Euro cash was put into circulation and change in euro was given from the very first few days of 2002 onwards. By 4 p.m. on 2 January, an average of 92% of automated teller machines had been converted to dispense euro notes across the 12 countries. Moreover, the new cash rapidly gained overwhelming acceptance.
The old currencies were therefore withdrawn much more quickly than expected.This also led to an exceptionally high demand for low-denomination euro banknotes and coins and even caused some short-term bottlenecks. Besides the logistical challenge, the changeover called for major efforts in communication. Every man and woman and child had to be familiarised with the new currency.