Travel – Understanding per diem

While “per diem” does mean “per day,” UNC actually provides a set amount for breakfast, lunch, and dinner. UNC will not reimburse any meals for a trip with no overnight stay.

You cannot claim snacks.

Partial Day Travel

There are special rules for the first and last day of a trip, also known as “partial day” travel.

• Breakfast, first day: Must have left before 6 am
• Lunch, first day: Must have left before 12 pm
• Lunch, last day: Must have returned after 2 pm
• Dinner, last day: Must have returned after 8 pm

Calculating Per Diem

Faculty and staff

Your rates will automatically be calculated by Concur when you designate which meals you are claiming.

Students

See Travel Allowances, Mileage, and Per Diem Rates and this flowchart for determining per diem rates. Partial day rates are calculated at 75% of that day’s rate.