I was using an ATM near my hostel in Guatemala, & 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 Revolut Mastercard taken by a Banrural ATM in Quetzaltenango. When I asked about it the next day, they said they don’t return foreign cards at all and that it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and use my Monzo backup. Guatemala is still very cash-heavy, especially in rural areas, so losing access to one card made the trip difficult. Always travel with USD cash and at least two cards in case something like this happens.
My Wise Visa was swallowed by a Banco Industrial ATM in Antigua. I went to the branch the next morning, and after checking my ID, they gave it back within an hour. The staff were helpful and explained it happens regularly with international cards. BAC Credomatic has a similar process, especially in Guatemala City. I was relieved I didn’t have to cancel. My tip: only use machines at bank branches - never standalone ATMs in petrol stations or shops.
In Guatemala, the main ATMs are run by Banco Industrial, BAC Credomatic, and Banrural. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport as soon as possible. Banco Industrial and BAC sometimes release foreign cards if you act fast, but Banrural rarely does. Always call the hotline listed on the ATM. Unclaimed cards are often destroyed within 24-48 hours, so also freeze your card through your app until you confirm whether it can be retrieved.
Yes, mine got taken at a BAC Credomatic ATM in Zone 10, Guatemala City. The staff said foreign cards are destroyed. Cancel it fast and use a backup. Safer ATMs are BAC, Banco Industrial, or Banrural inside malls like Oakland Mall or Miraflores. Always carry quetzales for buses, hostels, and markets.