Next up in the “International Series” (Costco in Canada (International Series #1)); (Costco in South Korea (International Series #2)); (Costco in Iceland (International Series #3)); (Costco in Australia (International Series #4)); (Costco in the United Kingdom (International Series #5)); (Costco in Japan (International Series #6)); (Costco in France (International Series #7)); (Costco in China (International Series #8)); (Costco in New Zealand (International Series #9)); (Costco in Sweden (International Series #10))); (Costco in Taiwan (International Series #11)) is Mexico, where there are 40 Costco stores.
This post is based on an article by someone traveling in an RV. Therefore, several of his observations are geared towards his interests in RV-compliant items.
1. Reciprocity with United States Costco Stores
The author mentions that memberships from other countries can be used and renewed in Mexico. He points out that the fee will be in pesos and therefore may be more or less expensive than the fee in the country in which it was originally purchased.
We have now seen throughout this series that Costco memberships may be used across countries. I do think it is interesting that the fee will differ if one renews membership in a different country.
2. RV Tires Available but no Deep-Cycle RV Batteries
According to the article, although the tires were available for purchase, the batteries were not.
I included this but don’t have anything to add.
3. Beef From Canada
According to the article, the Costco beef sold in Mexico is sourced in Canada, rather than in the US.
I wonder if Canadian beef costs less for Costco in Mexico to buy? Otherwise it seems that it would be easier to import from the US because it is closer to Mexico.
4. High Quality Fruits and Vegetables
The author points out that the stores in Mexico have high quality produce. In addition, he reports that some produce items sold in Mexico may not be available in the US, depending on the time of year.
I have certainly written about the high quality produce in Costco ((What Food Experts Purchase at Costco); (Product Review: Blueberries); (Product Review: Russet Potatoes); (Product Review: Cal-organic Baby Carrots); (Product Review: Watermelons)), so it is no surprise that it would be good in Mexico. In fact, the tomatoes we buy in Costco tend to come from Mexico (Product review: grape tomatoes.)
5. Several Limited Food Selections
According to the article, several items are limited in Mexico Costco stores. For example, the author comments on the limited frozen vegetables, cheeses, mustards, diet soda, soups, and spices.
I can’t comment most of these items but I am surprised that cheese is limited, given that UD Costco stores tend to have large cheese selections (“Strong” and “weak” sections of Costco).
7. Spanish Books
The author expressed disappointment that the books and computer software were all in Spanish.
I can understand wanting to buy reading material while traveling. However, I am not surprised that the books would be in Spanish in Mexico.
8. No Reading Glasses
Apparently, Costco stores in Mexico don’t carry reading glasses.
I think it is funny that the author specifically commented on not being able to purchase reading glasses at the Costco in Mexico. I have joked about the multipacks of reading glasses a few times. I once said they could be party favors for a senior citizens’ book group and then, more recently, included them as a good reason to have a Passover Seder at Costco (Pros and Cons of Holding Passover Seders at Costco).
9. Similar Electronic Items
According to the article, many of the same electronic items (e.g., barbeque equipment; air conditioners) are sold in both Mexico and the US.
Not a surprise.
10. No Direct TV or Dish Network
The author explains that these television options are not permitted in Mexico.
I don’t know anything about TV options in Mexico.
11. No Disposable Bottle Propane
The author cautions that, despite not being able to buy propane in disposable bottles in Mexico, it does not make sense to buy large propane pots. Apparently, the US will not refill them.
Although this tip does not apply to my lifestyle, I can see it being very important to others.
12. Reasonable Prices for Car Accessories
According to the article, both car accessories and gas can be purchased at good prices in Mexico.
It appears that low-priced gas is a consistent feature of Costco, regardless of country(Got gas?) LINK to got gas and Spain
13. Some Low-Priced Alcohol
The author commented on the availability of some (e.g., Chilean beer and wine; Mexican Brandy) but not all (e.g., tequila) varieties of alcohol at low prices.
I have written before about the high quality alcohol sold at Costco ((Alcohol at Costco (Part 1 of 2); (Alcohol at Costco (Part 2 of 2)). The specific offerings may differ across countries, with the exception of the New Zealand Costco (Costco in New Zealand (International Series #9)), but most articles about the international Costco stores have commented on the alcohol available at the stores discussed.
14. Limited Kirkland Medication
The article mentions that not all the Kirkland medications (e.g., herbal medicine; acetaminophen) available in the US are sold in Mexico.
I don’t think too much about the medication sold at Costco but I do find it surprising that it would differ.
15. Limited Coffee
According to the article, Costco stores in Mexico do not sell whole bean French Roast Coffees.
Again, I do not drink coffee but I wonder why these would not be sold at Costco in Mexico.
16. Good Quality Paper Towels
The author writes positive comments about the paper goods available in Costco warehouses in Mexico. Apparently, paper products in Mexico tend to be lower quality than in the US.
Kirkland paper products are certainly very popular ((An assortment of Costco facts (Part 1 of 2); (And the winner is…???)) and my family certainly buys them.
What do you think about these observations from a visit to Costco in Mexico? Have you been to one of the stores in Mexico?
Cruising Costco 