Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Per diem is a daily allowance for lodging, meals, and incidental expenses during official travel. The General Services Administration (GSA) sets rates for travel within the continental U.S. (CONUS), while the Department of Defense (DOD) manages rates for non-foreign areas like Alaska, Hawaii, and U.S. territories. The Department of State sets rates for foreign travel. Find more details at travel.dod.mil and aoprals.state.gov.

Use one of our Lodging Calculators and search by city, zip code, or state or view the Per Diem Files page to view the source files. If your location isn’t listed, check the Census Geocoder to find the applicable county rate. If both the city and county are missing, the standard CONUS rate applies.

• CONUS: Taxes are not included but can be reimbursed separately.
• Foreign travel: Taxes are included in State Department rates.

Yes, the Meals & Incidental Expenses (M&IE) rate includes taxes and gratuities.

Every three years, based on recommendations from the Governmentwide Travel Advisory Committee.

No, per diem rates for lodging and M&IE are separate. Lodging covers actual hotel costs up to the allowed rate, and M&IE cannot be reallocated to cover lodging.

• Lodging receipts are always required. AFCrashpad will provide an itemized receipt at the end of every stay with a daily break down of lodging expenses and taxes.
• Receipts for expenses over $75 must be provided unless otherwise approved.