I've got a friend who is going to Cabo (Mexico) pretty soon. Is there any 'reputable' cigar shops near-by where he can buy Cuban sticks? Also, he's worried about customs and getting them back in the U.S. Any suggestions will be appreciated ...

Luggage is often searched upon entering, and sometimes they even ask you to empty your pockets, but I think full cavity searches are very rare............

It's just not worth the risk, not only is there a good chance of losing the cigars when entering customs, but also conterfeit Cubans in Mexico are rampant, either way you are out of cold cash.

Thanks guys ... that's kind of what I thought, but was hoping (dreaming?). I should have known better ... oh well, at least he can enjoy them, if he can get the real deal!

HOLD UP! Dont give up yet. Were you planning on full boxes, or just singles? If the latter, then it is EASY to get singles through customs. If your friend can find a shop selling authentic ISOM's, he can simply remove the band from each cigar and carry them through as Mexican, Dominican, whatever he wants to call them! Boxes, however, are a different story... So don't be greedy.

Tailgater has a point, I brought back 5 Cohibas from Cancun 5 years ago (honeymoon) without the bands right in my top pocket. I don't think the customs man even seen them, he was more concerned about the marble ashtrap I picked up. Just be careful of the many imitations in Mexico. I had a hard time finding legits and when I did they were generally very expensive. Then again, I didn't have a hell of a lot of time to search 😉