My card was taken by an ATM near my hotel in Palau. Has this happened to anyone else? Solution?
If this happens, go straight to Bank of Guam or BankPacific in Koror. Those branches give you the best chance of recovery. Don’t expect weekend help, since most banks shred foreign cards fast. Always keep USD in cash, since that’s what Palau uses everywhere, and carry at least two debit cards. Withdraw inside Koror only, not at remote standalone ATMs.
My Revolut Mastercard was taken by a Bank of Hawaii ATM on a Sunday evening. By Monday, staff told me the card had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and rely on my Monzo backup. Palau is still fairly cash-reliant for taxis, small shops, and excursions, so it was inconvenient. Best to withdraw only during weekday banking hours.
I had my Wise Visa swallowed by a Bank of Guam ATM in Koror, near the Sea Passion Hotel. Went to the branch the next morning, and staff returned it after checking ID. Took less than an hour. They said it’s not uncommon with foreign chip cards. A fellow traveller at Drop Off Bar had a similar experience with BankPacific. If you’re in Koror, recovery is very possible.
ATMs in Palau are run mainly by Bank of Guam, Bank of Hawaii, and BankPacific. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport. Bank of Guam in Koror sometimes returns foreign cards if reported quickly, but many ATMs destroy them after a day or two. Always call the hotline on the ATM and freeze your card until you know for sure.