International Lodging and Per Diem Rates
For International Travel Only
Please use the U.S. Department of State Office of Allowances to obtain the lodging and per diem rates for international travel. Rates vary by country/city/date and are updated monthly.
This link will direct you to a drop down menu (by country). Once the country is selected, you will see a list of cities and their rates. The two rates that apply for travel are the “Maximum Lodging Rate” and “M & IE Rate” (Meals & Incidental Expenses). The “M & IE Rate” is allowable per diem.
Notes:
- The international “Maximum Lodging Rate” includes taxes and mandatory fees – unlike the lodging rate for domestic travel.
- “Incidentals” include fees and tips given to baggage carriers/hotel staff; laundry/dry cleaning; etc.
- In lieu of per diem, travelers may claim actual, reasonable cost for meals and incidentals-receipts are required.
- Receipts are not required to claim per diem.
To deduct provided meals from per diem, please follow these guidelines for the breakdown of meal allowances for breakfast, lunch, & dinner.
Example: You attend a conference in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil on January 10, 2020. The Maximum Lodging Rate as of January 2020 is $219/night. The M & IE rate (per diem) is $121/day. According to the second link above, $121 includes $18 for breakfast, $30 for lunch, $49 for dinner, and $24 for incidentals. If lunch was provided at the conference, allowable per diem would be $91 ($121 - $30).
For questions, please contact Wendy Cauley at extension 3318 or Barb Hack at extension 3309. Thank you.
