Need Advice on purchase to be made in Havana

[Saxman]

Hi, I'm looking for advice. I'll be traveling to Havana in December, and because of the limited items I can bring back, I want to bring back one box or jar bought at a CDH store.

I want it to be something unique that maybe I can only find there, like a vintage box or a special jar.

I'm pretty new to the whole CC game and I'm looking for advice. I like medium to full flavored cigars.

If someone is been there, and knows that's it's very difficult to find vintage boxes or jars let me know.

Let me know what might go for if you were my situation, or have been.

Saxman

[CaptainQuintero]

Personally I'd buy customs, everything else you can get your hands on back home pretty easily

[Bohn007]

Technically you are only allowed to bring back $100 worth of cigars so a box would be completely out of the question unless customs is more lax than I give them credit for

[Saxman]

Technically you are only allowed to bring back $100 worth of cigars so a box would be completely out of the question unless customs is more lax than I give them credit for

I'm probably being optimistic that they won't shunt a single box. It's a risk I know.

Saxman

[Bohn007]

2 minutes ago, Saxman said:

I'm probably being optimistic that they won't shunt a single box. It's a risk I know.

Saxman

I will be curious as to your experience coming back. If I could actually bring one or two boxes back, I would get more excited at the prospect of going. However, if they are tough on you, I might as well just sit on the deck and order from Rob

[Saxman]

I will be curious as to your experience coming back. If I could actually bring one or two boxes back, I would get more excited at the prospect of going. However, if they are tough on you, I might as well just sit on the deck and order from Rob

Yeah I'm doing all my ordering through Rob. But I'm willing to risk $200 to find out. I'll be the canary this time.

Saxman

[Ryan]

Vintage jars in Cuba are next to impossible to find.

Vintage boxes, depending what you call vintage are not common.

The LCDH in Club Havana sometimes puts out a few Revisado boxes. These boxes can be from 2001 or so - 2005 and later. If you call that vintage, that's vintage.

As for mid-90s stuff or earlier, again, next to impossible.

Havana really isn't the place for vintage cigars, especially without a few contacts living there who'll do favours for you.

[Saxman]

Vintage jars in Cuba are next to impossible to find.

Vintage boxes, depending what you call vintage are not common.

The LCDH in Club Havana sometimes puts out a few Revisado boxes. These boxes can be from 2001 or so - 2005 and later. If you call that vintage, that's vintage.

As for mid-90s stuff or earlier, again, next to impossible.

Havana really isn't the place for vintage cigars, especially without a few contacts living there who'll do favours for you.

I have some connected family that are smokers and regular CDH buyers. I hope that helps me. I appreciate your honest feedback


Saxman

[Bohn007]

The Cohiba 1966 Edicion Limitada 2011 is a great smoke if you can find a box that is reasonably priced for under $50 per stick

[Ryan]

Best of luck.

For something "unique to Cuba", go for custom or shop rolled cigars. They are usually very good and you can get 25 for $100.

The Habana Libre hotel LCDH and the Partagas shop often get special packaging (humidors/wooden jars etc.) made for them that you generally don't find elsewhere. It won't be vinatge but it would be available only in Cuba.

[NSXCIGAR]

3 hours ago, Bohn007 said:

Technically you are only allowed to bring back $100 worth of cigars so a box would be completely out of the question unless customs is more lax than I give them credit for

As far as I know, customs requires and checks receipts to insure the cigars cost $100 or less. I had heard the farms and custom rollers were also producing receipts as well. Perhaps someone else can confirm this...

[Saxman]

As far as I know, customs requires and checks receipts to insure the cigars cost $100 or less. I had heard the farms and custom rollers were also producing receipts as well. Perhaps someone else can confirm this...

Yes the Cuban customs site says they allow 20 unboxed cigars without a receipt and up to 50 cigars boxed but they must come from an official store with official receipt. See attached from that site item 1. Again that's Cuban customs and has nothing to do with the US $100 limit

http://www.aduana.co.cu/index.php?option=com_content&view=article&id=304%3Apreguntas-faq&catid=3%3Anoticias-viajeros&Itemid=221&lang=en






Saxman

[NSXCIGAR]

5 hours ago, Saxman said:

Yes the Cuban customs site says they allow 20 unboxed cigars without a receipt and up to 50 cigars boxed but they must come from an official store with official receipt. See attached from that site item 1. Again that's Cuban customs and has nothing to do with the US $100 limit

So Cuba allows only 20 custom rolls out? Anything over 20 needs to be in sealed original boxes? One can't even open a box to inspect them at the POS?

And how does US Customs determine the value of the cigars? No receipt needed?

I'm confused...

[Saxman]

So Cuba allows only 20 custom rolls out? Anything over 20 needs to be in sealed original boxes? One can't even open a box to inspect them at the POS?

And how does US Customs determine the value of the cigars? No receipt needed?

I'm confused...

Yes you got it. Cuban customs say 20 customs or labeled loose and if your bringing back a box then It must be sealed and you have to have a receipt.

