Vera: To unblock your Visa, please confirm your identity. Last four digits of SSN?

The screen blinked red.

The terminal beeped.

Panic nipped at her throat. She had no cash, no other cards, and a flight home in three days. Calling the 1-800 number from Germany meant international fees and a two-hour hold. The bank’s app required a one-time passcode sent to her U.S. number—which didn’t work overseas.

Vera: Thank you. One moment…

“No,” she whispered, thumbs shaking.

Elena exhaled. She walked back to the currency exchange, heart still hammering. The same clerk raised an eyebrow.