Cigarettes in St Maarten

I've heard that purchasing cigarettes in St Maarten is cheaper then buying them at the duty free shop on the ship. If this is true does any one know the price, how many can cartons can we bring back and if they sell Marlboro and Newport?

We've noticed Marlboros for $9 - $12 on the island, but the stores usually had a very explicit warning about limiting the number US citizens can bring back, perhaps ONE carton.

St. Thomas was a little more expensive, but without the limitations, we believe.

We think that the shipboard price was NOT unreasonable.

(We're not smokers, and purchased for someone else.)

I live in St.Maarten and I know that you are allowed 2 cartons per person to take back to the USA. Also, the price recently must have gone up by maybe a dollar or two per carton (Philip Morris made the increase), so it can range from anywhere between $10 - $15, depending on the type. We do sell Marlboro and Newport and much more.

Thank you both very much. Another question, if you dont mind, is that 2 cartons just from St Maarten or 2 total per person?

It's actually MUCH more complicated than that:

See this link.

B. Personal-use quantity exemption:

(1) Passengers/travelers may import previously exported (restricted)

tobacco products only in quantities not exceeding the amounts

specified in exemptions for which the traveler qualifies. Any

quantities of restricted tobacco products not permitted by an

exemption will be seized and destroyed. These items are typically

purchased in Duty Free Stores, on carriers operating

internationally, or in foreign stores. These items are usually

marked “Tax Exempt. For Use Outside the U.S.,” or “U.S. Tax

Exempt For Use Outside the U.S.”

For example, a returning resident, if she/he claims and is granted

an exemption, is eligible for the $400 exemption, which may include

200 cigarettes. If the resident declares 400 previously exported

cigarettes, the resident would be permitted 200 cigarettes, tax-free

under the exemption and the remaining 200 cigarettes would be

seized.

If a returning resident is eligible for the $400 exemption

and declares 400 cigarettes, of which 200 have been previously

exported and 200 which have not been previously exported, the

resident would be permitted to import the 200 previously exported

cigarettes tax free under the exemption and the resident would be

charged duty and tax on the remaining 200 cigarettes.

I dunno...... read the info the cruise gives ya....... *hates ciggarettes*

Does anyone have a clue what the above post might mean?

An anti smoke person maybe? Letting us know we shouldnt post questions about cigarettes on here and to listen to what the cruise line says.

my answer: oh well

Last month, I was standing in the liquor/cigarette store that is located inside the Plaza area as you get off the ships. As I waited to pay for my purchase, the gentleman next to me was getting his. He paid $10 for a carton of Marlboro!! I wish that I had known that prior to landing in St. Maarten, as I had just bought cigarettes on board (which is still a good deal, considering what they cost "state-side") the night before. According to the clerk at the store, as well as what I was told onboard the ship...you are allowed 200 cigs (1 carton) per passenger.

Hope this info helps.

I would *never* do anything like this myself, but I have heard stories ... :)

Is there a vendor in Philipsburg where one could ship a FedEx package to the states? I have heard that some ne'er-do-wells could buy Cuban cigars, remove the bands, toss in a slip of paper that says "Hecho en Mexico/DR/Nicauragua/etc", and ship them back home via FedEx.

I suppose this might be a bit more difficult with cigarettes, but perhaps it is possible.

Bill