McEmbassy: McDonald's Now Operating as 'Mini US Embassies' for Tourists in Austria
In what might be one of the most stereotypically American things to ever happen — all McDonald's in Austria will now operate as not only fast food restaurants, but mini US Embassies for tourists.
The new set-up was announced via the US Embassy Vienna's Facebook. It read: "American citizens traveling in Austria who find themselves in distress and without a way to contact the U.S. Embassy can enter – as of Wednesday, May 15, 2019 – any McDonald's in Austria, and staff will assist them in making contact with the U.S. Embassy for consular services (e.g. report a lost or stolen passport, or seek travel assistance)."
The post also featured a photo of Trevor Traina, the United States Ambassador to Austria, and Isabelle Kuster, the managing director of McDonald's Austria, shaking hands over the signed agreement and, of course, a McCafe.
McDonald's spokesperson Wilhelm Baldia said to the Independent UK that the Consulate chose the ubiquitous fast-food chain because of the "brand's great fame among Americans." Predictably, people on social media were not exactly lovin' it:
Or, at least, were able to see some humor in the situation:
Insulted? Well, think of it this way — with 179 locations, not including the 143 McCafé outlets, spread throughout Austria, the McEmbassy (that's what we're calling it now, sorry, I don't make the rules) might be helpful to US tourists in need of help. Although not able to issue passports, Baldia confirmed that each restaurant will have staff trained to help US citizens contact the embassy around the clock.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Choose to earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + the option to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Choice to earn up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and the option to earn Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 90 days + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.