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?
Why exactly are you asking this? Are you planning something?
When you enter the EU with such a large amount of cash, you need to declare it at customs. You need the have the correct paperwork for having that money. If you don’t have the correct paperwork, you’d definitely be denied to cross the border. The money would be seized, but most likely you’d be able to get it back after filing the right paperwork afterwards.
Having that much cash on hand is a huge red flag for criminal activities, so it would generally be a good idea to avoid it.
Nothing of nefarious intent. Rather, having a currency of higher value to exchange.