10 Most Expensive Countries to Buy Cigarettes in the World

Smokers are definitely having more difficulty coping with the prices in these 10 most expensive countries to buy cigarettes in the world. For some countries in the world, prices of cigarettes are constantly increasing. There are some places that price cigarettes are so high, they cost 10 times more than in other countries. This has caused a lot of complaints and a lot of problems for regular smokers. Some people have resorted to buying from other countries while others take advantage of illegal vendors who sell for a significantly lower price. There is actually a reasonable cause for this price hike.

Governments have come clean on the fact that the increase in prices and taxes for cigarettes and other tobacco related products is due to the fact that the number of smokers is increasing. The increasing number of smokers threatens a lot of citizens’ health and the increase of prices hopes to lessen users by discouraging them through high prices. You’ll notice that these prices are often paired with high costs of living. As such these high prices are more prevalent in the Top 15 Expensive Countries in the World- 2014. Interestingly, smoking was actually promoted a lot until research proved that smoking caused diseases like lung cancer.

These countries are ranked based on how much you’ll spend on average for a pack of cigarettes. You’ll find that some countries really push the prices to the extreme. Let’s find out more as we go through these 10 most expensive countries to buy cigarettes in the world.

10. Sweden

Average cigarette pack price: $8.15

In Sweden, the preferred tobacco is the high-quality smokeless tobacco which increases the prices of cigarettes significantly. It is also heavily debated whether or not cigarettes should be banned in the country. Because of this retailers are taking steps and are not stocking up too much just in case the law changes.

9. Papua New Guinea

Average cigarette pack price: $8.23

A study done in PNG suggests that over the years, quality of cigarette production has decreased. It means that it is more likely that one will catch a disease with the quality of cigarettes now compared to before. The government has also seen fit to increase the prices of cigarettes to lessen smokers and improve overall health.

8. Switzerland

Average cigarette pack price: $8.77

Because of the actions done by the government in the country, the population experiences a lesser amount of smokers. The government widely promotes anti-smoking and has banned it in most public places. That along with the increase of tax and prices makes it very hard for smokers. It is interesting to note that Switzerland was once one of the highest consumers of cigarettes in the world.

7. France

Average cigarette pack price: $8.83

Cigarette prices in France have been constantly increasing, with increases coming as often as every year. The increase has been little tough and there are some people that have been protesting about it.

6. Canada

Average cigarette pack price: $9.26

Smokers in Canada are really pushed to quit with cigarettes heavily taxed in the country. Prices here double that of those you can find in the US. This is especially true when you’re living in Ontario where there is an additional charge for buying a packet of cigarettes. All this increases are made to discourage smokers.

The most expensive cigarettes are found in the remaining countries in this list. Let’s head to the last half of the 10 most expensive countries to buy cigarettes in the world.

5. Iceland

Average cigarette pack price: $9.51

Along with expensive prices, cigarettes are heavily regulated in Iceland. In order to purchase one you have to prove with identification that you are at least 18 years old. You can also only buy cigarettes from approved retailers and you won’t find any vending machines for them here. It is also illegal to show it in most places in the country.

4. United Kingdom

Average cigarette pack price: $12.25

Because of the high prices of cigarettes in the country, many people are looking to buy outside the country and even resort to buying smuggled goods. In just the past year there has been an increase of 40% in price. It is also being debated whether or not manufacturers would be producing non-branded packets with graphic warnings about the risks of smoking.

3. Norway

Average cigarette pack price: $14.48

Norway is not really a place where cigarette consumption is heavy. It still fetches one of the highest prices in the world though. If you were to smoke a pack of cigarettes a day, it would cost you around $5,500 by the end of the year.

2. New Zealand

Average cigarette pack price: $14.67

In New Zealand, taxes for cigarettes continue to increase. The tax increase started three years ago and has now risen up to 40% with the 10% increase last year. Now a pack of cigarettes costs around $17 and has caused many smokers to quit.

1. Australia

Average cigarette pack price: $16.11

The prices of cigarettes are so high in Australia that it is expected to climb near $1 a stick. Taxes have been increasing and according to the government, the increases are expected to affect hundreds of thousands of smokers in the country.

This has been the list of 10 most expensive countries to buy cigarettes in the world. The causes for these high prices are good since they promote people to quit the vice.