As far as US customs and your comment ... Good question as to how value is determined. My guess is that US customs does not care as long as you don't go overboard and are clearly only bringing a small amount for personal use. Here's a quote from US customs site

https://help.cbp.gov/app/answers/detail/a_id/36/~/importing-cuban-cigars

"Authorized travelers may return to the United States with up to $100 worth of alcohol or tobacco or a combination of both. Products acquired in Cuba may be in accompanied baggage, for personal use only. "

So I'm either got to to bring back 20 custom rolled and tell the agent that's $100 worth and only for personal consumption ( which would true) , or I'll bring back a single unopened box and again emphasize they are for personal consumption. I'll report my experience when I return.






Saxman

[JohnnyO]

Most custom rollers will not give you an official receipt unless you insist. If the sale is off the books you will not get a receipt period. This has been a practice in Club Havana since Mons left. Cuban customs wants receipts on lose cigars that are more than 20, boxed cigars totaling more than 50. You will not find even an empty jar or a cigar with more than a few years on it. John

[Saxman]

Most custom rollers will not give you an official receipt unless you insist. If the sale is off the books you will not get a receipt period. This has been a practice in Club Havana since Mons left. Cuban customs wants receipts on lose cigars that are more than 20, boxed cigars totaling more than 50. You will not find even an empty jar or a cigar with more than a few years on it. John

Thanks man. The more I read it seems my best bet is bring back 20 customs buy my boxes with Rob and smoke some singles from LCDH. I can do that


Saxman

[JohnnyO]

You wouldn't have to buy a complete box to come back with a good variety. There are 3 and 5 cigar petacas in most shops or you can get tubed singles. Also, club, mini, puritos don't require a receipt by Cuban law for customs purposes. But it is always good to have the store receipt handy. John

[john007]

As with any country in the financial predicament Cuba is in, anything can be done at a cost.  It's always good to have connections, good luck with your trip. If I were to find myself in Cuba, custom rolled cigars are all I would be after.

[JohnInCleveland]

Ive came and went twice to Cuba and was shocked to find how little anyone at American customs cared what I brought back.  The first time I had a little more than my $200 worth of cigars (hey I used my wife's quota too!), and the second time I brought back maybe $500 worth.

 

I've got to agree with a few posters above, I'd get as many customs from different esteemed rollers as possible.  Cuban quality control is mediocre, and FOH gives you pre-screened boxes.  I'd take a peek for a box of Diplo Excelencias but they're unlikely to be found.  

Have a great time.  

[Saxman]

Ive came and went twice to Cuba and was shocked to find how little anyone at American customs cared what I brought back.  The first time I had a little more than my $200 worth of cigars (hey I used my wife's quota too!), and the second time I brought back maybe $500 worth.

 

I've got to agree with a few posters above, I'd get as many customs from different esteemed rollers as possible.  Cuban quality control is mediocre, and FOH gives you pre-screened boxes.  I'd take a peek for a box of Diplo Excelencias but they're unlikely to be found.  

Have a great time.  

Great to hear from someone who has done it a few times. Can you tell me did US customs even look or ask? If so what's the advice for what to say and do for both US and Cuba customs. I want no hassles. This post has convinced me of going for customs while there from Alex , La China etc. thanks.


Saxman

[laficion]

On ‎05‎/‎09‎/‎2016 at 4:42 PM, CaptainQuintero said:

Personally I'd buy customs, everything else you can get your hands on back home pretty easily

Hi all,

That's exactly what I think when I went to Cuba. You CAN'T get them anywhere else but In Cuba.

Amicalement,

Guy

[JohnInCleveland]

6 hours ago, Saxman said:

Great to hear from someone who has done it a few times. Can you tell me did US customs even look or ask? If so what's the advice for what to say and do for both US and Cuba customs. I want no hassles. This post has convinced me of going for customs while there from Alex , La China etc. thanks.


Saxman

The first time they didn't even ask me if I was bringing back tobacco.  That was the time I was near my limit.  The second time they asked what I was bringing back and I said "some cigars and a bunch of crap."  The customs agent laughed and let us go.  I couldn't lie to a customs agent if they'd have cared, the lie would be a lot more trouble than the act itself.

 

its worth mentioning that I drove to Toronto and flew directly to Havana, so I was driving across the American border thru Canada (the first time was last October right when it became legal).  

[JohnnyO]

JohnInCleveland you might consider your ins and outs with US Customs be taken off line. BTW your cigars that you brought across the Canadian border are not legal. They are only legal on direct flights from the US. John

[trike]

On 9/5/2016 at 6:31 AM, Saxman said:

 

Hi, I'm looking for advice. I'll be traveling to Havana in December, and because of the limited items I can bring back, I want to bring back one box or jar bought at a CDH store.

I want it to be something unique that maybe I can only find there, like a vintage box or a special jar.

I'm pretty new to the whole CC game and I'm looking for advice. I like medium to full flavored cigars.

If someone is been there, and knows that's it's very difficult to find vintage boxes or jars let me know.

Let me know what might go for if you were my situation, or have been.

Saxman

 

Custom rolls for sure.  Buy that which is not easily attainable.

[Ethernut]

On 9/6/2016 at 9:36 PM, Saxman said:

Thanks man. The more I read it seems my best bet is bring back 20 customs buy my boxes with Rob and smoke some singles from LCDH. I can do that


Saxman

My plan exactly!