S&R Membership Shopping: The Filipino Costco? An American Expat's Review

S&R Membership & Overview

• 💡 S&R is described as the Philippines' version of Costco, offering a membership-based shopping experience.
• 💰 A standard annual membership costs 700 pesos, which is approximately $14 USD.
• 🎯 Shoppers visit S&R primarily for imported foods, name brands like Kirkland, and specific items not readily available in local towns.

Appliance Pricing & Electrical Issues

• 📈 Electronics such as 75-inch TVs (60,000 pesos / $1,200), air fryers ($50-55), and refrigerators ($700-800) are noted as generally expensive.
• ⚠️ A significant concern is the unreliable electricity and lack of surge protectors in local power strips, which has led to damaged TVs.
• 🏠 Large appliances like AC units ($400-500) and washer/dryers ($1,000-1,200) also carry high price tags.

Food & Beverage Discoveries

• 🍖 Ground beef and local Filipino bread (pandesal) are highlighted as affordable options.
• 🍺 Alcohol, including Johnny Walker Black Label ($20/liter) and Kirkland Scotch ($7/handle), is considerably cheaper than in the US.
• 🛒 Certain imported items like hash browns ($6), Hot Pockets ($5 for two), and Pop Tarts ($6/box) are found to be expensive.

Expat Shopping Challenges

• 🔍 Finding specific American products like sour cream, certain coffee, breakfast sausage, and Diet Pepsi is difficult.
• 💊 Name-brand medications like Advil and Tylenol are expensive and hard to locate, costing around $30 for two bottles of Advil gels.
• 🛍️ The shopping experience includes free samples and a food court similar to Costco, offering pizza and other fast food.