The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Kyrgyzstan, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Revolut Mastercard eaten by an Optima Bank ATM in Karakol late at night. By the next day, the staff told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and switch to my Wise backup. Kyrgyzstan is very cash-heavy, especially outside Bishkek, so losing my main card caused problems. My advice: always use ATMs in big cities during business hours and keep USD or soms as backup.
My Monzo Visa was swallowed by a DemirBank ATM in Bishkek. I went to the branch the next morning, and the staff returned it after verifying my ID. They explained it was a machine error. A friend had a similar smooth experience with KICB in Osh. If you use ATMs inside bank branches during working hours, recovery is usually straightforward in Kyrgyzstan.
In Kyrgyzstan, ATMs are operated by DemirBank, Kyrgyz Investment and Credit Bank (KICB), and Optima Bank. If your card is swallowed, head into the branch with your passport. DemirBank and KICB sometimes return foreign cards, but many are destroyed for security within 24 hours. Call the hotline printed on the ATM right away. Kyrgyzstan is still very cash-reliant, so always keep some soms handy while waiting to confirm.
Used a DemirBank ATM in Bishkek, near Osh Bazaar, and my card never came back. Locals said this happens now and then, especially with foreign cards. I cancelled it instantly and switched to using my Revolut card. Definitely don’t wait around thinking it will be released-it won’t.