The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Panama, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
I had my Mastercard taken by a BAC Credomatic ATM in Bocas del Toro late at night. By the time I went to the branch the next day, they said it had already been destroyed. I had to cancel and switch to my Monzo backup. Panama is still quite cash-reliant in smaller towns, so losing my main card was stressful. Lesson: withdraw during branch hours and never rely on a single card.
My Wise Visa was eaten by a Banco General ATM in Panama City. I went to the branch the next morning, and the staff gave it back after checking my ID. They were polite and explained it was a card-reader jam. A friend had the same smooth recovery with Banistmo in Boquete. If you use ATMs at branches and act fast, recovery in Panama is usually possible without needing to cancel your card.
In Panama, ATMs are mostly run by Banco General, Banistmo, and BAC Credomatic. If your card gets captured, go to the nearest branch with your passport. Banco General and Banistmo sometimes return foreign cards if you report it quickly, but many ATMs automatically destroy them within 24-48 hours. Always call the hotline on the machine immediately. While waiting, freeze your card in your app. Panama is mostly card-friendly, but you’ll still need cash for taxis, street food, and small towns.
My card got eaten at a Banco General ATM in Casco Viejo, Panama City. The machine froze halfway through. The branch nearby told me foreign cards aren’t returned, so I had to cancel it with my bank. Panama is mostly card-friendly in cities-restaurants in El Cangrejo or malls along Via España all take Visa/Mastercard. But in smaller towns like Boquete, you’ll want cash. ATMs work, but swallowed cards are gone quickly. Best advice is to carry a backup debit or credit card to avoid headaches while traveling here.