6 months ban and they will arrest me hahaha f. U Canada You can't arrest us citizen for nothing lol that was funniest joke ever hahahahha I was in nexus line by mistake and they made me go to office because I have accent " I didn't know having accent is mean you can come to Canada or you have plan to do something hahahaha especially when you American Jewish They refuse to let me in. Funny story silly Canadian hahahaha I am happy I spent my US dollar in US territory I enjoyed Seattle, Bellingham , beautiful places I'm really thankful for Canada to let me have chance to do WA #usaforever read more

This is a thing I have to endure from time to time. This experience was better than usual. I actually got a friendly border agent which is always a pleasant surprise. The wait is usually 20+ minutes unless you're traveling at a very off time. #ProTip: If you live pretty close to the Canadian border and the sole purpose of a trip north is to pick up a box or two of Tim Horton's Timbits, you have a 99.999999% chance of getting pulled aside and searched. Also; some of those Timbits are covered in suspicious looking white powder and smarting off to the border guard because you don't like being treated like a criminal just because you have an over-the-top love of doughnuts, will not help your situation... read more

Canada Border Services Agency - Pacific Highway - Coming to America - Public Services & Government Near Me - Surrey, British Columbia

If you've been to the Canadian border in Toronto or Niagara Falls, it's a very similar (mildly boring) experience. The only difference is that the views aren't as nice (no waterfall to look out at). read more

Have your passports ready! My family and I visited Canada recently and had to go through Canada's border security. You should pay attention to the different lanes and directions so you know what to expect. Driving up to the gate we were greeted by the Canadian border agent. He asked for our passports and asked us a few questions. The surrounding areas was clean and well maintained. After a quick scan of our passports and a few more questions about where specifically we were visiting and if we were visiting people out there we were given the OK to move it along. The experience was fast and easy. The questions were not at all intrusive and the officer was very friendly and professional. I love Canada! read more

Watch out for agent Cha! I drove up from Seattle with my wife on Thanksgiving day, looking forward to spend the weekend in Vancouver for better food and enjoying the city. There was no line at all and I was all excited. Rolled down the window and handed the agent, a Korean fella, thinking I would have a swift processing. NO! For whatever reason agent Cha hated me and my wife on the spot, this was before we said anything. He started to cough an attitude and reeked of alcohol. I am an US citizen, my wife has a Korean passport, so when I told him we were married, he was somehow in disbelief. Kept saying "really?" He took a long time going over our passports, when that wasn't satisfactory, he asked our plans. When I told him we were up for the weekend, he didn't want to believe us. He wanted exact details about our 3 day plan! I had no plan, just wanted to relax and chill, but again, this irritated him. When asked about our hotel reservations, I told him it was the Four Seasons, again, this irritated him and asked to see my proof. When I presented him the reservation on the phone, it somehow pissed him off even more. He then demanded to search our car. He took his time but of course found nothing aside from our luggages. After getting back to his booth, he proceeded to tell me that I shouldn't be coughing an attitude, otherwise he will make the process as difficult as possible. At this point, I am certain I am dealing with a psychopath, so I kept my mouth shut. I have traveled all over the world, and needless to say going into Canada many times over. I have ran into my fair share of agents from around the world who somehow gravitated towards jobs like this because they can abuse people with impunity, but this guy is something else. He tried so hard to pick on us yet couldn't find anything, to see him getting more and more frustrated and making a scene was like watching a ticking time bomb. Agent Cha need to get a different job, or just get a life! read more

Worst border/customs experience and I've traversed the globe. Idiot agent stated that I wasted money on the U.S. Passport Card and that he couldn't understand why we'd travel with a card instead of the booklet. He could not wrap his mind around why we would visit for the day just to drive around and hit up the mall, get a meal, and possibly go to a park (we live in WA) as we explained we just got our passport/card. Next time we visit we know to lie and be deceitful in order to get treated decently. I'm still bringing my US passport card ya dumb Canucks! read more

Canada Border Services Agency - Pacific Highway - Public Services & Government Near Me - Surrey, British Columbia

I have never been treated so Bad , I just came up for a few days to do some free style sight seeing .. the Agent could not understand why I would do this and why I did not book a hotel room in advance. the agent went on to push the ideal that I was going to sleep in my car ( serious ) and so what if I was ( i wasn't ) .. so she asked if I have guns where I live back in Arizona .. what the heck , who cares if I do , it's none of her business .. smile Canadians you can get more Honey from Bee's then with your sour Puss boarder agents that seem mad at the world read more

Last month I wanted to drive my 88y old mom, and my cousin and his wife who were visiting from CA to Vancouver. At the border check I was told to park the car at a designated spot, and told to go inside. I figured it was going to be a further passport check. I was told to surrender my keys to the agent and to go inside. As we walked 100meters, my mom started to get a bit dizzy so I was going to go back to the car to get my water bottle... I was told I can't. So when I go inside, I find I needed permission before I can use the rest room.... The agent made us feel like criminals and was very condescending to me about how my entry to Canada was a privilege and not a right (since I wasn't a First Nations ancestors). We eventually got through, with the officer/agent telling me I had "attitude." I couldn't disagree. I was stressed over my mom's health, and added to that, I'm treated like a criminal. All I wanted to do was take them to Vancouver, visit Stanley Park, have lunch and head back.... I get the message... it's not a welcoming one... I won't be going back to take out of town visitors. it's not worth it. I used to make it a point to go to Whistler/Blackcomb, but I'll go to MT instead... read more

