Lost my card to an ATM in Bosnia and Herzegovina

If you're near the ATM where it happened, check for a local branch of that bank (say, ASA Banka or NLB Banka). In my case, the ATM at a Konzum supermarket kept my card and I called the 24/7 hotline on the screen. They froze the ATM, and I got my card back the next afternoon after visiting the nearby branch with my passport. Just don't delayBosnian banks aren't allowed to mail cards back or transfer them internationally. You must collect it in person or replace it.

I had a similar problem with a Visa debit card from ABN AMRO at a Nova Bank ATM in Sarajevo’s old town. The bank staff told me that most ATMs in Bosnia automatically retain cards for security reasons if there's a delay or chip issue. If it was a local bank like Addiko, Raiffeisen, or Sberbank, go there with ID within 24-48 hoursthey may still have the card. Also note: after 5 days, they usually destroy unclaimed cards due to security protocol.

Same thing happened to me with my Revolut card at an Intesa Sanpaolo ATM in Banja Luka. I was told by locals that cards swallowed in Bosnia are never returned unless you are there in person with ID and it's a weekday. I visited the Intesa branch and they helped me cancel the card and file a formal report, but they said they couldn’t give it back unless I had an account with them. Your best bet is to block the card via your app and order a new one.

This happened to me outside a UniCredit Bank ATM in Mostar in May. I went straight to the nearest branch (they usually list it on the ATM) with my passport and explained the situation. They were able to retrieve the card the next morning because the ATM was attached to the branch. If it's a standalone ATM (like those at bus stations or supermarkets), it gets trickierthey usually empty it every few days and send swallowed cards to their central office. Go ASAP to the bank that owns the ATM, or call the number printed on it.