Yet another border crossing question

[north_alabama_unlog]

I'm getting ready to make my first non-remote area crossing. I notice the big question at the border is "do you have anything to declare?"

What is the appropriate response to that? Are they wanting you to tell them everything you're bringing in the vehicle, or just items/quantities subject to duty?

If I've got my fishing gear, clothes/toiletries, some food but no banned items or large quantities of beef, tobacco and alcohol within the duty-free limit, no weapons etc., do you run through the whole list and quantities or just say "no"?

I don't want to get there and sound like a smart alec by answering questions with questions. Though I'll have nothing to hide, I find being subject to extensive searches unpleasant, and would like to get through as easy as possible both for myself and the customs/border people.

[wooglin]

I would just state the obvious, such as: 1 case of beer, no live bait except worms packed in worm bedding, one carton of cigs...etc. If they want to know more, they'll ask...but I wouldn't go overboard. I just let them do the asking and answer them as short and simple and to the point as possible.

[they ask]

I recall that they ask specific questions and not the general "do you have anything to declare"

[mnfishingfan]

Only speak when spoken to, show respect, and answer questions honestly. It goes smooth.

[north_alabama]

That's exactly how my parents taught me to behave under any circumstances!

Thanks for the advice guys.