I know that the 500€ bill ceases to exist on the new series of bank notes (as they capped it at 200€) but those who possess the older series with that denomination can still use it as legal tender, but is it that common for Europeans to have a 200€ bill in their wallet? I’ve heard as to why they ceased on printing 500€ is mainly relating to both criminal activity or money laundering as that denomation has been abused as such.
200€ is the second highest one, although the older 500€ bill is no longer in circulation. Do ATM’s disperse either 500 & 200€ bills regarding cash withdrawals within that amount or do they just give that amount in smaller denominations equating to that much (like consisting of 20, 50 or 100€ bills)? If ATM’s don’t just give out a 200€ bill when withdrawing that much or more, does one have to visit a bank (branch) to get one?
Worked in retail (Germany) for a while and I have seen a couple every day. 500€ bills were rare though. And our registers where technically not allowed to accept more then 999,99€ in cash.
One time a customer payed a pack of gums with a 500€ bill. It was legit, so started counting to give back the 499,11€. As I was about to start to count a second time to verify, she just grabbed the money and stormed out… it was odd, I was 70% sure that I didn’t count right the first time, looked outside but she was gone. When I had to count the money after my shift I had 100€ too much. My manager was as confused as I was and I have never heard anything of it again. Weird one.