The ATM just swallowed my debit card and didnt return it. This was in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, close to where Im staying. Any idea if local banks can help? Help SOS how to get it back
That's so frustrating. It's a common problem with some of the older machines. My advice is to assume the card is gone for good. Local banks like CIBC FirstCaribbean are not set up to process returns of foreign cards. Your best and fastest option is to freeze the card through your banking app immediately, then call your bank's international support number. They will arrange for a new card to be sent.
It’s a tough situation, but you're probably not getting your card back. When I was visiting a friend in Bequia last year, his card got stuck in a Republic Bank ATM. The staff told him they couldn't return it due to security protocols and advised him to contact his home bank. The process is too complicated. The smartest move is to call your bank immediately to cancel the card and get a replacement.
Oh no, that's a huge inconvenience. I'm telling you right now, don't waste your time with the local bank. Their policy is to destroy foreign cards that are swallowed by their ATMs. The only thing you can do is call your bank at home to report the card as lost or stolen and have a new one sent to you. You'll have to rely on a different payment method for the rest of your trip.
That's a nightmare scenario and, unfortunately, it's a common issue with older ATMs in the Caribbean. I had a similar experience in Kingstown with my Bank of America card. The local banks like Bank of St. Vincent and the Grenadines will almost certainly destroy the card for security. There is a very slim chance you will ever get it back. Your most crucial step is to call your home bank immediately to cancel the card and then arrange for a new one to be sent.