Cuban cigars
- Thread starter toronto04
- Start date
If you intend to leave them there as gifts, it is quite illegal, because of the Cuban Trade Embargo, further strengthened by the present POTUS incumbent.toronto04 said:
rather than removing the bands and arise suspicion if found; you should replace them with costa rican or other "approved" locale and appear to know your laws and pass unmolested.
Holy smokes, at least the one that I go to, has a decent humidor and the cigars that I have bought are in good shape. If you are going to ask for a suggestion from the clerk, forget about it. I asked the guy at my store and he told me he was a non smoker. Further he stated that he probably was hired for this reason because they could trust that he would not steal the merchandise.
Going back to the OP...all you have to do is take off the paper rings from the cigars. Claim you bought them from some guy in Nicaragua/Honduras/Dominican Republic and you'll be OK.
If your friends have never smoked before, then you can't go wrong with Romeo y Julietas. Light, simple smokes. Followed by Montecristos or Hoyos, then Cohibas and Partagas. Partagas makes a serie d #4 that is heaven for a veteran - creamy, full flavored, punchy. But the smell will clear a room of non-smokers.
If your friends have never smoked before, then you can't go wrong with Romeo y Julietas. Light, simple smokes. Followed by Montecristos or Hoyos, then Cohibas and Partagas. Partagas makes a serie d #4 that is heaven for a veteran - creamy, full flavored, punchy. But the smell will clear a room of non-smokers.
rubmeister is correct.
However, so long as you remove and replace the bands and do not make it look like you are smuggling them (by "hiding" them in your luggage) you should be fine. Put them in a case in your pocket or in your carry-on luggage.
Most cigar aficionadoes, let alone customs agents, wouldn't know the difference between a Cuban and a Honduran on just a quick glance and (maybe) sniff.
However, so long as you remove and replace the bands and do not make it look like you are smuggling them (by "hiding" them in your luggage) you should be fine. Put them in a case in your pocket or in your carry-on luggage.
Most cigar aficionadoes, let alone customs agents, wouldn't know the difference between a Cuban and a Honduran on just a quick glance and (maybe) sniff.
Because the thrill is in doing something that says fuck you to "the man"! And some people that I know do appreciate the difference between the countries, brands, etc.
Just so long as the original poster knows the risks, it's up to him to decide I guess.
I do it because I always have and because of the people I visit. I also have the whole "it's a nice Honduran that's hard to find in the U.S." shtick down to a science. Hell, I even bring the original bands separately!
Just so long as the original poster knows the risks, it's up to him to decide I guess.
I do it because I always have and because of the people I visit. I also have the whole "it's a nice Honduran that's hard to find in the U.S." shtick down to a science. Hell, I even bring the original bands separately!
I woudl be VERY discrete about declaring them at the border, however! Usually, I don't even bother telling them that I have a couple of Cubans with me, cigars, that is.toronto04 said:
Give Sarah my regards! She is the owner, and knows a great deal about the cigars she sells. A greta little shop, just south of Carlton Road.toronto04 said:
if you get pulled over for a secondary inspection you might think about declaring them.........Not doing so could result in denial of entry or worst case smuggling charges....By declaring them you might be offered the chance to surrender them, assuming you have only a few.
Look at it this way fair or not they are banned.
Look at it this way fair or not they are banned.
If you declare them you HAVE to act like you didn't know it was illegal, otherwise it doesn't matter to them - you are still trying to smuggle contraband. And if you get a real asshole, they can turn you around and keep you from entering in the future.
Good God you guys are a bunch of nervous Neds...
I've probably taken close to 250 Cuban cigars into the U.S. over the years and not once have come close to being caught. (knocking on wood)
If you act like you are a stogie smoker and that carrying them is no big thing and then take the proper precautions (taking only a few for "personal use", removing the ring bands and replacing with other countries' brands) then how the hell is a custom's agent going to know the difference? They do not have a forensic lab on site.
But it IS illegal. So if you can't pull it off by being prepared and calm and collected when questioned, then don't even think of doing it.
I've probably taken close to 250 Cuban cigars into the U.S. over the years and not once have come close to being caught. (knocking on wood)
If you act like you are a stogie smoker and that carrying them is no big thing and then take the proper precautions (taking only a few for "personal use", removing the ring bands and replacing with other countries' brands) then how the hell is a custom's agent going to know the difference? They do not have a forensic lab on site.
But it IS illegal. So if you can't pull it off by being prepared and calm and collected when questioned, then don't even think of doing it.
I was told by a U.S. customs guard at a function I attended in Michigan that I was better off getting caught with a bag of crack than a box of cuban cigars!!!!!!!!!!!!!