Can I bring Rum and Cigars back from the Dominican Republic.?

Question

I am 17 years old and I am going to the Dominican Republic. I need to bring back gifts for my family and my dad wants me to get Brugal Anejo or Barcelo Rum and Churchill or Robusta cigars. Am I going to have problems with customs being that I am only 17. Also, what else should I buy there? It needs to fit in my suitcase, so no paintings or anything. I was thinking about coffee or what other foods would be good to bring back. Basically, I need to bring gifts back to the states and don't want to get screwed by customs.

Answer 1

Hello,

I know the borders of United States are very... severe when it comes to importing things. You might indeed have trouble bringing back products if you are not of legal age in your own country. Here in Canada, you must declare what you bring back, and must be of legal age to carry alcohol or tobaco products.

Since I myself work for a travel service, I went to look for you on the United States' government website, here is a list of what is either restricted or prohibited:

Absinthe (Alcohol)

Automobiles

Biologicals

Ceramic Tableware

Cultural Artifacts and Cultural Property (Art/Artifacts)

Dog and Cat Fur

Drug Paraphernalia

Firearms

Fish and Wildlife

Food Products (Prepared)

Fruits and Vegetables

Game and Hunting Trophies

Gold

Meats, Livestock, and Poultry

Medication

Merchandise from Embargoed Countries

Pets

Plants and Seeds

Soil

Textiles and Clothing

Trademarked and Copyrighted Articles

You can visit this website to learn more about it: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacati...

Here is another link about the inspection that is done in the USA when you will go back: http://www.cbp.gov/xp/cgov/travel/vacati...

Gifts you can bring back, handmade jewelry not of gold, pieces of art (without being a painting), coffee is a very good idea (the Dominican coffee is very good), and some more.

Good luck, and have a nice trip

Answer 2

I don't think you can bring it.

Answer 3

Hi !,

For the cigars ( Churchill or Robusta) you are allowed to take max. 50 cigars. For the rum this is limited to 75cl per person.

Now the fact that you are a minor (17years) I don't know if you're allowed to bring rum into the USA. But like you said, coffee ( Santo Domingo brand) is no problem.

Happy to help you

Happy Feet

Answer 4

You can take anything you want back into the USA just so long as you don't get caught

Answer 5

Just give the customs guy a littly money  (discreetly) and he'll let you bring it. You can bring paintings if you want. They will just roll them up for you and you can have them framed when you go home.I did it before.