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Havana's José Martí International Airport offers travellers the opportunity to purchase cigars alongside other souvenirs, alcohol, and jewellery. However, it is debated whether the airport is the best place to buy cigars in Havana. While the airport has a wide selection of cigars, prices are generally the same or higher than in the city, and the cigars may be stored in poor conditions. For cigar enthusiasts, Havana's cigar shops, such as La Casa del Habano, are brimming with fine cigars and superb selections, making them a more attractive option.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Availability of cigars at Havana Airport | Yes, there are shops selling cigars at Havana Airport |
| Price comparison with other places | Prices at the airport are generally the same or slightly higher than in the city |
| Variety/selection | The selection at the airport may not be extensive compared to other shops |
| Recommended places to buy cigars in Havana | La Casa del Habano, Habana Libre Hotel, Partagás shop, Meliá Habana, Club Habana |
| Recommended places to buy cigars outside Havana | Varadero airport, Santa Clara |
| Payment methods at Havana Airport | Mastercard, EUR, GBP |
| Documentation requirements for taking cigars out of Cuba | Up to 20 cigars: no documentation required. Up to 50 cigars: sealed with an official hologram, unopened, and in original packaging. Over 50 cigars: same as above, plus an invoice/bill of sale from a licensed seller |
| Cigar storage advice | Remove cigars from the box and put them in a humidor for a minimum of 2 weeks to re-humidify and stabilize |
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What You'll Learn
Cigar prices in Havana
Havana, Cuba, is considered a cigar shopper's paradise, where you can find just about every Cuban cigar imaginable. Cuban cigars are also said to be the best in the world and are available at the best prices in Havana.
The prices of cigars in Havana vary depending on the brand, type, and quantity purchased. Prices are typically listed in CUC (Cuban Convertible Peso). For example, a box of 25 Bolivar Petit Corona costs 235 CUC or 310 Canadian dollars, while purchasing a single cigar of the same brand costs 4.70 CUC or $6.20. Similarly, a box of 25 Cohiba Medio Siglio costs 307 CUC or $405, and 12.30 CUC or $16 each. A box of 25 Monte Cristo Special No. 2 costs 208 CUC or $275, or 8.35 CUC or $11 each. A box of 25 Hoyo Monterrey cigars costs 75 CUC, or 3.00 CUC or $3.95 each.
When purchasing cigars in Havana, it is recommended to buy from official state cigar stores, such as La Casa del Habano, to ensure quality and avoid overpricing. The Hotel Nacional and the Hotel Habana Libre are known to have good selections of cigars at proper prices. It is also advisable to avoid buying cigars on the street or beach, as these are often of low quality and may be overpriced.
Additionally, it is worth noting that prices at the Havana airport may not always be reasonable, and the selection may not be extensive. Therefore, it is generally recommended to purchase cigars from a dedicated cigar shop in Havana rather than relying on airport purchases.
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Cigar availability at Havana Airport
Cuban cigars are renowned worldwide, and many travellers to the country are keen to purchase them. While some sources suggest that Havana Airport has a wide selection of cigars available, others indicate that the airport may not be the best place to make such purchases.
One source states that there are a lot of shops at Havana Airport that sell cigars, alcohol, souvenirs, music, jewellery, and t-shirts. The prices are generally the same or slightly higher than in the city, and some shops accept Mastercard. However, another source advises against buying cigars at the airport, stating that they are often stored in poor conditions and are overpriced. They recommend purchasing cigars from LCDH stores in high-end hotels in Havana, as these shops have well-stocked, good-quality humidors and charge fair prices.
If you are looking for a specific brand or size of cigar, a LCDH store is likely a better option than the airport. The Habana Libre Hotel, for instance, has a good cigar shop with a large selection and reasonable prices. Additionally, the Partagás shop in Old Havana offers a charming setting and a variety of cigars, including Montecristo No. 2s, Cohiba Robustos, and Partagás Serie D No. 4 cigars.
While the availability of cigars at Havana Airport may be convenient for last-minute purchases, it is advisable to visit reputable cigar shops in the city for a broader selection, better storage conditions, and potentially more competitive prices.
