Mexico

[prostartjr1738]

Me and the gf are going to Mexico in April. Staying at the Dreams Tulum resort. Just curious about finding cigars in Mexico. Are the hard to come by? Not just ISOMs just in general. What kind of prices will I be looking out? What about fakes. Are there a majority of fakes I should be looking out for or just the obvious ones?

[mrtr33]

I went to Mexico a little while ago. From my personal experience, don't bother even trying to buy them down there. Just bring your own stash. You will have the opportunity to buy cigars everywhere, from street vendors to fancy-schmancy walk-in humidors.

If you are an American citizen, it is against the law to purchase Cuban cigars in any country, Mexico included. When I was down there recently, I figured it wouldn't hurt to see the selection available, anyway. From my short experience, I have learned a few things about cigars and ISOMs. These didn't come close to meeting any of those qualifications. I visited a few other shops and pretty much found the same to be true. I'm not trying to sound crass here, but it seemed like cigars were like any other tourist novelty, such as sombreros, t-shirts about tequila shots, and Corona beer magnets.

Save your cash and bring your own.

[prostartjr1738]

I was a little worried about bringing my own. Not so much getting them there but getting them back. Even though they are not ISOM, I was concerned about them just delying my getting home, if say I didnt smoke everything I got there. Now when you say they are illegal for a US citizen to buy anywhere, does this mean they actually wont sell them to me?

[Eville]

it is against US law for you to buy them. Mexicans will gladly sell you anything. When I was in Cancun, I found a few store where you could buy ISOMs that looked pretty legit to me. I read the guides before i went and they seemed to be legit to my novice eyes. That being said, there are also a lot of shops that sell blatantly counterfeit smokes. Don't ever buy anything that comes in a wooden box with a glass top.

[slcraiders]

Stay away from every place but the S.A. Habanos store- the closest to you will be in Cancun. You won't find any bargains, but prices are not insane either.

I have stayed at the resort you are going to in Tulum. Top notch place and the staff will go out of their way to take care of you. The area is awesome with all the ancient ruins and shit. Occasionally, they will have a cigar girl rolling fresh stogies at the main hotel bar area. Good cigars as I remember em'.

[BigMacFU]

Like everybody else has said, stay away, they're probably fakes everywhere but the official store. Most places I walked into (even in cancun), the boxes were all already opened, which is a bad sign. Stick to the rolled ones you can get at the hotel, it'll be something unique to try and won't cost you much.

[logan37]

I agree with everyone else. I just bought one or two on a daily bases. There was a guy rolling every night in the resort I stayed at in cancun. I only left the resort once, especial since it was an all inclusive place.

[Cabaiguan Juan]

I was a little worried about bringing my own. Not so much getting them there but getting them back. Even though they are not ISOM, I was concerned about them just delying my getting home, if say I didnt smoke everything I got there. Now when you say they are illegal for a US citizen to buy anywhere, does this mean they actually wont sell them to me?

Don't worry about bringing home the ones you haven't smoked. I've been out of country a few times and brought my own stash. I poacked more then i could smoke, or rather didn't smoke as much as i should have and had to take them home with me. Customs was no problem. The few isoms, i just took the bands off, and put them in my pocket, or other safe places. Besides, you could always tip the people at the hotel with your extra cigars. I'm sure they would love anything you gave them, even the cheap ones.

[mrtr33]

I'm sure they would love anything you gave them, even the cheap ones.

I second this as well. Our last trip down, we left a bottle of wine and some beer, fresh fruit and vegetables, as well as a cash tip. I figured we wouldn't be able to bring any of that stuff home with us, and it seemed silly to throw it away.

[prostartjr1738]

Ok so it seems I will be bringing my own stash, some of it atleast. How did you bring it on the plane? Last time I went on vacation I took my 100 ct humi and just put paper towels to take up airspace to they didnt bounce everywhere. That was only a 3 hour car ride though and I dont plan on taking my whole 100 ct. Any suggestions on packing them? I figure just a few bags will due since it is only a week but what about keeping them safe? Cabaiguan Juan you said the ISOMs you just took the bands off and brought them home. Is this an advisable thing to do? If so how many would you say I cound safely get home.

[logan37]

get an otter box or some kind of box where you can put in as many sticks as you plan on taking. Taking a whole 100 ct humi would be a bit overboard and heavy.

[prostartjr1738]

Yea I wasnt planning n taking the whole hundred count. I do have a smaller humi, 20 ct I believe. Only thing is its so small that some of the longer sticks dont fit in there. Ill figure something out. What about my accesories such as lighter and cutter. Im pretty sure I saw on here not to bring your own just buy down there correct?

[Eville]

Buying a lighter down there is going to be your best bet. While you may be able to smuggle one, all torch lighters, full or empty, have been banned by the TSA.

[here'sjohnny]

you can get te-amo and santa clara 1830's pretty readily while in mexico for decent prices. some people on the board have a negative opinion of te-amo, but think they are a solid medium body stick. The Santa Clara's are very good if i remember correctly.