Issues with medications. Travelers sometimes carry their regular medications. But if the quantity seems a bit large or if they don't have proper doctor's prescriptions with them in English, customs can give them a hard time. I heard of a case where a person with a chronic illness had his essential meds confiscated because the prescription was not in the right format. It put his health at risk during his stay in the US.
One common type is about long delays. People have their flights to catch but customs holds them up for hours. For example, a family was traveling for a vacation and got stuck at customs for over five hours. Another type is about items being confiscated wrongly. A person had a small pocket knife which was a souvenir but customs took it away.
The most common one is probably the excessive baggage checks. You might have your bags rummaged through completely, with your personal items strewn all over. It's not only time - consuming but also feels invasive.
A student was going to the US for further study. She had all her study materials, notebooks, and some small handicrafts made by her friends in her suitcase. At the customs, they suspected the handicrafts might be some sort of illegal goods. They took her to a separate room for interrogation. She was so scared and tried to explain, but it took a long time for them to finally let her go after thoroughly checking everything.
High costs are a very common element. People often get slammed with bills they can't afford. For example, a routine hospital stay can cost tens of thousands of dollars.
Family separation is a common theme. Like I said before, families are torn apart at the border, causing emotional distress. Another theme is the long and complex bureaucracy. People often get stuck in the system for years, with no end in sight.
One common theme is lack of market research. Many companies jump into the US market without fully understanding the consumer needs, preferences, and local competition.
One of the most frequent stories is of retirees moving from the US to Canada. They are drawn by Canada's beautiful scenery and peaceful living environment. They can enjoy a quieter life with access to nature. Additionally, some individuals immigrate because of job opportunities in specific industries that are more abundant in Canada. For instance, in the energy or technology sectors in certain Canadian regions. There are also stories of people who simply wanted a change in their life and felt that Canada could offer them a fresh start.
Well, in novels, you often find customs like special ways of greeting, elaborate ceremonies for important events, and unique holiday traditions.
One of the most prevalent ebay horror stories is when the item gets lost in transit. The tracking shows it's been shipped but then it disappears. Buyers are left in a lurch as they've paid for the item but don't have it. Sellers may blame the shipping company and the shipping company may say it was the seller's fault in packaging. Ebay then has to step in to mediate, which can be a long and drawn - out process.
One common 'Popeyes Horror Story' is the wrong order. You order a specific meal with certain sides and end up with something completely different. It's frustrating, especially if you have dietary restrictions or just had your heart set on that particular order.