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NOW LIVE: Review the New Travel & Entertainment Guidelines web page to learn more about the travel and entertainment guidance announced on May 13, including exclusions and best practices.

Approved Business Expenses for Cash Advances

The following is a list of allowable expenses for travel cash advances. Items with asterisks (*) are only available when normal purchasing procedures (PCard or requisition/LVO with payment by check, EFT or wire) cannot be followed. Any other item is a special request and will be considered on a case by case basis only.

  1. Local Services (in the host country, this could be one time payments or payments under local short term service agreements):
    • Permits (for dig sites, local permits, survey permits, etc.)*
    • Utilities for non-commercial subsistence (electricity, water, sewage, gas, telephone-land lines, and internet access)
    • Shipping costs (from outside U.S. only)
    • Equipment rentals*
    • Copy services*
    • Unskilled workers up to $20.00 per day (for all other workers and skilled labor, please see pre-hire worksheet)
  2. Local Equipment Purchases:
    • Tents
    • Tools (shovels, hammers, nails, saws, etc.), generators*, tables, and chairs
  3. Supplies:
    • Cleaning supplies
    • Paper
    • Staplers and staples
    • Dispensers and tape
    • Packing and mailing supplies*
    • Pens and pencils
    • Painting supplies
    • Toner
  4. Non-Commercial Facilities:
    • Cabins
    • House trailers
    • Vans (sleeping vans)
    • Field camping equipment
  5. Local Travel Costs:
    • Airfare (foreign travel only, no U.S. segments)
    • Taxi, shuttles, trains, bus, and car services (with driver, only for business, not for commuting)
  6. Per Diem:
    • Long-term per diem
    • Long-term meals & IE
  7. Miscellaneous:
    • Conference registration fees*
    • Excess baggage charges
    • Entrance fees to museums, exhibits, and art shows