Etiquette Re: Billing the Firm(s) During CB's Forum

[fingersxd]

As I understand it, in addition to hotel and flight, firms are usually willing to pay for "reasonable" costs of meals.

What's the appropriate etiquette? How much is "reasonable" per meal?

If you are doing interviews over several days (ex. 2 days/2 firms), is it "reasonable" to ask to be reimbursed for a breakfast and dinner (assuming they take you to lunch)?

Any advice is welcome.

[Ludo!]

Most firms have guidelines on stuff like that. You can definitely ask for reimbursement for anything you eat. I think its usually like 20 max for lunch and 40 max for dinner.

[Anonymous User]

Official answer: call and ask for a copy of the firm's reimbursement policy and list of approved expenses.
If any meal is travel related, it generally counts. This includes breakfast/dinner.
$25/lunch is reasonable in most markets. $35 is reasonable in places with a high COL (ex. NY, Cali, etc.). Add +$10 for dinners.
I spent >$50 on a dinner and nobody said anything.

[fingersxd]

Thanks guys.

Always feel a little weird calling to ask what a firm is willing to cover (in part because all the receipts are going to one firm and they are then going to split with other(s). But I haven't gone over $35 yet on any one meal (just to be safe) as I assumed that was reasonable, so I think I'm probably OK.

[Glock]

Just make sure nothing on the receipt or total looks asinine and you will be fine. They process hundreds of these and the flights are the pricey item.