Supersized US embassy in Austria

Thanks to a deal struck between the US Embassy in Austria and the restaurant chain McDonald’s, US travelers to Austria now can visit the nearest McDonald’s if they need assistance, such as replacing lost or stolen passports. Each of the country’s 194 McDonald’s outlets has a 24-hour hotline direct to the embassy, and restaurant staff have been instructed on how to help US travelers in distress.

This agreement is not in lieu of a staffed embassy or consulates but in addition to.