sent.dm
Sign In

SMS Guidelines for Nepal: Best Practices and Compliance Considerations

Nepal, recognized by the ISO code NP, is part of the Asian region and uses the mobile country code 429. If you're planning to send SMS messages to users in Nepal, understanding local guidelines and best practices is crucial for compliance and effective communication. This article provides a comprehensive overview of the key SMS guidelines for Nepal.

Two-Way SMS Support

Two-way SMS is not supported in Nepal. While you can send SMS messages to users, they cannot reply directly through SMS. Consider alternative communication channels if interaction is necessary.

Number Portability

Number portability is not available in Nepal. Users cannot retain their mobile numbers when switching providers. Ensure your contact databases are updated with the correct information.

Message Length and Concatenation

Nepal supports concatenated messages, allowing SMS that exceed the standard character limit to be split and reassembled. However, certain sender ID types may not support this feature. Be mindful of message length and character encoding, as exceeding limits can affect user experience and costs.

MMS Support

Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not directly supported in Nepal. MMS messages are converted to SMS with an embedded URL. Users must click the link to view content, adding an extra step to communication.

Sending SMS to Landline Numbers

SMS messages cannot be sent to landline numbers in Nepal. Attempting this will result in a 400 error response with code 21614. Ensure numbers in your contact list are mobile to avoid issues.

Compliance Considerations

Compliance is critical for SMS campaigns. In Nepal, ensure adherence to local laws and regulations:

  • Obtain Opt-In Consent: Always secure user consent before sending communications, especially for marketing.
  • Respect Daytime Hours: Send SMS during recipient's daytime hours unless urgent.
  • Support HELP/STOP Messages: Allow users to send HELP or STOP messages in the local language.
  • Avoid Do-Not-Call Registries: Verify users are not on do-not-call lists to avoid penalties.

By following these guidelines, you can ensure effective and compliant SMS campaigns in Nepal.

Conclusion

Sending SMS messages in Nepal requires understanding local guidelines and best practices. Although two-way SMS and MMS are limited, SMS remains a powerful tool if you adhere to rules on message length, compliance, and user consent. Following these guidelines will help you create successful campaigns that engage users and respect their preferences.