Buying groceries in the US from Canada? Here's your guide

For many Canadians living near the border, a quick grocery run to the US can help save money. From better prices to favourite products you can’t find at home, cross-border shopping has plenty of perks.

In this guide, we’ll cover the best places to shop and what you can and can’t bring back, as well as duty limits and how using a Wise card can help you dodge hidden currency fees while spending in USD.

Why Canadians grocery shop in the US

There's no shortage of reasons why a quick grocery shop across the border appeals to many Canadians. With lower prices and a wider range of products, shopping stateside can be practical, economical, and rewarding, especially for those living close to the border.

Price differences and product variety

Canadians living near the US border often cross over to shop for groceries due to notable price differences and a wider variety of products. Food in the US usually costs less thanks to larger-scale farming, different regulations, and more efficient supply chains.

Additionally, American grocery stores often offer products and brands that aren’t available in Canada, providing shoppers with more options.

Convenience for border communities

For residents of Canadian border towns, a quick trip to nearby US cities like Buffalo, New York, or Bellingham, Washington, is a convenient way to stock up on essentials. Major US grocery chains such as Trader Joe's, Costco, and Walmart are easily accessible and often located just minutes from the border, making cross-border shopping a practical option for many.

Example price comparison — Canadian vs. US grocery basket

What you need to know about border rules

Before you load up the car with groceries and head south, you’ll need to understand what items are allowed and what needs to be declared. Both US and Canadian border agencies have their own set of specific rules around bringing food across, and sticking to them can help you avoid delays or penalties. Let’s break down what to expect at each stage of your cross-border grocery trip.

Declaring groceries when leaving the US

Those leaving the US to go back home to Canada generally won’t have to go through US customs, as this is typically handled upon arrival in Canada.

In addition, Canadians bringing groceries across for personal use during their shopping trip generally don’t face significant restrictions when entering the United States. However, it's always helpful to be aware of current regulations:

• Meat, dairy, and produce: Some fresh fruits, vegetables, meats, and dairy products may be restricted or require inspection due to concerns about pests and diseases².
• Quantity limits: Bringing large quantities of food items may raise some questions about the intended use. Ensure that the amounts are consistent with personal consumption to avoid complications.
• Declaration: Always declare all food items you are bringing into the US to Customs and Border Protection (CBP) officers³, as failure to do so can result in fines or confiscation of goods.

Declaring groceries when re-entering Canada

When returning to Canada, you’ll need to follow Canada Border Services Agency (CBSA) rules about food imports:

Mandatory declaration: You are legally required to declare all food, plant, and animal products you bring into Canada, regardless of quantity or type, including fresh, frozen, canned, or dried items⁴. Not doing so can lead to penalties up to $1,300⁵, confiscation of goods, or prosecution.

Personal exemptions: Your duty-free allowance depends on how long you’ve been away from Canada:⁶:

• Less than 24 hours: No personal exemptions apply.
• 24 to 48 hours: You can claim goods worth up to 200 CAD without paying duties and taxes. Tobacco and alcohol are excluded.
• Over 48 hours: You can claim goods worth up to 800 CAD, including limited quantities of alcohol and tobacco

Restricted items: Certain food items may be restricted or prohibited due to health and safety concerns. For example, some meat products, fresh fruits, and vegetables may not be allowed. Always check the Canadian Food Inspection Agency (CFIA) guidelines before bringing these items into Canada.

Advance Declaration: To expedite the border crossing process, you can use the Advance Declaration feature in the ArriveCAN app to submit your customs and immigration declaration up to 72 hours⁷ before arriving in Canada

Grocery shopping in the US from Canada: Tips for a smooth trip

Cross-border grocery shopping can be a great way to access different products and potentially save money. Consider the following for a hassle-free trip:

Bring valid ID and know your limits

When crossing the border, carrying valid identification, such as a passport or NEXUS card, is a must to avoid delays or even denial of entry.

You should also be aware of the duty-free exemptions for goods brought back into Canada, while ensuring the goods are for personal use and in your possession at the time of entry.

