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Forester asks:
<<Since I'm going to be in Cigar heaven outside of Cuba can anyone enlighten me on where to go and how much I can bring back.>>
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You're the first one that I've heard ask about this. I was also excited about picking up some cheap Dominincan "puros", considering that here in the US the Dominican cigars are among some of the best. Well made and relatively mild.
Yet, when I went to the tobacco stores in Santa Domingo, I found the selection of quality cigars lacking and the name brands I was familiar with were priced SKY HIGH! In fact, MORE EXPENSIVE by the bundle than I can get here from the well-known mail order houses! They tried to sell me bundles of local cigars I wasn't familiar with for about a buck a cigar---and I tried them. They were terrible, poorly made, burned unevenly, harsh smoke, complete junk. Complete waste of money.
I also went to Santiago looking for a bargain because that's the area where the factories are. Time and time again I struck out. Yes, they have cigars for sale all over. But the prices for anything that looked good were OUTRAGEOUSLY HIGH!
Continued my mission in BC and Sosua. More of the same.
I eventually bought a box of DOMINICAN COHIBAS on the beach in BC for about 1/2 the normal US price. What was I thinking? They were fakes. Worth nothing. The boxes and labels looked authentic, but the cigars were terrible. Much too softly rolled, damaged wrappers, etc. Again JUNK! More money wasted! I saw the same Dominican cigar guy walking the beach the next day and I called him on it. He just smiled and nodded. Of course they were fake, he said, I thought you knew.
In the end, the best place I found to buy Dominican cigars was the local supermarket. They have a modest selection of legitimate cigars for decent prices. However, they sold none of the brands or labels we're familiar with here. What I learned is that THOSE BRANDS ARE FOR EXPORT ONLY!!!! In other words, the best product is not sold to the Domincans---it's exported to the gringos.
So, like with so many things (not including chicas), when it comes to cigars: There's no place like home!
Let me know if you have any better luck than I did, quality or price-wise, please.
2128
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Forrester,
There is a high end cigar shop across from the cathedral in Santo Domingo, not on El Conde but across from the old end of the cathedral. They claim to have Cubans there, and certainly have the expensive DR smokes. It's also air conditioned so a great place to hang out and cool off.
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A question to DR mongers:
Does the El Candil accept reservations or must someone book upon arrival? Any more info on this hotel would be greatly appreciated.
Thanks, Sailor02
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Sure they do. Call them on the phone - they have OK English.
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To #2128: The fake Cubans cost US$4-8 a box, mostly for the box with that dopey piece of glass as a lid - I have a regular vendadero who sells this stuff and watches etc., and they pay around this amount for the cigars which are made from sweepings etc.
At one time the local cigars were a great deal but the peso and additional tax has made them chancy, but you can get Leon Jimines at a reasonably price locally and some adequate deals at duty free. But know the US price before buying as it may still be too much (in fact you may do better at a duty free when you leave the USA) . The best brands e.g. La Flor Dominicana are all export made for tax free benefits in country and as such are essentally reimported for local sale at appalling prices.
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Grand Pollo reminds:
<<<the box with that dopey piece of glass as a lid>>>
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Yes G/Pollo, that was the exact box I bought on the beach. I remember it well. What a waste! Crappy counterfeit Cohibas!
You are right about doing the research on U.S. prices for Dominican cigars in the US; however, like you said and I learned, the prices in the DR are MORE than in the U.S. for the same DR cigars. So why bother? The best produce goes the U.S. market and the "shavings" are left for the Dominicans and the gullible touristas.
However, after all is said and smoked, we don't go to BC or Sosua for the cigars, right? And what we DO go for may be sometimes exported, but it ain't never counterfeit. It's the REAL DOMINICAN DEAL!
Love Life,
2128
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Hi,Folks!
Could anybody remind me of contact info for Peter and Flemming, two guys who own a bar on the beach near Europa with a small guesthouse? I lost their didgits and email address.
Will appreciate alot!
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Gentelmen
Another question please. My flight arrives at SDQ at 2230 hrs.(10:30pm) Friday 11/26. Since the late hour would it be better to stay in Santo Domingo or make it to BC at Candil hotel? Ok gentelmen I just dont have the full name of the hotel in front of me so please forgive the name. Would it be advisable to take a bus or taxi to BC at that hour? If at all possible can you include a web address with your response to the hotels. Thank You in advance.
Forrester
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Hi Forrester,
Plenty of cabs available to take you to El Candil at that hour. Probably better off going to BC direct so you can set up for your trip. (less downtime) ;)
El Candil is nice - I liked it. You can reach them at
www.comdata.nl/hotel-boca-chica-candil/
Cheers.
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Hi Mirco,
If you mean Peter and Fleming from the Playa Vista bar in Boca Chica - I have there direct email address as
playa.vista@verizon.net.do
Cheers.
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(Gentelmen
Another question please. My flight arrives at SDQ at 2230 hrs.(10:30pm) Friday 11/26. Since the late hour would it be better to stay in Santo Domingo or make it to BC at Candil hotel? Ok gentelmen I just dont have the full name of the hotel in front of me so please forgive the name. Would it be advisable to take a bus or taxi to BC at that hour? If at all possible can you include a web address with your response to the hotels. Thank You in advance.
Forrester)
22h30 is not late for Boca Chica.
At that time the night is still very young .
For me the best time to hang around duarte is around 3-4 pm when you can be the last chance for dinero esta noche.
On my opinion Santo-Domingo could be roughest for a first night.
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Hey Guys.
Its about that time. I am leaving for Boca Chica on Thursday Sep 30th. Staying at the Hamaca for 7 days. Just wondered if anyone wants to fill me in on the weather up there. Would be sucky to leave NYC when the weather is great and arrive for 7 days rain. And if anyone knows whats the rate to take a taxi to the Capital.
Really appreaciate the info guys.
Myself
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To Bob Solomon - I got your pm. Thank you for your kind words about my photos on the Cartagena board. :)
BTW, I tried to pm you (re: BC) but your mailbox is full - could you pleae delete some pm's. I think if saved outgoing and incoming pm's add up to 99 (or something like that) you can't receive anymore messages.
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Gentlemen
Thanks alot for your responses and the PM's on BC and SD. As I get closer i'm sure that I will have more questions relating. As a matter of fact, do I need a script to get vitamin V there? Ford I found the web site, thanks. In my research of this thread I think it is one of the most helpful and curtious on the forum.
Thanks Again
Forrester
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Nope, you don't need a script. In fact , there is a cambio on Duarte just east of Plaza Isla Bonita that sells them 100mg plus 50 mg . Change some money, grab the "V". Now, i don't know about the efficacy of said pills. I'm sure they're knockoffs (like everthing else for sale there). If they are blue,you are at least halfway there. Not blue, not good.
And I agree about the posters here, very helpful and sincere. Although they/we have been known to flame a bit,now and then. :)