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Travellers heading to Cape Town for international flights may face additional bank fees, potentially costing up to R550 on a R20,000 ticket. This charge applies when the airline processes the payment outside South Africa. Various South African banks, including Standard Bank, reported similar international transaction fees ranging up to 2.75% of the transaction amount. Capitec Bank recently eliminated its own fee.

Cape Town's popularity as a travel destination has surged, with the city's airport handling a record 11.1 million passengers in 2025, a 7% increase from the previous year. Of these passengers, 3.3 million used the international terminal. Mayoral committee member for economic growth James Vos highlighted the importance of expanding direct flights to Cape Town, citing the city's role in supporting employment across various sectors.

To avoid bank fees, travellers should consider booking directly through the airline's South African website, which displays fares in rand. By doing so, they can potentially bypass the international transaction fee imposed by their bank. Additionally, booking through the airline's website allows travelers to hold a fare for a short period without incurring any charges, enabling them to monitor price fluctuations and secure the best deal.