Using USA$$s to buy crafts from Embera Indians?

[riffatsea]

I know that if we were in Panama on land we'd get Panamanian money to use but if we are just going on a tour to the Embera Village what currency will they expect if you are buying their crafts? I don't think we'd have time to get local currency for that day and I wouldn't expect to use a credit card.

What has been your experience?

[riffatsea]

OK=Ignore the question!! I don't know how to delete the whole thing!

I realize now that one can use USA currency easily in Panama. Duh!! I should have known that!!

[Lidolounger]

Loved this tour.  The crafts are very authentic and great prices.

[riffatsea]

13 hours ago, Lidolounger said:

Loved this tour.  The crafts are very authentic and great prices.

Can you give me a price range?? I'd love to know how much money to bring on the tour to buy some craft items.

[Parrottdizes]

Yes, you can US$ to pay for crafts that you buy from the Embera. The price range.....hmmmmm. You can spend as little as $10 or over $200. I bought a woven basket for $150 and the spouse bought several items that cost $10 each. What I would recommend is that you take an assortment of US$ so that they don't have to make change. In other words, don't use a $50 bill to pay for a $10 item. Be as close as to the cost of the item as possible.

Another thing, don't dicker about price, but rather ask "is this your best price".   

[riffatsea]

I had a wonderful time on this tour! I ended up bringing a little over $100 and could easily have spend more. There were many many lovely things to buy! I disagree about not bargaining.

They always say they are giving you their "best price" but it is not the "last price" necessarily.

There was only one item where I could not budge the price as i was out of money and he wouldn't go $10 less to meet what I could pay.

Too bad but I did buy several really great items!

This was a fabulous tour that I highly recommend!!