The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Uganda, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I’ve been living in Uganda for a while, and this is unfortunately common. Local banks here follow strict anti-fraud rules - if an ATM keeps your card, they destroy it, even if you show ID. Best move is to call your home bank immediately, freeze the card, and request a replacement. Some banks like Absa or Equity might let you file an incident report, but don’t expect to get the card back. From now on, I only use ATMs during working hours, inside proper branches.
This happened to me last month at a Centenary Bank ATM in Entebbe. I left the card in too long and it just stayed in. I spoke to staff the next morning, and they said they’d found it during the ATM check, but couldn’t release it. Uganda banks won’t give foreign-issued cards back even if you show ID. I had to use my backup Wise card until a replacement arrived. Always carry two cards and never use ATMs late at night or in unmanned locations.
My Wise card got eaten by an ATM in Kampala, outside a DTB branch. No message, just didn’t come back. I went into the bank immediately with my passport, and they said even if they find it, they’re not allowed to return foreign cards. It’s a banking policy here. They told me to block it and order a new one. If you’re still stuck, check with the exact bank branch ASAP and ask if they retrieved the card during overnight maintenance.
Same thing happened to me in Jinja at a Stanbic ATM outside a supermarket. Card went in, screen froze, and nothing came out. I went to the branch the next morning and they confirmed they had it, but because it’s a foreign-issued card, they wouldn’t give it back - they just destroy them. You’re supposed to block the card ASAP with your bank. Sucks, but it’s a security rule here. Always keep a backup if you’re travelling in Uganda.