The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Madagascar, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Revolut Mastercard taken by a Bank of Africa ATM in Nosy Be late at night. By the next day, they said the card had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and use my Monzo backup. Madagascar is very cash-heavy outside Antananarivo, so being left short of cash was stressful. Always carry two cards plus USD when travelling here.
My Wise Visa was swallowed by a BNI ATM in Antananarivo. I went into the branch the next morning, and after checking my ID, they returned it without hassle. Staff were polite and explained it happens often with foreign cards. A friend also got their Monzo card back from a BFV-SG branch. If you act quickly, recovery in Madagascar is possible at big branches.
In Madagascar, ATMs are mostly run by BNI Madagascar, Bank of Africa, and BFV-Société Générale. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport. Some banks may return it, but often foreign cards are destroyed quickly. Always call the hotline printed on the ATM. Madagascar is still very cash-based, so carry ariary and USD as backup while waiting.
My card got eaten at a BNI Madagascar ATM in Antananarivo near Analakely Market. The machine just froze. I went inside the branch the next morning, and staff explained they return local cards but block foreign ones. I had to cancel mine with my bank. Cash is king here, so always carry extra ariary or even euros to exchange. Don’t depend only on plastic in Madagascar.