How to Buy Cigars in Havana, Cuba (applies to U.S.customers only)
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- Опубликовано: 29 мар 2023
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I've received a lot of questions about how you go about buying boxes in the shops in Havana (Govt shops and legit retailers). I cover the process on how you buy boxes with a prepaid debit card, where to buy them, the process of obtaining "Facturas" or receipts if you bring out more than 50 cigars in your carry on, what to expect when going thru Havana airport security, when you're asked for "Facturas" and other small details 
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This man has literally emailed me back like 5x with answers to my silly questions without hesitation no matter how dumb the question he has a knowledgeable answer many thanks to you my friend. I hope to see u in cuba one day hopefully the habanos prices do come down one magical day till then I smoke em if I got em!!
My pleasure bro. I hope you have a great trip and experience in Cuba. Maybe I'll schedule a trip with viewers from the channel in Sept this year. I'll see what the level of interest is
@Cuban Cigars and Anime hi what's your email?
I have tried to email you but didn't get a reply. Would you please let me know it's the email I sent you is correct
I just found this guy not too long ago and I’m happy I did seems like a true gentleman great video
Thanks for the comment Michael. I try to be honest and upfront without a filter to share info that great people and personal experiences have afforded me.
This sounds like a excellent idea. Very valuable information
Great info. This was a question I was thinking about when attending the Habanos festival
love your content bro! Gave a lot of insightful info for us US viewers. Stay safe and always smoke em while you got em!
Much appreciated! Thank yoy for viewing my vids!
Awesome video!! Thank you for all the info on on procuring these cigars which so many of us love
Make sure you leave a comment on the recent video about the giveaway for a chance to win some great LCDH custom rolls !
@@KimoKapaku Thank you will do!
This gentleman provides great and important information for American cigar smokers those looking to get cigars from Cuba.. I don't have this problem with my cards but I find this content helpful ..My respect to you
Thank you for watching and your comments! Much appreciated!
This is so helpful thank you.
Good information to know. I've had Cuban cigars - one was excellent and the other average. I belong to a cigar lounge in Los Angeles and I've realized that every cigar smoker is different. Some just like smoking only one type of cigar others will try a different one each time they're at the lounge. After two years of smoking many types I now just buy the AJ Fernandez cigars (New World & San Lotano) and Oliva V cigars (primarily for taste and price). I just hate buying a cigar that I don't know and it's awful.
Cheers!
Thank you for all the info.
Thank you very much for sharing!
Lots of solid advice here!
Thanks for watching. I only try to give the viewers what no one else on you tube has the balls to do without trying to monetize it for themselves
Great info here .. Leaving for Cuba next month thank you !
Enjoy! Hope you can try the custom roll "Margarita" from the Comodoro Hotel shop
@@KimoKapaku when I was there in October of last year I had some farm rolled cigars unsure of what type but enjoyed the cigar. The experience and those around was what made it memorable. Thanks again for the content you provide I really enjoy it..
Great video!
Thanks for watching John!
Thanks for the info…I’ll be the THURSDAY 🎉
Where? Havana or Cancun?
Good videos.
great video !
Thanks Ryan. I'm glad you enjoy them amd hopefully get good info to use later on when you visit Cuba or Mexico
@@KimoKapaku I’ve been to Cuba five times in the last two years as well as Mexico and the Dominican but I still learned a bit from your video so it’s appreciated :) very concise and current info ! When I was in Havana, they refused to take cards. They only wanted cash probably because they would put it in their pocket and that was at an official store. They always say the machine is broken, but that’s not the case.
Great content my man. I recently found your channel and subscribed. I am going to Cancun in Dec and plan to go to Casa del Habano for some sticks. Do you know if its ok to bring some of Mr. Jimenez customs back to the states? I know cuban cigars are not allowed but how about these Reynaldo customs made there in Mex? Once again, I appreciate all your content.
Thanks for your comments amd subscribing. If you bring back some customs from the LCDH in Cancun, they are not banded and when bringing them back into the U.S. they have no idea of their origin. For that after they can be Mexican cigars from Veracruz. Not sure what the quantity allowed before duty but I doubt tsa knows either. Have a great trip amd hope you make it to Playa del Carmen for a day!
Very good and detailed info. What lighter do you use or recommend ? Torch or soft flame? I saw you use torch during this video. Ty
Thanks for watching. I think lighters are a personal choice. I prefer to light with cedar when I'm in a lounge but for everyday outside use, I use torch lighters with Xicar high performance butane (black can) bc I cannot afford dupont lighters like my friends use!🤣🤣
It's my understanding that cuban cigars are all graded into export grades. That purchasing cigars in Cuba you get a significantly lower grade of cigar, they are real, but burn unevenly and have inconsistent draw, black ash. The best grades go to UK and Switz. And the best value goes to Portugal and Spain. I haven't had cuban purchased cigars since the late 90s but am on my second half of a box of partagas from Spain and just finished one last year from Portugul. Both excellent. The Cuban's from the 90s had the Cohibas flavor but burned horribly and were loose.
