Buying non-Habanos Cuban cigars

[Bruce T.]

I will be in Cuba in a couple of weeks. I have been there a few times and have bought lots of the expensive, brand name Cuban cigars. The are great. I have also bought the fake Cohibas that are also very good. I'm not saying they are like Cohibas, just that they are very nice cigars made with Cuban tobacco by skilled rollers.

This trip I would like to purchase some of the cigars that are made for local Cuban consumption, not the fancy brand names that are made for export. I assume they are illegal for a foreigner to purchase. Does anyone know anything about this?

Bruce.

 

[remy swagger]

They are illegal for Americans, of course. Most aren't very good.

 

[pbibby]

Illegal. And nice first post....
Try introducing yourself in the intro section before asking about something that is illegal for Americans.

 

[Bruce T.]

I am Canadian so the cigars are legal to own here. I assume they are illegal to purchase in Cuba. That is what I would like to know more about.

I would assume that the local cigars are at least as good as the fake Cohibas and fake Monticristos that I have had. The fakes that are made in Cuba are quite good and better than many cigars I purchase. The fakes that are made in DR or other countries are incredibly bad.

Bruce.

 

[CigarGavin]

Hey bruce welome to botl, most of them are only made and available to the locals because of the price. (low)

Hopefully your hear to stay introduce yourself and join the club.

 

[sofc]

I think anything without the seal is illegal to take outside the country if they see it.

Don't know if it is illegal to purchase a cigar a random guy made/got in a factory that he works at.

 

[Bruce T.]

I have added an introduction to the intro section.

Bruce.

 

[Angry Bill]

Bruce, as a Canadian citizen you are legally allowed to purchase and bring back cigars from Cuba, although you may have to a duty on those cigars brought back from your trip. As American citizens, we are not able to purchase Cc's.

As for purchasing them, often factory workers sell Farmies from their homes. la Casa De Los Habanos has a store in Havana, which will have 100% real Cuban cigars. But as in any market, there are people that will try and sell you fakes, have a great trip there.

 

[Jfire]

This guy is asking about the Peso cigars sold in Cuba to the locals. Locals can't afford farmies or any regular production CC for that matter. Ill c if Ryan or Aaron can jump on and answer his question.