An Essentials Guide for Snowbirds Migrating to the USA this Winter

Google defines a snowbird as either “a northerner who moves to a warmer southern state in the winter” or “a junco with gray or brown upperparts and a white belly.” These definitions are pretty similar if you think about it. Most Canadians who spend their winters in states like Florida, Arizona, California, and the Carolinas have gray hair, a brown “farmer’s tan,” and white bellies.

Whether you are a snowbird preparing to make your first trek south or last year was your first time seeing snow in a decade, here are ideas to help you get the best value for your money.

1. Ensure your US bank account is well-stocked before you go

Canadian banks offer online money transfer services; however, their exchange rates are often two percent or higher than what you would pay a pure-play online money transfer provider. Banks also charge transaction fees of up to 5%, and transactions often take longer to complete, such as wire or ACH transfers.

When you transfer over $10,000 internationally with a bank, you risk visiting a bank branch to present your identification documentation in person. When you transfer money from Canada to a US bank account through an online money transfer provider, your cross-border money transfer can be conducted entirely via the Internet and phone without needing to travel to a bank branch. However, have your Canadian documentation, such as a driver’s license, passport, and utility bill, with your home address.

Leading international money transfer providers also offer services like forward contracts and market orders for recurring or high-value transfers. Many banks don’t provide these services. If you are making monthly mortgage or lease payments on a home in Scottsdale or St. Petersburg, any service that can lessen the impact of currency fluctuations is a great money-saving opportunity.

2. Know who is transferring your money

Several service providers cater to the lifestyle, health, and travel needs of the one million or so Canadian snowbirds who regularly travel to the US every winter. They offer various services effectively to inform, educate, and connect snowbirds. Yet when you are moving substantial amounts of money around when you are far from home, it’s essential to know who handles your money and where it is. 

MTFX has been in the business of helping North Americans send money online internationally for over twenty-five years. We are regulated by the Government of Canada’s FINTRAC regulatory agency and FinCEN in the United States. The money transfer service providers who partner with these organizations are assumed to be subject to the same regulations and standards. Yet it should be entirely transparent for you who handles your money and how long it will take to transfer your funds to your American bank account, especially when you are moving thousands, or even tens of thousands of dollars, across borders to establish a comfortable winter lifestyle in places like Florida and Arizona.

Remember The Ford Motor Company’s advertising that you shouldn’t open your hood to strangers? It’s a safe bet that you shouldn’t open your wallet (or bank account) to strangers.

3. Winterize and organize your Canadian home before departure

Before you get in your car or board a plane for your winter getaway, ensure you won’t return to Canada with your mailbox overflowing, burst pipes, or strangers living in your home. 

Here are some quick tips on preparing your principal residence and Canadian affairs before you leave:

1. Resist the urge to announce your plans to spend the winter abroad on social media. Many homes have been broken into by opportunistic thieves surfing sites like Instagram and Facebook. Have a friend, neighbour, or family member check on your home while you are away. 
    
2. We all know our obligations to CRA related to income, business, sales, and capital gains taxes. Yet many snowbirds don’t fully appreciate their tax responsibilities to the US Internal Revenue Service (IRS). Consult with a tax accountant or lawyer to better understand your responsibilities to the American government. 
    
3. Switch to electronic mail only and notify your bank and relatives that you will be wintering in the US. After a year or so of minimal travel, banks might flag out-of-country activity on your credit or debit cards as suspicious. 
    
4. Ensure your home’s plumbing, electrical, and HVAC systems are prepared for frigid weather while you are away. Paying professionals to close your house and install leak sensors properly will be far less expensive than paying to restore your home if your pipes leak or other damage occurs. 
    
5. Unplug all your electric devices and appliances which would otherwise draw electricity. Computers and TVs can experience power surges and are a fire risk. Dispose of any perishable food.

Snowbird migrations south will likely be more challenging than in previous years, so packing extra patience when travelling will be essential. Preparing by following the tips in this article and seeking the advice of experts in legal, accounting, home care, and finance should alleviate a lot of frustration.

