The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Bahrain, 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 Ahli United Bank ATM late at night. When I went to the branch the next day, they told me the card had already been destroyed for security. I had to cancel and switch to my Wise backup. While Bahrain is very card-friendly, taxis and small shops sometimes prefer cash, so it left me short. My advice: only use ATMs during banking hours, and always carry at least two cards and some dinars.
My Monzo Visa was taken by a BBK ATM near Juffair. I went to the branch the next morning, and the staff returned it in about 30 minutes after checking my ID. They were very professional and explained it was a chip reader error. A friend also had a smooth experience with NBB in Manama. If you use machines attached to branches, it’s usually easy to recover your card in Bahrain without having to cancel it.
In Bahrain, the main ATMs are operated by National Bank of Bahrain (NBB), Ahli United Bank, and Bank of Bahrain and Kuwait (BBK). If your card is captured, go directly to the branch with your passport. NBB and BBK often return cards if you act quickly, but some machines destroy foreign cards within 24-48 hours. Call the hotline number printed on the ATM right away. While waiting, freeze your card in your app. Bahrain is card-friendly, but carry some dinars just in case.
I had this happen at a National Bank of Bahrain ATM in Manama near Bab Al Bahrain Souq. The bank staff said foreign cards are usually destroyed. Block it right away and switch to another card. Use NBB, BBK, or Ahli United Bank ATMs inside malls for safer withdrawals. Bahrain is mostly card-friendly, but small coffee shops and taxis often want cash in Bahraini dinars.