In nearly 40 years I can't think I've ever seen a £50 note, let alone spent one. €50 notes, sure, but Europe is backwards - I saw a €200 note once when buying a ferry ticket
> Getting currency exchanged before a trip? They give huge bills.
1990 called and wants its features back. I haven't been to an airport yet that didn't have an ATM. With the exception of the U.S. I rarely spend cash when I travel anyway.
> Buying a used phone or furniture from Craigslist? Are you going to pay with 100 twenties?
I can't imagine ever wanting to spend $2000 in cash. I had a builder do some work and it was about £800, a simple bank transfer and job done.
> New ATMs even ask you the breakdown of bill sizes you are want.
Do they? I haven't used an ATM since May (and that was in Hong Kong). Now that is unusual - most people do use cash, but then most people are more likely to want £5 notes from an ATM than £50.
Now the UK isn't as cashless as say China, but Cash is certainly not the norm - especially for anyone under the age of 60