I know there are restrictions for bringing tobacco back to the U.S. from abroad, but are there any restrictions on taking it out? I'm a U.S. citizen heading to Switzerland for a long weekend, want to take a box of about 10-12 cigars along with me (none Cuban), probably in my carryon bag. Anyone have any experience getting hassled? Thanks!

(All of my searches found threads with info on bringing tobacco back, none on taking it out)

Although it’s been a few years since I quit smoking, I don’t think there would be a problem with the small quantity you plan to carry.

That's what I thought, but these days you never know so I wanted to check around.

If they are cigars, take off the rings and mail them to your destination so you don't encounter any TSA heroes thinking they're Cuban.

there is pretty much no limit on anything that you take out of the u.s (including currency exceeding $10,000 provided you declare it but that is for another thread(s) ) and that includes cigars but as the wise LessO2 points out below, remove the rings so not to encounter a power hungry screener (or put on fake rings if they are in fact cubans as possession of cuban cigars in the u.s. is against the law [tho that never stops me from having them in my humidor and smoking them ])

I have taken cigars out of the country on a monthly trip for the last year. I have never had a problem with them. I leave the bands on them. Most bands have the country of origin on them. I brought the remainder home with me. No problem. I carry them in a plastic bag humidor. The only place they had questions was in DXB. I was checking in at united for the trip home. I had to reseal the humidor so they would stay fresh. Enjoy the smokes, and if you haven't tried a Cuban maybe you should.

I never would have thought about the bands, thanks; I'll take a look at them before I go and make sure the country of origin is indeed there. Appreciate all the advice.

Tried the Cubans and they're generally too harsh for me, unfortunately.

There may be a duty-free limit on the other end. I'm not a smoker, so I'm not sure.

This is an important bit to consider. I would bet that the number you are taking is below whatever limits there are, but going from one place to another involves both export and import so you need to check both sides of the equation.

There is no US customs or immigrations check for folks leaving to Europe. You can take 1000 'legal' cigars OUT of the US. The problem is entering your destination country. Google is the travelers friend. "switzerland customs" and a couple links and you get straight from the .ch site:

Tobaccos
1. Duty- and tax-free
These limits apply only to persons aged at least 17 years
Cigarettes 200 or
Cigars 50 or
Cut tobacco 250 grams
Cigarette paper 200 pieces

2. Customs duties for additional quantities
Cigarettes Fr. 148.90 per kg
Cigars Fr. 15.-- per kg

So, if you did take 51 cigars, xe.com will tell you how much 15 Swiss Francs, aka CHF, per Kg is.

However, though your final destination is CH, perhaps you are flying into France and driving to CH? In which case you clear customs and immigration in France, as CH is now a full Schengen member and no land border controls are usually present. The France free limit is 50 cigars, with changes pending, according to the French Embassy site in D.C. I went to a public school, but I think your 12 cigars are under the 50 cigar limit.

Or just leave the cigars at home and buy some Cohibas over there. ^ They are great. $15 to $25 USD. Each.

Where are you buying them? I get a box for 200 USD.

I believe it should not be a problem and wish u a happy journey.

Polonius, as a fellow cigar smoker, which Cohibas are you referring to? That seems cheap for a 25 box. Feel free to PM source, please.

I have taken Cuban and non-cuban cigars alike out of the US. Sometimes, rarely, they looked at them because they wanted to inspect what was in the case, not because they wanted to see what type of cigar it was.

For Switzerland and most of the EU, if I am not mistaken, you can take 2 25ct. boxes of cigars per person per border crossing duty free. I always try and buy two boxes (or 50 cigars) when in Switzerland. Quality and price are very good there.

You might want to re-try Cubans while over there. Try a Romeo and Julieta Churchill. Or a Cohiba Robusto. They are strong but mild, not harsh. Many Dominicans, Nicaraguans and even Hondurans can be just as potent. I am not a cigar snob by any means. I smoke whatever I like, if it's from Iceland or Cuba.

Till