Haul From Havana With a Sad Story

[canadianbeaver]

Here is what this all means in case some do not know (like me), and why they got taken away (in theory).

So sorry they did!!

https://www.google.ca/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/cigars/comments/5eb75e/psa_taking_cigars_out_of_cuba/

 

 

 

[Isaac]

So how is it people bring back 200+ custom sticks?  Did they just recently start to enforce this 20 stick custom rule?  

[Customsfan]

Good to know as I hope to return at some point.  Thank you. 

[Duxnutz]

The only good thing about Australia's nazi regime is that it teaches one the art of concealment and subterfuge when transporting cigars. 

 

 

[Tone_NY]

I was there in May and was able to bring two bundles of customs, but my traveling companion almost had his taken. He paid a small fee $20 US and no further issues. It's a game they play, since he spoke the language he was able to plead his case. My suggestion would be to pack your cigars in your checked bag.

[SmokeyJoe99]

That's a tough one. Ugh.

[MahDooRow]

On June 30, 2017 at 9:35 AM, Isaac said:

So how is it people bring back 200+ custom sticks?  Did they just recently start to enforce this 20 stick custom rule?  

Ditto.  I see pics posted here on the forum of very large hauls... many boxes, multiple bundles of customs.  Is this simply luck?  I assumed it was easy getting out of Cuba with lots of cigars and the tricky part was getting through US customs.  Based on recent stories it now seems to be the opposite. 

[Customsfan]

22 minutes ago, MahDooRow said:

Ditto.  I see pics posted here on the forum of very large hauls... many boxes, multiple bundles of customs.  Is this simply luck?  I assumed it was easy getting out of Cuba with lots of cigars and the tricky part was getting through US customs.  Based on recent stories it now seems to be the opposite. 

I agree with this. at least now-a-days. IMHO

[Nino]

3 hours ago, MahDooRow said:

Ditto.  I see pics posted here on the forum of very large hauls... many boxes, multiple bundles of customs.  Is this simply luck?  I assumed it was easy getting out of Cuba with lots of cigars and the tricky part was getting through US customs.  Based on recent stories it now seems to be the opposite. 

No, it has never been "easy" to get out of Cuba with a large cigar haul ... not at all.
Sometimes not even with official facturas.

Whoever portrayed it like it was easy conveniently forgot the Havana part of the equation.

And that is a part that plays to no rules and is always sheer mistery, luck, arbitrary customs judgement or just like in this case : no luck.
 

[MahDooRow]

31 minutes ago, nino said:

No, it has never been "easy" to get out of Cuba with a large cigar haul ... not at all.
Sometimes not even with official facturas.

Whoever portrayed it like it was easy conveniently forgot the Havana part of the equation.

And that is a part that plays to no rules and is always sheer mistery, luck, arbitrary customs judgement or just like in this case : no luck.
 

Thanks for the info.  I assumed that with facturas (for boxes and cabs) and till receipts (for customs) Cuban customs officials would let you pass without issue.  It's helpful to have more accurate info.  Based on the above, it sounds like Cuban officials operate in a similar fashion to Mexican officials... the rules are whatever they want them to be at any moment in time. 

[Charltonc]

I was there in May and was able to bring two bundles of customs, but my traveling companion almost had his taken. He paid a small fee $20 US and no further issues. It's a game they play, since he spoke the language he was able to plead his case. My suggestion would be to pack your cigars in your checked bag.

They went through my check luggage and found 12 bundles of customs, I begged and looked very sad so they let me go. I always thought check luggage is full proof, but it isn't.

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[semifan1]

9 hours ago, MahDooRow said:

Thanks for the info.  I assumed that with facturas (for boxes and cabs) and till receipts (for customs) Cuban customs officials would let you pass without issue.  It's helpful to have more accurate info.  Based on the above, it sounds like Cuban officials operate in a similar fashion to Mexican officials... the rules are whatever they want them to be at any moment in time. 

I feel bad for this guy that got his haul taken, but kinda glad this thread has popped up. I would have never assumed that getting cigars out of Cuba would be the same as bringing them into the states pre 2016 of course.

[Cigar Connoisseur]

Facturas are only written for complete boxes of cigars and will not be given for custom rolls... Some shops don't like to give facturas because of the "extra work" they have to do (hand written receipt) it's like pulling teeth... Cuban customs allow 2 bundles/ boxes of cigars to go on your checked luggage with no issues, anything more they will pull the bag off the loading cart and call your name over the loud speaker and ask for receipts/facturas. I usually have everything on my carry on and never have issues...