Driving over to Windsor CA for coffee? (Detroit: credit card, live) - Michigan (MI) - City-Data Forum

Grawburg · 05-02-2009, 12:15 PM

I'll be visiting Detroit next week and wanted to drive over to the Coffee Exchange to spend a few hours (ok, there's a weird thing in me that thinks it's cool to say I've driven over to CA for coffee).

I know I have to bring my passport, but couple of other questions.

Being so close to the border, do you know if coffee shops and the like will take my Yankee money or am I better off using my credit card and jusy paying the 2% conversion?

I'm guessing there are street parking meters and, again, guessing they'll only take C$ - anyone confirm?

Is there a toll charge across the border?

Thanks!

Monty870 · 05-02-2009, 03:12 PM

You don't need a passport to cross the border (this rule doesn't go into effect until June 1st). You do need a birth certificate and a form of photo ID.

Pretty much every store/restaurant in Windsor takes US money. Currently, the city of Windsor municipal workers are on strike so you won't need to pay anything at parking meters or in municipal lots. Parking meters only take Canadian coins.

There is a toll to cross the border... it's something like $3.50 or $4 US (it changes often).

Wingnatic · 05-02-2009, 05:34 PM

And here's the info from the Secretary Of State on the enhanced driver's license . Pay close attention to which S.O.S. office you can apply for one as not all will take apps .

Coldjensens · 05-04-2009, 10:15 AM

They are happy to take US money. However they do not always give you a fair exchange rate.

The lines at the bridge/tunnel can be very long. I once wiated for over an hour to get accross. If you get singled out to have your car searched, it will be a lot longer (that has not happened to me).

DO NOT bring kids with you unless you have their birth certificates. If you do not, you will have a huge problem.

There is a card that you can get that shortcuts the passport issue. I cannot remember what it is called. I need to apply for one, so if anyone knows what it is called, please let me know. We cross into Canada often in a boat, and we really need to have something with us at all times.

lovindfw · 05-04-2009, 05:46 PM

I just applied for passport cards for my sons. According to the website, it will take 4-6 weeks to get the cards.
U.S. Passport Card Frequently Asked Questions

Coldjensens · 05-05-2009, 08:28 AM

If you really want to be cool, swim over to Canada for coffee. Just don't drown. You had better be a really good swimmer and make sure you know where you are going to come out. Make sure that you are accompanied by a boat. I know the some people do it. I couldn't. It is over a mile and the current is very strong.

Bydand · 05-05-2009, 08:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Coldjensens

If you really want to be cool, swim over to Canada for coffee. Just don't drown. You had better be a really good swimmer and make sure you know where you are going to come out. Make sure that you are accompanied by a boat. I know the some people do it. I couldn't. It is over a mile and the current is very strong.

We used to do that when I lived in the Soo. Teenagers, you know; never thought about getting run over by the 1000 footers or getting tired.

Oh and the new ID card that you can use for travel between the US and Canada, Mexico, Bermuda and the Caribbean is the Enhanced ID. http://www.michigan.gov/sos/0,1607,7...627---,00.html

Grawburg · 05-05-2009, 11:09 AM

Hmmm....I'll drive, but thanks for the offer. I'm pretty sure my laptop wouldn't survive the swim.

Monty870 · 05-05-2009, 04:10 PM

^ The current would drag you right into Lake Erie before you could make it across anyway - not to mention the water is still frigid this time of year.

The wait times at the border have been drastically reduced over the past year as more customs booths have opened and traffic has decreased. I've crossed several times in the past few months and the wait is often less than 5 minutes. Having your car searched is extremely unlikely and will only happen if you have lots of stuff inside it or if you act suspicious.

Coldjensens · 05-07-2009, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Monty870

^ The current would drag you right into Lake Erie before you could make it across anyway - not to mention the water is still frigid this time of year.

People do it on occaision (crazy people that is). One of them drwoned just last year. Not this time of year, but in the summer. They have to swim agaisnt the current and they still end up way down from where they start, but apparently it can be done. .