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Buying cigars in Havana city
Havana, Cuba, is known for its cigars, and there are many shops throughout the city where you can purchase them. Cigar Aficionado recommends visiting a La Casa del Habano shop, although some travellers have reported finding mostly empty shelves there. La Casa del Habano shops only accept card payments, and you should be sure to keep your receipts to prove that you bought your cigars legitimately.
If you are staying in a high-end hotel, you may find that the hotel shop or cigar room has a good selection of cigars at reasonable prices. The Habana Libre Hotel, for example, has been recommended by travellers for its selection and prices. The Meliá Habana also has a gorgeous cigar locker room, although it did experience a tobacco beetle outbreak due to an air conditioning problem.
You can also buy cigars at Havana airport, although the selection may not be extensive. One traveller reported that the prices at the airport were reasonable, while another said they were poor value. If you are looking for a specific brand, you may be better off visiting an LCDH store in the city.
When buying cigars in Havana, you can expect to pay more for well-known brands such as Cohiba and Trinidad. A Montecristo No. 2 will cost you around $21.50, while a Cohiba Siglo I will be more than $30. A Cohiba Siglo VI will set you back more than $100.
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Recommended cigar shops in Havana
While you can buy cigars at Havana airport, it is doubtful that the selection would be very extensive. If you are interested in a specific brand and/or size, a LCDH store in Havana would be a better option. Here are some recommended cigar shops in Havana:
La Casa del Habano
La Casa del Habano on 5th Avenue and 16th Street in Miramar, Havana is regarded as one of Cuba's finest cigar stores. The shop is run by Osmany Rios and Carlos Robaina, who are both knowledgeable and experienced. The store has a long history of selling fine cigars and has a vast array of rooms and cigar-friendly dining areas where you can smoke what you purchase.
Casa del Habano Partagás
A popular destination for tourists and locals, La Casa del Habano Partagás is located in the middle of Havana, next to one of the most popular hangouts, El Floridita.
Club Habana
Club Habana has an extensive humidor with a wide range of Cuban cigars. It is a place to conduct business and then enjoy the weather and drinks around the resort. The food is also good and affordable.
Habana Libre Hotel
The Habana Libre Hotel is a good place to buy Cuban cigars, with a large selection and proper prices.
Casa del Musico
Located in Miramar, Casa del Musico has a typically Cuban atmosphere and clientele. You can get a solid lunch here and smoke during or after your meal.
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Cigar storage
It is unclear whether cigars can be purchased at Havana Airport. One source states that there is a “big room” in the airport's duty-free selling cigars, while another source suggests that there are no duty-free shops at the airport.
Cigars are sensitive to their environment. To maintain their freshness, cigars should be stored in a humidor until they are ready to be smoked. A humidor is not a sealed environment. If cigars are stored in an airtight, moisturized container, they are likely to become mouldy. Therefore, it is better to have air circulating between the cigars in your humidor than it is to store them too tightly.
While a humidor needs a device that maintains moisture levels, it does not necessarily need a gauge. Some humidors come with hygrometers, which indicate the interior humidity. Analog hygrometers are frequently inaccurate, whereas digital hygrometers are usually reliable to a level of plus or minus 2 percent. No matter what a thermometer or hygrometer says, the true measure of your humidor's performance will be the condition of the cigars inside. If the cigars are exuding a little oil, the conditions are perfect.
When necessary, you can keep properly humidified cigars in a sealed plastic bag with a small, damp paper towel for a day or so. If you have purchased cigars that have been stored in poor conditions, remove them from the box and put them in your humidor for a minimum of two weeks to re-humidify and temperature stabilize. A cigar will mellow and improve with 6 months to 1+ year in a controlled environment.
There are many different types of humidors available for purchase. Some popular options include:
- Desktop humidors
- Portable travel humidors
- Electric humidors with temperature control
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, there are lots of shops that sell cigars, alcohol, souvenirs, music, jewellery and t-shirts.
Prices are generally the same or slightly higher than in the city. However, it is doubtful that the selection would be very extensive.
Yes, there are many cigar shops in Havana. Some popular ones are the iconic Partagás shop, La Casa del Habano, and the Habana Libre Hotel.
Some popular cigars in Havana include Montecristo No. 2, Cohiba Siglo VI, Romeo y Julieta Short Churchills, and H. Upmann Sir Winston.
