What is a Per Diem on Tour?

A per diem (Latin for "per day", and often shortened to PD) is a daily allowance paid to each member of a touring party to cover food and personal expenses on the road, usually paid in cash by the tour manager. It is a standard part of touring for artists and crew. Per diems mean touring members do not have to spend their own money on basic daily needs while away from home.

How per diems work on tour

Per diems are handled in a regular cycle:

  1. Budget: the daily rate is set in the tour budget, often in each country's currency.
  2. Agree the days: decide which days are paid, usually every day away from home, including travel and days off.
  3. Pay out: the tour manager pays per diems daily or weekly, often in cash.
  4. Record: each payment is signed for and recorded in the tour accounts.
  5. Adjust: rates may change between countries to reflect local costs.

Per diems are just one part of a tour's daily logistics, which Crescat helps tour managers plan alongside travel and schedules.

Per diem vs buyout

A per diem is paid by the artist's own tour budget to each touring member. A buyout is paid by the promoter or venue instead of providing a meal or other rider items. On a show day, a touring member might receive both.

What a per diem usually covers

  • Meals not provided by the venue or hotel
  • Snacks and drinks
  • Laundry
  • Small personal expenses
  • Local transport, on some tours
  • Not usually: hotels or major travel, which the tour pays directly

Frequently asked questions

How much is a typical per diem?

It varies with the size of the tour and local costs. Smaller tours pay modest amounts, while large tours pay more. Rates are set in the tour budget, and are usually agreed with each member before the tour starts.

Are per diems taxable?

It depends on the country and how they are paid. Rules on tax-free subsistence allowances vary, so tours should take accounting advice.

Do crew and band get the same per diem?

Often, but not always. Some tours pay everyone the same rate; others vary it by role or contract.

Related terms