Can You Buy Cuban Cigars Online?

Yes, you can buy authentic Cuban cigars online. International retailers based outside the United States legally sell and ship genuine Habanos-certified Cuban cigars to customers in over 150 countries worldwide. The online Cuban cigar market has matured significantly since the early 2000s, with established retailers offering verified authenticity, proper humidity-controlled shipping, and access to the full range of Cuban cigar brands — from everyday smokes like the Montecristo No. 4 (around $8-12 per stick) to ultra-premium releases like the Cohiba Behike BHK 52 (upward of $50 per cigar).

How Online Cuban Cigar Retailers Work

Legitimate online Cuban cigar retailers operate from countries where Cuban cigars are fully legal — typically Switzerland, Germany, Cyprus, the UK, or other international locations. These businesses source their inventory through Habanos S.A., the Cuban state entity that holds the exclusive worldwide distribution rights for all Cuban cigar brands.

The supply chain looks like this:

• Habanos S.A. (Cuba/Spain joint venture) produces and exports all Cuban cigars
• Regional distributors receive shipments and supply authorized retailers
• Authorized retailers store cigars in climate-controlled facilities and sell to consumers
• Shipping is handled via international courier services with humidity protection

At CubanCigarOnline.com, for example, every box carries the official Habanos warranty seal, holographic authentication band, and proper factory codes — the same guarantees you’d find at a La Casa del Habano boutique in London, Geneva, or Hong Kong.

What to Look for in an Online Retailer

Not every website selling “Cuban cigars” is legitimate. Here’s what separates trustworthy retailers from the scams:

Signs of a Legitimate Retailer

• Habanos authorization — They source directly or through authorized Habanos distributors
• Proper box codes — Genuine Cuban cigars carry factory codes stamped on the bottom of the box (e.g., “EML” for El Laguito factory, where Cohiba is made)
• Holographic seal — Since 2010, all boxes of Cuban cigars include a Habanos holographic warranty seal that can be verified online at habanos.com
• Realistic pricing — If a box of Cohiba Siglo VI (25 cigars) is listed at $150, it’s counterfeit. Genuine boxes retail internationally between $600-$900
• Climate-controlled storage — Reputable retailers store inventory at 65-70% relative humidity and 65-70 degrees Fahrenheit
• Established reputation — Look for years in business, customer reviews on independent platforms, and active social media presence

Red Flags to Avoid

• Prices that seem too good to be true (they always are)
• No physical address or business registration information
• Stock photos instead of actual product images
• No mention of Habanos authentication or warranty seals
• Payment only via cryptocurrency or wire transfer with no buyer protection

The Debate: Online vs. In-Person Buying

The Case for Buying Online

Online purchasing has become the preferred method for the majority of Cuban cigar buyers outside the US, and for good reason:

• Selection — Online retailers typically carry 200-400+ Cuban cigar products across all major brands. Even well-stocked brick-and-mortar shops rarely carry more than 50-80 Cuban references.
• Pricing — Without the overhead of prime retail space, online retailers often price 10-25% below physical La Casa del Habano locations, especially in high-tax countries
• Convenience — Access the full Habanos portfolio from your home, with delivery in 5-15 business days depending on your location
• Limited editions — Regional editions, Edicion Limitadas, and Gran Reservas sell out quickly in physical stores. Online retailers often hold stock longer.
• Box date selection — Some online retailers let you choose specific production dates, which matters for aging — a 2022 box of Partagas Serie D No. 4 will smoke differently than a 2025 box

The Case for Buying In Person

There are legitimate reasons some aficionados prefer the brick-and-mortar experience:

• Inspect before purchase — You can physically examine the wrapper, check for damage, and assess construction
• Immediate gratification — No waiting for shipping; walk out with your cigars the same day
• Expert guidance — A knowledgeable tobacconist can make personalized recommendations
• The experience — Visiting a La Casa del Habano is a ritual in itself. The cedar-lined humidor rooms, the atmosphere, smoking a cigar in the lounge — this can’t be replicated online
• No shipping risk — Eliminates concerns about temperature extremes during transit

How Cuban Cigars Are Shipped Online

Proper shipping is critical. Cuban cigars are handmade natural products that require specific humidity conditions. Here’s how reputable online retailers handle it:

• Humidity packs — Boveda or similar two-way humidity control packs are included in shipments to maintain 65-72% RH during transit
• Sealed packaging — Boxes are sealed in plastic or cellophane to lock in moisture
• Insulated containers — During extreme weather (summer heat or winter cold), quality retailers use insulated shipping materials
• Transit time — Most international shipments arrive within 5-15 business days. Express shipping (3-5 days) is available from most retailers at additional cost
• Tracking — Reputable retailers provide full tracking via DHL, FedEx, UPS, or registered postal services

When your cigars arrive, it’s best practice to let them rest in your humidor for 1-2 weeks before smoking. This “acclimatization” period allows the cigars to recover from any humidity fluctuations during shipping.

Authentication: How to Verify Your Cuban Cigars Are Real

Once you receive your order, you can verify authenticity yourself:

• Check the Habanos holographic seal — Scan it at habanos.com/verify using the unique serial number on each sticker
• Examine the box code — The bottom of every Cuban cigar box has a stamped code indicating the factory, date, and production details
• Inspect the bands — Genuine Habanos bands have precise embossing, consistent coloring, and sharp printing. Counterfeits often have blurry text or uneven gold foil
• Check the triple cap — Authentic Cuban cigars use a distinctive triple cap finish, a technique specific to Cuban rollers

For more about Cuban cigar brands and what makes them unique, explore our brand guide.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does shipping take when you buy Cuban cigars online?

Standard international shipping typically takes 7-15 business days depending on your country and the retailer’s location. Express shipping options (3-5 business days) are usually available for an additional fee. At CubanCigarOnline.com, we ship to over 100 countries with full tracking, and most orders arrive within 5-10 business days.

Are Cuban cigars purchased online authentic?

From a reputable retailer, yes. Legitimate online Cuban cigar shops source through Habanos S.A.’s authorized distribution network. Every box includes a Habanos holographic warranty seal with a unique serial number you can verify at habanos.com. The key is choosing an established retailer with verified authentication — not the cheapest listing you find on a random website.

How are Cuban cigars shipped to stay fresh?

Reputable retailers ship Cuban cigars with Boveda humidity control packs inside sealed packaging to maintain proper moisture levels (65-72% relative humidity). Boxes are wrapped in cellophane or plastic, and during extreme weather, insulated packaging materials protect against temperature damage. Once your cigars arrive, let them rest in your humidor for 1-2 weeks to fully acclimatize before smoking.