I was using an ATM near my hostel in El Salvador, & 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 Mastercard taken by a Davivienda ATM in Santa Tecla late at night. When I visited the branch the next day, they told me the card had already been destroyed for security reasons. I had to cancel it and switch to my Monzo backup. El Salvador is still cash-heavy outside main towns, so losing access to my primary card was stressful. My advice: only use ATMs attached to branches during working hours, and always carry some USD with you.
My Wise Visa was taken by a Banco Agrícola ATM in San Salvador. I went into the branch with my passport the next morning, and the staff returned it within an hour. They explained that sometimes the machines flag foreign cards for security. I was relieved not to cancel. A friend also had a good experience with Scotiabank. If you’re in big cities like San Salvador or Santa Ana, recovery is usually manageable as long as you act quickly.
In El Salvador, the main ATMs are run by Banco Agrícola, Davivienda, and Scotiabank. If your card is taken, go to the branch with your passport. Some banks may return it if you act quickly, but many will destroy foreign cards after 24-48 hours. Call the number listed on the machine as soon as it happens. Since El Salvador uses USD, it’s smart to carry cash as a backup while sorting it out. Always block your card in your app until you know the outcome.
Yes, mine got stuck at a Banco Agrícola ATM near Plaza Gerardo Barrios in San Salvador. The staff said foreign cards are destroyed for security. The fastest way is to cancel it with your bank and use a backup. Stick to ATMs at Banco Agrícola, Davivienda, or Scotiabank inside malls like Multiplaza or Metrocentro, which are safer. Always carry USD cash - it’s the official currency, and you’ll need it for colectivos, pupusas, and hostels.