62 Cruiser Posted May 28, 2007 #1 Share Posted May 28, 2007 Any good pointers or places to buy Cuban cigars either in GC or Playa del Carma? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
RjayB Posted May 29, 2007 #2 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I hope you get some good tips, but unfortunately my experience is mostly bad...it's possible the cigars they sell as high-quality cubans are actually cheap imitations. They may even have been made in cuba, but with much lower quality tobacco:rolleyes: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
firefly333 Posted May 29, 2007 #3 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Iv heard there are a lot of imitation cuban cigars they pass off on tourists to beware. Not to mention you cant bring them back with you, so be carefull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sea_u_onboard Posted May 29, 2007 #4 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Just remember that you can't bring them back - whatever you buy you have to smoke before the ship hits the shore of the US. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peery5 Posted May 29, 2007 #5 Share Posted May 29, 2007 My husband brought back cuban cigars from GC a few years back. He just hid them in his suitcase. No problem. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gigem85 Posted May 29, 2007 #6 Share Posted May 29, 2007 How will they trace where the tobacco came from ? Just tell them its a 'not so cheap' imitation.... :D Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62 Cruiser Posted May 29, 2007 Author #7 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Thanks....any suggestions who I ask on board? Purser? Captain?:D Don't mind paying a good price but I do want to get a quality cuban cigar. As far as bringing any home....well...... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jb1677 Posted May 29, 2007 #8 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I am an avid cigar smoker but rather a novice when it comes to Cubans. I can tell you that with a little research or education prior to your trip you will be amazed at the number of fake Cubans that you will be able to spy in the Caribbean. I found fakes in places that sell cigars as a secondary item and even in specialty Cuban only Cigar shops, all with a few hours of research before my trip. I would recommend dealing only with officially licensed Habanos SA (habanos.com) shops, and if possible directly with Habanos SA owned shop's which are called “La Casa Del Habanos”. Habanos SA is the Cuban government controlled tobacco company. There are LCDH’s (La Casa Del Habanos) located in Aruba, Grand Cayman, and 2 in St Marteen, additionally there are Hanabos SA licensed shops all over, but if possible stick with the LCDH's. Also note, from a legal perspective simply PURCHASING Cuban manufactured good even while abroad and for consumption while abroad is still illegal for a US citizen. Technically, although an American citizen cannot even purchase or smoke a Cuban cigar while traveling abroad, there may not be any practical way to enforce the restriction The "Trading with the Enemy Act" essentially states that it is a crime to exchange currency for goods or services with the enemy. The wording of the law is very vague but essentailly boils down to any transaction that results in your U.S.-based funds being transferred to pay for Cuban goods could be construed as being in violation of the law. Currently, the only nations with which trade is effectively closed by the act are North Korea and Cuba. Clearly enforcing this law is difficult if not impossible. I just did not want people to believe that waht they were doing was legal. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62 Cruiser Posted May 29, 2007 Author #9 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Very helpful info. What about using Cayman dollars? Just want a few good cigars not looking to buy a gross. But your info did give me alot to think about. Thanks again. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebeljohn Posted May 29, 2007 #10 Share Posted May 29, 2007 When you go to Grand Cayman, visit the LCDH (La Casa Del Habano)store there. Ask for Wallace. He is VERY knowledgable, and will help you with your purchases. Be prepared to spend some $$$$. Authentic Cubans in GC are not cheap. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62 Cruiser Posted May 29, 2007 Author #11 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Great. Where in GC is LCDH? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
ejchron Posted May 29, 2007 #12 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Wallace is the man! LCDH in GC is a short walk from the pier. You can't go wrong here for a few single sticks. Boxes can be had cheaper other places, but for a few singles, no place is better or more authentic. No chance of a counterfeit here. As you may know, you will be offered "authentic Cubans" everwhere, especially in PdC or Cozumel. Smile and walk away - they're not the real thing. Evan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
62 Cruiser Posted May 29, 2007 Author #13 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Sounds like exactly what I'm looking for. Hope Wallace is working that day.:cool: Probably will head there before going to 7 mile beach. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
rebeljohn Posted May 29, 2007 #14 Share Posted May 29, 2007 Wallace was on vacation when we stopped by in Sept. He is usually there most of the time. Here is a picture taken in Sept. of the store in GC.... http://travel.webshots.com/photo/2723216610041895530NqacQg Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
jennbill Posted May 29, 2007 #15 Share Posted May 29, 2007 I always thought the advice I received at a Casa de Habanos shop one time was funny. "If you want to take them back into the states, take the band off of them, put them in a ziploc bag and if you're asked, tell the customs officer that they're 'Mexican seconds'." Never had the guts to try it. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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