Where to buy good cigars, why they cost the same everywhere in the country, and how to keep them fresh. The Austrian Association of Cigar and Pipe Retailers answers the most common questions.
In Austria, tobacco is sold through a state monopoly: cigars are available at licensed tobacconists (Trafik) and specialist tobacco shops, not in supermarkets or at petrol stations. For cigar lovers this is good news, because every counter is run by a licensed business with trained staff.
For premium cigars, walk-in humidors and in-depth advice, the specialist shops are the place to go. VCPÖ member shops can be found in every Austrian province, many also carry pipes, accessories and rarities. Use the retailer search to find the nearest shop, with map and radius search.
Tobacco retail prices are officially fixed in Austria. The same cigar costs exactly the same in Vienna, Salzburg or the smallest village, so forget price comparisons and choose your shop for freshness, storage and advice.
Over 70 specialist shops across Austria, with map, opening hours and radius search. To the retailer search →
Several member shops are located at main railway stations and in city centres, some open daily. Their profiles list opening hours and specialities.
Answered briefly and honestly by the trade association. For everything else, talk to your tobacconist.
Every Austrian tobacconist (Trafik) covers the basics. For a real selection, proper storage and advice, visit one of the specialist tobacco shops. The 70+ member shops of the VCPÖ are listed in the retailer search on www.vcpoe.at, with a map and radius search.
No. Distance selling of tobacco products to consumers is prohibited by law in Austria, including deliveries from abroad. Many specialist shops will however gladly reserve cigars for pickup, just call ahead.
Retail prices for tobacco products are officially fixed in Austria, so the same cigar costs exactly the same in every shop in the country. There is no point in shopping around for price, what matters is freshness, storage and advice.
At 65 to 72 percent relative humidity and a constant temperature; above roughly 24 degrees Celsius the risk of tobacco beetles rises. A sealed freshness bag from the shop covers the first weeks, a humidor is the long-term solution.
A milder cigar with a smaller ring gauge and 30 to 45 minutes of smoking time, such as a Petit Corona or a small Robusto. Personal advice in the shop beats any rule of thumb.
More: The cigar in detail · Humidor assistant · Cigar advisor
Over 70 specialist shops across Austria take time for your questions.
