Originally Posted by FedGuard

Well if you conceal the money from official authorities in Venezuela, and when asked, lie about it, you are breaking the law. Besides having probably already broken it by purchasing the tickets. You could always just go to the bank and wire the money, but then there would ofcourse be a trace of it, and I'm assuming the whole reason for your inquiry is to avoid that?

The common misconception that all money under 10.000 is ok by definition is false. Even thought the declaration limit is 10.000, even lower amounts may be investigated or even seized when CBP or other authorities have issues with it.

If you tell the CPB officer the whole story, including the fact that you purposely concealed cash for official Customs authorities (basically his colleagues) in another country, he is obligated to report this, or at least take it into consideration.

Personally I have some questions regarding to your explanation. At best it was an unwise decision to do this for "friends". Why did they pay you in USD when they are Venezuelan nationals and are therefore logically paying stuff in Bolivar? Why would you need to carry the cash personally across the border? Did banks start to refuse USD in Venezuela?

How did it work out eventuelly? Did you get stopped anywhere?

I wish you all safe travels and hope I may assist you in the future.