Cash Payments in Tonga

What's the best way for a US traveler to handle cash payments in Tonga?

I'm planning on using a major credit card for those places that will accept them.

But for smaller purchases and for folks that don't accept credit cards should I get Tongan currency? Or is US currency OK?

If I need T$ what are the best places to make the exchange?

You obviously need Tongan currency for many places.
I personally got it from ATMs. No problem.

Thanks Lazlo... coming into TBU late on Saturday, out on Monday. Are ATMs where I can get to them in the off hours?

I am afraid I can't remember the specifics, but I also landed late and could still get cash so there must have been an ATM at the airport. I could also buy a local SIM card for my phone right there.

If the ATM @ the airport is out of money-it can happen-then your cab driver can take you to another one in town.

Lazlo & hardnosethehighway...

Thanks for the info.... another question:

I'm only on Tongatapu for the weekend then to the outer islands, so I rented a car. Any must-see places on Tongapatu?

Lots, but they are not secrets.
The LP guide or even local tourist maps show them all, and with a rented car you could pretty much cover all sights in a day. But as usually the case in the Pacific, Tonga isn't really about sights.

How about taste, do,experience or feel?

Taste: LOL! Though the traditional food is not bad.
Do: Quite a lot by Polynesian standards, I' say.
Feel: Quite unique! Among other things, traditional dress, grass skirts and mats, still common.

Plus

Diversity: excellent by Polynesian standards. They pack in everything from atolls through rock islands to volcanoes.

Re, ATMs in Tonga. There's a Westpac ATM (free withdrawals for those with Westpac/Barclays/Bank of America/Deutche bank atm cards) at Fua'amoto airport, just outside the international arrivals. But personally I found it to be unreliable when I went last year. I waited about 5-7mins for it to deliver the cash, it seemed very old and clunky. Check it out when you get there, maybe just change enough $us or $aud to get into town for more reliable atms.

Otherwise its easy to get your hands on cash. Defintley get all you need an then some more before heading into the outer islands, sometimes ATMs run out money/break down on the main island, so imagine what it could be like on the outer islands!