The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Tanzania, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
CRDB ATM near my guesthouse in Moshi took my debit card and didn’t even show an error. I went to the bank next morning with my passport, but they said unless it’s a Tanzanian-issued card, they won’t return it. I locked the card from my banking app and switched to my backup. Always carry two cards and never use ATMs outside of working hours, or you’ll have no recourse.
Yep, happened to me too in Stone Town. My Mastercard got stuck and the screen just timed out. Next morning I went to the branch, and they told me foreign cards go straight to shredding after retrieval. No joke. I had to survive the rest of the trip using cash sent via Western Union. If your ATM card gets eaten in Tanzania, assume it’s gone unless you act fast within banking hours.
I lost my Visa card to an ATM outside an NMB Bank in Arusha. Told the hotel staff and they took me to the branch. The manager checked the machine logs, but since it was a non-Tanzanian card, they said they couldn’t return it due to security policy. I had to call my bank, cancel the card, and use my backup. Lesson: always carry two cards and store them separately.
Same happened to me at a CRDB ATM in Dar. I rushed into the branch and they said they destroy foreign cards as per policy. No chance of getting it back. Best thing to do is block the card immediately through your app or bank hotline and get a replacement sent to a hotel or DHL point. You’re not the first - it sucks, but it’s common.