My card was taken by an ATM near my hotel in Solomon Islands. Has this happened to anyone else? Solution?
If this happens, move quickly. In Honiara, ANZ is your best bet for recovery. Outside the capital, assume the card is gone. Always bring Australian dollars or Solomon Islands dollars in cash, since smaller islands don’t use cards much at all. Don’t risk depending on one card.
Not so lucky when my Monzo was eaten by a BSP ATM in Gizo. Staff there told me straight away that foreign cards are destroyed and there’s no chance of recovery. I had to cancel it and rely on Australian dollars I brought in. Outside Honiara, it’s almost impossible to get a swallowed card back.
My Wise card got swallowed by an ANZ ATM near the Lime Lounge Café in Honiara. I went to the ANZ branch the next morning and they returned it after ID checks. The process was smooth and staff spoke good English. A friend at the Honiara Hotel had their Revolut card eaten at BSP but also got it back in 24 hours. So it’s possible, at least in the capital.
The main ATMs in Solomon Islands are operated by ANZ and Bank South Pacific (BSP). If your card is taken, you need to visit the branch in Honiara with your passport. ANZ sometimes returns foreign cards if reported quickly, while BSP often destroys them. Always call the number on the ATM and freeze your card. Solomon Islands is very cash-reliant, especially outside Honiara.