Choose your stores wisely

Selecting the right stores can get you some great deals and cut costs even further. Before your trip, check online ads or store websites for current promotions and pricing to plan your shopping effectively.

• Costco: Canadian Costco memberships are valid at US locations. However, be aware that prices and product availability may differ.
• Trader Joe’s: Offering a variety of unique products and competitive prices, US-based grocery chain Trader Joe’s doesn't operate in any location in Canada, making it a popular destination for cross-border shoppers.

Track your spending across currencies

• Be aware of exchange rates: Monitor current exchange rates to understand the actual cost of your purchases in Canadian dollars.
• Avoid Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC): Some merchants may offer to charge your purchase in your local currency (Canadian dollars) at the point of sale. Known as DCC, it often includes unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees. Opt to pay in US dollars and let your card issuer handle the conversion.

Currency conversion tips for cross-border shoppers

It’s easy to forget that even small exchange rate differences can impact your total bill when shopping across the border. The card you use and how the conversion is handled can make a big difference in how much you actually spend.

Saving Money When Grocery Shopping in the US from Canada

Shopping across the border can be a great way to stretch your dollar, but a few smart moves can help you save even more.

Tips to keep costs down

• Shop midweek for better stock and fewer crowds: Tuesdays and Wednesdays often have freshly stocked shelves and fewer people.
• Look for promotions and clearance deals: US grocery stores, like Trader Joe’s, Wegmans, and Target, are known for big discounts and rewards programs.
• Use loyalty programs or coupons: Many major chains offer loyalty cards and printable or digital coupons — just make sure to sign up online before your visit to access deals.

Avoid surprise card fees

• Watch out for foreign transaction fees: Most Canadian credit cards charge a 1-3% fee⁸ on purchases made in USD, even before the currency conversion markup.
• Skip poor ATM exchange rates: Withdrawing cash in the US can come with unfavourable FX rates and additional ATM fees. If you need cash, plan ahead or use a card that offers mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees, like the Wise card.

Want to avoid that 1-3% card fee altogether? Wise lets you spend USD directly from your multi-currency balance at the mid-market exchange rate, helping you cut out the hidden charges.

Using Wise for Grocery Shopping Across the Border

If you’re shopping for groceries in the US, using Wise is a smart way to manage your money across currencies without paying more than you need to. With Wise, you can spend, convert, and manage your funds in multiple currencies, all from one account, and always at the real exchange rate.

Why Wise is a great fit for cross-border grocery runs:

• Pay in USD directly from your Wise account to avoid hidden foreign transaction fees or poor exchange rates charged by most Canadian credit and debit cards.
• Use your Wise card at US grocery stores like Trader Joe’s, Whole Foods, Walmart, or Costco, just like a local.
• Mid-market exchange rate guaranteed — the same one you see on Google, with no markups.
• No monthly fees, — just low, transparent fees, starting from 0.48%⁹, when you convert between currencies.
• Track your spending easily in the Wise app and top up your account instantly before or during your trip.
• Order a virtual or physical Wise card, and start shopping immediately during planned trips or spontaneous cross-border grocery hauls.

Get your Wise account and card
in a few clicks >>>

Conclusion

If you live close to the US-Canada border, crossing over for your weekly shop can be an easy way to save some cash and find products you might not see on Canadian shelves. From better prices to different brands, a quick trip south can make your weekly shop more exciting (and economical).

Just ensure you’re up to speed on current customs rules, duty-free limits, and food restrictions before you go. And to avoid losing money on exchange rates or foreign transaction fees, consider using Wise. It’s an easy, transparent way to manage your money across currencies and keep your savings where they belong — in your cart, not the bank’s pocket.

Sources:

1. POLICY BRIEF: 2019
2. Bringing Food into the U.S. | U.S. Customs and Border Protection
3. Traveling into the United States From Canada at Land Borders | Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
4. Bringing food into Canada for personal use
5. Penalties and fines
6. Personal exemptions mini guide - Travel.gc.ca
7. Entering Canada - Travel.gc.ca
8. Credit Card Foreign Currency Transaction Fees | Tips and Advice | CIBC
9. Wise Fees & Pricing: Only Pay for What You Use