I was using an ATM near my hostel in Cyprus, & it took my card & never gave it back. No error message, just gone. Has anyone had this happen? Whats the fastest way to get it back? Any advice on who to call or what to do next?
I had my Wise Visa taken by an Alpha Bank ATM in Limassol on a Saturday night. By Monday, when I visited the branch, they said the card had already been destroyed. I had to cancel it and use my Revolut backup. Cyprus is mostly card-friendly, but I still needed cash for small cafés and taxis. My advice: only use ATMs during bank hours, and always keep a second card or some euros handy in case this happens.
My Monzo Mastercard was swallowed by a Bank of Cyprus ATM in Nicosia. I went into the branch the next morning, showed my ID, and they returned it within half an hour. The staff were polite and explained the machine had flagged my card after multiple failed attempts. A friend had the same smooth experience with Hellenic Bank. As long as you act during working hours and at a main branch, recovery in Cyprus is usually quick.
In Cyprus, most ATMs are operated by Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, and Alpha Bank. If your card is captured, go directly to the branch with your passport during business hours. If the ATM isn’t attached to a branch, call the hotline printed on the machine immediately. Foreign cards not claimed quickly are usually destroyed. Until you confirm whether the bank can release it, freeze or block your card through your app to protect yourself.
Yes, mine was swallowed in Nicosia city center, at a Bank of Cyprus ATM. The card was destroyed for security reasons. Cancel quickly and use a backup. Stick to Bank of Cyprus, Hellenic Bank, or Alpha Bank ATMs attached to branches. Avoid “Euronet” ATMs in tourist areas, which are known for high fees and glitches. Always keep some euro cash for buses, cafés, and small hostels.