Update regarding my 'situation' with NetSpend cards.
First thing I did is I went back to grocery chain where I bought the cards. As expected, they said that they don't refund any gift or reloadable cards. I expected as much, but figured I would try this as it would be the easiest way to get the money back.
Then, researching these cards further, I uncovered an interesting tidbit - non-US residents can obtain this card as well, by registering with appropriate ID - driver's license or passport.
To make a long story short, I have activated four of the cards using NetSpend web site, applying as a non-US resident (which is indeed my case - I am here on a visa
). My card got activated, with the caveat that within a month I need to fax a copy of passport/drivers license etc. As I don't plan on keeping these cards, I will skip this particular step. As a side note, I don't think the site actually validates name/address/document #
I already used these cards to load BB, proving that the approach works.
So, hope this helps others who might find themselves in the similar situation