A friend of mine had his passport and money stolen from his back pack in a bus. What was supposed to be a fun trip, became a nightmare. He spent his trip going to the embassy and the police station. Even if it is an imitation. Do NOT walk with your passport and a lot of money.
Most places take credit cards.
Just take enough money to get by. And if your passport get stolen, your trip is finished. Do NOT take an expensive picture camera to the beach. You safer by buying a plastic camera and taking it to the beach. Do NOT take women that you just met to your hotel room.