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Customs & Cash — Vietnam
What travelers need to know about customs & cash in Vietnam. What is legal at home can be a serious crime here — each rule links to its official source.
Short answer
Driving in the U.S. too?The free LawLert iPhone app alerts you when you cross into a U.S. state where a law you track differs. It doesn't cover other countries yet.Get the free appCustoms & Cash in Vietnam: restricted — there are real limits travelers must follow.
RESTRICTED
Vietnamese law prohibits the export of antiques, and Customs may seize items without compensation, with the definition of 'antique' applied arbitrarily.
Seizure of goods on departure; keep receipts/Ministry of Culture confirmation for valuables.
§ US State DeptVerified Jul 22, 2026
RESTRICTED
Entering or leaving Vietnam you must declare to border customs if you carry more than US$5,000 (or equivalent foreign currency) or more than VND 15,000,000 in cash.
Undeclared cash over the threshold can be seized and penalized.
§ State Bank of Vietnam — Circular 15/2011/TT-NHNN (Vietnam Trade Portal)Verified Jul 20, 2026
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LawLert is an independent app and is not affiliated with any government. It summarizes laws from official government and U.S. State Department sources for general information only. This is not legal advice, and laws change. Always confirm with official sources and local authorities before you travel.