The "price actually paid or payable" means entire amount that has already been paid or is still owed by the buyer. Letters of credit or other negotiable instruments may also be used to make the payment in addition to cash transfers. Additionally, payments can be sent directly or indirectly. The settlement of a debt owing by the seller to the buyer is an illustration of an indirect payment. A commercial invoice typically shows the whole amount paid. However, it cannot serve as a reliable foundation for calculating the transaction value if it misrepresents or inflates the price or if it is deceptive or dishonest