Don't even get me started on clients and travel expenses!

I've noticed a huge focus on T&E lately with all my clients. It's mostly junior analyst types at the client end that want to know why I or my team members traveled to a third city at the end of the week?, whether alcohol was consumed with meals?, why a car co. was used instead of using a rental car/taxi?, etc. Fair questions in tough times, but annoying when one is in adherance with one's corporate and the client's travel policy.

Anyway, to answer OP's question, for international assignments your expense reports are going to be large but you to view these costs independently of your hourly rate. The ratio is immaterial IMHO because your rate reflects what the market is willing to pay for your expertise and your expenses are governed by other factors (timing of reservation, class of service, client allowable expenses, etc).