Lost my card to an ATM in Vanuatu

Happened to me outside Au Bon Marché supermarket in Port Vila. The ANZ ATM just froze and ate my Visa. Luckily, it was during business hours, so the security guard directed me straight inside. The staff were friendly and reassured me they could return it the next morning. I came back with my ID and it was sitting in an envelope. Since then, I only withdraw Monday-Friday mornings so if anything goes wrong, I can sort it on the spot. Always safer here to plan ATM runs in daylight.

If your card got taken in Port Vila, head to the branch that owns the ATM (ANZ, Bred, or NBV are the main ones here). Banks usually keep a log of swallowed cards. When my partner’s Mastercard got stuck in a National Bank of Vanuatu ATM near Kumul Highway, they told her to return the next morning. She got it back after showing her passport. So yes, local banks do help if you move quickly. In the meantime, you can exchange AUD or NZD notes easily in town.

Same thing happened to me last year in Santo at a Bred Bank ATM. Unfortunately, the staff said swallowed foreign cards are destroyed for security reasons. They didn’t even try to get it back. Luckily, I had a backup debit card and some Aussie dollars I could change at the airport. Honestly, Vanuatu is not the place to risk putting your only card into a machine. Always carry at least two cards and some cash. Block that card immediately in your banking app so no funny charges happen.

I had my Westpac card swallowed at an ANZ ATM in Port Vila right near the Market. Walked into the branch the same afternoon, and the staff told me they open ATMs daily around 3 p.m. with a technician. I showed my passport and filled in a short form, then collected the card the next day. It was stressful for a night, but they did return it. While waiting, I just used cash I’d exchanged earlier. In Vanuatu, most bigger shops and hotels take cards, but markets are cash-only, so keep some vatu on hand.