Lost my card to an ATM in Marshall Islands

Wow, I'm sorry that happened. I was in Majuro recently and a friend's card got stuck in a BOMI ATM. We went into the branch, but the staff explained they couldn't retrieve foreign cards. Their policy is to destroy them after a specific period for security. So, don't hold your breath trying to get it back. The best thing you can do is call your bank's 24/7 hotline to cancel the card and have a new one shipped.

Ugh, that’s so frustrating. It’s a common issue with some ATMs globally. In the Marshall Islands, your options are limited, but the most important thing is to act fast. You need to call your bank right now-like your Wells Fargo or whatever you use-and report the card stolen or lost. The local bank will likely tell you they can’t return it and will just destroy it. You should be prepared to go without a debit card for a while.

That's a classic traveler problem, and it's especially annoying in a place with limited banking. Getting a swallowed card back in the Marshall Islands is a long shot. The few banks there, like the Bank of Marshall Islands, have strict policies. They'll almost certainly destroy a foreign card to prevent fraud. Your primary step should be to call your bank immediately to block the card. While you're at it, ask them to send a replacement to your next destination or to a family member back home.

What a drag! Dealing with that in Majuro is a hassle. There are very few banks and ATMs, so it’s not as easy as it is in a big city. The Bank of Marshall Islands is the main one, and they might be able to help, but don’t count on getting your physical card back. It’s highly likely they’ll just destroy it for security reasons. Your best course of action is to freeze or cancel the card through your bank's app or by calling their international support line. You’ll have to get cash by other means, so maybe see if you can wire yourself some money.