Travel Tip: Tips and Gratuities Are Already Included
When traveling on behalf of VCU, it’s important to keep in mind that the university follows federal Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) per diem guidelines.
What does that mean for you? Your daily per diem already includes a set amount to cover incidental expenses—like tips and gratuities. Because of this, these costs should not be submitted separately for reimbursement.
According to federal guidelines, incidental expenses include things like tips for porters, baggage carriers, and hotel staff.
You can learn more about what’s included in M&IE by visiting the GSA website:
https://www.gsa.gov/travel/plan-a-trip/per-diem-rates/mie-breakdowns
If you’re ever unsure about what can (or can’t) be reimbursed, it’s always a good idea to double-check before submitting your expenses.
Categories Procurement Services