I was using an ATM near my hostel in Wallis and Futuna, and it took my card and never gave it back. No error message, just gone. Has anyone had this happen? Whats the fastest way to get it back? Any advice on who to call or what to do next?
That's a classic. My American Express card was swallowed by a local ATM. The thing about Wallis and Futuna is that the banking is very straightforward but limited. Don't bother with the ATM phone number. Go straight to a different ATM and try your backup card, or just go into a bank branch and do a withdrawal with your passport. You'll probably not get the original card back. Just let your bank know and have a new one sent to your home address, or to a family member who can then forward it.
It happens all the time. My card was eaten by a bank ATM. The fastest solution is to immediately contact the bank that operates the ATM. If it’s during business hours, go into the branch and ask them to open the machine. This is your best chance of getting the card back. However, if it's after hours, call your own bank to report the issue and request a new card. Don't panic; the banking system is safe, and your funds are safe.
Yeah, that's the worst feeling, especially when you need cash in a remote location. I had my debit card retained by a local ATM. The key is to act quickly. Go inside the bank branch and ask to speak to a manager. They might be able to help you, but be prepared for them to tell you that they can't return a foreign card. It's often much faster to have your own bank cancel the card and issue a new one. Don't panic; your money is not gone. You'll need to rely on alternative payment methods.
That's a major headache, especially in a place with very limited banking services. Since Wallis and Futuna is a French territory, the banking system is similar to France. Your best bet is to call your home bank first and foremost. They will lock the card for you to prevent any fraud. It's highly unlikely you'll get the physical card back, but because you're in a French territory, getting a new one shipped to a local post office can be a bit more straightforward. In the meantime, your best option is to rely on any other cards you have or to withdraw cash from a local bank branch with your passport.