My card was taken by an ATM near my hotel in Burkina Faso. Has this happened to anyone else? Solution?
Unfortunately, it’s a very common problem. The local ATMs aren’t always as reliable as those back home. Your best bet is to contact your bank immediately and get them to cancel the card. You won't get it back. The bank’s security protocol means they will shred it. To get cash, you'll either have to use a backup card or, if you don't have one, ask a friend or family member to send you money through Western Union or a similar service.
This happened to me with a Societe Generale Burkina Faso ATM. I was able to get it back, but it took a few days. The ATM was attached to the bank branch, so I went in and explained the situation. They told me to come back the next day with my passport, and after a few hours, they were able to retrieve it from the machine. My advice is to try to retrieve it first if the ATM is connected to a bank branch, but if it is standalone, it's likely gone.
It’s a huge pain, but don't panic. The first step is to call your home bank and report it. They will cancel the card to protect your account. The ATMs in Burkina Faso sometimes have a delayed reaction, and a simple network error could be the cause. Don't expect to get the card back. The best option is to have a second debit or credit card for emergencies. You can also have money wired to you via a service like Western Union or MoneyGram.
Yes, this happens. Your card is most likely gone for good. You need to call your bank right now and block it. ATMs in Burkina Faso, especially in Ouagadougou, can be a bit old and temperamental. A common reason for the machine swallowing a card is a technical error or if you don't take it out quickly enough. You won't get it back, as the bank will destroy it for security. Head to a bank like Coris Bank or Ecobank with your passport to see if you can get a cash advance.