The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Serbia, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
My debit card was eaten by an Intesa ATM near Republic Square in Belgrade. The branch staff said foreign cards are usually sent back to the issuing bank if captured, but not handed directly to travelers. I froze mine instantly through my app. Serbia is still very cash-driven-cafés around Skadarlija and street kiosks only take dinars. Cards are fine in malls and hotels, but don’t depend on one. Carry a backup or some euros to exchange at the many currency exchange booths in Belgrade.
Freaked out when it happened near Kalemegdan - my card just vanished mid-transaction. It was a Komercijalna Banka ATM. Staff at the nearby branch told me it’s common with foreign cards that time out too fast. They took my info, and two days later I got it back. Wasn’t fun, but not the end of the world. If you’re stuck without cash, your hostel might help you call your bank or lend a hand. Also… always have a second card. Seriously.
My Wise card got eaten by an Intesa ATM near Slavija Square. I called the number on the machine, but they told me to visit the main branch. It took two working days to get it back - they asked for my passport and the exact time of the incident. Since then, I only use ATMs between 9 and 5, and only inside bank lobbies. Also, I always carry a backup card just in case.
Yep, happened in Novi Sad. Used an Erste Bank ATM, card went in and never came back. No error, no beeping, just gone. The hostel helped me find the branch, and they were cool about it - asked for my ID and told me to return the next afternoon. I was lucky it was attached to a bank. If it’s a standalone ATM, especially near a convenience store, you might be out of luck. Always use ATMs attached to bank buildings.
That happened to me at a Raiffeisen ATM in Belgrade. No warning, just ate the card. I went to the nearest branch with my passport and they said the machine holds onto any card with a chip read error or timeout. They retrieved it next morning and I picked it up with ID. If it’s a bank ATM, go straight there during business hours - they usually recover it in 24-48 hours.