My card was taken by an ATM near my hotel in Grenada. Has this happened to anyone else? Solution?
Best approach: stick to Republic Bank ATMs near Grand Anse or St George’s, ideally during weekday banking hours. Those branches are most likely to return cards. If you’re in smaller towns, chances are low. Carry at least one backup card and some EC dollars. Grenada is easy to get by with cash for buses, beach shacks, and guesthouses. Don’t risk late-night withdrawals in quieter areas.
I had my Revolut Mastercard eaten by a Grenada Co-Operative Bank ATM in Grenville on a Friday night. By Monday, staff told me it had already been destroyed. Grenada is still cash-reliant in many areas outside St George’s, so it was tough. I had to cancel and rely on my backup card. Always bring cash and avoid smaller-town ATMs.
My Wise Visa was swallowed at a Republic Bank ATM on Grand Anse Road near the hotels. I went into the branch the next morning, and staff gave it back in 30 minutes. They were really helpful and used to dealing with tourists. A friend also got their Monzo card back at CIBC in St George’s. So if you use branch ATMs, you’ve got a good chance here.
In Grenada, main ATMs are operated by Republic Bank, Grenada Co-Operative Bank, and CIBC FirstCaribbean. If your card gets swallowed, go into the branch with your passport. Republic Bank in St George’s usually returns cards if you ask next business day, but not always. Call the number shown on the ATM immediately and freeze your card until you’re sure.