Between this and the Peace Arch, this is the go-to place when there's long line ups; just go to the duty free store, buy some junk food to get the proof of receipt to get ahead in the lineup. notice i don't use the word 'cut' b/c you did pay for this privilege lol. It's a lot faster but this duty thing only works on weekends when they have a traffic person to let direct you to merge into the regular line up. At times even the parking lot here can be 4 or 5 columns too but sure beats the regular lineup. read more

The sheer difference of crossing the border into the US and Canada blows my mind. The officers here are so friendly and warm. I love going through here and getting a solid, "Welcome home! How was your trip? Where did you stay? Did you enjoy yourself? Great!" Our country rules, y'all. read more

We were rejected at the border, but they were really nice about it and told us we were welcome back when we had the proper identification.

Always quicker and easier for a native American boy to get into Canada much longer to come back is Canada just that kewl read more

Canada Border Services Agency - Pacific Highway - BBQ US AND CANADA - Public Services & Government Near Me - Surrey, British Columbia

Tip!!!: If you're driving, make sure you go in the right lane and have all documents ready. My family and I came from a long drive from San Francisco, and we were headed to Vancouver, BC. When we arrived to the gate, we were in the nexus lane, which we were not supposed to have done. When I told him that we were confused with the signs and made a mistake, he made rude and unnecessary renarks. He told us to park and go inside the office. When we got inside, we met this female patrol agent and told her our problem. She made a few condescending statements like, "Don't you know how to read!" We dealt with the problem, but it definitely dampered the mood and our excitement of our trip. read more

They are really thorough with checking here and make you feel like a criminal. Now while I salute their dedication and work in protection borders, there is a friendlier way to do it. The first check point they ask you all sorts of questions very intense grilling only to be directed to a rude lady that lets you know to walk into the building. Once you walk into the building they take everything from you and separate you from your party. Your purse and phone all left behind as you sit and wait until they call you for more interrogation. Then they proceed to go to your car and check it. Once they are done, you are released and continued on to your journey. I have traveled to a lot of countries and have never been grilled this much! read more

I moved here from Coronado California so I hadmade hundreds of trips over 20 years across that border . Went to secondary twice which I would expect and respect. Never been arrested... Crossed borders over 200 times in my life without any problems. Prior to moving 30 minutes from the border a few years ago I had entered Canada in the prior dozen years a number of ways. I entered Canada via cruise ship on the East Coast and for a quick stop in BC on the way to Alaska. I drove up the Adirondacks twice into Quebec. I flew into Toronto. I took the Washington ferry and walked onto Victoria. It's been a breeze. I realize that the world has become much scarier and I appreciate due diligence . However , spending manpower and time on me when I previously been cleared the last three times I've crossed is a waste of resources . Sitting on the uncomfortable hard plastic chairs for two hours inside the building without access to cell phone while they rifle through my car and disappear into other rooms has become tediously annoying. Going for an overnight with a dear friend who had driven up from Seattle a few months ago, we were over an hour late for our spa treatment although we had given ourselves three hours from when we thought we would reach the hotel in Yaletown. My friend was shocked at the 2 1/2 hour border delay, although she was forwarned I would be targeted for no good reason. Luckily, in December my visiting son handled the situation like a champ and promised we'll do a return visit for dim sum, some culture, and shopping when he comes in the spring. I am embarrassed to put friends through the hassle of crossing with me. I moved into a small town knowing how important I find the qualities of a large metropolitan city. That was an important factor when relocating. Now I am spitting distance from Vancouver where I assumed I'd do as many serious injections of culture and cuisine that this cosmopolite can handle ... and everytime I go to Canada now I get pulled into secondary and it takes at least two hours to get through customs. It is a nightmare. If I just want to run up for lunch, a play, shopping etc. I assumed it would be great since I'm 30 minutes away but somehow I'm flagged. The Canadian Consulate called me back in August when I expressed my frustration and sought to remedy the situation. I was told it would probably not be a recurring theme. It is a recurring nightmare. When I was pulled over and in the secondary section last time, the immigration officer told me that until my status changed I would always be pulled over. She sent an email to Ontario on my behalf and gave me a paper with an address which she suggested I contact to get off this crazy merry go round. The officers...At first they are tough and very rude and in the end they are almost apologetic.... every single time now. What a waste of resources! read more

Long lines. Be prepared to wait longer especially during the weekends (in the afternoon). Best times to go through I think is in the morning. There is a duty-free shop right before the border to Canada. read more

These border patrol agents are downright awful and insulting to visitors! We had the unpleasant experience of dealing with agent Tse who was rude, condescending, and wasted our time. The Canadian Border Patrol Agency should be ashamed of its level of service to the public. read more

Protecting our borders that's what we like, right? Make sure your occupants in your car all have Passports. Sometimes you can get right through customs other times long waits going into Canada. The security is tight and they will inspect vehicle if they think something is out of place. And expect to get checked out if you are in a van or hauling an enclosed trailer. Be patient with long lines and polite to border patrol. If everyone in your car has a global Nexus card you can use that specific lane. It is a passport type of document that lets you go in and out with good accessibility and much shorter lines. Look it up online for more information. It is valuable if you travel abroad. read more