Picture this: you’ve just launched a business in Bujumbura. You’ve set up your shop, you’ve built your team, but when customers look for you online, they only find a .com address.
To them, you look distant — not local. Now imagine the same site with a .bi domain. Suddenly, you feel closer, more trustworthy, and more relatable.
That’s the power of a .bi domain. It’s not just a web address. It’s a signal that says “we belong here.”
Why .bi is more than just another domain
- Trust factor: In a country where internet adoption is still growing, local recognition matters. A .bi name immediately positions you as part of the community.
- Visibility boost: Google rewards country-code domains. If someone in Burundi searches for “best bakery in Bujumbura,” a .bi site has a clear advantage.
- Low competition: Unlike .com where good names are taken, .bi is still open. That means short, memorable names are available at a fraction of the global cost.
- Regulated locally: .bi domains are overseen by BiNIC (Burundi Network Information Center), ensuring stability and credibility.
“A .bi domain tells customers in Burundi: we’re here, we’re local, and we’re not going anywhere.”
Who should grab a .bi domain
- Small businesses selling to Burundians (retail, services, hospitality).
- Startups building tech for the East African market.
- NGOs working in Burundi who want to be seen as rooted locally.
- Schools, training centers, and universities that need trust.
- International companies that want their Burundian operations to feel authentic.
More than one option: second-level .bi
When you register in Burundi, you’re not limited to just .bi. You can pick from specialized extensions that better define your organization:
- .com.bi – Commercial businesses, startups, and e-commerce
- .org.bi – NGOs, nonprofits, community organizations
- .edu.bi – Educational institutions, universities, and schools
- .gov.bi – Reserved for government entities
- .net.bi – ISPs, IT service providers, and networking projects
A nonprofit with a .org.bi will inspire more confidence than using .com. A retailer with a .com.bi immediately looks like it belongs in Burundi’s marketplace.
Pricing snapshot
While rates vary, Truehost keeps .bi domains affordable and transparent. You can register, renew, or transfer without hidden costs — making it easy for small and growing businesses to maintain their online identity.
| Extension | Best use | Typical price range |
|---|---|---|
| .bi | General | Around $20–$25/year |
| .com.bi | Business | Lower entry, about $10–$15/year |
| .org.bi | Nonprofits | Affordable, similar to .com.bi |
(Pricing shown is indicative — see Truehost checkout for live rates.)
How to get your .bi domain in minutes
- Search your preferred domain name in Truehost’s checker.
- Choose between .bi or a second-level option like .com.bi.
- Add it to cart and pay securely (card, PayPal, or mobile money).
- Activate instantly and connect it to your website or email.
That’s it — in under five minutes, you’re online with a Burundian identity.
Why Burundi’s digital moment matters
Burundi may be one of East Africa’s smaller economies, but it’s catching up digitally. More citizens are accessing the internet through affordable smartphones and 4G networks.
Businesses that secure their .bi domain today will be the ones customers remember tomorrow.
The country’s e-commerce and fintech space is still young, meaning the best names are still available. Waiting too long could mean losing your perfect brand match to someone else.
Bi Domains FAQs
FAQs about .bi domains
1) Who manages the .bi domain extension?
The Burundi Network Information Center (BiNIC) oversees the .bi registry. They handle the rules, regulations, and stability of Burundi’s domain space.
Truehost connects directly with accredited channels so you can register without dealing with complex paperwork.
2) Can international companies register a .bi domain?
Yes. You don’t have to be physically present in Burundi to own a .bi. However, if you’re using restricted extensions like .gov.bi or .edu.bi, you must meet local eligibility requirements.
For standard extensions (.bi, .com.bi, .org.bi), both locals and internationals can register freely.
3) What’s the difference between .bi and .com.bi?
Both are valid for businesses, but .bi is more general and works for almost any purpose. .com.bi is tailored for commercial entities and tends to look more professional for companies selling products or services in Burundi.
Many brands secure both to protect their identity.
4) How does a .bi domain affect SEO?
Search engines use country-code domains to understand geographic relevance. A .bi signals to Google that your website is meant for Burundian audiences.
This means you’ll likely rank higher for searches performed inside Burundi compared to using a .com or .net.
5) How much does a .bi domain cost?
Pricing varies slightly by registrar, but you can expect around $20–$25/year for .bi and $10–$15/year for .com.bi or .org.bi. Truehost offers transparent rates with no hidden renewal spikes.
6) Can I use a .bi domain for email addresses?
Yes. Owning a domain means you can create professional emails like info@yourbusiness.bi or support@ngo.org.bi.
This builds more trust than using Gmail or Yahoo, especially with local partners and clients.
7) Are .bi domains secure?
Yes. .bi follows standard internet security practices. With Truehost, you also get optional DNSSEC (Domain Name System Security Extensions) and domain locking to prevent hijacks or unauthorized transfers.
8) Can I transfer an existing .bi domain to Truehost?
Absolutely. You’ll need to unlock your domain at your current registrar and get the EPP/Auth code. Once entered into Truehost’s system, the transfer typically completes within a few days without affecting your website.
9) Should I buy multiple .bi variations?
Yes. Many businesses register .bi along with .com.bi or .org.bi to:
- Protect against copycats
- Cover different audience types (commercial vs nonprofit)
- Capture more traffic from similar searches
10) What happens if I don’t renew my .bi domain?
If you forget to renew, your domain goes into a grace period where only you can still reclaim it. After that, it enters a redemption stage with higher recovery fees. If left unpaid, it becomes available to the public — meaning competitors can grab it.
Secure your .bi domain today
Burundi’s internet is still an open field. A .bi domain ensures you own your name before someone else does. Whether you’re a startup, an NGO, or an established company, this small step gives you a massive edge in trust and visibility.
👉 Register Your .BI Domain Now
