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Departure Guide: Leaving Canada

Canada has no "Exit Immigration" counter, but India has strict "Entry Customs." Pack for India, not just for the flight.

Unlike India or Dubai, you do not meet an officer to "stamp you out."

The Process: You check in, drop bags, go through security, and walk straight to the gate.
Where is the Officer? There isn't one. The airline sends your exit data to the Canadian government electronically.
The Warning: Do not wander around looking for an "Immigration Booth" to stamp your passport. You will miss your flight.

If you are taking spices, turmeric, or protein powder back home, read this.

The Rule (CATSA): In your Carry-On (Hand) Bag, you generally cannot have "inorganic powders" (salt, foot powder, cooking powders, sand) greater than 350 ml (roughly the size of a soda can).
The Fix: Put all Masalas, Turmeric, and Protein Powders in your Checked Luggage.
The Risk: If you leave them in your hand bag, security will likely throw them in the dustbin. They will not let you go back to check them in.

The Rule: Canada does NOT refund sales tax (HST/GST) to tourists at the airport.
The Myth: Many old blogs say you can claim it back. This program was cancelled years ago.
Result: The 13% tax you paid on your iPhone, clothes, or gifts is gone. Do not go to the airport early expecting a refund counter.

Your parents are "Tourists returning home," NOT "NRIs returning after 1 year." The rules are different.

1. Gold (The Big Warning) ⚠️

The Myth: "Men can bring 20g and women can bring 40g of gold."
The Truth: This rule ONLY applies if you have lived abroad for more than 1 year.
For Short-Term Visitors (e.g., 2-6 months): You DO NOT get the special gold allowance. Your gold counts towards your general duty-free limit (see below). If you are wearing heavy new jewelry you bought in Canada, you might be taxed.
TVT Advice: Wear the same old personal jewelry you wore when leaving India. Do not buy new gold bars/coins in Canada to take back; customs duty is high (approx 38.5% for short-term visitors).

2. Alcohol Limit 🍾

Limit: 2 Litres (Whisky/Wine) per person.
Strategy: Buy this at the Duty-Free shop in Canada or your layover airport (Dubai/London). It is cheaper than buying in India.

3. Electronics & Gifts 💻

General Allowance: You can bring gifts/items worth up to ₹50,000 duty-free.
Laptops: One laptop is allowed duty-free (for travelers over 18 years).
Phones: One personal phone is fine. If you carry 3 sealed iPhones for cousins, you will pay customs duty (~38.5%).

The Warning: If your flight is Toronto ➝ New York ➝ India:
The Procedure: You will do your US Immigration & Customs inside the Canadian airport (Toronto/Vancouver) before you board the plane.
Time: This adds 1-2 hours to your process. You must arrive 4 hours early for US-transit flights.