Son going to Italy

Generally the best bet is a combination of a no-fee credit card and a no-fee ATM debit card. You use the credit card whenever you can, and use the ATM card to take out the maximum limit of cash as your cash supply runs low. You can get both set up through Capital One but that can take a few weeks. (But since he's leaving next month you probably don't have time to set that up at this point.) If you don't mind my asking, how mature is your son? I'm wondering if there is some concern about that that led you to ask about the prepaid credit card? Maybe some parents on this board might be able to weigh in with their strategies depending on your response.

Prepaid debit and credit card often carry some expensive hidden fees. When our son traveled in high school we just gave him one of our debit cards for our travel account and a money belt.

Cash is best. If he has his own debit card, put him on a budget and add cash to the account. Otherwise, Frank's idea.

ATM Debit card from either Capital One or a Credit Union as neither charge a fee state side.

We used a Charles Schwab debit card that is linked to a money market account, therefore, no fees. You can use any ATM machine at any bank. Call them to get the necessary paperwork to open the account. Don't know your exact timeframe and if this would work. It's worth a try.

This won't work for everyone, but if you are a member of USAA, the USAA bank offers credit cards and checking accounts that would fit the no ATM fee, and no international exchange fee. It is extremely fast to set up a checking acct and credit card account with them. (The European ATMs take only a 4 digit pin, not a 5 digit one.) We did this for our sons when they went to college.
The USAA credit card I got for them was in his name with me as a user on the card so that I could check the balance and pay bills with it. Also, it was a way for him to establish credit and they could use the cards on their student trips. Make sure your son knows that if he takes cash off of a credit card instead of from a checking account that the interest starts running from the time that he got the cash out. I hope he has a great time.

Thanks everyone, know what we're going to do now!

Don't forget to advise the credit card company that the card will be used in Italy or it may be declined. I also scanned our daughters' passports, medical insurance cards and credit cards, front and back, and sent it to their email accounts in case there was a problem

Marion, Since you posted on Rick Steves' web site, I'm assuming you have read through all the great advice on the Travel Tips portion of the web site. Be sure your son (not just you) reads the part about "Money Matters." Young people can be so (too much so) trusting, and it is good for him to have some warnings from someone "other than mom." Lots of good advice in the Travel Tips section on lots of topics, in addition to money matters.
How lucky to be going to Italy at a young age!!! Travel is such an important part of life-time learning.