Lost my card to an ATM in Iran

Happened to me in Yazd with a Pasargad Bank ATM. I stupidly tried my Revolut card, and it ate it instantly. The branch staff explained they can’t do anything because the Iranian banking system is disconnected from Visa and Mastercard. They suggested I call my bank to block it. At least they were polite. Since then, I’ve only used the cash I brought. The trick is to carry crisp USD or EUR notes, as old or damaged bills get rejected. Honestly, ATMs in Iran are for locals only.

If your card was swallowed in Iran, go to the branch right away, but manage expectations. Iranian ATMs are only for Shetab network domestic cards, so foreign cards have no function. Some staff will return the physical card if you insist and show ID, but often they just cancel it. During my trip in Isfahan, a Bank Sepah ATM took mine, and I never saw it again. Luckily, I had plenty of euros to exchange. Everyone here uses cash, so stock up at licensed exchange offices.

Unfortunately, your card is pretty much gone. I tried using my Visa at a Bank Mellat ATM in Shiraz and the machine simply ate it. The bank told me all foreign cards are destroyed because they’re not part of the Shetab system. Iran has no connectivity with Mastercard, Visa, Amex, etc. I had to call my bank back home to block it. Lesson - never put a foreign card into an Iranian ATM. Best option is to bring euros or dollars and change them at money changers or at Ferdowsi Street in Tehran.

I had my card swallowed at a Bank Melli ATM in Tehran near Valiasr Square. The staff explained that international cards generally don’t even work here, so the ATM just held it. They told me to bring my passport and I could collect it the next day. They were polite, but it was clear foreign cards aren’t supported. Don’t depend on ATMs in Iran - the system is cut off from international networks. You need to bring cash (EUR or USD) and convert it into rials at exchange shops.