Lighter fluid in a checked bag
- Thread starter MJM
- Start date
ChuckMejia
The General
Yes, I had my can of butane removed from my bag. When you get down there you can pick up a butane can from any of the 1000 cigar shops around the tourist areas.
Don't do it... not only is it banned for air travel both domestically and internationally, but if they find it they may hold your entire bag back... have heard of this happening on three occasions. And even if you get it onboard in the US, remember you still have to clear customs in Mexico and when they find something banned it is much worse to deal with. Buy it locally!!!
Also, Mexico is one of the ABSOLUTE WORST countries to bring cigars into... First off, there is an ongoing dispute as to how many cigars you can bring with you Duty Free into the country... some of their own government operate sites claim 50, but others claim 25. As a result, I have been made to comply with 25 count limit about 75% of the time - it is totally willy nilly - it will depend on the customs agent at the moment.
Any cigar over the 25ct (unless you get lucky with the 50ct) will be taxed at 100% the MSRP - they actually go on Google and find the MSRP... so a $350 box of Liga Privadas will cost another $350 in order to bring them in. And to make matters worse, at most points of entry Cabo, Cancun, Mexico City, etc - they will force you to pay in cash in Pesos only.
And if you try to not claim them and they find them, be prepared to be delayed 2 or more hours as they love to detain you and will even go as far as actually arresting you for smuggling. I personally had this experience and had to involve the local consulate and attorney to squelch the situation all over 75 cigars. Thankfully I knew some VIPs who could get this to happen, because who the hell knows what would have happened.
IMO, it is total clusterfuck trying to bring cigars into Mexico.
So my advice is bring 25 or less and CLAIM them.
BR,
STS
Also, Mexico is one of the ABSOLUTE WORST countries to bring cigars into... First off, there is an ongoing dispute as to how many cigars you can bring with you Duty Free into the country... some of their own government operate sites claim 50, but others claim 25. As a result, I have been made to comply with 25 count limit about 75% of the time - it is totally willy nilly - it will depend on the customs agent at the moment.
Any cigar over the 25ct (unless you get lucky with the 50ct) will be taxed at 100% the MSRP - they actually go on Google and find the MSRP... so a $350 box of Liga Privadas will cost another $350 in order to bring them in. And to make matters worse, at most points of entry Cabo, Cancun, Mexico City, etc - they will force you to pay in cash in Pesos only.
And if you try to not claim them and they find them, be prepared to be delayed 2 or more hours as they love to detain you and will even go as far as actually arresting you for smuggling. I personally had this experience and had to involve the local consulate and attorney to squelch the situation all over 75 cigars. Thankfully I knew some VIPs who could get this to happen, because who the hell knows what would have happened.
IMO, it is total clusterfuck trying to bring cigars into Mexico.
So my advice is bring 25 or less and CLAIM them.
BR,
STS
Glad I'm not going to Mexico anytime soon. Never had any problems when I went to the Domincan Republic.
And as for the fluid, don't even bother doing it ever regardless of where you're traveling. Go to Walgreen's or anywhere that sells the cheap Ronson lighters and buy a whole bunch of them at $5.00 each. I took 2 of them to Florida with me and they were fine. Plus they already come filled with butane. Or better yet, if you have the funds, go buy it all when you get to your destination. That's probably your safest bet.
And as for the fluid, don't even bother doing it ever regardless of where you're traveling. Go to Walgreen's or anywhere that sells the cheap Ronson lighters and buy a whole bunch of them at $5.00 each. I took 2 of them to Florida with me and they were fine. Plus they already come filled with butane. Or better yet, if you have the funds, go buy it all when you get to your destination. That's probably your safest bet.
Cigary43
Just Another Ashhole
While I travel quite a bit I don't bring cigars into Mexico by plane. ..but rather by cruise ship as the cigars are safe in my cabin. Heed the advice from those who know Customs in Mexico. ..it's a crap shoot in a very corrupt country.
Nope, as stated in prior posts, banned to bring in luggage. Not worth the hassle. I'd take Steve Saka's advice.
What I am saying is bring 25 OR LESS and DO CLAIM THEM.
My experience is it is bad to bring more than 25 because they will tax you 100% the highest MSRP value they find online and you must pay the tax in cash pesos.
Also it is my experience is it is bad to not declare them, because if they find them they will detain you - twice I have made this mistake to this result: the first time it was 2 hours of "Senor, this is very serious offense...", second time it got serious enough I needed to have the consulate and an attorney intervene.
And no lighter fluid in your bag EVER.
BR,
STS
thanks for the tips. I am thinking I will bring probably 10 cigars max. I will claim them as well.
I've made three trips down there, and never had any problems with 10 cigars or less. I don't think I've ever claimed them going in.