The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in British Virgin Islands, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Monzo Mastercard swallowed by a Republic Bank ATM in Virgin Gorda on a Saturday. By Monday, they told me it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and switch to my Revolut backup. The islands are very cash-dependent, so losing a card left me short for ferries and taxis. Always carry USD and avoid using ATMs at weekends or evenings.
My Wise Visa was taken by a Banco Popular ATM in Road Town, Tortola. I went into the branch the next morning, and the staff returned it after verifying my details. They explained it happens occasionally with foreign cards. A travel buddy also had success with FirstBank. As long as you act quickly and use ATMs near branches, you can often recover your card in the BVI.
In the British Virgin Islands, ATMs are mainly operated by Banco Popular, FirstBank, and Republic Bank. If your card is captured, go to the branch with your passport as soon as possible. Banco Popular sometimes allows retrieval, but many banks destroy foreign cards quickly. Call the hotline number posted on the ATM. Until you confirm, freeze your card. The BVI is cash-heavy, especially for taxis and small shops, so always carry USD as a backup.
Yes, mine got swallowed at a FirstBank ATM in Road Town, Tortola. The machine shut down and never returned the card. Staff told me foreign cards aren’t given back. Cancel immediately. In BVI, USD is the official currency, so if you’ve got cash, you’re fine. ATMs are few - mainly in Road Town, Virgin Gorda, and some marinas. Always bring extra USD because cash is needed for ferries, small shops, and taxis.