Everything you need to know about buying authentic Cuban cigars from Cuban Cigar Online — authenticity, legal status, worldwide shipping, storage and ordering. Can’t find your answer? Contact our Habanos specialists.

Authenticity & Quality

Are your Cuban cigars 100% authentic?
Yes. Every cigar we sell is a genuine Habano produced by Habanos S.A., the official Cuban state tobacco company. We source directly through authorized channels in Havana — never grey-market or counterfeit stock. Each box carries the official Habanos S.A. warranty seal, the green-and-white Cuban government guarantee band, and (for boxes produced after 2009) a unique secondary barcode and authentication code that can be verified. If you ever receive a product you believe is not genuine, we offer a full money-back authenticity guarantee, no questions asked.
How can I verify a Cuban cigar is real and not a fake?
There are several checks. First, inspect the box: genuine Habanos carry the embossed “Habanos S.A.” warranty seal and the green Cuban government guarantee stamp, both with fine, crisp printing. Second, boxes made after 2009 include a holographic secondary barcode on the seal — counterfeits usually have blurry or missing holograms. Third, examine the cigars themselves: bands should be perfectly aligned, glue points minimal, and the construction firm but slightly springy. Finally, the price matters — if an offer for Cohiba Behike or Montecristo seems far below market, it is almost certainly fake. We pre-verify every box before it ships.
What does the Habanos S.A. seal look like?
Authentic boxes show two key markings. The warranty seal (“Sello de Garantía”) is a green-and-cream stamp issued by the Cuban government that reads “República de Cuba — Cubatabaco” with a serial number, applied across the box opening so it tears when first opened. The “Habanos S.A.” denomination of origin band confirms the cigars are genuine Cuban Habanos. Since 2009, an additional security barcode and hologram strip are added. We photograph the actual seals on request before purchase for high-value orders.
Why are some Cuban cigars so expensive?
Cuban cigars are entirely hand-made from tobacco grown in a small number of premium regions — above all Vuelta Abajo in Pinar del Río. Limited harvests, years of aging, skilled torcedores (rollers) who train for years, and strict quality control all add cost. Rare lines such as Cohiba Behike use the scarce Medio Tiempo leaf, found on only a small percentage of plants, which commands a premium. Limited Editions, Gran Reserva and Edición Regional releases are produced in small numbers and appreciate over time, making them collector pieces as much as smoking cigars.
Do you sell single cigars or only full boxes?
We offer both, depending on the product. Many popular vitolas are available as single sticks, packs of 3 or 5, and full boxes of 10, 25 or 50. Buying by the box is the best value per cigar and guarantees consistency from the same production batch, while singles and small packs are ideal for trying a new marca before committing. Product availability is shown on each product page along with current stock.

Legal Status & Shipping

Can I legally buy Cuban cigars and have them shipped to the USA?
U.S. regulations on Cuban-origin products have changed several times in recent years and remain restrictive for commercial importation. Many U.S. customers do purchase Cuban cigars for personal use, but the buyer is responsible for understanding and complying with the rules that apply to them at the time of purchase. We ship discreetly worldwide and cannot provide legal advice — if you are unsure about your local regulations, please check your country’s current customs and import rules before ordering.
Which countries do you ship to?
We ship worldwide from our base in Nassau, Bahamas, to more than 30 countries across Europe, the Americas, Asia and Oceania. Orders are dispatched in discreet, unbranded, climate-protected packaging to preserve freshness and privacy. Delivery estimates are typically 3–5 business days to Europe, 5–8 to the Americas, and 7–10 to Asia and Oceania, depending on customs. Tracking is provided on every shipment.
How much does shipping cost and is it free?
Shipping is free on all orders over $199. Below that threshold a flat, fully-tracked rate applies, calculated at checkout based on destination. All parcels are insured against loss or damage in transit and packed in temperature- and humidity-protected materials so your cigars arrive in the same condition they left our humidor. See our Shipping & Delivery page for full details.
Will my cigars get damaged or dry out during shipping?
No. We pack every order with humidity-retaining materials and ship in sealed, climate-protected boxes designed to keep cigars at optimal moisture for the duration of transit. Cigars sealed in their original boxes or tubes travel safely for the normal delivery window. If anything arrives in poor condition, contact us within 30 days and we will replace it under our satisfaction guarantee.
Do I have to be 21 to order?
Yes. Tobacco products are for adults only. By placing an order you confirm that you are at least 21 years of age (or the legal age to purchase tobacco in your jurisdiction, whichever is higher). Our website displays an age-verification gate on entry, and we reserve the right to request proof of age before dispatching an order.

