Starting 2018, using cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin in Vietnam will be illegal and subject to a $9,000 fine
The State Bank of Vietnam (SBV) has amended its monetary regulations to make Bitcoin and similar virtual currencies illegal. In an announcement revealed today – it is now illegal to issue, supply or otherwise use Bitcoin because it has been designated as an illegal means of payment. The SBV notice clarified that the only officially accepted means of payment in Vietnam are checks, payment orders, payment orders, collection orders, bank cards as well as any other payment instruments approved by the State Bank. The move against cryptocurrencies follows similar bans on centralized virtual currencies, often used for gaming or gambling, as well.

While no other altcoins like ZCash, Ethereum, Litecoin, Ripple, and others are specifically named, it’s pretty clear that Vietnam is also considering these other cryptocurrencies to be illegal means of payment, as well. What’s the penalty for using illegal means of payment? 150 million to 200 million VN – which translates to roughly $9,000 USD.