IF the person does not have a "free" VISA/Mastercard associated with their checking or bank, than I personally would suggest the Trevellers Checks. But MY choice, and strong suggestion, would be a "regular" debit card from a bank. Easy to get, and does not necessarily need to be from their "main" bank, and a new account could be opened almost anywhere, so liability can be limited.
The prepaid cards, such as Visa, Master Card, or American Express often have FEES associated with their use, and obtaining cash may be costly. (American Express prepaid allows one transaction per month "free", but you have to pay the ATM fee and there are no free ATM's.) Green Dot cards cost money and also have "restrictions". I do not suggest AMEX. (I opened mine on a promo for free $25, and very unhappy with them and it. )
I do suggest your friend consider a Pay Pal Master Card, if time permits. I've been using mine since first offered (a decade or longer now). My Benefits include 1.5 % cash back on all purchases (non-pin), and it's pretty much the only payment method I use for everything. Downside: It takes 3-5 days to transfer in/out money from/to another bank, and cash from ATMS is limited to $400? daily. (I have two cards for when I travel so I can get $800 cash daily if needed.) (They also geographically restrict the cards use to your local area. When traveling, notify them and this security precaution is lifted.)
ING also offers free accounts, and has a promotion going for a FREE $50 when you open one. (Please PM me for a referral link. thanks) There are no ATM fees if you use their network for withdrawals. ING is an online bank/investment house, FDIC insured, and up to $1K per day can be taken from ATM's.
No need to pay for a debit cards, and many banks have no fees for checking, if you open on a promotion, meet the minimum, etc.
(In addition to being a casino and gaming coupon whore, I also take advantage of several bank promo's every year. So far in 2012, I've "earned", and received over $225 by doing so. I expect to receive another $75.00 in late June.) The downside to "doing" bank promotions is the detail and follow up to comply with their terms, and able to meet the minimum requirements and maintain a minimum if required. I currently have 5 "bank accounts". Two will be closed in the coming month when I complete and satisfy the original requirements.
(For a list of current bank promotions, maintained on an unaffiliated web site, PM me. I use it monthly. )
