Vietnam border guards detain Chinese tourist for using counterfeit currency

Border guards in Lao Cai Province, northern Vietnam have detained a Chinese tourist who attempted to bring counterfeit money into the country and exchange it for real currency to fund his travel.

The 35-year-old man was caught on May 29 while exchanging Chinese yuan for Vietnamese dong near the Lao Cai international border gate.

He had arrived in Vietnam earlier that day.

According to authorities, he first exchanged 2,000 yuan (US$278) for VND7 million at a currency counter near Sapaly Lao Cai City Hotel in Lao Cai City.

He then proceeded to another counter, where he traded 3,000 yuan ($417) for VND10.8 million.

Staff quickly identified the banknotes as counterfeit and alerted border guards, who brought him in for questioning.

The man admitted he had entered Vietnam with 18,700 yuan ($2,600), including 185 fake bills and only two genuine ones, with the intent of using the money during his tour.

The commander of the Lao Cai international border gate guard station has officially filed criminal charges against him for storing, transporting, and attempting to circulate counterfeit currency.

Tieu Bac - Trung Dung - Vu Tuan / Tuoi Tre News

(2025/06/05-17:57)