Going to the market is one of the most common activities in Vanuatu! Let's practice the essential shopping phrases.
Key Market Phrases:
- Hamas? — How much?
- Hamas long wan? — How much for one?
- Mi wantem — I want
- Mi wantem tu — I want two
- Mi pem — I'll pay / I'll buy it
- I dea tumas — It's too expensive!
- Yu save putum daon? — Can you lower the price?
- Okei, mi tekem — Okay, I'll take it
Sample Conversation:
> You: Halo! Hamas long kokonas?
> Seller: Wan handred vatu.
> You: I dea tumas! Yu save putum daon?
> Seller: Okei, eit-ti vatu.
> You: Mi tekem tu. Tankyu!
Money in Vanuatu:
The currency is the Vatu (VT). Common amounts:
- 100 VT ≈ $1 USD
- Wan handred vatu — 100 VT
- Faef handred vatu — 500 VT
- Wan taosen vatu — 1,000 VT