My card was taken by an ATM near my hotel in Niue. Has this happened to anyone else? Solution?
Niue is super limited for banking. If your card goes, assume you’ll be using cash. Bring enough New Zealand dollars before arrival, since that’s the currency used everywhere. Always travel with two cards. If the ATM takes one, head straight to BSP Alofi the next morning, but be prepared for them to say it’s gone.
My Revolut Mastercard was eaten by the BSP machine at Niue’s airport. By the time I checked at the branch, they said it was already destroyed. Since Niue is almost entirely cash-based, I had to rely on the NZD I brought. It was stressful not having backup. Don’t expect multiple ATMs or services here - there’s only the one.
This happened to me at the BSP ATM near the Niue Backpackers Hostel in Alofi. My Monzo card got stuck, but I walked into the BSP branch the next morning and they gave it back after checking ID. Took about 20 minutes. Staff were friendly and said it happens occasionally with chip cards. If you’re in Alofi, you’ve got a decent chance.
Niue is tiny, and the only ATMs are linked to the Bank of South Pacific (BSP) in Alofi. If your card gets taken, you’ll need to go directly to the BSP branch with your passport. They may return it if you ask the next business day, but often foreign cards are destroyed for security. Always freeze your card immediately until you know.