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ATM on Galle Road swallowed my card after bank hours — block it tonight or stand guard until morning?

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B
Ben Card Swallowed•226 rep

Machine beeped, card never came back, balance still shows on the app. Branch shutter is down. Hotel is ten minutes away. Do I freeze the card from the banking app immediately, call the number on the machine, or wait outside until staff open? Need cash for tomorrow's bus either way.

29

4 Answers from travellers

✓Accepted Answer

Do not camp on the sidewalk all night. Note the bank name, ATM ID if shown, and time; photograph the screen error if it is still there. Use your bank app or the hotline on the machine/sticker to report a retained card — many travelers block or restrict the card the same evening to be safe, then visit the branch when it opens with passport. Ask hotel reception which nearby ATMs from other banks are reliable for a cash withdrawal tonight. I will not invent retrieval fees or guaranteed next-morning return — that depends on the bank. Standing guard after hours rarely helps and can feel unsafe.

27
S
Suresh Bank Tip•1580 rep

Blocked via app from the hotel, withdrew with a second card at another bank ATM. Branch sorted the retained card next day with passport.

15
J
Jonas Card Block•169 rep

Called the sticker number, blocked in-app, grabbed cash elsewhere. Going to the branch at opening with passport.

9
B
Ben Card Swallowed•226 rep

Hotels see this weekly. Reception can often point you to a working ATM two blocks away.

5
M
Malini City Desk•1610 rep

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