McDonald’s allows people to pay with Bitcoin and Tether in Lugano, Switzerland
Global fast-food giant McDonald’s is accepting bitcoin as a form of payment at its restaurants in the crypto-friendly city of Lugano, Switzerland.
On Tuesday, Bitcoin Magazine posted on Twitter a minute-long video showing ordering food at a digital kiosk at McDonald’s and paying using a mobile app. The Tether logo could be seen next to a Bitcoin symbol on the credit card machine.
The company’s move follows a decision by the mayor of Lugano to do Bitcoin and Tether “de facto legal tender currency” in the city. In March, residents of Lugano were allowed to pay their taxes using cryptocurrencies. Under the mayor’s bill, cryptocurrency payments are expected to extend to parking tickets, utilities, and student tuition fees. More than 200 shops and businesses in the area are also reportedly planning to accept crypto payments for goods and services.
Last year, El Salvador became the first country in the world to adopt Bitcoin as legal tender. The Central African Republic followed in May.
Meanwhile, McDonald’s said in February that it was preparing to enter the metaverse. The fast food chain has filed to register 10 brands in the virtual space, including plans to “a virtual restaurant with real and virtual products”, and “operate a virtual restaurant with home delivery”.