Choosing Your Cigar

I’m new to Cuban cigars — which should I start with?
For first-time Habanos smokers we recommend a mild-to-medium body with reliable construction. Hoyo de Monterrey, Romeo y Julieta and the milder Montecristo vitolas are forgiving, smooth and aromatic — perfect introductions. A Montecristo No. 4 or a Romeo y Julieta Petit Corona are classic starter sizes: short enough to finish comfortably and packed with the cedar, cream and light-spice flavors that define Cuban tobacco. As your palate develops you can move toward fuller marcas like Partagás, Bolívar or Cohiba.
I like a slightly sweet flavor — what do you recommend?
Punch is an excellent choice. These top-shelf mild-to-medium cigars are known for dependable construction and a slightly sweet, fragrant profile with a spicy aroma and floral bouquet. Romeo y Julieta also leans sweeter and creamier, with notes of cedar, vanilla and light honey. Both pair beautifully with coffee, aged rum or a sweet sherry.
What cigar would you recommend after a heavy meal?
After a rich meal, reach for something full-bodied that can stand up to a strong palate. Partagás and Trinidad are full, rich and earthy, and the flavor becomes more pronounced in higher ring gauges. A Partagás Serie D No. 4 or a Cohiba Robusto delivers deep notes of leather, espresso, dark chocolate and pepper — an ideal companion to a digestif, aged rum or single-malt whisky.
What is a figurado or perfecto?
A figurado is any irregularly-shaped cigar — that is, one that is not a straight-sided parejo. The perfecto is a type of figurado that tapers at both the head and the foot. Other figurados include the torpedo (pointed head), the pirámide and the belicoso. These shapes are prized by experienced smokers because the changing diameter alters how the smoke concentrates, often producing a more complex, evolving flavor. They are also more difficult to roll, so they showcase a torcedor’s skill.
What do “ring gauge” and “vitola” mean?
Ring gauge is the diameter of a cigar measured in 64ths of an inch — so a 50 ring gauge is 50/64 of an inch thick. Larger ring gauges burn cooler and slower and tend to deliver smoother, more rounded flavor; thinner gauges concentrate the flavor and burn a little hotter. “Vitola” is the Cuban term for a specific factory shape-and-size combination (for example, the “Robusto” or “Laguito No. 6” vitola). Every product page lists the ring gauge, length and vitola so you can choose the format you prefer.

Storage & Care

Why is a humidor important?
Cigars must be stored at roughly 65–72% relative humidity (regardless of temperature) or they will dry out and lose their oils, aroma and flavor. A quality humidor — typically lined with Spanish cedar — maintains this stable humidity and protects your cigars from temperature swings, light and air. Cedar also subtly enhances aging. Even a modest desktop humidor with a calibrated hygrometer will keep your collection in perfect smoking condition for years.
If a cigar is properly stored, how long will it last?
Indefinitely, and often it improves. Well-kept Cuban cigars can age for decades — people still enjoy pre-embargo Cubans carefully preserved in their humidors. Aging mellows harsh notes and marries the flavors of wrapper, binder and filler into a smoother, more refined smoke. As a rule, fuller-bodied cigars benefit most from long aging, while milder cigars are often best enjoyed within a few years.
If a cigar dries out, can I bring the taste back?
Partially. A dried-out cigar can be slowly re-humidified in a proper humidor, but it will never be exactly the same — drying causes the volatile oils that carry flavor to escape. The key word is slowly: re-introduce humidity gradually over several weeks rather than all at once, or the wrapper may crack and the filler expand unevenly. Some cigars recover better than others, but prevention through proper storage is always preferable to rescue.
What humidity and temperature should I keep my cigars at?
The classic target is 65–70% relative humidity and around 18–21°C (65–70°F) — the so-called “70/70” rule, though many connoisseurs prefer slightly drier, around 65%, for a crisper burn. Avoid direct sunlight, heat sources and drafts, all of which destabilize humidity. Use a digital hygrometer and calibrate it periodically. Keep the humidor away from strong-smelling environments, as cigars readily absorb external aromas.
Are metal storage tubes OK for long-term storage?
Metal or glass tubes are fine for short-term storage — up to about a year — provided the cigar was properly humidified before the tube was sealed. The seal holds the existing moisture in. Caution: every time you open the tube to smell the cigar you let humid air out and dry air in, so the cigar will slowly dry out. For anything beyond a year, transfer your cigars to a humidor where humidity can be actively maintained.

Orders, Payment & Account

What payment methods do you accept?
We accept all major credit and debit cards — Visa, Mastercard and American Express — as well as PayPal, Apple Pay and selected cryptocurrencies. All transactions are processed over an SSL-encrypted, PCI-compliant checkout, so your payment details are never exposed. Pricing is shown in your local context at checkout. See our Payment Methods page for the full list.
Is my payment and personal information secure?
Yes. Our entire checkout runs over SSL encryption and payments are handled by PCI-compliant processors, meaning your card data is tokenized and never stored on our servers. We never share your personal information with third parties beyond what is strictly required to fulfil and ship your order. Packaging is discreet and unbranded to protect your privacy on delivery. Read our Privacy Policy for details.
Can I track my order?
Yes. Every shipment includes real-time tracking, and you will receive the tracking number by email as soon as your order is dispatched. You can also view order status anytime from your account under Track Order. If your tracking has not updated or you have any concern about delivery, our support team is available seven days a week to help.
What is your return and refund policy?
Your satisfaction is guaranteed. If a product arrives damaged, is not as described, or you have any authenticity concern, contact us within 30 days for a replacement or full refund. Sealed, unopened boxes may be returned within 30 days. Because cigars are perishable and humidity-sensitive, we handle returns case by case to ensure fairness — reach out and our team will make it right. Full terms are on our Returns & Refunds page.