GeoNames
Place names, postal codes and time zones (CC-BY licensed).
Authentication
Requests are authenticated with an API key. Keep keys on the server side (for example in a serverless function) and never ship them in front-end code or public repositories.
Pricing model
The provider offers this API free of charge. Check the terms for rate limits and any attribution rules. Prices change often, so check the provider's pricing page before you commit, and model your bill at 10× today's volume.
Before you integrate
- Read the terms on caching, storing and displaying data.
- Note the rate limits and the error format so you can retry with backoff.
- Wrap calls behind your own interface so you can switch providers later.
- Pin an API version if the provider offers versioning, and watch its changelog.
Alternatives to GeoNames
Nominatim (OpenStreetMap)
Geocoding and reverse geocoding on OpenStreetMap data (strict fair-use policy).
Mapbox APIs
Maps, geocoding, directions and isochrones.
Google Maps Platform
Maps, Places, Routes and Geocoding from Google.
OSRM
Open-source routing engine you can self-host on OpenStreetMap data.
REST Countries
Country names, codes, currencies, languages and flags.
IPinfo
IP geolocation, ASN and privacy detection.