Lost my card to an ATM in Afghanistan

The ATM outside my hotel in Herat took my card, no warning. The bank was closed, and security guards nearby couldn’t help. I went back the next morning with my passport, and the staff were understanding but told me the card might be “destroyed for security” if not claimed the same day. Afghanistan ATM swallowed card protocol isn’t standardized. You need to act fast, preferably within a few hours. From now on, I only use ATMs physically attached to bank branches - never hotel or supermarket machines.

My card got eaten by an Azizi Bank ATM near the Blue Mosque in Balkh. I had to wait two full days - they said only the technician could open the machine. Bring your passport and some patience. If you’re lucky, and it’s a weekday, staff can help recover it. Getting a card back from Afghan ATMs isn’t guaranteed, though. After that, I kept a backup card and only withdrew cash during daylight, with bank staff around. Tip: avoid withdrawing on Fridays, most banks are closed.

Had this issue in Mazar-i-Sharif. My Wise card got swallowed by an Afghanistan International Bank (AIB) ATM. Important: if the ATM is attached to a bank branch, they can often recover the card if you report it quickly and show ID. If it’s a standalone ATM (like at hotels or airports), it’s more complicated and you may never get it back. Foreign debit card recovery at Afghan ATMs is hit-or-miss, but worth trying. Also call your bank to freeze the card right away. Be persistent but polite.

This happened to me at a Pashtany Bank ATM in Kabul in April. I panicked, but went inside the branch immediately - they were helpful, but I needed ID and a bank officer had to approve retrieval. If your debit card is swallowed by an Afghan ATM, go to the branch during working hours ASAP. Outside branch ATMs are trickier - the bank might not own the machine. I had to wait until the next morning, but they returned the card. If it’s a Friday, expect delays.