I was using an ATM near my hostel in Bhutan, & 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 Revolut Mastercard taken by a Bhutan National Bank ATM in Paro late on a Friday evening. By Monday, when I went to the branch, they said the card had already been destroyed for security. I had to cancel and rely on my HSBC backup. Bhutan is still very cash-based, especially outside Thimphu, so it left me short of money for a couple of days. My advice: only withdraw during working hours in Bhutan and carry backup cash and cards at all times.
My Monzo Visa was swallowed by a Bank of Bhutan ATM in Thimphu. I went to the branch the next morning, and after verifying my ID, they returned it without issue. Staff were very polite and spoke good English. They explained ATMs sometimes retain foreign cards due to chip reader issues. It only delayed me for an hour, and I didn’t have to cancel. Bhutan National Bank in Paro has a similar process, so recovery is possible if you’re near main towns.
In Bhutan, ATMs are operated by Bank of Bhutan, Bhutan National Bank (BNB), and Druk PNB. If your card is captured, go directly to the branch with your passport. Bank of Bhutan ATMs in Thimphu and Paro are the most reliable for handling these cases. Call the hotline listed on the ATM right away. Since Bhutan is cash-heavy, it’s also wise to keep some BTN or INR on hand. If retrieval isn’t possible, block your card via your bank app immediately.
Yes, my card was swallowed in Thimphu near Clock Tower Square, at a Bhutan National Bank ATM. The staff explained foreign cards are usually not returned. The fastest thing is to block it and use a backup. In Bhutan, stick to Bhutan National Bank or Druk PNB ATMs, and withdraw during business hours. Always carry ngultrum in cash, since almost everything outside of Thimphu and Paro is cash-only.