Does A Costco Membership Work Worldwide?

The concept for the first Costco was realized in 1976 in an airplane hangar in San Diego (via Costco). The warehouse chain's initial location had the name Price Club, and it didn't serve residential customers. Instead, the store only sold goods to small businesses. As time wore on, however, it became clear that the general public was interested in buying bulk.

The first Costco as we know it today opened in 1983 in Seattle, Washington, separate but connected to that original Price Club in San Diego. In 1993, Price Club and Costco merged and expanded. By 1993, the company had more than 200 locations across the Pacific Northwest. The growth didn't slow: According to Eat This, Not That!, Costco has over 800 locations across the world, with more slated to open through 2022. Locations are spread across the United States, Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Japan, Australia, Iceland, China, New Zealand, and more (via liveabout). Costco currently has millions of members, but have you ever wondered if you can use a Costco membership while visiting or living in a different country? We have the answers.

Costco members often wonder if they can use their membership when traveling, both within their home country or internationally. Fortunately, warehouse club members are not restricted to where they can shop. According to Costco Customer Service, Costco membership cards have a lot of benefits, including granting members access to any store location globally. All Costco membership levels can enjoy the perk of shopping at any location worldwide. Members must show their card with photo at checkout to shop at a store. Members must match the picture on their cards. Costco memberships are not transferable to another person.

While you can shop at any location, nationally or internationally, one caveat exists for Costco members. Per the company, international members can shop on the company's website, but they'll need to ship their packages to a United States address. Shoppers in Canada, South Korea, Taiwan, Mexico, and the United Kingdom can have packages delivered if they place orders on the Costco shopping site dedicated to their locations, though. United States members may also shop on international versions of the site, but items must be shipped to an address within that country.

Travelers may not think to stop at Costco during vacation, but it's actually a worthwhile venture if there's one close by. Each region and country stocks different items, depending on the needs and desires of the area. It can be a fun experience to walk through an international location to find regional snacks and goodies not available in the US — like the unique treats at the South Korea Costco bakery.