When registering a domain name for your business, one of the first choices you’ll make is whether to go with a .co.za, .com, or another extension altogether. You may have noticed that .co.za domains are significantly cheaper than their .com counterparts. But why is that?
Let’s break down what’s really behind the price difference and help you choose the best domain for your brand.
1. Local vs. Global: Who’s Managing the Domain?
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.co.za domains are governed by Registry Africa, under South Africa’s ZADNA (ZA Domain Name Authority). They’re meant for local use and are priced to suit the South African market.
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.com domains are controlled by Verisign, a massive global registry based in the USA. These domains are internationally recognised and priced according to global demand.
Bottom Line: You’re paying local rates vs global rates, much like shopping at your neighbourhood grocer vs importing luxury goods.
2. Pricing Strategy and Market Demand
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.com domains are in high demand worldwide. Millions of businesses, bloggers, and brands want a .com, which drives up both base pricing and resale value.
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.co.za domains are tailored for South African businesses and have lower demand, allowing for more accessible pricing.
3. Currency and Cost Structures
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.co.za prices are listed in South African Rand (ZAR).
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.com domains are priced in US Dollars (USD) – meaning you’re also paying according to the exchange rate, which can fluctuate significantly.
For example:
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.co.zadomain = ± R150/year -
.comdomain = ± R350+/year
4. Tax, Extras, and Renewals
Many international registrars bundle extra services (like WHOIS privacy, email forwarding, or premium DNS management) into .com domain pricing. Meanwhile, most .co.za domains are sold as “bare-bones” with optional extras.
Also consider:
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VAT and billing practices vary depending on whether your registrar is local or international.
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Renewal rates may increase yearly, especially for .com domains.
So Which Should You Choose?
Here’s a quick guide based on your business goals:
| Business Type | Ideal Domain Extension | Why? |
|---|---|---|
| Local (South Africa only) | .co.za | Affordable, trusted, and SEO-friendly in SA |
| Global or Export-Focused | .com | International credibility and versatility |
| Brand Protection | Both | Secure both .co.za and .com to protect your name |
Tip from Creative Pursuits
Whenever possible, register both the .co.za and .com versions of your domain, even if you only use one. This helps protect your brand from competitors or domain squatters. It also gives you room to grow internationally later.
Need Help Securing Your Domain?
At Creative Pursuits, we offer domain registration, email setup, hosting, and full website builds. All tailored for startups, growing brands, and established businesses across South Africa. We’ll help you choose the best domain strategy for your goals.
👉 Contact us today to get started!
