>> I suggest checking out a supermarket in Boca Chica (out of the immediate tourist area) for better prices <<

Do you know Boca Chica? If there are any supermarkets in Boca Chica that are not in the general tourist area, please tell me about them and where they are. Boca Chica is not a very big town and the only supermarkets I know of, small ones at that, are on the main strip. There are about 3 of them. There are several cigar shops though.

Experts on this page have noted that you can buy many Dominican cigars cheaper OUTSIDE of the DR because most are made for export, thus they have to pay import taxes if they sell them inside the country.

Note the following message posted earlier:

Anthony Castaneira (107742.1660@compuserve.com)-- Friday, 9 October 1998, at 3:06 p.m. Your best bet for good prices on Dominican Cigars is back home. I have been smoking cigars for 23 years now and that includes 6 years in the DR.

Most Cigars are manufactured in the free zones so the have to be re-imported to be sold in the DR. So their prices show that. Of the brands that are made for sale in the DR your best is the L leon Jimenes line. The "la Aurora" is a mediocre cigar at best. During the 80's Carbonells were an exceptional cigar but the quality has took a nose dive.

Whatever you do. Do Not buy any Cohibas that say they are Cuban. These are Forgeries. A legitimate box of Cohibas Esplendidos will run between $300 US to $500 US on the open market. So if sombody offers you a box for $150 US RUN!

Cigars are like Fine wine. You would not buy a bottle of fine Vintage wine from someone unless you were sure of it's authenticity. End-of-message.

A very nice linked site on cigars.

Jim Hinsch JimHinsch@CSI.COM