The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Belize, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Revolut Mastercard taken by a Belize ATM in Placencia late in the evening. By the next morning, staff told me the card had already been destroyed. I had no choice but to cancel and rely on my Wise backup. Belize relies heavily on cash in local markets and water taxis, so it was stressful. Always withdraw during banking hours and keep a second card plus USD as a backup.
My Monzo Visa was captured by an Atlantic Bank ATM in Belize City. I went into the branch the next day, and after verifying my ID, they returned it within 40 minutes. The staff were used to handling foreign cards. A friend also had a good experience with Belize Bank in San Ignacio. The process is usually smooth if you act fast and use ATMs attached to branches.
In Belize, ATMs are operated by Atlantic Bank, Belize Bank, and Scotiabank. If your card is swallowed, go to the nearest branch with your passport. Atlantic and Belize Bank sometimes allow retrieval, but cards are often destroyed after 24-48 hours. Call the hotline printed on the ATM straight away. Belize is very cash-based, especially in smaller towns, so always keep some Belize dollars or USD as backup while sorting things out.
This happened to me at an Atlantic Bank ATM in San Pedro. The card just vanished, and when I went to the branch, they told me foreign cards are automatically destroyed. Cancel it immediately through your bank. Belize is very cash-driven - street food, boat taxis, and small hotels almost always want Belize dollars or USD in cash. The safest ATMs are inside banks like Atlantic or Belize Bank during open hours. Carry a second card and some USD for backup, since exchanging is easy here.
Belize Bank ATM worked fine in Hopkins. Despite an out of receipt paper message, we still got our cash. Just dont delay when the machine asks if you want another transaction - your card could get swallowed!