So it turns out I'm a massive retard and lost my bank card while travelling. I can still pay for things via eftpos with my mobile phone but most places here are cash only. Thankfully I have enough cash on me to scum it for a few days before I go home, but a question for you guys which could make things easier:
I've never used western union before so maybe I'm misunderstanding how it works, but could I send myself money (via my mobile phone banking app) and use western union to recieve the cash at one of its outlets?
Yep it's possible, you'll just essentially be paying a fee to WU take your money out.
Great, thanks for confirming this! I guess I'll get a grab tommorow to the WU outlet and sort it out.
Update:
I registered with WU and tried to make the transfer. It tells me the transfer can't be done, with no explanation given. The site suggests going in person - looking up the outlets in the area, they all have 1 or 2 star ratings from dozens of people calling the stuff rude and refusing to give them their money.
Honestly, fuck it, I'll just go to mid budget restaurants that take card.
Another thing you can try is getting someone you know (such as a friend or relative) to transfer you some of their money, and you reimburse them when you get back.
This would probably have to be a last ditch effort, though. Most people aren't going to immediately believe that their friend/son/nephew/brother/etc. lost his bank card in a foreign country and needs a Western Union transfer to get by. If I got a Facebook message or a phone call like that, not even I would believe it that easily.
I did think of that but I'm expecting the same nonsense will come up or it will work but then the idiots working at the outlet will fuck around and tell me it will take a few days etc.
I'm feeling somewhat resigned to my fate, thankfully I have enough to get by until my flight on Wednesday if I'm conscious of my spending. The lesson I've learnt is to take more than one bank card in future.
What country are you in? Be honest most places will have restaurants etc that take card, even most mc Donald's around the world do, sure it's "goy slop" but needs must and all that
Indonesia - southern Bali. If I use a Grab I can go to a Mcdonalds but money isn't an issue, just accessing it, so I'd just as soon go to a pricey local restaurant if they take card. Breakfast is free at this hotel, lunch/dinner is easily under $10 each - I'll be fine with the money I have left. Thankfully this is just the relaxing part of my trip so I won't miss anything important.
>The lesson I've learnt is to take more than one bank card in future.
You've inspired me to do the same. I have only ever traveled with one card. Hell, I only have one card right now. It's about time I get another one.
The sad thing is, I do have a second, but when I tested it just before I left (I only use it for travel, never at home) I found out the dodgy fucks had locked the account. I sent them all the paper work they insisted on before I left but that was 6 weeks ago and they still haven't unlocked it.
I remember reading about this on some travel blog. Some guy also lost his card, and he did exactly what you are thinking of doing. The most obvious downside is that there are fees involved, so you are losing slightly more money than usual, but it's an emergency, so it'll have to do.
Final update in case any of you have this problem and my solution helps in future.
I spoke to the hotel receptionist, the owner (a euro expat) just so happened to be in reception at the the time. I asked if they could help by letting me pay them using my phone (I can use my banking app for eftpos transactions) and then they give me cash. The owner was more than happy to help and was very kind. So my problem is resolved.
Bitcoin solves this
Cardless cash withdrawals would have solved this if my bank allowed it on its ATM's in this country. Fuck, moving away from cash solves this, I never have cash on me at home.
This is why I never travel alone.
It's why you should always have at least 5k with you on travels