What is number portability in Croatia?

Number portability in Croatia allows users to retain their phone numbers when switching between mobile operators, ensuring consistent communication.

How does Croatia handle long SMS messages?

Croatia supports concatenated messages, which are long messages split into smaller segments and rejoined on the recipient's device.

What encoding is used for SMS messages in Croatia?

SMS messages in Croatia can use GSM-7 encoding for up to 160 characters or Unicode encoding for up to 70 characters.

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

Sending an SMS to a landline number in Croatia will result in a 400 error with error code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.

What are the character limits for SMS messages in Croatia?

For GSM-7 encoding, the limit is 160 characters per message. For Unicode encoding, it's 70 characters per message.

What should I do to ensure compliance with SMS regulations in Croatia?

Ensure opt-in consent, limit messages to daytime hours, support HELP/STOP keywords, and respect do-not-call registries.

Is it necessary to obtain opt-in consent for SMS marketing in Croatia?

Yes, obtaining explicit opt-in consent is necessary before sending marketing SMS messages in Croatia.

Can users reply to SMS messages in Croatia?

No, users cannot reply to SMS messages within the same thread as two-way SMS is not supported in Croatia.

What is the error code for sending an SMS to a landline in Croatia?

The error code is 21614, which occurs when attempting to send an SMS to a landline number.

What is the impact of character encoding on SMS length in Croatia?

Character encoding affects SMS length: GSM-7 allows 160 characters, while Unicode allows 70 characters per message.

Are there any specific hours for sending SMS messages in Croatia?

Yes, it is recommended to send SMS messages during the recipient's local daytime hours unless the message is urgent.

What are the compliance requirements for SMS campaigns in Croatia?

Compliance requirements include opt-in consent, daytime communication, HELP/STOP support, and respecting do-not-call lists.

What is the significance of HELP/STOP support in SMS campaigns in Croatia?

HELP/STOP support allows users to easily manage their preferences for receiving SMS messages.

Can businesses maintain communication with users who change mobile operators in Croatia?

Yes, due to number portability, businesses can maintain communication as users retain their numbers when switching operators.

What should businesses do if they rely on two-way SMS communication in Croatia?

Businesses should explore alternative methods for customer engagement, as two-way SMS is not supported in Croatia.

What is the consequence of not respecting do-not-call registries in Croatia?

Failing to respect do-not-call registries can lead to legal issues and damage to the business's reputation.

How are concatenated messages handled in Croatia?

Concatenated messages are split into smaller segments and rejoined on the recipient's device, though the process may vary based on character encoding.

Why is number portability important for businesses in Croatia?

Number portability is important because it ensures that businesses can maintain consistent communication with users even if they switch mobile operators.

Croatia SMS Guidelines: Best Practices and Compliance

Q: Is two-way SMS supported in Croatia?

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

Q: Can I send SMS messages to landline numbers in Croatia?

No, SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers in Croatia. The Sent API will return a 400 error if attempted.

Q: What are the best practices for SMS compliance in Croatia?

Best practices include obtaining opt-in consent, only sending messages during daytime hours, supporting HELP/STOP messages, and avoiding contacts on do-not-call lists.

Q: Can I use MMS for sending multimedia messages in Croatia?

MMS is not natively supported in Croatia. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL for viewing multimedia content.

When sending SMS messages to recipients in Croatia, it’s crucial to understand the local guidelines to ensure compliance and successful delivery. This guide covers essential aspects of SMS communication in Croatia, including two-way SMS support, number portability, message length, and compliance considerations.

Two-way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Croatia. While you can send messages to users, they cannot reply directly within the same conversation thread. Businesses relying on two-way communication should explore alternative methods for customer engagement in this region.

Number Portability

Croatia allows number portability, enabling users to retain their numbers when switching between mobile operators. This is vital for businesses to maintain consistent communication, ensuring messages reach users even if they change providers.

Concatenated Message Support

If your message exceeds the character limit of a single SMS, Croatia supports concatenated messages. Long messages are split into smaller segments and rejoined on the recipient's device. Note that certain sender ID types may not support this feature, and the rejoining process may vary based on character encoding.

Message Length and Encoding

The length of an SMS message in Croatia depends on the encoding:

GSM-7 encoding: Up to 160 characters per message.
Unicode encoding: Up to 70 characters per message for non-Latin characters.

Messages exceeding these limits will be split into multiple segments and sent as concatenated messages.

MMS Support

Croatia does not support MMS natively. Instead, MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL, allowing recipients to view multimedia content by clicking the link.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers in Croatia. Attempting to do so will result in a 400 error with error code 21614 from the Sent REST API. The message won’t appear in your logs, and your account won’t be charged for the failed attempt.

Compliance Considerations

To ensure compliance with local regulations, follow these best practices when sending SMS messages in Croatia:

Opt-in Consent: Obtain explicit opt-in consent from users before sending messages, especially for marketing purposes.
Daytime Communication: Limit messages to the recipient’s local daytime hours unless urgent.
HELP/STOP Support: Ensure SMS campaigns support keywords like HELP and STOP in the local language, allowing users to manage preferences easily.
Respect Do-Not-Call Registries: Avoid sending messages to users listed on do-not-call or do-not-disturb registries.

By adhering to these guidelines, your SMS campaigns in Croatia can be both effective and legally compliant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is two-way SMS supported in Croatia?

No, two-way SMS is not supported. You can send messages, but users cannot reply within the same thread.

Can I send SMS messages to landline numbers in Croatia?

No, SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers. The Sent API will return a 400 error if attempted.

What are the best practices for SMS compliance in Croatia?

Best practices include obtaining opt-in consent, sending messages during daytime hours, supporting HELP/STOP messages, and avoiding contacts on do-not-call lists.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure that your SMS campaigns in Croatia are compliant with local regulations and effective in reaching your audience.