1. What is it?
  2. Frequently Used Per Diem Rates
  3. International Per Diem Rates
  4. Hospitality/Events and Working Meals
  5. Where do I find more information?

What is it?

A Per Diem is an allowance for meals or incidentals provisioned specifically when an individual is authorized to travel on behalf of Carleton University. Meals for the traveller will be reimbursed at the per diem rate only. Receipts are not required to be submitted.

Per diems cannot be claimed when meals are included in the price of another expense, such as a conference or flight, however travellers may request a per diem in place of a provided meal if they provide the reasons for incurring the additional expense (e.g. food intolerance).

Important!  The Travel and Related Expense policy provides guidance on expenditures incurred for authorized travel and sets out conditions under which these expenditures will be reimbursed. As a public institution, the University’s policies must ensure that all expenditures are in accordance with applicable legislation, such as the Broader Public Sector Accountability Act (BPSAA) and Canada Revenue Agency (CRA), as well as funding agency requirements.

Frequently Used Per Diem Rates

Effective July 1, 2025, for consecutive days of travel up to 30 days.

Country Currency Breakfast Lunch Dinner
Canada CAD 28.40 27.40 57.70
N.W.T. CAD 30.50 37.00 79.20
Nunavut CAD 30.55 37.05 98.75
Yukon CAD 27.95 25.65 73.95
USA USD 28.40 27.40 57.70
 Alaska USD 28.40 27.40 57.70
France* EUR 24.84 43.64 52.60
Germany* EUR 22.92 35.48 48.36
Italy* EUR 14.56 30.04 37.32
Spain* EUR 20.32 32.00 46.12
Switzerland* EUR 20.80 45.44 58.40
United Kingdom* GBP 18.68 32.68 37.00

*Rates within countries may vary by city.  Check the International Per Diem Rates below.

International Per Diem Rates

International Per Diem Rates (PDF file)

Hospitality/Events and Working Meals

Outlined in Carleton’s ‘Hospitality and Working Meal Expenses’ policy, hospitality and working meals have expenditure limits based on the University’s per diem rates. Hospitality, for hosting visitors and guests, shall not exceed double the per diem rate. All other meals, considered working meals for employees of Carleton University, are capped at the per diem rate.

Where do I find more information?

Carleton University uses per diem rates as prescribed by the National Joint Council.  While the National Joint Council may update their per diem rates throughout the year, Carleton updates rates once a year on July 1st. While per diem rates are automated in SAP Concur, a searchable PDF is also available.

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