Expert: James Yee - 2/8/2012

Question
QUESTION: Hello James.Hope all is well with you. I was wondering if you could help me with two questions I have.My first question is: I am travelling with my wife and daughter to Cuba Ferbuary 9th,and was wondering what documents or paper work are necessary for proof on our behalf upon arriving there that shows that we have valid medical insurance.We as a family have coverage through my wifes employer through Manulife.Is a valid OHIP card sufficient proof,or will we require a letter of some kind from the insurance company itself?My second question is:would you have any exact addresses for the LaCasaDelHabanos stores located in Varadero.Thanks for any help you can offer me.Thanks,and have a terrific day James.

ANSWER: Hi Bill,

When travelling to Cuba, your Health card (the newer one with a photo, not the older red and white card) should be enough BUT to be safe, I would recommend you bring your wife's Manulife insurance policy which clearly states that you and your daughter are also covered.

For more info about what documents to bring, see this link:
http://www.voyage.gc.ca/countries_pays/report_rapport-eng.asp?id=69000

Here is a list of LCDH shops in Varadero:

LCDH: 31st Street (turn left at 1st Ave, walk towards beach)
LCDH: 39th Street
LCDH: 63rd Street

There are also good cigar shops at the Club Amigo Hotel and Hotel Paradisus.  Before buying, be sure to ask if you can get a store receipt for your purchases!  Sometimes the staff will give receipts and sometimes they won't.  

I hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Have a safe, fun and terrific trip with your family!

Regards,
James

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hello James.Hope all is well with you.I'm set to head to Varadero tomorrow(Feb 9TH)and was just wondering....you have recently emailed me the three lcdh locations there,and I was just curious as to whether any of the three are known to have a more selective supply than any of the others? As well,are any of the three known to carry a better selection of limitadas? I would really like to bring back a nice supply of the MonteCristo Sublimes El 2008,along with my current fav,the Cohiba Siglo V1.Any advice or knowledge of these two questions would be greatly appreciated,and perhaps save me a little unnecessary runing around while there. Thanks James. Have a great day.

Answer
Hi Bill,

Of the three locations, the LCDH on 63rd Street has the best selection and a large selection but the staff is not very helpful...sometimes.  They also won't let you examine the walk-in humidor and sometimes they don't give out receipts (ask before you buy).  Prices are about one to two dollars/Cuban pesos more for single cigars.

The shop on 39th Street is small and the selection of cigars is average.  Sometimes they have a great selection and sometimes they won't.  You won't have access to the walk-in humidor and humidor cabinets are behind the counter so you'll need to ask the staff for help.  If you shop here, make sure you know exactly what you want before talking to the staff.

The shop on 31st Street has the best staff and lots of good cigars.  The staff does welcome customers into the walk-in humidor so you can take your time finding a good cigar.  The Edicion Limitadas and popular cigars may be harder to find because they're always in constant demand but if you ask the staff, they may have some hidden away.

If you have time, be sure to check out the cigar shops in the Paradisus Hotel and Club Amigo Hotel.  Club Amigo prefers to deal with customers looking to buy singles and the shop is pretty small.  Paradisus Hotel has a great selection, really good prices and the staff is very helpful.

Older Edicion Limitadas may be harder to find but if you're looking for them, check out the La Casa del Tabacos (LCDT) shop at the Plaza America mall.  They have a good selection of older boxes (including Edicion Limitadas) and the staff is very helpful.  They prefer to sell boxes over singles so if you buy singles, they may overcharge by a dollar or two per cigar.  They have almost everything so if you can't find a certain cigar, ask the staff and they'll gladly help you look.  LCDT shops are also very reputable.

I hope this helps!  As always, if you have any more questions, please feel free to just ask and I will be happy to help.

Have a great trip!

Regards,
James