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www.snowbirds.org
CSA TRAVEL INFORMATION GUIDE
As the transfer to your U.S. bank account is made from another U.S.-based bank, there are no
“electronic money transfer” fees, which in some cases could be as high as $15.00 per transfer.
For more details on the Snowbird Currency Exchange program, or to enroll, please call the association
at 1-800-265-3200 or visit the website at www.snowbirds.org.
To Laminate or Not To Laminate
While laminating – either with a do-it-yourself kit or commercially at an office supply store – may
help preserve a document’s paper and keep it clean especially while travelling, that decision could
result in a monetary fine as well as void the legality of the document.
With the increasing awareness of counterfeit and fraudulent documents, part of the authentication
is examining the paper on which the document has been produced. Plastic coating and laminates
makes that inspection difficult or impossible.
When it comes to laminating a document, the only rule-of-thumb to follow is “if it doesn’t come
coated in plastic, don’t do it yourself”.
If you have concerns about keeping a document, such as a birth certificate, automobile registration
slip or auto insurance certificate clean and dry, use a resealable sandwich or snack bag that can be
opened and reclosed without affecting the document inside.
Appendix
United States Embassy and Consulates in Canada
Security Restrictions:
Many embassies and consulates around the
world (not just the United States) prohibit
walk-in public access to their buildings without
an appointment. Always telephone first before
visiting an embassy or consulate.
Please note, due to the limited size of many
consulate waiting rooms; the number of other
individuals being served; as well as for general
security reasons, the number of individuals
who may accompany you could be limited.
When telephoning to make your appointment,
confirm who may or may not accompany you
inside the building.
Proper government-issued photo ID will be
required for entry.
For security reasons, many items are banned
inside an embassy/consulate. You will be sub-
ject to security screening measures – similar to
an airport – upon entry.
Banned items include:
•
•
Food and beverages
•
•
Electronic equipment of any kind includ-
ing cell phones, cameras, Blackberries,
laptop computers, tape/CD/MP3 players,
pagers, palm pilots, keyless car remotes,
batteries, etc.
•
•
Briefcases, backpacks, large bags,
luggage, large purses, etc.
•
•
Oversize strollers
•
•
Nail files and nail polish as well as liquids
and lotions
•
•
Weapons or tools of any kind including
mace or pepper spray, any sharp or
bladed objects, any oil or chemical-based
sprays
•
•
Contraband items