@cruciferousvegetable I can tell you that the boxes of cubans I've bought in Havana for the most part are perfect and burn extremely well so I don't know where your point of reference is from. I believe you can get crappy cuban cigars not based on location but due to environmental amd storage factors not being ideal
Curious, what is the best place in Havana to buy puros (in terms of selection)? Partagas factory? Retail Habanos shops? TIA!
The Partagas factory does not officially sell cigars. You will be offered to buy sticks individually that are sold by the guides. Retail shops are the best. Check out some of the videos from the Meila Habana hotel (LCDH) and the La Esogida shop at the Comodoro
Hi man. If i put in my check-in bag 2 bundles of custom roll cigars (not sealed boxes) and 10 boxes in my carry-on bag with a factura taken from the LCDH shop will be an issue with the Customs?
I would like to ask you where is the best place to buy cigars in Havana, i mean which shops have a larger selection of boxes.
regards
The situation you described is acceptable when leaving Havana since you will have facturas for your boxes. As for customs coming back into the U.S. that's the gamble. I would avoid Miami or Ft. Lauderdale as they have a reputation of asking if you are bringing back tobacco. Most of the customs officers ask if you're bringing any food, produce or agriculture to which the answer I give is NO. They sometimes will ask if I'm bringing alcohol which is also a NO. If they ask me if I'm bringing cigarettes, the answer is NO...If they ask if I'm bringing tobacco, the answer is I brought some cigars for souvenirs. If they check me, oh well.
This is NOT TELLING ANYONE WHAT T9 DO OR SAY. CUBAN PRODUCTS ARE ILLEGAL AND THERE IS NO "PERMITTED" QUANTITY
I visited Havana in June and bought 4 box plus 40-50 single sticks, with a friend back to Newark. Custom officer asked “did you buy anything in Cuba?” I said I bought some cigars for personal consumption. He asked how many. I said around 50. He picked up a paper hanging there for a second and waved hand let me go😂
What would be your best 5 cigar you like to hunt at cuba?
Great question! Since finding Limitados are the toughest, I would day they're #1 so with that said:
1) Any edicion limitados;
2) LCSH exclusives;
3) Aged boxes of anyrhing, the OLDER the better! I found 2 boxes of Hoyo especiales from 2017, 2 boxes of Hoyo epicure#2 2018, 1 cabinet box (50count) of Ramon Allpnes Specially selected
4) Great custom rolls for under $15/:;
5) Cohiba esplendidos or siglo6
Thank you for your information. You got likes and thumbs up from us. My girlfriend wants to know where you got your necklace. And how much it cost.
Sorry Fred, I had thought I was wearing my shell lei. THis one is called "Wili Wili" seed and it comes from a plant that grows in the mountains of the big Island of Hawai'i. You can find these online on ebay or if you google search "Leis"
I have a question as a cuban cigar smoker i am curious to know Is Habanos will eventually discontinue some cigars ? because they haven't announced any discontinuing's but only add to the portfolio in the same time rumours of hurricane destring crops and low production which doesn't match with continuing adding new cigars and lines to the habanos portfolio which i am happy with but no discontiuings for many years . Do you know if there will be any discontinued cigars soon ? Thank you
Great question unfortunately I don't have an answer for you. I am sure that any discontinued lines would not be announced publicly. If you have favorites that are not popular or good sellers I would stock up bc at least prices won't be getting cheaper
@@KimoKapaku Thank you . As a not only smoker but collector as well i am long time ago focused in the lines you mentioned ...limitadas, LCDH editions travel and
special humidors and regionals also some hard to find regulars like lusitanias and choix supreme and many others ..but I believe Habanos if announce any discontinued cigars they will do this long after they stop producing so smokers dont have many chances to look and find them :}
You can get a receipt if you pay with Cuban Pesos, right?
In Havana you pay with a MLC card (cuban debit card) amd yes they will give you a facura or receipt. Just be sure to ask for one and have your passport with you as they need to write the info
can i use USD to buy the prepaid card or only euros?
regards
How are the prices and selection at duty free shop in Havana airport.
I would not buy at duty free in Havana. Prices are higher than the shops and selection is very limited. The shop is basically a small stand in the gate area
How do you get them into the US? I bought Cuban cigars in Mexico. I’m on a cruise. When I get to customs in Miami will they take them away?
