These are the outside sites we use to build and check the tools, plus a few places we think are worth your time. Every link was opened on Oct 6, 2026, and each one has been updated within the last two years. A site that goes quiet or stops answering comes off the list.
The source for post allowances (cost of living, hardship and danger pay), education allowance rates and the Standardized Regulations. Its rate pages carry an effective date.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: its rate pages showed rates effective Oct 4, 2026.
General Schedule and locality pay tables, including the pay areas the Salary Calculator uses for U.S. locations. New tables usually appear around the start of each year.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the page lists tables through 2027 and has items dated December 2025.
Lodging and meal rates for U.S. destinations. They're set by fiscal year, starting October 1.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the page was updated Oct 6, 2026 and shows the October 1, 2026 rates.
Per diem for places outside the continental U.S. that aren't foreign countries, such as Alaska, Hawaii and Guam.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: we loaded its current rates file on Oct 3, 2026.
The Level 1 to 4 advisory for every country, with the full text.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the advisories we loaded on Oct 3, 2026 include 2026 updates.
The rules for shipping and storing household effects, vehicles and baggage. myStuff follows them.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the page was last changed June 5, 2025.
The yearly limits, including catch-up amounts. The Salary Calculator uses them for take-home pay.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the page was updated Oct 5, 2026.
Rates and brackets for every state, from an independent research group. Handy for the state tax box in the Salary Calculator.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the page was updated Oct 6, 2026 and shows 2026 data.
Health notices and vaccine advice for each destination.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: notices on the page are dated August and September 2026.
Anonymous post reports and school reports from people who live in more than 350 cities, plus youth reports.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the newest post report is dated Oct 5, 2026.
The American Foreign Service Association's magazine, with articles on pay, policy and life in the service.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the current issue is September-October 2026.
Associates of the American Foreign Service Worldwide. Programs, advocacy and events for spouses and families.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: events are listed through November 2026.
Resources and events for families who move between countries.
Checked Oct 6, 2026: the site has an item dated Oct 1, 2026.
Before each update to the site we open every link again. We drop anything that stops answering or hasn't changed in two years, and we add a note when a site blocks automated checks and we've confirmed it by hand. Listing a site doesn't mean it endorses us or that we speak for it, and none of these sites are affiliated with myFSpal.
Know a source that belongs here? Write to us at myforeignservicepal@gmail.com.