How to Carry Cash Through Vietnam Customs Legally
Vietnam has no cap on how much foreign currency you can bring in — but transparency is mandatory above certain thresholds. Here’s exactly what the rules say.
Customs Declaration Thresholds
| Currency | Declare If Carrying More Than |
|---|---|
| Foreign currency (USD, EUR, etc.) | USD 5,000 (or equivalent) |
| Vietnamese Dong (VND) | 15,000,000 VND (~$600) |
| Gold | 300 grams |
How to Declare
On arrival, pick up a customs declaration form at the airport. Tick the box for “foreign currency” and fill in the amount. Hand it to the customs officer in the Red Channel if you’re carrying above the threshold.
Can You Take Cash Back Out?
Yes. When departing Vietnam, you can take out the same amount you declared on arrival. If you exchanged money in Vietnam and want to take VND out, you’re allowed up to 15 million VND without declaration. Larger amounts require a currency export certificate from a licensed bank.
ATMs vs. Carrying Cash
For most travellers, using ATMs in Vietnam is simpler than carrying large amounts of cash. ATMs are widely available in all cities and tourist areas. Exchange rates at airport banks are less favourable — consider withdrawing from city ATMs instead.
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