I followed an instructional post on here last week. i opened a poloniex account and a wirex account.
With that done I transferred about $50 to the wirex account as bitcoin that can be cashed out in dollars, euros or sterling.
Took a bit of navigating at first but it all worked.
Now I'm just waiting for the Wirex plastic card to arrive to use in the ATM. That is the only bit that cost anything in the whole procedure.
I agree though, yes it takes some time, patience and of course some postings to get it going.
You've got a new follower, so I'll be upvoting you on your way.