Holidaymakers in Spain shouldn't bring one Euro note that's 'no longer accepted'

Daily Record

2 days ago

If you're buying cash to take on holiday, avoid one note.
A growing number of holidaymakers will use cards to pay for meals, drinks and trips while abroad, but it makes sense to have some currency on you too. Cash can be used to pay for smaller purchases, taxis and bus fares and in places where cards are not always accepted.
Brits heading to Spain will need to take Euros, but they are being alerted to one particular note they shouldn't take with them. That's because there has been some changes regarding Euro banknotes.
‌
Those holidaying in mainland Spain, the Canary Islands or the popular Balearic Island shouldn't withdraw €500 notes. The Bank of Spain and the European Central Bank ceased prodction of these in 2016, according to EuroWeekly.
‌
While there are still a small amount of these notes - which are purple - in circulation, they are becoming harder to spend.
The notes are still legal tender but the high value of them, along with their links to criminal activity, means many Spanish establishment are refusing to accept them.
If you given one when exchanging currency, you should ask for smaller denominations. If you draw one from an ATM while on holiday, you can exchange it for smaller notes in a bank, reports Bristol Live.
Spain's change in policy is coinciding with peak tourists season. They are implementing a gradual withdrawal of old and damaged banknotes which could also cause issues for tourists.
Some cashiers and places may refuse to accept any notes that are worn or torn.
‌
To prevent this happening, when exchanging your holiday money, make sure any €50 notes are in good condition, and ask for replacements if you spot any damage.
Worn notes can be swapped at any Bank of Spain branch or selected partner banks, but don't forget to bring some form of identification like your passport.
The central bank of Spain has also started the process of removing old and damaged €50 notes from circulation.
‌
This initiative, expected to begin in July 2025, is designed to improve the security of cash transactions and reduce fraud.
They won't exchange counterfeit or deliberately damaged notes. For those who usually toss their spare change into a jar after a holiday, it's worth bearing in mind that some countries might soon do away with one and two cent Euro coins.
Countries such as Ireland, Belgium, and Italy have already ceased using these coins, rounding up cash transactions to the nearest five cents instead, and they're no longer being minted.
Many Eurozone countries are contemplating following suit.
So, if you've amassed a jar full of coppers, think about spending them on an ice cream during your next holiday, as they may not be accepted in the near future.