I was using an ATM near my hostel in Myanmar, & 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 an AYA Bank ATM in Bagan late at night. By the time I got to the branch the next day, they said the card had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and rely on my Monzo backup. Myanmar is still extremely cash-reliant, especially outside Yangon, so losing my main card was stressful. Always use ATMs in business hours and keep USD as a fallback.
My Wise Visa was swallowed by a KBZ Bank ATM in Yangon. I went to the branch the next morning, showed my passport, and they returned it after verifying my details. The staff explained it was a chip reader issue and handled it professionally. I was relieved I didn’t need to cancel. Friends also had good experiences with CB Bank. If you stick to ATMs at branches in big cities, recovery is usually possible.
In Myanmar, ATMs are mainly run by KBZ Bank, CB Bank, and AYA Bank. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport. ATMs are serviced daily in Yangon and Mandalay, but in smaller towns it may take longer. Many banks destroy foreign cards quickly for security, so call the hotline on the ATM immediately. Since Myanmar is very cash-heavy, always carry USD or kyat in case you can’t recover your card.
Yes, mine was taken at a CB Bank ATM in Yangon, near Sule Pagoda. The machine swallowed it with no error. The bank said it would be destroyed. In Myanmar, ATMs often don’t return foreign cards. Cancel it quickly and switch to a backup. Stick to CB Bank, KBZ Bank, or AYA Bank ATMs in Yangon or Mandalay. Always carry kyat cash, as most hostels, teahouses, and taxis are cash-only.