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I don't know about the other factories, but as far as the Fuente Factory goes ... because their factories are located in the special "Free Trade Zones", all of their cigars must be directly exported from the Dominican Republic.

Therefore, to legally sell cigars in the DR, they would have to import them from the USA ...

These zones are huge manufacturing complexes surrounded by barbed wire fences and secured by armed members of the Dominican army who search every vehicle.

Probably 90% of Dominican cigars are made in these Zones which allow for the direct exportation of their cigars. Therefore, because of their location, they are also unable to host regular tours of their factories ...

Almost all of the famous brand name cigars sold in tourist shops – Cohiba, Davidoff, etc. - are knockoffs or counterfeits: you pay for the name but you don’t get the real thing.

Much of the product available is simply unknown to the buyer and sold at prices that don’t necessarily speak for the quality, and with no way to try before you buy.

There is nothing worse than buying for a cigar-loving friend back home, only to find out too late that you have bought him a box of junk.

When traveling to the Dominican Republic, a cigar smoker always brings his cigars with him. The likelihood of buying quality cigars is non-existent. They simply are not for sale within the country. What you will find are counterfeit Dominicans and counterfeit Cubans. They are poorly made farm cigars.

Many people go there expecting to find great buys on the best Dominicans and wind up paying big dough for crap. Click on "All Lots" right here, and the cheapest cigars you'll find are better quality than what you'll find in a shop in the Dominican.

Picture this: You're on the beach at an all inclusive resort, having a cocktail, enjoying the sunshine and sand. A young man approaches you..."Sir, I have the finest cigars from the Fuente factory. You cannot buy them in the States because they are very limited production. This box sells for $200.00 in duty free shops, but I'll sell you this one for $100.00 because the box got a little nicked up." Just smile and say no thanks. You know very well that these are crap. But this guy will not take kindly to any talk of counterfeits.

Lowman:
Agree with the above statements. I've made a couple of trips to DR and it is a great place for vacationing as far as people, food, sand/beaches, and those "all inclusive resorts"....PARTY Times were great.
Unfortunately, bring your own cigars with you. Not only are 95% of the Cubans fake, but 97% of the High End DR cigars are fake. It is true that there are a couple of sites in Santo Domingo that sell REAL DR cigars and a few ISOM's, but you will pay more than they are worth...and besides, the bargaining for a MSRP is not worth ruining any vacation. Over 90% of High quality DR cigars are exported, and those left in the country for sale are overpriced and difficult to find. Though some major resorts will vouch for their credibilty, especially if the cigar store is in their premises, the cigars are probably fake. The Airports are also notorious for selling fakes and poorly maintained cigars. The natives do not take very kindly to remarks made on their fake cigars....just politely say "no Thank you".
As far as the High end brands: AF, Davidiffs, etc. IF they are found, and REAL, the price will be overinflated (much cheaper and hassle free to purchase them here in the States).
Therefore, as a tip, tell your friend to have a great time in the DR (Truely a fun vacation site), bring his/her own cigars, don't purchase any High End DR/ISOM cigars, and buy your DR cigars here in the States.
BTW, a couple of Low End Genuine cigars that are decent mild-medium bodied smokes and made in the DR and readily available are "DR Neuvo Millenniums", and the "DR Tenorio".

Ed

Cusano are made by same people that make Davidoff, can price Cusano here and have info with you to bargain. They are aware of pricing, you may save few dollars, but, don't think you'll get any super bargains.

I did same in Jamacia this year, didn't try to buy any cubans, too many counterfeit, rip offs, etc, did buy one cuban, as a tease to maybe buy more, shop owner gave me a very good cigar in hopes of selling a box. I had a cuban Romeo and Juliet, (I think, was still an excellent smoke), and drank his 151 rum, lol,. We had a great time even though I only bought the one cigar, knowing I probably paid too much. But, he didn't have any other customers at the time, so he made a little something and converstion to pass some time away. At another shop bought a brand that was still being made in Jamacia, didn't pay alot, smokes were ok.

I was down in Punta Cana last Fall and was disappointed that going to "the source" was no bargain. Many shops had "Cuban Montecristos" for $40.00 a box. (Those must be good). The more reputable shops all had copys of US cigar magazines laying around and acted like 10% off US premium price was some kind of deal. By Your smokes here on CBid. The selection, prices, and integrity are all better.

SLIMBOLI... Oli... oli...

I thought you just kept posting under different names !!! LOL

Low

Thanks for all the input guys... or should I say guy ? LMAO