Vietnam sets tougher foreign-exchange penalties, maximum fines at $9,500

The Decree 340/2025 stipulates warnings for individuals who buy or sell foreign currency with each other, or with unauthorized exchange entities, when the transaction value is below $1,000, as well as for improper payment for goods or services in foreign currency below that threshold, according to Thanh Nien (Young People) newspaper. 

Fines of VND10 million ($380) to VND20 million ($760) apply to similar violations involving amounts of $1,000 to $10,000, or to repeat offenses below $1,000.

Fines rise to VND20 million to VND30 million ($1,140) for violations involving foreign-currency amounts of $10,000 to $100,000, and for failures to clearly post foreign-exchange buy and sell rates at transaction locations, or postings deemed misleading to customers.

Penalties surge to VND80 million ($3,041) to VND100 million ($3,801) for foreign-currency transactions of $100,000 or more conducted between individuals, with unauthorized exchange organizations, or for improper payment for goods and services in foreign currency at that level, as per the decree.

In addition to monetary fines, authorities may confiscate foreign currency and Vietnamese dong involved in illegal exchange transactions. 

The highest penalties, ranging from VND200 million ($7,603) to VND250 million, apply to violations including the unauthorized provision of foreign-exchange derivatives and improper import or export of cash foreign currency or Vietnamese dong.