# BaseURL

> BaseURL is an OpenAI-compatible API for open-source AI models, built for developers in Africa. One API key gives access to models such as DeepSeek V4.1 Flash, Qwen 3.8 Max, Kimi K3, gpt-oss-120b, GLM-5.3 Flash and Nemotron Lightning 3.5. Developers fund their balance in Nigerian naira (NGN) through Paystack, with a Nigerian card or bank transfer, so no US dollar card or virtual dollar card is needed.

Key facts:

- Base URL: `https://api.baseurl.dev/v1` (OpenAI-compatible chat completions; the standard `openai` Python and Node.js libraries work by changing `base_url`).
- Payment: prepaid credit, topped up in naira through Paystack. The quote shows the exact credit, with fees included, and the rate is locked for that top-up. Minimum top-up is shown in the dashboard (normally NGN 2,000). Ghana (cedi, mobile money) is next.
- Models are open-source models run by Fireworks AI. BaseURL does not provide OpenAI's own models and is not affiliated with OpenAI or DeepSeek.
- Prompts and completions are not logged or stored.
- Per-key monthly spending limits in naira, with email alerts at 50, 80 or 90%.
- New accounts are reviewed, usually within 5 minutes.
- Dashboard and sign-up: https://app.baseurl.dev

## Quick start (Python)

```python
from openai import OpenAI

client = OpenAI(
    base_url="https://api.baseurl.dev/v1",
    api_key="YOUR_BASEURL_KEY",
)

reply = client.chat.completions.create(
    model="gateway-fast",
    messages=[{"role": "user", "content": "Hello"}],
)
print(reply.choices[0].message.content)
```

## Models

- `gateway-micro`: Nemotron Lightning 3.5 30B. Cheapest, high-volume simple tasks.
- `gateway-fast`: DeepSeek V4.1 Flash. Fast everyday tasks.
- `gateway-coder`: gpt-oss-120b. Coding and reasoning at low cost.
- `gateway-vision`: GLM-5.3 Flash. Images and documents.
- `gateway-smart`: Qwen 3.8 Max. Smart all-round.
- `kimi-k3`: Kimi K3. Top quality, agents and coding.

Prices per million tokens: https://baseurl.dev/#models

## Documentation

- [Docs overview and quickstart](https://baseurl.dev/docs/)
- [Authentication](https://baseurl.dev/docs/authentication/)
- [Models](https://baseurl.dev/docs/models/)
- [Chat completions](https://baseurl.dev/docs/chat-completions/)
- [Errors](https://baseurl.dev/docs/errors/)
- [Billing and limits](https://baseurl.dev/docs/billing/)

## Guides

- [OpenAI API card declined in Nigeria? Pay for AI APIs in naira](https://baseurl.dev/guides/openai-api-card-declined-nigeria/)
- [How to use DeepSeek models with naira and Paystack](https://baseurl.dev/guides/deepseek-api-naira-paystack/)
- [Use AI APIs without a virtual dollar card](https://baseurl.dev/guides/ai-api-without-virtual-dollar-card/)

## Policies

- [Terms of Service](https://baseurl.dev/terms/)
- [Privacy Policy](https://baseurl.dev/privacy/)
- Support: support@baseurl.dev