I was using an ATM near my hostel in Comoros, & it took my card & never gave it back. No error message, just gone. Has anyone had this happen? Whats the fastest way to get it back? Any advice on who to call or what to do next?
Dealing with a swallowed card in Comoros is a major hassle, honestly. I was using a BIC ATM near the Karthala Guesthouse and it just ate my card. Your first priority should be to call the local bank's helpline, which should be on the machine. Tell them exactly what happened. Because banking hours can be different, you might have to wait until the next day to go to the branch in person. Make sure you bring your passport and a copy of your bank statement for proof of ownership.
That happened to me with a Societe Generale ATM on Grande Comore. It's super frustrating. The most crucial thing is to immediately contact your bank back home and tell them what happened. They can put a freeze on the card so no one can use it. Don't wait for the Comoros bank to help, as international banks often have different protocols. In the meantime, having a secondary card (like a Visa or even a backup Revolut card) or emergency cash is a lifesaver.
Oh man, that's a tough one. Getting a card back in Comoros can be tricky. My friend's card was retained by an ATM from Banque Centrale des Comores. The most important thing is to note the exact location and time. Since many ATMs are inside or near a bank, the fastest way to resolve it is to go inside the branch when it opens. Be prepared to show your passport and any other ID. Don't count on being able to get it back immediately; it may take a few days, but it's your best shot.
I haven't had that happen in Comoros specifically, but I've heard stories. It's a place where you want to be extra careful with cash and cards. The financial infrastructure isn't as developed as in some other countries, and ATMs can be less reliable. When my card got taken in another developing country, the first thing I did was call the number on the machine, but that didn't help. The best solution was to go inside the bank branch the next day with my passport and explain the situation. They were able to open the machine and retrieve my card.