As an American I had the same expectation trying to buy dry ice in New Zealand - couldn't find it in supermarkets or petrol stations. I wanted to get some for o

As an American I had the same expectation trying to buy dry ice in New Zealand - couldn't find it in supermarkets or petrol stations. I wanted to get some for our outdoor/off grid wedding to keep the beverages cold for several days. Eventually I called BOC (who supply industry and hospitals) and they agreed to sell us some but when I showed up with a cooler (chilly bin) they laughed at the tiny amount I wanted and filled it up. I don't think they'd ever sold it like that to a private buyer.