The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Seychelles, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
My card was captured by a Barclays ATM near Victoria Market on Mahé. The bank explained they don’t hand back foreign cards; they get destroyed. I canceled mine through my banking app. Seychelles is largely cash-based-especially taxis and smaller guesthouses. Luckily, I had euros to exchange at the bureau near the market. Resorts and big restaurants take cards, but if you’re exploring islands like La Digue or Praslin, you need cash for ferries, bikes, and local shops.
Yep, happened to me too in Praslin - the ATM outside a shop took my card and just froze. No message, nothing. I flagged down a local who helped me call the bank’s customer service line. They told me they collect trapped cards every day and I’d need to go to the nearest branch with my passport. Took two days, but I got it back. If you're staying on the island short-term, have a spare card or carry a bit of backup cash till it's sorted.
My Wise card got eaten by a Seychelles Commercial Bank ATM outside a supermarket in Anse Royale. I didn’t panic - called the bank using the number on the machine, and they told me to come to the main branch with ID. The card was recovered the next day. One thing I do now: always have a backup card and keep the primary one in-hand only during working hours, ideally at bank ATMs - the standalone ones are riskier.
I lost my card in an Absa ATM in Mahé - no error, it just sucked it in and nothing came out. I went into the branch next morning with my ID, and the staff were actually chill about it. They said the machine automatically holds cards sometimes if there's a read error. They returned mine after 48 hours, no drama. Lesson learned: only use ATMs during bank hours if you can, just in case something like this happens.
That happened to me at an MCB ATM in Victoria. First thing: note the time, ATM location, and take a photo if you can. Then go to the bank branch as soon as it opens with your passport. I explained the situation and they confirmed the card would be retrieved when the ATM gets serviced. I picked it up two days later with no issues. If it’s an ATM not attached to a bank, you might need to call the number printed on the machine.