When attending a conference that is not sponsored by New York State, the lodging and meal amounts may exceed the normal per diem amounts. Approval must be obtained from your finance office to exceed the allowable rates. Your agency may provide approval if the rates are reasonable and it is necessary for you to stay at the conference site. If meals are included in the conference fee, the meal allowance must be reduced on your voucher. Fees for social activities such as sightseeing tours or golf outings, are considered personal expenses and will not be reimbursed.
Many conferences supply transportation between the conference site and the transportation terminal.
Car rental should be justified and used for official business only. The State of New York has an agreement with American Express to provide State employees with an American Express card to pay for travel expenses. The card is generally available to all employees who are expected to travel as part of their job. You can apply for a card through your finance office. Beginning in the Fall of 1998, we will phase in a program where the State will assume the responsibility of payment for allowable travel expenses incurred on the Corporate card when the travel is on official business.