In Panama we have the luxery of being able to find many of the same foods that we have back home at a variety of grocery stores, but for me there is just something so American-esque about Price Smart. Perhaps it’s due to the similarites it shares with Costco, an old favorite of mine. Whatever the case may be, Price Smart is bulk shopping done right.

Price Smart has everything you would expect to find at a Costco back home. When you walk in, you’re immediately greeted by the standard electronics department, with big screen TVs, computers, MP3 players, and a whole lot more gadgets and gizmos that I can happily browse through. Prices aren’t always the greatest for electronics here, so make sure you compare, and keep your eye out for great deals.

The fruits and vegetable selection at Price Smart is good, but there is no reason to buy your produce here. You will find it much cheaper at a local grocery store. By the veggies you will find massive amounts of delicious cheese, at prices that are generally quite reasonable.

Price Smart cakes are also some of my favorites, as they have a more traditional American taste than the super sugary cakes I have found at local bakeries.

The rest of the store is like a giant treasure hunt! Some items are things you can only find here, while others are available at other supermarkets, at a way higher price. Always compare prices though – not everything is cheaper at Price Smart, but some of their deals can’t be beaten.

I also like Price Smart for their Costco like food service after the check-out. The pizza is decent, as are the calzones, but on a hot day nothing beats their soft-serve. A chocolate-vanilla twist sends me straight back to the Dairy Bar back home.

They also offer great deals for Business Members:

For our Business Members, PriceSmart provides a service to make your shopping quick and effective. With just a phone call, fax or email, our Business Services team will handle all of your shopping needs, including quotations, placing of orders, and collecting the merchandise for your pickup – all at no additional cost. PriceSmart is ready to supply you with products for resale, business use or for your home.

Price Smart is membership shopping; one year costs $40.

Price Smart has severl locations in Panama, including one in El Dorado, on Via Ricardo J. alfaro, at the entrance to Villa de las Fuentes #2.

Visit http://www.pricesmart.com

Or call 507-214-7011