@ crotch (ha ha, sorry for that shorthand)
Real good tips, i am from Southy and i would say you are Spot on, the locals are Ace to you if you are great to them (which is pretty much worldwide). A machete is real good but i personally prefer a sharpened Parang (as does the S.A.S.
It will allow you to cut down foliage, strip bark of sticks, serve as a hatchet and will work almost like a chef's knive if is its shapened properly. If you sharpen it trreat it with respect or you might chop of your leg.