Originally Posted by
Octobersky
Technically speaking you are right it is not pay. I consider it a payment. If I keep my overnight expenses down, it's added pay to me.
It could go either way, depending on you...
I usually eat out, or eat deli food in, so I was going to spend the money anyway whether I was home or not...for me it's bonus money.
If you usually eat top ramen and bologna when at home, then you might need the per diem to cover the extra cost of eating on the road.