Going to Cuba in December, will the stores have any stock?

[TiminBC]

I am heading to Varadero for a week to get away from our rain. A small part of me has an irrational fear I will go to a cigar store and the shelves will be bare.Does any anyone have an incite in current stock in Cuban stores?

[El Presidente]

Just now, TiminBC said:

I am heading to Varadero for a week to get away from our rain. A small part of me has an irrational fear I will go to a cigar store and the shelves will be bare.Does any anyone have an incite in current stock in Cuban stores?

Right now. there is very little.

Tourism starts next week and we have members heading there. 

You will shortly find out 

[Habana Mike]

Brave members indeed!

[dshot]

Well in Varadero the LCDH is right next to the La Casa De Ron(Rum) so if you strike out there just go next store and buy up all the rum you need. Have a great trip!

[Troels]

Anyway - the custom made cigars is what i would bring home. Had some great ones in both Havana and varadero - some years back thou

enjoy! Would love to go

[Ryan]

No idea of stock there currently really. I land in Havana on Tuesday.

If they don't cut off the internet after Monday, I'll report back on Wednesday.

[JohnnyO]

5 hours ago, Ryan said:

No idea of stock there currently really. I land in Havana on Tuesday.

If they don't cut off the internet after Monday, I'll report back on Wednesday.

Dont be surprised if they cut off the lights too and place another curfew. John

[mcicvara]

Friend of mine went to Cayo Coco last week, selection of regular cigars was quite decent at the plaza store.

[Drguano]

On 11/12/2021 at 2:11 PM, Ryan said:

No idea of stock there currently really. I land in Havana on Tuesday.

If they don't cut off the internet after Monday, I'll report back on Wednesday.

Safe travels, Andy. If things go South, borrow the neighbor’s styrofoam skiff and Mike and I will collect you in international waters. Seriously, looking forward to hearing of your experiences.

[JohnnyO]

Telemundo 51 a Miami TV station, is reporting that in Havana known dissidents residences are being surrounded by police/national security so that they don't come out to march tomorrow. Also that the local press is at some of those more famous dissidents residences and the police are asking them to leave by force. Hope it goes peaceful but it doesn't look like its headed that way. John

[Nino]

1 hour ago, JohnnyO said:

Telemundo 51 a Miami TV station, is reporting that in Havana known dissidents residences are being surrounded by police/national security so that they don't come out to march tomorrow. Also that the local press is at some of those more famous dissidents residences and the police are asking them to leave by force. Hope it goes peaceful but it doesn't look like its headed that way. John

Hope so too - but it looks grim.

Yunior Garcia's house is indeed surrounded by police and state security and he is not allowed to leave it - he had planned a walk down 23 to the Malecon holding a white rose...

ÚLTIMA HORA de #15NCuba: Yunior García Aguilera, rodeado en su casa por fuerzas del régimen

Manifestaciones de cubanos en numerosas ciudades del mundo reclaman libertad.

https://diariodecuba.com/cuba/1636909478_35548.html

[mcicvara]

Any reports of the situation?

I'm going to Cayo Coco on Dec 9 and wondering what to expect. Especially after heard some rumors that they increased the prices recently.

 

[mcicvara]

For those planning to visit Cayo Coco, here's the report:

Only way to pay for cigars is credit card.

Visited plaza Flamenco, old stock only 2018/19 but selection is poor, mainly small cigars. Prices 4-10% above YUL list

Plaza Gaviota, mostly new stock, 2021, decent selection of regular production. Prices 6-10% above YUL list but found some boxes with correct price.

Airport cigar shop has good selection, prices 2-10% above YUL list.

LCDH at Colonial is closed, but I was told that all stock is moved to Pullman, didn't have a chance to visit.

Cheers

 

[Bagman]

1 hour ago, mcicvara said:

For those planning to visit Cayo Coco, here's the report:

Only way to pay for cigars is credit card.

Visited plaza Flamenco, old stock only 2018/19 but selection is poor, mainly small cigars. Prices 4-10% above YUL list

Plaza Gaviota, mostly new stock, 2021, decent selection of regular production. Prices 6-10% above YUL list but found some boxes with correct price.

Airport cigar shop has good selection, prices 2-10% above YUL list.

LCDH at Colonial is closed, but I was told that all stock is moved to Pullman, didn't have a chance to visit.

Cheers

 

I think the additional prices you mention is the added tax.  The official price on yul doesn't account for the new tax.  The tax amount is mentioned in the opening paragraph on the yul page.  Some people were finding that they didn't always charge the new tax however. 

[mcicvara]

3 hours ago, Monterey said:

I think the additional prices you mention is the added tax.  The official price on yul doesn't account for the new tax.  The tax amount is mentioned in the opening paragraph on the yul page.  Some people were finding that they didn't always charge the new tax however. 

Could be a reason but it's not linear. 

And I found P2 at Gaviota for $102.50 for a box of 10.

 

Also, there's no 3% surcharge for credit card transaction anymore.

I assume because that's the only payment method.

[El Presidente]

Just now, mcicvara said:

Also, there's no 3% surcharge for credit card transaction anymore.

I assume because that's the only payment method.

That's nice of them