The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Norfolk Island, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
That's frustrating. The main ATM on the island is a Westpac one, so if that's where your card was swallowed, your best bet is to go to the local Westpac branch if it’s open. But be prepared for them to tell you they can't return it due to security rules. They'll probably tell you to call your home bank, so the most important action you can take is to call your bank right now and report the card as lost or stolen.
It's a tough situation but a very common one. In a place like Norfolk Island, with a limited number of ATMs, this is a big problem. The card is almost certainly unrecoverable. The security procedures in place at the banks there mean that a foreign card that is retained is immediately put in a queue for destruction. Don't waste time going to a bank branch; they will just tell you to call your home bank and cancel the card.
I've been there and it's a nightmare. The good news is that on Norfolk Island, it's a small place, so you might be able to get a little bit of help. But honestly, your best bet is to not count on it. The local bank will likely tell you they have to destroy the card for security. My friend had this happen and just blocked their card remotely and then arranged a money transfer from a family member.
That's the worst feeling, but don't panic. On Norfolk Island, the local banks, like Westpac, might be able to help you more than in other remote places, but it's still not a sure thing. If the ATM is at a branch, you might get lucky, but their policy is usually to destroy foreign cards. Your safest and best option is to call your home bank immediately. For example, if you're a Chase customer, call their international hotline, explain what happened, and cancel the card.