4. Pack smartly

Packing for your winter escape to the USA requires some planning to ensure you have everything you need without overloading your luggage. Start with the essentials: make a checklist of items you'll need for your stay, including enough clothes for warm and cool weather. While it might be warm during the day, evenings can get chilly, so layering options like sweaters, light jackets, and long sleeves are necessary. Don’t forget your favourite toiletries and any personal items that might be harder to find in the US, like specific medications or Canadian brands.

If you’re staying in a rental or a second home, consider bringing a few comfort items to make the place feel like home—things like your preferred coffee maker, a cozy blanket, or even a few of your favourite books. Packaging a travel-sized emergency kit with basic first aid supplies is also intelligent, especially if you’ll be on the road or exploring new areas.

Lastly, leave some room in your luggage for anything you might pick up while you’re there. Snowbirding is about enjoying the best of both worlds, so having a little extra space for those new finds or gifts for friends back home can make your trip even more rewarding.

Simplify your currency exchange and global payments with MTFX

When spending a few months in the US, currency exchange can quickly become a hassle, especially if you're trying to get the best rates and avoid hidden fees. That's where MTFX comes in. With MTFX, you can enjoy competitive exchange rates that are often better than traditional banks. Whether transferring funds to your US bank account, paying bills, or managing regular expenses, MTFX provides a seamless and secure way to handle your money across borders.

MTFX has been supporting snowbirds and their international travels for over twenty-five years. Our practices and exchange rates are unbeatable, transparent, secure, and reliable. Our friendly, knowledgeable customer care team will be happy to help you through hassle-free online money transfers and set you up for an enjoyable winter season wherever your journey takes you.

Sign up for an MTFX account and exchange your Canadian dollars for American ones. Over the winter, you can make fast, affordable, secure monthly transfers to your US account.

FAQs

1. How long can Canadian snowbirds stay in the US?

Canadian snowbirds can stay in the US for up to 182 days in a calendar year without triggering tax residency or immigration issues. Keeping track of your days is essential to comply with US immigration rules for Canadian snowbirds.

2. What documents do Canadian snowbirds need when crossing the US border?

Canadian snowbirds should carry a valid passport, proof of health insurance, and any necessary visas or travel documents when crossing the US border. It’s also wise to have a copy of your travel itinerary and accommodation details on hand.

3. What are some banking tips for Canadian snowbirds travelling to the United States?

Canadian snowbird banking can be made more accessible by setting up a US-based bank account before your trip. This allows you to manage your finances more efficiently, avoid foreign transaction fees, and quickly pay for expenses while you're in the US.

4. How can Canadian snowbirds manage their finances while in the US?

To manage finances smoothly, Canadian snowbirds should consider using online banking services, setting up automatic bill payments, and utilizing currency exchange services like MTFX to get the best rates when transferring money between Canada and the US.

5. What should soon-to-be snowbirds know about crossing the border into the US?

Snowbird border crossing can be stress-free if you’re well-prepared. Ensure you have all your travel documents ready, be honest with the border officers about your travel plans, and be aware of the customs regulations for bringing goods into the US.

6. How can Canadian snowbirds stay connected to home in the US?

Canadian snowbirds travelling to the United States can stay connected by setting up an international phone plan, using online communication tools like WhatsApp or Skype, and checking in regularly with friends and family back home.

7. What are the best tips for snowbirds travelling to the USA for the first time?

For first-time snowbirds, tips for snowbirds travelling to the USA include planning your travel itinerary carefully, understanding the local laws and customs, securing travel insurance, and joining local snowbird communities for support and socializing.

8. Are there any US immigration rules that Canadian snowbirds should know?

Canadian snowbirds should be aware of US immigration rules, such as the 182-day limit on stays, the need to maintain a primary residence in Canada, and the requirements for health insurance coverage while in the US.

9. What should Canadian snowbirds pack for their stay in the US?

Canadian snowbirds should pack smartly by bringing a mix of clothing for different weather conditions, personal essentials, necessary medications, and any special items they might not easily find in the US.

10. How can Canadian snowbirds prepare for their border crossing back to Canada?

When returning to Canada, Canadian snowbirds should ensure they have all their documentation in order, declare any goods or purchases made in the US, and be prepared to answer questions about the length of their stay and any expenses incurred abroad.