The Ten Thousand Forint Curse

The ATM that spits out 10,000 HUF is an unkind ATM

Teak handed the Czech lady a 2000 crowns (about 100 Canadian dollars) bill to pay for a 20 crown little map of Prague and then apologized profusely. The lady said no worries, happily rang in the purchase and gave Teak the change.

We looked at each other in amazement. Strange.

Then it happened again. I bought two sausages and a beer with a 2000 crown banknote and the cashier did not seem to mind at all.

These reactions are a stark contrast to the perils of getting a stuck with a 10,000 (about 50 CAD) in Hungary, which happens often thanks to the twisted generosity of ATMs here.

I've had people refuse to accept payment because all I had was a 10,000 forint bill. I'm serious, she had my gelato and I had my cursed bill, and she shock her head, Nem! If it is accepted it, it's sometimes accepted with rolled eyes, audible sighs, and loud groans. 

I'm not complaining – this is a first world problem, after all  – but a little empathy would be nice, or recognition that a 10,000 HUF note is legal tender of the land. 

My beef isn't really with the people who are forced to break 10,000 forint bills, my heart goes out to them. Instead, I blame the ATMs that refuse to give out smaller denominations. I'm blaming the machines!