Expenses

Departments, laboratories, centers, and institutes (DLCIs) may have specific policies/procedures governing the use of MIT Travel Cards and/or use of per diem expense. Please check with your individual DLCI.

Avoid carrying large amounts of cash or equivalents. Not only is it a safety risk, you may be required to declare large sums to the Customs of the country. Noncompliance may result in confiscation.

To obtain more information about a specific country’s declaration requirements, contact its embassy in the U.S. or review the International Air Transport Association (IATA) website for a general summary of customs and tax information.

Review the Office of the Vice President for Finance (VPF)’s website on travel policies for more information on trip planning and expensing. You can also find training modules for travel and expense reporting.

For more information on how to make purchases in other countries, check out our Payments & procurement abroad page

• Before departure, decide whether you will be using the MIT Travel Card while away or claiming per diem expenses upon your return.
• Per diem expenses may include lodging and/or meals and incidentals. If submitting per diem expenses, the MIT Travel Card should not be used during the trip; it can be used prior for airfare or conference registration fees.
• For foreign per diem rates check the U.S. Department of State website.

• Calculator for conversion of most world currencies.

Submit expense reports via Concur, the MIT online expense reporting tool, within 30 days of trip completion.