Buzz
Since the government issued regulations promoting economic and trade development in Lao Bao, businesses and traders participating in trading activities in this area have been entitled to certain incentives as stipulated by the Vietnamese government at that time, along with incentives under the special economic development policies for the region.
By 2008, the Prime Minister had officially confirmed Lao Bao border gate as one of the 9 border economic zones earmarked for comprehensive development of infrastructure, regulations, measures, and policies.
The most appealing aspect of this economic zone is perhaps its pricing. Visitors to Lao Bao not only enjoy a variety of goods, both imported and exported, but also benefit from softer prices due to no import or value-added taxes.
However, please note that according to the regulations of the Ministry of Finance, tourists visiting the economic zone at the border crossing are only allowed to bring in duty-free imported goods worth no more than 500,000VND per person per day, except for goods listed as Duty-Free Restricted Items. If purchases exceed this limit, you will have to pay the full import tax, VAT, and special consumption tax (if any) on the excess amount as stipulated by current laws.
