The Mystery that we call Per Diem
Per diem is a daily allowance for meal expenses while in travel status that includes an overnight stay. Per diem is not given for same day travel.
Domestic per diem rates are based on the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) rates.
International per diem rates are based on the U.S. Department of State Meals and Incidental Expenses (M&IE) Rates
Per diem includes the following incidentals:
- Personal use of room and bath during daytime
- Fees and tips to waiters, porters, baggage handlers, bellhops, hotel servants, dining room stewards, and similar employees
- Telephone calls to reserve hotel accommodations, make business inquiries such as status of salary, expense vouchers, and advance of funds
- Laundry, dry cleaning, and pressing of clothing
- Fans, air conditioning, heating, radio, or television in rooms
- Transportation between place of lodging or business and places off site to obtain meals, when they are not obtainable within the immediate vicinity
Per diem amounts should be reduced if meals are provided during travel, including meals at a conference or on board an airplane, train, or ship.
Employee Paid Business Meals While on Travel Status
- Employee only business meals during travel are not reimbursement, and per diem should be claimed by each participant.
- A business meal that includes at least one external participant and if official university business is discussed can be reimbursed at the actual cost of the meal, instead of per diem. (If you are an employee that received the benefit but didn’t pay, you must exclude the meal from your per diem request).
University Policies:
Travel Reimbursement and Per Diem
Updated 11/15/24