I'm moving to Vietnam & understand that I can't import high end personal items such as PCs,etc. Is this true?

Question

I've heard that they "confiscate" high value items in customs. If it is possible to import these items, where can I find the import duties and taxes on the different items? Thanks in advance.

Answer 1

Here's an extract from the first source cited below:

"Temporary Entry of Materials and Personal Belongings:  Vietnam does not subscribe to the ATA Carnet system. There are no known regulations governing the temporary entry of laptop computers into Vietnam. That said, the authorities are always sensitive to the import and export of information, such as that on a hard disk. Visitors are strongly advised not to have any information on their computers that the authorities of Vietnam might deem pornographic or politically sensitive.

If a computer is equipped with a modem (as most laptops are), it technically requires an import license as a telecommunications device from the Ministry of Trade. However, this regulation (which also should apply to mobile phones) is rarely, if ever, enforced. Encryption software must be licensed for import.

Exhibit materials and related items have generally been allowed to enter Vietnam temporarily without duty or restriction. However, recently some foreign exhibitors have encountered difficulties bringing high-tech equipment to Vietnam for trade shows. Technically, items brought into Vietnam temporarily for exhibition at trade shows require a special license from the Ministry of Trade. Exhibition organizers typically assist exhibitors in obtaining these licenses, so U.S. exhibitors should contact show organizers regarding this matter well in advance.

A related issue is that of bringing samples into Vietnam for display (but not sale) in a company's offices. A license offering duty exemption for such items may be obtained but only if the items in question are listed specifically in the firm's investment license. "

..and from the second source:

"It is preferable to import only one of each major appliance, additional items attract extra duty. It is permissible to import similar items under different descriptions, for example, stereo, sound system, music centre, tape recorder, etc. . If you are bringing antique items into Vietnam, be sure to list them specifically on your valuation list. It is also advisable to have two copies of a photograph of each antique piece…one copy you will leave with the Ministry of Culture when you arrive and one copy you hold on to until you leave Vietnam (to confirm that the object was not purchased in Vietnam)."

Answer 2

move for nature & food....................lead a simpler life

Answer 3

yes it is true, i live in Cambodia, you can't import or bring high end personal item to VN, i think they may have 1 spy per 2km they know the stranger come, and bring what.

i used to bring a Nokia N90 to sell there but you know their police come ask me about that.