What is the mobile country code for Benin?

The mobile country code for Benin is 616.

What is the dialing code to send SMS to Benin?

The dialing code to send SMS to Benin is +229.

Can I send MMS messages directly in Benin?

No, MMS is not directly supported in Benin. MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL.

What error code is returned when sending SMS to a landline in Benin?

The error code returned is 21614 with a 400 response.

Is message concatenation supported in Benin?

Yes, message concatenation is supported in Benin.

Do I need to obtain consent before sending SMS in Benin?

Yes, obtaining explicit opt-in consent is recommended before sending SMS, especially for marketing purposes.

Should I consider local time zones when sending SMS in Benin?

Yes, it is important to respect local time zones and avoid sending messages outside of daytime hours unless necessary.

Are STOP/HELP commands required in Benin SMS campaigns?

Yes, supporting STOP/HELP commands in the recipient's local language is recommended for compliance.

What should businesses do to ensure SMS compliance in Benin?

Businesses should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with local laws and regulations.

Can users in Benin retain their mobile numbers when switching carriers?

No, number portability is not available in Benin.

What happens if I try to send SMS to a landline in Benin?

The message will not be delivered or logged, and no charges will apply.

Are there any charges for sending SMS to landlines in Benin?

No, there are no charges as the message will not be delivered or logged.

What should I do if a recipient wants to opt out of an SMS campaign in Benin?

Ensure that the recipient can use the STOP command to opt out of receiving further messages.

Can I send SMS messages outside of daytime hours in Benin?

It is advisable to avoid sending messages outside of daytime hours unless they are urgent.

How are multimedia messages handled in Benin?

Multimedia messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL for recipients to access the content.

What is a best practice for managing contact lists in Benin?

Keep contact lists updated to exclude users on do-not-call registries.

Is it necessary to support SMS commands in the recipient's language in Benin?

Yes, it is recommended to support SMS commands like STOP/HELP in the recipient's local language.

Where can I find more information on SMS compliance in Benin?

You can visit the Benin Communications Authority website at https://www.arcep.bj/.

What are the consequences of not adhering to SMS guidelines in Benin?

Failure to comply can result in messages not being delivered, potential legal issues, and damage to brand reputation.

Benin SMS Guidelines: Message Support, Compliance, and Best Practices

Q: Is two-way SMS supported in Benin?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in Benin.

Sending SMS messages to recipients in Benin requires adherence to specific guidelines and restrictions. This comprehensive guide covers SMS support, message handling, and compliance best practices.

Locale Overview

Benin, part of the Middle East & Africa region, is identified by the ISO code BJ and the mobile country code 616. The dialing code for Benin is +229, essential for calls or SMS to local recipients.

Two-Way SMS and Number Portability

Two-Way SMS: Not supported in Benin, preventing direct back-and-forth messaging.
Number Portability: Also unavailable, meaning users cannot retain their mobile number when switching carriers.

Message Handling and Concatenation

Message Concatenation: Supported in Benin, allowing messages exceeding the character limit to be split and reassembled on the recipient's device. This may vary based on sender ID and character encoding.

MMS Support

MMS: Not directly supported. Instead, MMS messages convert to SMS with an embedded URL, enabling recipients to access multimedia content via a link.

Sending SMS to Landlines

Landline SMS: Not supported. Attempts to send SMS to landlines will result in a 400 error with code 21614. The message will not be delivered or logged, and no charges will apply.

Compliance Considerations

Adhering to local regulations and best practices is crucial when sending SMS messages in Benin. Businesses should consult legal counsel to ensure compliance with applicable laws.

Best Practices for SMS Campaigns:

Get Opt-In Consent: Obtain explicit consent before sending communications, especially marketing messages.
Respect Local Time Zones: Avoid sending messages outside of daytime hours unless urgent.
Support STOP/HELP Commands: Ensure these commands are available in the recipient's local language.
Do Not Contact Do-Not-Call Lists: Keep contact lists updated to exclude users on do-not-call registries.

By following these guidelines, your SMS campaigns in Benin will be both effective and compliant.

FAQs

Is two-way SMS supported in Benin?

No, two-way SMS is not supported.

What happens if I send an SMS to a landline in Benin?

The Sent REST API will return a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be sent or logged.

Is number portability available in Benin?

No, number portability is not available.

Conclusion

Sending SMS messages to Benin requires careful attention to local guidelines and best practices. While two-way SMS and number portability are unavailable, features like concatenated messages and MMS conversion to SMS with embedded URLs are supported. Ensure compliance with local regulations by obtaining opt-in consent, respecting local time zones, and supporting STOP/HELP commands.

For more information on SMS compliance, visit the Benin Communications Authority website.