Bill, I read your quesion down further and thought I'd answer here as thread will probably disappear soon.
We are from Brisbane, we take Aus. $ 100 bills but separate into envelopes to allow for each day, so we know exactly what we've spent.
We use to take travellers cheques but don't bother anymore. If you do, just photo copy your passport and take copy when changing rather than risking loosing or having your passport stolen.
We just lock all valuables in to hotel safe, and take out daily envelope.
Don't change Aussie $$ into US and then to RP, you'll loose money doing this, also don't take $ 50 notes as $ 100 get a better rate.
Make sure your notes aren't graffitied on or ripped or old looking cause you will have problems changing, go to bank and ask for new notes.
We also take either a ATM card or Credit Card to fall back on for emergencies. If you do this make sure your card has maestro written on it, especially if you bank with Suncorp, or you won't be able to use.
Cheers..hope that helps..