Cuban cigars. . . in Cuba.

**hp-^** · 10-13-2005, 06:03 PM

How much do legitimate cubans cost there? How common are fakes? Any suggestions on avoiding fakes? The reason I ask is because I have a friend going soon.

**centurycigar** · 10-13-2005, 06:14 PM

Hey Fellow Ontarian! Went to cuba last year and the number one rule is dont buy off the street, off the beach, or someone saying "cohiba cheapie cheapie". Go to a store were they are legit. Ask for "Casa de Habanos". Any cab driver or horse and buggy guy will know what you are talking about. Dont buy in the "malls", they are real but very expensive, go to a store within the city, either Havana or Varadero or Holgiun.
I recently bought a box of Punch Punch and it cost me roughly $180.00 Canadian.
Watch the exchange rate on the Cuban Convertible Peso, try to echange at the Airport.
Good luck, make sure these points are clear to your friend, because the last thing you want is him buying off the street because he thinks its a better deal.

**SuperChuck** · 10-13-2005, 09:23 PM

Originally Posted by centurycigar

Watch the exchange rate on the Cuban Convertible Peso, try to echange at the Airport.

I've never been to Cuba myself, but an old trick I used to do when I travelled a lot was to take out money from an ATM. You usually have to pay a buck or two in fees, but the exchange rate is always spot on. Moneychangers always get you coming and going. (if you really feel the need to have cash on hand, most banks will change it for free if you tell them in advance)

**Roham** · 10-14-2005, 01:13 AM

Originally Posted by centurycigar

Hey Fellow Ontarian! Went to cuba last year and the number one rule is dont buy off the street, off the beach, or someone saying "cohiba cheapie cheapie". Go to a store were they are legit. Ask for "Casa de Habanos". Any cab driver or horse and buggy guy will know what you are talking about. Dont buy in the "malls", they are real but very expensive, go to a store within the city, either Havana or Varadero or Holgiun.
I recently bought a box of Punch Punch and it cost me roughly $180.00 Canadian.
Watch the exchange rate on the Cuban Convertible Peso, try to echange at the Airport.
Good luck, make sure these points are clear to your friend, because the last thing you want is him buying off the street because he thinks its a better deal.

Great advice

I am planning a trip on Dec 26th and that answered some burning questions I had

**MadurosRock** · 10-16-2005, 08:06 PM

Originally Posted by Roham

Great advice

I am planning a trip on Dec 26th and that answered some burning questions I had

heh, "burning" questions...

Also, if you... say put other country labels on your cubans, d'you think they'd let them through customs in an otter box or whatnot? Hypothetical question of course...

By the way, have a great time, and smoke another one for me while you're there :)

**centurycigar** · 10-16-2005, 08:38 PM

I have actually know a couple Americans that visited the Dominican Rep, and bought Cubans, COHIBAS to be exact. But they took off all the labels and put the cigars in a different box or bag. Then they mailed the labels to there house address later during there vacation. Dont know how it worked out, but I dont see how customs could prove anything. Its maybe a great way to smuggle legally.
I suggest bringing a empty Dom Rep cigar box before visiting anywhere and smuggling them in there. Should work !