Quote Originally Posted by Monk View Post
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.