traveling to the DR next month [need advice]

[Chuckie]

Originally Posted by PerpetualNoob

I just assumed, perhaps erroneously, that there might already be some cigars there, which the sufficiently motivated visitor would be able to locate, and perhaps even purchase.

That is what I thought as well when i first read this post. I had no idea you could not get cigars in the DR.......

[Architeuthis]

Squid's® advice is: Buy lots of cigars when you find great prices, and ship them back to your home address rather than try to carry them in the luggage.

[mark in kc]

I had some minor hassles bringing cigars back home. I had two boxes of DR cigars in my carry on and the customs people had me rip the plastic wrap off the bag and open the box to search them. I guess they were looking for the other kind or are just trained to assume US travelers are bringing back contraband.

Either way, I would second the above poster's helpful advice that if you are to be buying a few boxes just to ship them home to you. I left with both boxes but I had to show the business card of the cigar guy's house where I was staying and deal with a minor unnecessary pain in the rear.

Have a good time. I hear the beaches in Punta Cana are gorgeous.

[Snake Hips]

Originally Posted by PerpetualNoob

I just assumed, perhaps erroneously, that there might already be some cigars there, which the sufficiently motivated visitor would be able to locate, and perhaps even purchase.

That's true, there are some if you look hard enough or go to the factories, but I thought I'd make a funny Perhaps I should have inserted a smiley...

Originally Posted by Chuckie

That is what I thought as well when i first read this post. I had no idea you could not get cigars in the DR.......

You can, but it's a task. When you do find them, they're very expensive. There's no point to buying cigars you can get in the States for a lot more than you can get them for in the States. Unless you're really good and actually find a place with authentic Habanos...

[PerpetualNoob]

Originally Posted by Snake Hips

That's true, there are some if you look hard enough or go to the factories, but I thought I'd make a funny Perhaps I should have inserted a smiley...


You can, but it's a task. When you do find them, they're very expensive. There's no point to buying cigars you can get in the States for a lot more than you can get them for in the States. Unless you're really good and actually find a place with authentic Habanos...

I never would have guessed! I would have gone there and gotten a big, unpleasant surprise. I was being a smart-ass, but I am now officially just a little bit less ignorant than I was this morning.

[Snake Hips]

Originally Posted by PerpetualNoob

I never would have guessed! I would have gone there and gotten a big, unpleasant surprise. I was being a smart-ass, but I am now officially just a little bit less ignorant than I was this morning.

Haha, that's alright. It has to do with Dominican export laws. The factories are all in free-trade zones, so they can only export their products. To get them to domestic shops, they have to export the product somewhere else then import it again. The place is full of fake Arturo Fuentes and Cohibas. Kind of funny, really.

[MrMusicMan1]

It seems like you are knowledgeable about traveling to the DR but here is some info that might be helpful.

Just got back from DR. Yes, US Dollars are accepted everywhere insist on the 35:1 ratio. They will accept it. Brought back 175 sticks or so but only because my good buddy owns a cigar company and I really enjoy his sticks. Stayed at Bavaro Casino (in Punta Cana). You should look him up, excellent sticks. He has one shop in Milwaukee, WI and his other home shop in Punta Cana, DR. They will come pick you up in their van all free and let you come hang out in their shop and give you good honest prices. (One of the nicest guys you could hope to meet) Many places don't have a lounge like we enjoy here. Don't buy any cigars at the hotel or anywhere but a local shop and obviously look at how they keep their cigars. There are so many fakes and bad deals to be had. Make sure you enjoy some Mamajuana! Here is his site:Domingo Cigars, Exclusively @ Cigars Center I believe he will be there when you travel ask for Domingo.

To bring the sticks home I checked about 100 of them and carried the rest on. They were packed nicely in boxes wrapped in paper. I had no problems at all. I think the limit is 125 so I was pushing it and choose to take the risk, I'm glad I did.

Unless you are looking for something specific or have a good reason to buy up a bunch of cigars, don't. There are better deals to be had back home with online orders and at your local B&M.

I brought a small humidor, cutter, and a good lighter with me. I checked it all. No problem at all either way. Good luck and have fun!