Where to Buy Real Cuban Cigars in Mexico
It’s no secret that Cuban cigars are among the best in the world. In fact, they have a flavor and aroma that simply can’t be beat. Unfortunately, it’s also no secret that Cuban cigars are illegal to sell and buy in the United States. This has led many cigar lovers to look for other ways to get their hands on some of these coveted fumes.
A popular option is to buy Cuban cigars in Mexico. While technically still illegal, the process is much simpler and less risky than trying to buy them from the United States. Plus, you can often find them for a fraction of the price.
If you are thinking about buying Cuban cigars in Mexico, there are a few things you need to keep in mind. In this article, we will give you some tips for finding the best cigars and many other details to keep in mind.
Is it legal to buy Cuban cigars in Mexico?
The short answer is yes, it is legal to buy Cuban cigars in Mexico. Apart from that, it is also legal to bring Cuban cigars and rum into the United States.
How much do real Cuban cigars cost in Mexico?
While the price of an authentic Cuban cigar can vary depending on the city you buy it in, the quality and type of cigar, the average price at La Casa del Habano is $18 per piece. Sure, you’ll find much more expensive cigars on the market, but that’s the average price you should expect to pay.
Are Cuban cigars in Mexico real?
You will find a good percentage of real Cuban cigars in Mexico, but also a good share of counterfeits. You can recognize fake Cuban cigars in Mexico with a few red flags that we list below.
Cuban cigars are not cheap
The first indication that a Cuban cigar is fake is the price. Even in Mexico, where cigars cost a fraction of the price compared to other countries, you should expect to pay at least $20. If you find a Cuban cigar for $5 or around that price, chances are it’s a fake,
Plus, Cohibas, one of the most famous cigars, isn’t cheap. They are sold for more than $100 in Canada per piece to give you an idea. So if you find a massive discount, you shouldn’t expect the real thing.
The label must be on the box
We have often noticed this red flag with fake Cuban cigar boxes – the label should be on the box and not inside. This is about showing authenticity to the buyer before buying the cigar and, if you find a box with the label not displayed on it, it is probably a fake.
Real Cuban cigar boxes are not made of glass
Another signal you need to pay attention to is the material of the box. Real Cuban cigars are not stored in glass boxes. For this reason, if you see Cuban cigars stored in a beautiful glass box, skip them; they are probably false.
Can you buy Cuban cigars in Mexico and bring them back to the United States?
Although it is entirely possible to buy and consume Cuban cigars in Mexico and other countries, importing them into the United States is not legal. This law applies to both personal and commercial use.
Note that this is not a regulation based on health effects, but only on the political situation between the United States and Cuba.
Where to buy real Cuban cigars in Mexico
There are several places to buy real Cuban cigars throughout Mexico. However, many of them sell fake cigars, and you certainly don’t want to end up in just one. Let’s review the most reliable ones.
Cigar bars
There are cigar bars all around Mexico, so finding a place to smoke shouldn’t be a problem. Just look for the “Cigar Bar” sign, and you’ll know you’re in the right place. You will find several cigar bars pretty much in all big cities across the country, and these are the most famous ones:
- Cigar Point in Mexico City
- Vallarta Cigar Factoryin Puerto Vallarta
- The Greenhouse Cigar Bar in Cozumel Island
- Havana Bob’s Cuban Cigars in Cozumel Island
- Havana Cigar House & Mojito in Los Cabos, Baja California
Apart from that, La Casa del Habano is the most reputable place where to buy Cuban cigars in Mexico, and we’ll elaborate on this in the next paragraphs.
The Casa del Habano
La Casa del Habano is the most popular chain of Cuban cigars in Mexico, and they have numerous stores all around the country. They do not only sell high-quality, authentic Cuban cigars but also accessories. Among their most popular cigars, we can find the following brands:
- Pargatás
- Upmann
- Romeo and Juliet
- Hoyo de Monterrey
Of course, they have many more brands and types of Cuban cigars available, but those are the best sellers you should consider.
Where to Buy Real Cuban Cigars in Cancun
La Casa del Habano is the only trustworthy place to buy real Cuban cigars in Cancun. They have a wide variety of cigars available, and you will certainly not be disappointed. Apart from that, you can also get a cocktail to drink with your cigar, and that’s definitely a must-do in Cancun.
Finally, it is important to note that you will have to pay a $48 occupancy tax upon entering the state of Quintana Roo and you will be able to get it quickly on Visitax.
Brian Croley is a renowned travel visa consultant, known for his expertise in simplifying the complex visa application process. He studied Psychology at Ohio University. His focus of work expertise is the Visitax system, where he had assisted countless travelers in navigating the requirements for international travel. His deep understanding of immigration policies and dedication to client success have established him as a trusted authority in the field.