Upvote:5
This was extensively discussed here: Are 500 Euro notes accepted by banks in Spain?
TL/DR: Yes, they are legal tender but you may find some merchants will simply refuse to accept them.
Hotels and other larger establishments will likely have fewer issues but as β¬500 Notes are not that common, you may face problems there too.
Upvote:8
500 Euro are legal in Greece and can be used without a problem when they are in a good condition and close to the amount that you wish to pay.
However you might face difficulties when you give a 500 Euro bill and expect a lot of bill and coins back as a change. Merchants in Greece do need their change for transactions.
When you have large bills the fear of forgery can also be an issue, so do not be surprised if small stores (convenience stores, salesmen, cheap/normal restaurants) do not accept 500 Euro bills, even if you actually plan to spend an amount close to 500.
Don't even try to use a 500 Euro bill (or mention that you have a 500 Euro bill ) in an open market or street merchant. It is highly unlikely the merchant will accept, you also face the danger of being spotted by thieves. Greece is in general safe but it is good to be cautious.