Cigar Asylum Cigar Forum - View Single Post

T.G · 11-28-2011, 08:44 AM

I was there last year about this time. What I did / saw won't necessarily be the same as what you will experience, so maybe a few travel pointers is probably the best bet.

You'll probably fly into MGA, obviously, you need a valid passport and you'll fill out the entry visa on the plane. For the reason of the visit both on the form and when the customs agent asks you at the airport, tell them cigars. It's a big deal to them and a source of pride, so they like hearing it. Clearing customs on the way in will take about 10 minutes and cost you US$10.

It's about 2-1/2 hours from MGA to Esteli by private bus, a bit less by private car. They might take you to a few stops on the way, it's all up to AJ and his people what else they decide to show you, but there is plenty of it for them to pick from.

Obviously, don't drink the water - and pack benadryl, sudafed, asprin, tylenol, immodium, eye drops, etc... or whatever else you might want/need because there are no Walgreens down there. Yeah, they can find them, but it's easier to just bring them.

Take a comfortable pair of shoes as you'll be walking a lot through the factories. Tobacco fields tend to be muddy, so take shoes you don't mind getting dirty.

Also, if you plan on taking only shorts, take a set of long pants with you too - if you go to any of the nightclubs in Esteli, they have a "no shorts, no flip-flops" dress code. The 3-strap hiking sandals with a pair of socks and jeans are fine, as are most t-shirts, or at least that's what they let us into Cigarzone with.

When you go to leave, MGA is pretty fast to get through, but plan on having your carry ons x-rayed and then hand-searched for drugs again right before boarding. They didn't seem to care about my cutter, but they confiscated the pack of matches, so YMMV with lighters.

Clearing customs in Miami is just a lot of standing around and walking from one area to the next. But at least after you clear there is a Versallies in the airport to grab a cuban sandwich from before you get on the next flight.

Cellphones... AT&T has service down there, so if you want it, you can contact them and they have a low cost, very limited plan that you can get for a few days. Otherwise, just leave the phone in flight mode.

Power is all 110VAC edison plugs, so you shouldn't need to worry about travel adapters/transformers.

Hope that helps some.

11-28-2011, 08:44 AM	#7
T.G Grrrrrr Join Date: Mar 2009 First Name: The Other Adam Posts: 15,559 Trading: (37)	Re: Anyone ever been to Nicaragua? I was there last year about this time. What I did / saw won't necessarily be the same as what you will experience, so maybe a few travel pointers is probably the best bet. You'll probably fly into MGA, obviously, you need a valid passport and you'll fill out the entry visa on the plane. For the reason of the visit both on the form and when the customs agent asks you at the airport, tell them cigars. It's a big deal to them and a source of pride, so they like hearing it. Clearing customs on the way in will take about 10 minutes and cost you US$10. It's about 2-1/2 hours from MGA to Esteli by private bus, a bit less by private car. They might take you to a few stops on the way, it's all up to AJ and his people what else they decide to show you, but there is plenty of it for them to pick from. Obviously, don't drink the water - and pack benadryl, sudafed, asprin, tylenol, immodium, eye drops, etc... or whatever else you might want/need because there are no Walgreens down there. Yeah, they can find them, but it's easier to just bring them. Take a comfortable pair of shoes as you'll be walking a lot through the factories. Tobacco fields tend to be muddy, so take shoes you don't mind getting dirty. Also, if you plan on taking only shorts, take a set of long pants with you too - if you go to any of the nightclubs in Esteli, they have a "no shorts, no flip-flops" dress code. The 3-strap hiking sandals with a pair of socks and jeans are fine, as are most t-shirts, or at least that's what they let us into Cigarzone with. When you go to leave, MGA is pretty fast to get through, but plan on having your carry ons x-rayed and then hand-searched for drugs again right before boarding. They didn't seem to care about my cutter, but they confiscated the pack of matches, so YMMV with lighters. Clearing customs in Miami is just a lot of standing around and walking from one area to the next. But at least after you clear there is a Versallies in the airport to grab a cuban sandwich from before you get on the next flight. Cellphones... AT&T has service down there, so if you want it, you can contact them and they have a low cost, very limited plan that you can get for a few days. Otherwise, just leave the phone in flight mode. Power is all 110VAC edison plugs, so you shouldn't need to worry about travel adapters/transformers. Hope that helps some.