The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Taiwan, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
A Mega Bank ATM in Taichung swallowed my debit card after I mistyped the PIN. The branch manager told me they do recover cards but don’t return international ones for security. He even showed me the retrieval report. I blocked the card from my app and had my bank express a replacement to my coworking space. It took four days. The staff were helpful, but bottom line: you won’t get the card back, so freeze it right away and get a new one shipped.
I was at a Land Bank ATM near the National Taiwan University and lost my card late in the evening. Since the branch was closed, I couldn’t report it in person until the next day. They were polite but firm: even if recovered, foreign cards aren’t returned - they shred them automatically. I used Wise to transfer money to a friend’s account and he withdrew it for me. If you’re in Taiwan, always keep a second card or mobile wallet option handy.
A Fubon Bank ATM in Taipei did this to me outside a 7-Eleven. No error, just ate my card and turned off. I went inside, and luckily the bank was next door. They said foreign-issued cards are usually destroyed within 24 hours for security reasons. I had to call my bank back home, freeze the card, and use my backup Revolut. Always carry at least two cards, and take a photo of the ATM and note the address if this happens.
Happened to me last month in Kaohsiung - CTBC ATM near Formosa Blvd station just took my card and shut off. I went to the bank branch the next morning with my passport. They confirmed they retrieved it but said since it’s a foreign card, they weren’t allowed to give it back. They handed me a slip and told me to call my bank and block the card immediately. It sucked, but at least I knew what happened to it.