Jesse if you're on a cruise you're most likely going to be waved right thru customs/immigration. They will ask if you have anything to declare...assuming they even ask you given all the ppl coming off the ship. If you have "nothing" to declare then the answer is No 😉
@@KimoKapaku Thank you!
Going to Havana in May. Can I get some good custom rolled cigars?
Better believe it! Check out my previous video on "Prices in Havana" to see the customs I buy. You won't regret it!
La Escogida de Tabaco shop at the Comodoro hotel. Best custom rolls in Havana!
Do you recommend any websites that can sell to US customers?
Ihavanas
Com is a high quality shipper as is cigarsofhabanos and cigar shop litin are sites I've personally used and friends have used without issue.
❤
Thanks for the video , but quick question is it possible to add money to the card if the funds get used completely?
And if not is there a way to get funds back if there’s still money left on the card ?
So basically it is a one time prepaid card and you CANNOT ADD ADDITIONAL FUNDS TO THE CARD. This is why I recommend getting an idea of the amount of boxes you want to buy from a given shop amd buying a card thats closest to the total. The card I showed was a $1000 card and I have $195 left. I should have bought a $500 , $200 & $100 to run for $800. You have ti be creative but I will be back in Havana again this year once or twice more so I'm not worried about but I recommend asking the shops if you can use multiple cards. I know the Comodoro will accommodate this but you can't ASSume consistent practices in every shop because IT'S CUBA!
Does the thing with the debit card also apply to european citizens to get the factura?
You need the facutrs to get the boxes out of Havana. Your country's tobacco import laws apply when you enter your home country
The factura is what you will be asked for when you enter Havana airport security. If you don't have a factura for any amount after 50 cigars, you are subject to confiscation by Cuban security
Cool video, but bad advice about not putting cigars in checked luggage. Done it many times. Your name will be called overhead to the customs office where they open your bag and ask for the facturas. As long as everything is good, they zip your bag back up and you go on your way. In fact, this process allows you to have 4 boxes without a factura. You carry 50 on your person. You will get checked during security as you go thru the airport. Then once you are in, you will be called back for your checked bag. Leave your carry on bag with a friend/spouse and deal with your checked bag. 50 cigars without receipt turns to 100 without a receipt :)
You may get away with putting more in your checked bags but putting boxes in your checked bags also invites bags to be opened without you being called. I have 4 trips to Havana and I tend to be more conservative with putting sticks in checked bags. 2 bundles of farm rolls per checked bag is what I do
For my carry on I carry 2 additional custom/farm bundles and the boxes I buy. Not sure what you're buying but my carryon is sufficient size to carry the boxes I cone back with (7-10) boxes
Also I'm already bringing 100 sticks in checked bags since 2 bundles per bag goes without any question. I control my carryon much better where my high value boxes are along with facturas.
4 trips and over 50 boxes later I can say what works for me. If others have their own methods, power to them
@@KimoKapaku , I have gone on far more trips than you. Last time I went, I bought back 36 boxes. Mind you, that was pre-price increase.. But all of them were in checked luggage. I have been in that customs room where they call you to if they see boxes in your checked luggage many times. Never once in all my years of going have they opened a box or any luggage without me being present.
How many Cuban cigars will U.S. Customs let you take into the USA upon arrival? Thank you.
Technically, None. You risk your haul being confiscated if you declare them
@@KimoKapaku ANd probably fines plus confiscation if they aren't declared.
@@KimoKapaku coming back into Miami is it better to come in carry on or checked bag 💼 if your trying to bring back cigars. What would be a lower risk?
Would you trust a Switzerland cigar company to buy from?
Steve it depends. There are 3 online companies me and other friends have used in the past with good experiences. You can find that video on my channel for ordering online. One thing to note is that as with everything in life, nothing is 100% guaranteed. There was a Swiss online business called Montefortuna that admitted to selling fake cuban boxes. Kudos to them for coming clean as they were duped themselves but doesn't make it much better. My motto when buying Cuban Cigars is TRUST BUT VERIFY!
@KimoKapaku Thanks for the heads up.
I just subscribed to your channel. Keep those videos coming. 👍
Best not to carry on cigars..i put 130 in my luggage in the hold to uk& was ok..i had some recipets but not for all
My friend bought a box of montecristo at the habana airport as a gift for me and was taken away at the us airport upon entrance even showing a receipt from the habana airport
The receipt or factura means nothing to the U.S.customs. declaring cigars from Cuba is an auto.atuc confiscation especially when entering thru Florida (Miami or ft Lauderdale)
I'm sorry your friend lost money
Where can you buy original cigars in Havana?
