How Much Cash Must You Declare at Vietnam Customs?
Declare foreign currency over $5,000 USD (or equivalent) and Vietnamese dong over 15 million VND.
Vietnam customs requires travelers to declare cash above these thresholds on arrival or departure — foreign currency exceeding USD 5,000 (or its equivalent in another currency), and Vietnamese dong exceeding 15 million VND. Carrying less than these amounts needs no declaration at all.
Why It Matters
Undeclared cash above the threshold can be subject to fines or confiscation if discovered during a customs check. This applies both when entering and leaving Vietnam, so keep the same limits in mind on your way home too.
How to Declare
- Fill out a customs declaration form before reaching the checkpoint
- Use the Red Channel if you’re carrying cash above the limit
- Keep proof of declaration for your return trip if applicable
Taking Cash Back Out
You can take out what you declared on arrival. If you changed money here and want to carry VND out, 15 million VND is the line without declaring — above that you need a currency export certificate from a licensed bank.
Keeps your passport and the cash you declared under your shirt rather than in a back pocket, with RFID shielding for cards.
$12.99 · View in shop →Or Just Use ATMs
For most trips this is the simpler answer and sidesteps the thresholds entirely. ATMs are everywhere in cities and tourist areas, and city rates beat the airport counters.
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