i believe it's $5 to start a personal account. you can use this online as a visa in many places. if you're in the u.s. you can probably attach it to a bank account, but i never did so i don't know how easy or hard that is.

if you want cash in your hand, the epassporte visa electron card costs $35. i love mine. 2 minutes after i get paid, i have actual money in my hand at any atm.

if you don't have one, you can maybe get a sponsor to send one or have an associate send you a gift card. many sponsors will start an account and buy your electron card for ya.