In a few weeks I'll be travelling to Ontario and Quebec on vacation and I'm looking forward to being able to buy some Cuban cigars. My question is, how feasible is it to bring a few back across the border in your car? I won't be buying boxes, just a few single sticks. Is it too risky (don't they X-ray cars now)? Can you just remove the bands identifying them as Habanos? And if they do confiscate them, does anything happen to you aside from losing your cigars? Just wondering if I should bother trying or not.
In the same order as questions : -Very feasable. -No. -Yes, but they'll presume them to be Cubans anyway. -You'll be sent to Guantanamo. But, seriously, nothing else will happen - except perhaps a note in the computer for your future Canadian escapades. -Why not? Live dangerously.
________________________ "Tobacco is my favorite vegetable." --FZ
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." --FZ too
Originally posted by flashman: In the same order as questions : -Very feasable. -No. -Yes, but they'll presume them to be Cubans anyway. -You'll be sent to Guantanamo. But, seriously, nothing else will happen - except perhaps a note in the computer for your future Canadian escapades. -Why not? Live dangerously.
Thanks to everyone for the advice. What's this about a new Canadian law which prohibits you from actually seeing the cigars though? I don't like the sound of that...
Originally posted by AndyA: Thanks to everyone for the advice. What's this about a new Canadian law which prohibits you from actually seeing the cigars though? I don't like the sound of that...
Andy
All tobacco products are hidden from view in convenience stores, supermarkets and all places that sell tobacco where a minor might walk in. Anyway, you don't want to buy stogies there.
This law does not apply to cigar shops such as LCDH, etc. where you have to be 18+ to get in. So your cigars will be in full view.
Be warned, however, that Ontarians are a bit more smoking nazis than Quebecers...
________________________ "Tobacco is my favorite vegetable." --FZ
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." --FZ too
In Ontario you have to be 19 or older.When i go to my favorit smokeshop i have no problems to go inside the humidor and often i'll be left alone in there(i'm not supposed to be) but who's to tell unless an inspector would walk in.Your not suppose to touch them but again who's .to tell.If the owner is in with me and he pulls out a cigar and holds it under my nose and says,smell it and hold it so you know what it's like.Now, that is service.
Posts: 145 | Location: Ontario,Can. | Registered: January 17, 2008
In a few weeks I'll be travelling to Ontario and Quebec on vacation and I'm looking forward to being able to buy some Cuban cigars. My question is, how feasible is it to bring a few back across the border in your car? I won't be buying boxes, just a few single sticks. Is it too risky (don't they X-ray cars now)? Can you just remove the bands identifying them as Habanos? And if they do confiscate them, does anything happen to you aside from losing your cigars? Just wondering if I should bother trying or not.
Thanks for your help!
Andy
I'm going to Toronto later this year and I was curious about this myself, although I will probably buy a box or 2.
Posts: 252 | Location: Waterford,Mi | Registered: November 08, 2007
I've done it both ways. Brought boxes of fine non-cubans from Buffalo into Canada and brought some cubans into the US when going on vacation.
Just hide them in your bags or in the trunk an an inconspicuous location. If they find them the worst that can happen is they take them away if there are only a few and not boxes of them.
CM
Give that man a cigar and a blow torch to light it with. - Jack "The Shinning" TV Version
Posts: 412 | Location: Great White North | Registered: November 26, 2007
Originally posted by bones1726: ...So flashman... you shop at LCDH in Montreal?... my brother-in-law and myself are there every few weeks....gotta love that lounge!!
Marc
Yes, I do. Tell me next time you're around and I'll try and make some time...
________________________ "Tobacco is my favorite vegetable." --FZ
"Government is the Entertainment Division of the military-industrial complex." --FZ too
Unbanded cigars will be confiscated if found. Even if the cigar is suspect, they can take it. I would bring some NC bands with you and switch the bands. Just make sure the bands you bring fit the cigars you buy. A 54 RG band will look a bit suspicious on a 43 rg lonsdale. You'll stand a much better chance that way.
---------- Back by request:
Mom: "Twenty dollars for a cigar?!?! Why don't you just set fire to a $20 bill?"
Response: "Get a $20 bill to taste like a Davidoff and I'll light my entire paycheck on fire!"
Posts: 1561 | Location: Medford, NY | Registered: July 18, 2007
Just keep the cigars in your coat pocket or somewhere on your person. In all the times I've crossed with Cubans, I've never been patted down, even if they search the car.
Of course, if you look suspicious, thet might be different.
About 5 years ago, I was with a friend who had 1 Cuban in his car when it was searched. His name was not put in a database, but he was required to break the cigar in front of the customs officer and sign a piece of paper acknowledging it. No embargo lecture, though.
All ludicrous. You all sound you are in the middle of a Marx bros. movie!!
I am Spain. We go into the Tabacos and just buy what we want we want. Amazing the so called land of the free. Facism and totaliarism in one stop. The McDonalds of dictatorship!!
Posts: 15 | Location: london, london, uk | Registered: September 12, 2004