Im not sure what you mean by "Original" cigars. All cigars in Havana are original, even ones you buy off the street. As far as authentic brands, any state run shop such as LCDH or Caracol.
How many habanos you can bring to the USA
Technically and legally....NONE
what is the best website to buy authentic cuban ? and ship to usa 😅
Try ihavanas.com or cigarsofhabanos.com. both sites guarantee delivery and will reship if confiscated. I have ordered from ihavanas in the past.
Great informative video. I do like many, I'm sure, have some questions. I guess let me know of a way to contact you. Thank you.
@joescopo8933 shoot me an email
@@KimoKapaku, ok, but I don't have your email address.
take them out of cuba is easy.. how do I bring them in the US?
Thats illegal braddah. How you bring them in is something I cannot comment on
Just take the bands off
I have emailed you. Let me know if you recieved it
You’d make a killing if you shipped cigars from Cuba for your viewers buying them depending on the country they’re in.
I know I’m in Canada and I’m paying 60$ a stick for a partegas series D right now lol
Justin, I'm not in the cigar business, HOWEVER, when I return to San FranSHITHOLE this summer I can ship some of Reynaldos custom D4s to you. Send me an email at konablacksand@yahoo.com for details if you're interested. I'm not in the business of selling cigars but I can ship you a few to try
I could not make a loving selling cigars. I have 2 kids in college to support so I won't be quitting my day job anytime soon! 🤣🤣🤣
D4 selling in Havana LCDH is $16/stick 😅
@@Aardwolfzhu this made me sick!!! I’m paying 52$ a stick for R&J wide Churchills right now 😂😂
Does anyone have any Hoya they would like to let me try! I can send email if you would like. Just can’t get to Havana
Thx for your answer, just checked, on the State Dept website and the stupid Trump policy is still in place. All this reinforces my theory that it all depends on the human factor, meaning, my next trip was in sept 22 , a flight arrived late, and officers were too busy/tired and I could carry a whole Habanos store of cigars without any problem. not even a question about cigars, coffee, or rum.
Biden could have easily changed it back but did not.
Each president can change the cuba olicy but does not. Hussein only allowed $800 in cigars and cuban products to be brought into the U.S. since 1968 there have been 10 presidents that could've changed policy on cuba but did not. Repub or Democrat is not the side people are on. It's the problem of repub and dem as a whole
What is your email? I have questions for my trip in November. Thanks!
Konablacksand@yahoo.com
The prices are going up because people keep buying them at a high price,stop buying them and watch how the prices drop
A change in US policy lately? Because Mr. Trump reverted the import of Cuban cigars, rum, etc., which resulted from Obama's period. To be precise, in April 2022 I went to Cuba and brought some cigars for a friend(20+) and they were seized by customs at the FLL airport, that day they took a ton of cigars, cigarettes, and rum.
you made plenty of mistakes on your trip amd plans to bring cigars back. Before embarking on anything that involves breaking the law you first need to know what the laws are, how to work around them and make a conscious effort to avoid all pain points in order to achieve your goals. In this case, tou didn't know the current state dept laws regarding importing cuban products, you chose the worst possible airport next to Miami and the net result was a confiscation. In short, you made a rolling stop thru am intersection tht was directly in front of a police station and you received a ticket and ask whether there was a change in traffic laws which by then, it was already too late
In a nutshell...
help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-82?language=en_US
Effective as of 24SEP2020....Did you check the state dept page before you left? Did you research bringing back cigars thru U.S. customs? Did you research the worst entry points for customs to bring in cigars from Cuba? Or was the main response to all these questions begin with "well I thought...."
Since when is it completely illegal to bring cigars or Cuban products…Rum included into US. It’s not. No one in customs in US will say anything if you’re bringing 3 or less boxes, individual personal consumption only is the key so needs to be small amount. If it looks like you’re trying to be a distributor etc by the amount of cigars bottles etc you will get flagged. Also another option is ditch the boxes and just takes the cigars in a plastic bag etc in your suitcase.
You need to read and understand the letter of the law. I'm not telling you what to do, but you are dead wrong with the statement cuban alcohol or cigars are permitted
help.cbp.gov/s/article/Article-82?language=en_US
And for the record, my friend just had a box of Cubans confiscated by customs that he ordered from ihavanas.com
May I ask, is there anyway to have one made for me! If so, pls give me an email where I Correspond with you
you can email me at konablacksand67@gmail.com
Thank you, I will write the email as we speak
May I have your email address please? I’m planning a trip to Cuba
konablacksand@yahoo.com