Can You Use Your Costco Membership Internationally?

A Costco membership offers a range of benefits, including the ability to shop at any Costco location worldwide. If you have a valid membership, you can enjoy shopping privileges at international stores as easily as you would at your local warehouse. This is particularly beneficial for travelers or expatriates who find themselves in countries with Costco branches, allowing them to purchase familiar products and brands. However, there are some considerations to keep in mind. Pricing can vary from country to country, reflecting differences in local taxes, import duties, and operational costs. Additionally, product availability might differ based on regional preferences and supply chains. While your membership card is universally accepted, payment methods might vary, so it's a good idea to be aware of local payment practices. Language differences might also pose a challenge, but Costco's layout tends to be consistent worldwide, making navigation relatively straightforward. Always check the specific policies of the country you're visiting, as there might be unique regulations or membership perks. By understanding these nuances, you can effectively use your Costco membership internationally and enjoy a seamless shopping experience.
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What are Costcos like outside of the United States?

Costco warehouses in the United States are renowned for offering a variety of exceptional international products, from century eggs to brie cheese. However, in international locations, many items may appear commonplace to local shoppers but can be a delightful surprise for American visitors. For instance, Australian Costcos feature buckets of Vegemite, while Mexican warehouses offer large tubs of cajeta, a goat's milk caramel, and cartons of rompope, a drink akin to eggnog. In Spain, Costco stocks fuet, a unique type of dried pork sausage, and bizcocho, a sponge cake.

The Kirkland Signature brand is also available outside the U.S., comprising about 35% of the inventory in international locations. The remaining 65% consists of products sourced locally from the respective country where Costco operates.

Exploring chains like McDonald's while traveling abroad is always interesting to see how the menu adapts, and the same goes for Costco. While many menu staples remain consistent—such as the hot dog, chicken bake, and pizza—some locations, like those in Korea and Japan, offer local twists on popular items or feature regional specialties. Here, you might encounter a bulgogi bake, fried rice, mushroom soup, a vegetable garden burger, or caramel soft serve. In Canadian Costco food courts, poutine—a dish of french fries, cheese curds, and gravy—is a must-try, while in Scotland, you can enjoy a cottage pie.

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