The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Malta, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Visa also taken by an APS Bank ATM in Gozo late on a Sunday. By Monday, they told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and switch to my Wise backup. While Malta is mostly card-friendly, smaller kiosks and buses prefer cash, so it was inconvenient. Lesson: avoid weekend withdrawals and always bring two cards.
My Monzo Visa was captured by a Bank of Valletta ATM in Valletta. I went to the branch the next morning, and they returned it after confirming my ID. Staff spoke good English and were efficient. A fellow traveller also got their Wise card back from HSBC in Sliema. If you use ATMs inside branches, recovery in Malta is usually easy.
In Malta, the main ATMs are operated by Bank of Valletta, HSBC Malta, and APS Bank. If your card is swallowed, go to the branch with your passport. Bank of Valletta usually allows retrieval if you act quickly, but some banks destroy foreign cards after 24-48 hours. Call the hotline number on the ATM immediately. Malta is very card-friendly, but buses and small cafés may still prefer cash.
My card was captured at a Bank of Valletta ATM in Valletta near Republic Street. I went inside and they told me foreign cards are not returned, only destroyed for security. They suggested calling my bank. Malta is tourist-friendly, so most hotels and restaurants accept Visa/Mastercard, but I was glad I had Revolut as a backup.