Tip Reimbursement
Frequently Asked Questions
Updated: 03/28/13

1. How will I be reimbursed for tips while on official travel?
2. What tips are included in the incidental expenses?
3. What tips are included in the miscellaneous expenses?
4. What is considered an appropriate amount to pay for a tip?

1. How will I be reimbursed for tips while on official travel?

You may be reimbursed for tips either through the incidental expenses portion of the M&IE (Meals and Incidental Expenses) per diem rate or as a miscellaneous expense.

2. What tips are included in the incidental expenses?

Tips included as incidental expenses include: fees and tips to porters, baggage carriers, bellhops, hotel maids, stewards or stewardesses and others on ships, and hotel servants in foreign countries. See JFTR/JTR, APP A1 under per diem for definition. For an employee with a disability or special need, see JTR, par. C7460-item 4, regarding baggage-handling costs incurred as a direct result of an employee's disability.

3. What tips are included in the miscellaneous expenses?

Tips included as miscellaneous expenses include (See JFTR/JTR, APP G):

1. Tips aboard commercial ships (Uniformed Members Only): Tips to stewards and other attendants paid by or on behalf of dependents aboard commercial ships
2. Tips for handling government property: Transportation-related tips for handling government property at terminals and lodgings are authorized.
3. Tips, Transportation-Related: Transportation-related tips for the drivers of taxis, limousines, and courtesy transportation are authorized.

4. What is considered an appropriate amount to pay for a tip?

The appropriate amounts for tipping is not defined in the JFTR/JTR. Tipping is discretionary and the amount of a tip can vary throughout the world. A reasonable amount is the key and consideration should be given based on the location customs and the type of service rendered. A traveler must exercise the same care and regard for incurring expenses to be paid by the government as would a prudent person traveling at personal expense. See JFTR, par. U2000 for uniformed members and JTR, par. C2000 for DoD civilian employees.