Panama does not currently have Costco or Sam’s Club, but it does have PriceSmart — the membership warehouse club most expats compare to Costco.
For North Americans moving to Panama, PriceSmart feels familiar because it offers bulk shopping, imported products, household goods, electronics, groceries, and membership-based pricing. PriceSmart Panama also offers memberships directly through its Panama site.
What You Can Buy at PriceSmart
PriceSmart carries many items expats look for, including:
How It Compares to Costco
PriceSmart is not identical to Costco or Sam’s Club, but the shopping model feels very similar. Many expats use it as part of their regular grocery and household routine.
You may still supplement with Riba Smith, Rey, Super 99, local markets, and specialty stores depending on what you need.
Everyday Convenience
For people buying property in Panama, having access to warehouse-style shopping is one more reason daily life feels easier and more familiar than expected.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact.
About Melissa Darnay:
Melissa Darnay is the CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.
Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama
For North Americans moving to Panama, PriceSmart feels familiar because it offers bulk shopping, imported products, household goods, electronics, groceries, and membership-based pricing. PriceSmart Panama also offers memberships directly through its Panama site.
What You Can Buy at PriceSmart
PriceSmart carries many items expats look for, including:
- Bulk groceries
- Paper goods
- Imported foods
- Appliances
- Electronics
- Household essentials
- Pet supplies
- Seasonal items
How It Compares to Costco
PriceSmart is not identical to Costco or Sam’s Club, but the shopping model feels very similar. Many expats use it as part of their regular grocery and household routine.
You may still supplement with Riba Smith, Rey, Super 99, local markets, and specialty stores depending on what you need.
Everyday Convenience
For people buying property in Panama, having access to warehouse-style shopping is one more reason daily life feels easier and more familiar than expected.
Schedule your free 30-minute consultation at https://ChoosePanama.com/contact.
About Melissa Darnay:
Melissa Darnay is the CEO of Choose Panama Real Estate and one of Panama’s leading experts in luxury real estate and expat relocation. Since moving to Panama in 2012, she has helped hundreds of affluent North Americans invest, retire, and build a better life in Panama. As the host of The Panama Podcast, Melissa blends deep local expertise with concierge-level service — making her one of the most trusted advisors in Panama’s real estate market.
Explore more insights at https://www.youtube.com/@choosepanama
RSS Feed