British expat’s gripe about prices at Australian McDonald’s roasted

A British woman living in Sydney is copping heat after she complained about the price of a McDonald’s cheeseburger in Australia.

A British woman who recently moved to Australia has shared her shock at the price of a McDonald’s cheeseburger – but her gripe has left locals unhappy.

Jen Herriot has been documenting her new life Down Under after arriving three months ago. But while the former Londoner, who is now residing in Sydney, has raved about her earning potential in Australia and the warm weather, her most recent video took aim at the price of food at McDonald’s.

The clip, titled “It’s not all sunshine and rainbows in Aus”, documented Jen’s disbelief at the price of a $4.70 cheeseburger – claiming it costs just 99p [$1.82] back home.

But Jen’s complaint wasn’t as well received as she may have hoped with Aussies quickly jumping in to defend our beloved Macca’s.

A British expat’s complaint about the menu prices at Australian McDonald’s has backfired online. Picture: TikTok/JenHezza

“Another update from a Brit in Australia on the topic of McDonald’s or Macca’s or whatever they call it,” she said on TikTok.

“I ordered a McChicken Sandwich meal and then so, you know like as you do, you get a little snack from the savers menu, the 99p menu, just to go with it … to snack on before you eat the main meal.”

Jen said she asked for a cheeseburger, stating she told the McDonald’s employee specifically she wanted the “cheapy one” because she wasn’t sure what the 99p menu was called in Australia.

“So, the 99p burger, literally the exact same costs $4.70,” she states, holding the burger up.

“Four dollars seventy for that. A standard cheeseburger.”

News.com.au understands McDonald’s runs a “loose change menu” in Australia, which includes several items at a heavily discounted price between 10.30am and midnight.

In the UK, a similar promotion exists called the “saver menu” – but the items on offer vary.

Australia’s promotional menu features a hamburger, while British restaurants serve up cheeseburgers.

Jen Herriot took to social media to complain she paid $4.70 for a cheeseburger but she accidentally angered Aussies in the process. Picture: TikTok/JenHezza

Social media users were quick to defend Macca’s, with some Aussies claiming ours has “better quality” food.

“But Aussie restaurants have decent meat unlike British McDonald’s,” one claimed.

“Hamburgers are $2 which costs less than the cheeseburger in the UK,” another added.

“No idea why you expected a cheeseburger to be 99p when we are a whole different country with a different menu and currency,” another raged.

Meanwhile other suggested “whinging” about Macca’s was a little off considering her previous videos had praised the Australian lifestyle.

There were many who supported the young expat, offering ideas to cut the cost of her next visit to the fast-food giant.

“Get a hamburger, they’re $2,” one said.

“Download the app, there’s deals on it all the time,” someone else added.

Some even playfully pointed out another error with her Macca’s order, explaining the McChicken is called a burger here, not a sandwich.

While many agreed McDonald’s prices had become “ridiculous” lately, blaming it on the cost of living crisis.

“Macca’s have been putting their prices up recently,” one claimed.

“It’s depressing,” another agreed.

There were some who empathised, labelling the cost of living crisis. Picture: TikTok/JenHezza

Interestingly, McDonald’s announced a free Big Mac deal on Monday, to celebrate the launch of McDelivery via the MyMacca’s app.

Customers can score a free medium Big Mac Meal on orders over $30 from April 5 to May 2.

“McDelivery through the MyMacca’s app is part of McDonald’s ongoing commitment to provide customers with greater convenience, value and rewards,” Tobi Fukushima, marketing manager at McDonald’s Australia, said.

“Since the nationwide launch last month, we’ve seen thousands of customers use the service to access exclusive deals, earn points and redeem rewards.

“This limited time, great-value offer is exclusive to customers on their first McDelivery order via the MyMacca’s app.”

Originally published as British expat’s gripe about prices at Australian McDonald’s roasted