International Per Diem: 2026 Rates and What You Need to Know

‍Per diem rates establish daily reimbursement amounts for business travel, providing consistent guidelines for what employees can claim and what companies should budget.

With international rates varying significantly by country and sometimes by season, knowing the correct amounts keeps project budgets accurate and prevents reimbursement disputes.

What Per Diem Covers for International Travel

Per diem breaks down into three parts: lodging, meals, and incidental expenses. Each component has its own maximum rate and reimbursement rules:

• Lodging: Lodging covers your nightly hotel room up to the maximum rate for that location. If you find a room under the maximum, you get reimbursed for the actual cost.
• Meals: Meals include breakfast, lunch, and dinner as a fixed daily amount. You get the full meal rate regardless of what you spend. If your hotel includes breakfast or your company provides lunch, those meals get deducted from your per diem.
• Incidentals: Incidentals cover tips for service workers, plus costs like laundry during extended trips. This is a fixed daily amount that doesn't require receipts.

International Per Diem Rates by Country

The U.S. Department of State's Office of Allowances sets foreign per diem rates for U.S. Government civilians traveling on official business in foreign areas. These rates serve as the standard benchmark that many private companies also follow for international business travel reimbursement.

International per diem rates are updated monthly and can vary by season based on tourism patterns and local economic conditions. Rates are published in the Department of State Standardized Regulations (DSSR) Section 925.

The tables below show the maximum per diem rate range (including lodging, meals, and incidental expenses) for some of the most popular destinations for business travel. For the full list and specific city rates, such as London, Paris, or Tokyo, consult the Department of State's per diem lookup tool. 

Africa

Americas

Asia-Pacific

Europe

Middle East and North Africa

How to Calculate What to Pay Your Team

Here's how the money breaks down for a typical project in Germany, where the standard rate is $377/day:

• Lodging: $237 maximum 
• Meals and incidentals: $140 per day

So, if your employee books a room at $200, they get the full $200 back, not the maximum $237. The meals and incidentals are fixed amounts regardless of what they spend. On travel days (the first and last day), employees receive 75% of the meal rate. For Germany, that's $105 instead of $140.

International travel adds complexity with currency exchange rates and different tax treatments in each country. Many companies use automated systems to track these rates and handle currency conversions automatically.

Get Per Diem Right for Your Next International Project

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Frequently Asked Questions

What is the per diem rate for international travel?

International per diem rates vary by country, ranging from approximately $150 to over $700 per day, depending on the destination and location within that country. Major European cities like London, Paris, and Zurich have higher rates than smaller cities.

Do international per diem rates include taxes?

Lodging taxes are not included in international per diem rates. Employees can claim actual lodging costs plus applicable taxes as a separate reimbursable expense, up to the maximum lodging rate for that location. Meals and incidentals rates already include taxes and gratuities.

When do international per diem rates change?

International per diem rates are updated monthly by the Department of State, typically taking effect on the first day of each month. Rates can vary by season in tourist destinations. Check the current rates using the lookup tool before booking international travel to ensure you're using the correct amounts.

How is per diem calculated for international travel days?

On the first and last day of international travel, employees receive 75% of the full meal rate. For example, if the location's meal rate is $120/day, travelers get $90 on travel days. Lodging and incidentals follow standard rates for actual days at the destination. When crossing time zones, the destination's per diem rate applies.

What happens if I can't find lodging within the per diem rate?

Under U.S. Federal Travel Regulations, government agencies may authorize actual expense reimbursement up to 300% of the standard lodging rate in exceptional circumstances. This requires advance approval and documentation of why compliant lodging wasn't available. Remote locations, major events (such as international summits or conferences), and peak tourism seasons often qualify for these exceptions.

Many private companies that follow Department of State per diem rates also adopt similar exception policies, though the specific limits and approval processes vary by organization. Some companies may cap exceptions at different percentages, require additional justification, or handle high-cost locations differently.

How do currency exchange rates affect per diem?

The Department of State publishes all foreign per diem rates in U.S. dollars, which simplifies budgeting and rate comparison. However, travelers still pay for expenses in local currency, so exchange rates affect the reimbursement process. Your company should specify in advance whether they’ll reimburse based on the transaction date, credit card rate, weighted average or the bank’s reserve rates. 

Check your company's travel policy for specific exchange rate procedures before traveling.

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