retrovert

I guess I should clarify that yes, hotels take credit cards everywhere. But how about side tours, airport transfers, restaurants etc.?

This is a newbie question from first-timers to South America. I notice that all the prices I see quoted for hotels and tours in Chile and Argentina, including the private tours arranged on CC, are quoted in US Dollars. It looks like us tourists are expected to pay in USD for everything. Is that right? Are the local currencies used anywhere? And how do visitors deal with the lack of USD cash facilities? Is it necessary to bring a fully stuffed money belt? What happens if we run out?

Looking forward to cruising with everyone.