hdroadglide
BoM x 2, BoY 2011
A little cash is all that is really needed. Have to pay to get into the country. Other than that, not much is needed except maybe some souvenirs and food at the airport
Drew Estate's BOTL Cigar Safari 2013, February 6-9
- Thread starter drewestatecigar
- Start date
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Rupe
Suburban robot that monitors reality -BOM Feb.'13
Sadly I will not be coming on this trip but I have traveled quite a bit internationally in the past.
For spending money I generally bring 1-$200 in cash and will use my credit card for everything else. A word to the wise..if you plan on using your credit card, call your bank before you go and let them know. Otherwise they will think that there is something fraudulent going on and will lock down your card to prevent it from being used. Just a piece of advice from past experience.
podman28
Podman Cigar Company
I would check a bag. It's the easiest way to sneak a torch lighter there. Also if you are bringing any bottles you will need to check one. You get 1 free checked bag for the international flight on AA. Bring a bit of cash. you don't need much as just about everything else is covered. You need $10 for Nicaraguan immigrations and then about $30 to tip the DE staff for serving us while we are there. The rest is really for the any gifts you may want to bring back. Most places accept credit cards as well.
LigaPrivadaFanboy
Unrepentant Hoarder
Thanks Podman! So it sounds like no real need to convert to the local currency?
podman28
Podman Cigar Company
Nah they'd rather have dollars. Shops take US dollars too.
LigaPrivadaFanboy
Unrepentant Hoarder
For those of you that booked airfare in July like me, you may want to double-check with Jeff Lewis that your flights haven't changed. I know my Seattle->Miami flight changed numbers and departs 30min later. I think the Miami->Managua flight is the same number, just maybe departing 5min earlier than my original itinerary stated.
LigaPrivadaFanboy
Unrepentant Hoarder
Also, I just PM'd drewestatecigar for details on the transport from Managua->Esteli. They should email/PM us offline w/ info.
podman28
Podman Cigar Company
They have a bus with a driver that picks us up at the airport in Managua and takes us everywhere during the Safari and then back to the airport in Managua at the end.
As I and Nicholas will be your "hosts" for the trip I am curious about who is actually coming... please post a reply so I can try to match up the BOTL names with the RL first names. Thanks.
Q) Check vs Carry On?
A) I almost always check because I often am bring down stuff for the factory and returning back to the states with samples. As for you, do what you want HOWEVER, please pack a carry on with a few clothes just in case. We can always get you toiletries and sundries down there, but clothes can be tough particularly in XL and larger.
Q) Money?
A) Everyone needs a $10 to pay for their visitor visa - have exact change because the delay can be painful if they have to get change for your $20. Do not bring big bills to spend. It is ok to have a few emergency $100s tucked away if it makes you feel better when traveling, but for actual spending cash I would stick to $20s... good idea to have a few $5s for small stuff. You will need about $20 to tip out the staff at Cigar Safari - there are 7 full-time people who work in the back to make meals, serve, clean, etc - when we run CS they pretty much end up working about 14 to 16 hours a day so a tip while not mandatory, is much appreciated. As for spending cash, I would bring what you feel comfortable with - $200 is a good number, typically more than enough to cover poker, gifts to take back, etc. but the truth is some folks spend zero except the $20 tip, while others buy three pairs of fancy custom boots and multiple souvenirs - I know one guy who spent over $2K on some fancy artwork by some crazy suicide guy who is supposedly famous... <shrug>
Q) Transport?
A) No need to worry about it - we got you covered - we provide all the transport from your arrival to your departure. As I will be flying in with you on Wednesday, you will actually have an escort from Miami.
Q) Lighters?
A) You can pack them in your checked baggage down, HOWEVER you can not when you depart Nica. That being said, if you bury your lighter in your toiletry kit in your check bag on the return they seldom spot it. Just make sure it is absolutely safe so it doesn't ignite in your bag... worst case scenario, they will spot it and take it...
If you have any more pre-trip questions, just post them here and I will reply to them.
BR,
Steve
Q) Check vs Carry On?
A) I almost always check because I often am bring down stuff for the factory and returning back to the states with samples. As for you, do what you want HOWEVER, please pack a carry on with a few clothes just in case. We can always get you toiletries and sundries down there, but clothes can be tough particularly in XL and larger.
Q) Money?
A) Everyone needs a $10 to pay for their visitor visa - have exact change because the delay can be painful if they have to get change for your $20. Do not bring big bills to spend. It is ok to have a few emergency $100s tucked away if it makes you feel better when traveling, but for actual spending cash I would stick to $20s... good idea to have a few $5s for small stuff. You will need about $20 to tip out the staff at Cigar Safari - there are 7 full-time people who work in the back to make meals, serve, clean, etc - when we run CS they pretty much end up working about 14 to 16 hours a day so a tip while not mandatory, is much appreciated. As for spending cash, I would bring what you feel comfortable with - $200 is a good number, typically more than enough to cover poker, gifts to take back, etc. but the truth is some folks spend zero except the $20 tip, while others buy three pairs of fancy custom boots and multiple souvenirs - I know one guy who spent over $2K on some fancy artwork by some crazy suicide guy who is supposedly famous... <shrug>
Q) Transport?
A) No need to worry about it - we got you covered - we provide all the transport from your arrival to your departure. As I will be flying in with you on Wednesday, you will actually have an escort from Miami.
Q) Lighters?
A) You can pack them in your checked baggage down, HOWEVER you can not when you depart Nica. That being said, if you bury your lighter in your toiletry kit in your check bag on the return they seldom spot it. Just make sure it is absolutely safe so it doesn't ignite in your bag... worst case scenario, they will spot it and take it...
If you have any more pre-trip questions, just post them here and I will reply to them.
BR,
Steve
BradMc
<b>Charity Liaison</b><br>BoM September 07
Steve:
Thanks for the Info, I can't wait for next week to get here...
I know a few of us will be flying into MIA on Tue the 5th, planning to see a few shops n a few Brother in town...Steve S will u be around for a smoke on the 5th??...Lmk
See ya all next week
Brad McKelvy aka BradMc
Thanks for the Info, I can't wait for next week to get here...
I know a few of us will be flying into MIA on Tue the 5th, planning to see a few shops n a few Brother in town...Steve S will u be around for a smoke on the 5th??...Lmk
See ya all next week
Brad McKelvy aka BradMc
LigaPrivadaFanboy
Unrepentant Hoarder
Thanks for the info, Steve! My name's Andrew. I'm hard to miss since I look like Jesus (long hair+beard). :grin: Can't wait to meet you guys.
Please make sure you trim your beard...I have a short man complex and I appreciate when I go places if I have the longest beard. Thanks. LOL
Jfire
BoM 9/9' 9/11' 8/12'
FYI lounges do not get built while on vacation!!!!!!
Appreciate the info Steve. My name is Rich N. Looking forward to meeting all you guys.
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