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Cigars/Cuba and credit cards

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Expert: - 1/14/2009


Question
Hi James,

Last time I was in Cuba I used my credit card to purchase cigars. Is there any increase in price due to credit card use?
Currently, the CUC is at 1.25 CAD (what a ripoff!!!).
Apperantly, the way it works is when using a credit card they convert to USD then add a percentage to make up the difference.
I just dont want any surprises that a box that is 190cuc ends up costing me 400 cad you know what I mean!

Thanks for your response in advance!!

Answer
Hi Thomas,

No, I don't think there is any increase in paying with your credit card.  Whether you pay in CUC or credit card, the prices are the same.  Yes, when paying with CC, the amount will be converted to USD and then billed to your credit card but there isn't an additional charge for paying with credit card.

The only thing you shouldn't do is pay in US cash because stores will apply an additional conversion rate charge for handling US bills.

Regards,
James

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James Yee

Expertise

My main area of expertise is Cuban cigars but I can also assist you with cigar etiquette, humidor maintenance and troubleshooting. Unsure of a certain cigar brand? Wondering what a certain cigar tastes like? Have any questions about Cuban cigars? Just let me know! I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. (NOTE: My main focus is on premium, hand-rolled cigars and not cheap, machine made, convenience store cigars.) IMPORTANT: PLEASE NOTE THAT I DO NOT PROVIDE CIGAR OR CIGAR-RELATED APPRAISALS. If you have a vintage cigar item and you want to know if it's worth something, please contact an antique dealer that specializes in "TOBACCIANA".

Experience

I currently have 19 dedicated years of cigar smoking and counting. I have smoked every brand of Cuban cigars and most reputable non-Cuban cigar brands on a regular basis so I know a fair bit about taste profiles, cigar etiquette and other fine nuances to cigar smoking. For 5 years, I studied with Cuban torcedores (rollers), catadores (taste testers) and revisadores (inspectors) on every aspect involving the production of the Cuban cigar and I am currently writing a book that will help beginners understand everything they need to know about cigars and cigar smoking.

Publications
Maple Leaf Gardens: Memories & Dreams 1931-1999 (1999; ISBN: 0920445616)
50 Things Every Guy Should Know How To Do (2006; ISBN: 0452286654)
The [London] Times (October 8, 2009)


Education/Credentials
B.A. University of Toronto

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