I might be heading to Mexico soon for an all inclusive resort vacation. What are the customs rules for bringing in cigars? Any Canadians have any trouble doing so?

This link here, states I can bring "up to 25 cigars"

http://www.aduanas.gob.mx/adua...A_Body_Pasajeros.htm

Thanks.

25 per adult. I should know because I got fined for having more than allowed. The tax is 212% per cigar on the retail value. Of course you can lie and give a low value and pay less but I still suggest you take less or split them up if you need to take more.


Jose

By the way I got fined by female customs, they are brutal.

The male customs are much more open to bargaining.

Jose

Jose,

That was bringing cigars into Mexico. Correct?

212%?!!? Ouch!

I have never had any problems taking cigars into Mexico from Canada, but I have never been subjected to the random traffic light system they use for checking luggage. I think that Mexican customs agents are more concerned about nationals importing cigars for their own use.
If what Jose, Roberto and Xavier say is the allowable import amount and you are travelling with an adult companion you should be able to take 50 cigars with you on your vacation.
If you don't mind me asking how long do you intend on being there and what resort are you going to.

Hey kechke,

Thanks for the response. We're looking at two weeks in either one of these resorts.

Excellence Rivera. (Been there once, fantastic place, awesome food, they have a really good cigar shop there too)

Excellence Playa Mujures (This one is new but seems to be an exact replica of the Excellence Reviera. Both rate very high on Tripadvisor.com)

El Dorado Royale. (Been here three times, great place, 10 gourmet restaurants. Their gift store carries fake Cubans though. In the resorts defence, I think the cigars are stocked by a 3rd party and they don't know any better. Don't buy Cubans there, stick to the Mexican cigars. They weren't bad. Or better yet, bring your own!)

We have been to the Eldorado as well, nice place! Although Cuba is my favourite the wife says the Mayan Riviera offers the best bang for the buck of all inclusive places we have been to.
I think taking you own cigars is the best idea, and for one week 50 should be plenty unless you are a chain smoker.
There is a LCDH in Cancun as well as in Playa del Carmen but the prices are like here in Canada,$$$$$. As you know, any Cuban cigar purchases other than at the authorised outlets are 100% sure to be fakes.
The NC's are a bit less but they are taxed heavily also.
Enjoy your vacation!

Isn't there a Cohiba themed bar/restaurant opening up in Cancun this November? I wonder if its legit or just a cheap grab on that good name?

I'd like to go to Cuba but my wife has food allergies. Only Mexican resorts have been able to cater to her so far. Cuba from what my friends tell me has a long way to go in terms of food quality. But they're No1 on cigars.
As a compromise, we might try Spain next summer. Lots of Cuban cigars there.

And yes, the Mayan Riviera is probably the best bang for the buck. The food at El Dorado is top notch, the same goes for the Excellence Riviera. You can do cheaper, but you'll get what you paid for. I had meals that blew my mind at the El Dorado.

Yeah, The Cuban resorts have a long way to go when it comes to the food selection. The preparation is good but because of the embargo they mostly have to use what ever is produced on the island. I never could understand why the internationaly owned resorts are not allowed to import the food from others places. There are very good meals away from the tourist areas.

I like the people and the history, the cigars are not bad either.