Cigars through USA then to Australia

[Rickjames09]

Hey guys, first time posting on this forum so if I'm in the wrong place let me know. I live in Australia and am currently travelling around europe, before heading to the USA then home again. I don't smoke personally, but I bought 4 Cuban cigars in rome for my friends as a wedding present and I had a few questions about carrying them, and taking them to the USA then back home:

1. Is it better to carry them on the plane in checked luggage or carry on?

1. What is the best way to store the cigars to not spoil them?

2. Will I be allowed to bring the Cuban cigars into the USA?

3. Will I be allowed to bring them back into Australia? Particularly without paying tax on them.

I am worried about them getting spoilt or pinched from my luggage or confiscated at customs especially because they're a present. Any advice would be much appreciated. Cheers

[El Presidente]

You won't have a problem in the USA. Obviously don't declare them. 

Split them 2 cigars in check in and 2 cigars in carry on to come back to Oz. Don't declare them. You are entitled to 2 Monte 2's duty free (whhooo!)

Put them in two zip lock bags, they will be fine. 

 

[cigcars]

    I would say just use the good ole' tried and true method of yesteryear and take the bands off the smokes, then put them in a protective (preferable cigar carrying case), and pack them into your checked suitcase. That might work as far as avoiding all kinds of hassles about taxes, spoilage, etc. Wish you success and enjoyment of your travels!

[Islandboy]

Having 4 Cubans with you coming into the US is perfectly legal now - up to a max of 100 cigars in fact. Not sure what happens entering OZ. In general I agree that for just 4, you can put them in a ziplock and a sock, and shove them in a shoe to keep ‘em in one piece...and offer no info.

[kalibratecuba]

I might worry about theft if put into checked-in baggage. You have a great concern in the US with losing your lighter or cutter to overzealous TSA screeners.

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[Rickjames09]

Awesome thanks guys. Are they likely to get stolen in my checked baggage though? I don't know if tsa or whatever would go through my luggage for that?

[Drguano]

Knock on wood, I haven't had issues with items being stolen from checked bags. I have carried boxes of cigars in checked bags without a problem. If you want 4 for wedding presents, get 8, put 4 in checked bag and carry on 4. You can't have too many cigars. You would just want to protect them from being crushed. Currently you can bring in up to 100 Cuban cigars duty free and pay duty on any over 100. I can't speak to Australia Customs.

 

TSA might search your checked bag. If they do, you'll find a note from them thanking you for doing your laundry. They don't care about cigars.

[Rickjames09]

Thanks guys appreciate the advice. they are wrapped in sealed bags with what seems to be little humidifiers in them so I'll leave them there and hope for the best