I am responsible for hiring many people that travel for my company on a per project basis. My company in thier wisdom wants to impose a flat $40 per diem rate for everyone in every city. I think that seems low (especially in New York or Los Angeles). I was curious for the people who travel on per diem, what is your per diem rate and what is included (food, laundry, phone, gratuity, etc).

Thanks for your help.