PREPARING FOR YOUR ARRIVAL

Traveling to the United States
The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which is in the neighboring state of Minnesota, is our closest airport, situated 50 miles away. When you plan your trip, you may have to make other stops depending on the airline, but the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport should be your final destination.

Your Arrival in the United States
When you arrive at your port of entry (which is usually New York, Chicago, Miami, Atlanta, Seattle, San Francisco, or Los Angeles), you must have all your travel documents with you, not in your luggage. You will be taken to a U.S. immigration officer point where they will examine your passport and your certificate of visa eligibility (I?20) before issuing you an Arrival/Departure Record (the 1?94 card), which will be stamped with the arrival date and D/S (duration of status), and stapled to your passport. You will also get a carbon copy of the I?20. Be sure to keep these important documents with you at all times. Once you pick up your luggage, it will be checked by a U.S. Customs Officer. You must give the U.S. Customs Officer the card you were asked to complete while on the plane.

The Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport (MSP), which is in the neighboring state of Minnesota, is our closest airport, situated 50 miles away. When you plan your trip, you may have to make other stops depending on the airline, but the Minneapolis/St. Paul airport should be your final destination.

• Customs Declaration
  The U.S. Customs Officer at the port of entry will ask you questions about what you are carrying in your luggage. Be truthful and declare to the officer if you are carrying liquor, certain foods, etc. You must also declare if you are carrying more than $10,000 in U.S. currency. If you are carrying more than $10,000 you may have to pay taxes. If you are bringing a check or money order for more than this amount, you must request Form 4790 from the officer to declare the money you are bringing into the U.S.

• International Drivers’ License
  If you have an International Drivers’ License, you must ask the Immigration Officer to stamp and validate it. You can use this license until you are settled and can apply for a State of Wisconsin Drivers’ License.
  

Transportation from the MSP Airport
There is no direct bus system from the airport in Minneapolis/St. Paul to the city of River Falls, Wisconsin. Please plan accordingly.  See additional transportation information below for details. Some of the most cost efficient ways to reach River Falls, WI from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport include:

• International Student Services (ISS) Airport Transportation: A staff person from the International Student Services Office will transport you from the airport to River Falls if you’ve submitted your Travel Plans Form by January 3, 2011, and you plan to arrive on the designated arrival date of January 13, 2011. (Please refer to your e-mail from International Student Services for additional details) If you do not arrive on this date, you need to arrange for your own transportation from the airport to River Falls, WI. We suggest the Airport Passenger Service for the most cost-effective transportation.
  
  
• Taxi Service: At the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport you can choose from a variety of different taxi services. However, many of these are very expensive and will charge at least $110.00 for a ride to River Falls, WI.
  
  
• Airport Passenger Service: This service offers more affordable transportation from the Minneapolis/St. Paul International Airport to Hudson, WI than taking a taxi from the airport. The cost for the passenger service is $25.00 per person. This service will drop you off at Denny’s Restaurant in Hudson, WI. Once you are in Hudson, you can call the Hudson Taxi Service for transportation to River Falls. You are encouraged to make reservations online in advance of your arrival.
  Phone: 715-830-9400 or 1-877-811-4211

Passenger Service Drop-Off Point in Hudson, WI:
Denny’s Restaurant
Phone: 715-377-7977
1000 Gateway Blvd.
Hudson, WI 54016

Taxi Services:
Hudson Taxi Service
Phone: 715-386-8111
801 2nd Street
Hudson, WI 54016

River Falls Taxi Service
Phone: 715-425-7878
717 North Main Street
River Falls, WI 54022

Note: The total cost for the Hudson Taxi Service to drive you to River Falls, Wisconsin (8 miles) is approximately $17.60.