I was using an ATM near my hostel in Namibia, & 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?
I had my Mastercard taken by a Bank Windhoek ATM in Swakopmund on a Friday night. When I went Monday morning, the staff said the card had already been destroyed for security. I had to cancel it and use my Wise backup. Namibia is still very cash-based outside Windhoek, so losing a main card can be a real headache. My advice: avoid weekend withdrawals and always travel with a second card and spare NAD or ZAR.
My Monzo Visa was eaten by an FNB ATM in Windhoek. I went to the branch the next morning, and after confirming my ID, they returned it in about 40 minutes. The staff were used to dealing with foreign tourists. Friends also had success with Standard Bank ATMs in Swakopmund. If you withdraw at ATMs attached to branches, the process is usually straightforward in Namibia.
In Namibia, the main ATMs are operated by FNB Namibia, Standard Bank, and Bank Windhoek. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport as soon as possible. FNB and Standard Bank sometimes return cards, but foreign cards are often destroyed within 48 hours. Call the hotline listed on the ATM right away. While waiting, freeze your card in your bank’s app and keep some Namibian dollars or rand as backup.
Yes, my card got swallowed at a Bank Windhoek ATM in Windhoek near Post Street Mall. The machine froze and kept it. The bank staff said they destroy foreign cards for security. Best thing is to block it right away and switch to a backup. In Namibia, stick to ATMs from FNB, Standard Bank, or Bank Windhoek inside malls or banks. Cash is still king outside Windhoek - you’ll need Namibian dollars for buses, markets, and safari stops.