UK prices are hard to take?

[fordi]

When you can buy cigars outside of the UK for anything up to 40% discount it really grates on me buying here. I do try to support business here but you just get more for your money buying bulk elsewhere.

What's everyone's thoughts on this? Where do you get your cigars?

[Simon-JG-hr]

What really gets my goat is that excise on cigars is ?50 a kilo more than hand-rolling tobacco - there's no difference whatsoever - both are just tobacco... I can fully appreciate (and agree with) the higher rates for cigarettes given the additional chemicals etc.

I tend to buy from within the UK though - I don't buy a lot, and if I'm buying by the box it tends to be REs (or if somewhere has a special offer). Also, as I pay very little tax/NI at the moment, I see it as my way of helping with the debt (now, if only the politicians would start to actually reduce it... Debate for another day...)

[Deano]

That you may do - but once you add the (legally obligated) import tax etc, they don't work out that much cheaper. And if you buy from UK retailers with reputation, you know you're getting the right goods.

But yeah, tobacco tax is incredibly high unfortunately.

[butternutsquashpie]

What's everyone's thoughts on this? Where do you get your cigars?

Here in canada, toronto specific, we get taxed 5 times before the cigar gets into private hands. Take the Siglo II, here, its around 35 after tax for ONE stick (around 20 pounds i think?)
However, our market is filled with much cheaper options that come in from Cuba. I recently got 3 tubed Siglo IVs for $40 and $50 for a ten pack of Monte petit tubos.
I'm not sure if youve any grey markets in the UK, but hey, its worth a shot. Or travel periodically to refill you're humidor. I hear Spain has the best prices second only to cuba. ( maybe its the same in Gibraltar?) or even to Canada to check the grey markets. But I'd only recommend that if you can spot a fake box in 3 seconds of looking at it. Theyre filled with fakies here!!

[Deano]

Gib is much cheaper than Spain (I think) nowadays, and has UK H&F cigars

[fordi]

I went to Bruges in Belgium at the beginning of feb and stocked up after visiting a very good friend. I think i saved a good 30-40% compared to UK. Spain i have heard is even cheeper but only just.