HELP! ISOMS, Avoiding Fakes, Advice.

[Monk]

Hey guys, cool thanks... I figured that much at least

How about "what consists of an official store"? is there any chances he could go into a place and it be selling fakes, how should he tell what an official reciept, etc.?

-W.

[Newfie]

SNIP...how should he tell what an official reciept, etc.?

-W.

I wish I had kept my cigar receipts from Cuba. I'd scan one and post it.

Basically, it's a triplicate form about 5" X maybe 7 or 8". They'll need a passport # to put on it as ID that you purchased the smokes. They'll fill in what was purchased in a very detailed way, usually with description and SKU #. If the form isn't filled in completely (all line items, that is) they'll put diagonal lines through the empty spaces to make sure you don't fill in the rest with "illegal" cigars.

Personally, I've been to Cuba twise, been in only 4 stores, plus gift shops on resorts. They all seem to hace access to these receipts in a legal way.

Now, I'm not saying there's no crooks work in any of these shops. I'm just saying there's a much (much, much, much, much) better chance of getting the real thing there than it is on the street.

Another way to tell is to ask for an empty box as a souvenir. I bought 9 Monte Cristo Edmundos in one shop, and that was all they had. I asked if I could take the box, and she said "No Senor!!" I've been told they aren't permitted to give them out unless they're completely sealed. Because of what happened when I asked, I believe that.

[Monk]

Interesting... also found this reference: looks good, any comments?

http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/counterfeit/

-Will

[hoodere]

I have been told that you can buy cigars right out of the cigar factories in Cuba. Is this true.

[jiaguy]

I have been told that you can buy cigars right out of the cigar factories in Cuba. Is this true.

I personally haven't been but I know of people who did. Just rent a bike and spend 1-2 hrs riding it to get there...they aren't in big towns. You can be assurred they are real if its a store they are in and it costs you a two nights at a resort to buy a box. Generally ask your tour guide if you are on a package and they'll point you to the legit places...usually. I actually found airport prices not to be that bad in Cuba. Price variations are very small between the local B&W there and the airport.

[420seth]

Ya man, buy them from the store in the hotel or an actual cigar store in havana or varadero. no junk off the bartenders, pool boys, lifeguards etc. they are all fakes, and poor ones at that.

[drew_goring]

Ya man, buy them from the store in the hotel or an actual cigar store in havana or varadero. no junk off the bartenders, pool boys, lifeguards etc. they are all fakes, and poor ones at that.

Lol! Good luck with that.

[mauied1101]

Ya man, buy them from the store in the hotel or an actual cigar store in havana or varadero. no junk off the bartenders, pool boys, lifeguards etc. they are all fakes, and poor ones at that.

ok... except 420seth - you can buy the glass top boxes - their very special limited edition. and make sure you put them right in with your other sticks to permeate the beetles... I mean the aroma...

[cigarsarge]

Interesting... also found this reference: looks good, any comments?

http://www.cigarnexus.com/counsel/counterfeit/

-Will

Cigar Nexus is a good to referance the subject. Be sure the cigars you buy never leave your sight during the purchase. I've heard some people scam you by switching the real thing they have on display with fakes at checkout.