What is the SMS market like in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria has a mature mobile market with high SMS adoption rates. While OTT messaging apps are popular, SMS remains crucial for business communications and authentication.

Is two-way SMS supported in Bulgaria?

Two-way SMS is not supported in Bulgaria through major SMS providers, which can limit interactive messaging campaigns.

Are concatenated SMS messages supported in Bulgaria?

Yes, concatenated messages are supported in Bulgaria, though availability may vary by sender ID type. Standard SMS length limits apply.

What happens to MMS messages sent to Bulgarian numbers?

MMS messages are automatically converted to SMS with an embedded URL link in Bulgaria. This conversion ensures delivery while maintaining rich media sharing capabilities through web-based content delivery.

Is number portability available for SMS in Bulgaria?

Yes, number portability is available in Bulgaria. Users can keep their phone numbers when switching between mobile operators, with minimal impact on SMS delivery.

Can I send SMS messages to landlines in Bulgaria?

No, sending SMS to landline numbers is not possible in Bulgaria. Attempts to do so will result in a failed delivery and a 400 response error.

What are the consent requirements for sending SMS marketing messages in Bulgaria?

You must obtain written or electronic consent before sending marketing SMS messages in Bulgaria. Consent records must be maintained, and the purpose of communication must be clearly stated.

What STOP commands are required for SMS opt-out in Bulgaria?

STOP commands must be supported in both Bulgarian and English. Common keywords include STOP, ОТКАЗ, and КРАЙ. All marketing messages must include opt-out instructions.

Does Bulgaria have a Do Not Call registry for SMS marketing?

Bulgaria does not maintain a centralized Do Not Call registry. However, businesses must maintain their own suppression lists and honor opt-out requests within 24 hours.

What time zone should I consider when sending SMS messages in Bulgaria?

Bulgaria observes Eastern European Time (EET/EEST). It's best to send messages between 9:00 AM and 8:00 PM local time and avoid national holidays.

Are alphanumeric sender IDs supported for SMS in Bulgaria?

Yes, alphanumeric sender IDs are supported in Bulgaria. Pre-registration is not required, but dynamic usage is supported. Sender ID preservation is generally available, but A1 and Vivacom Bulgaria may use generic alphanumeric IDs.

Are domestic long codes supported for SMS in Bulgaria?

No, domestic long codes are not supported in Bulgaria. However, international long codes are supported for transactional messages, alerts, and notifications.

Are short codes supported for SMS in Bulgaria?

No, short codes are not currently supported in Bulgaria.

What types of SMS content are restricted in Bulgaria?

Restricted SMS content in Bulgaria includes unauthorized gambling services, adult content, unlicensed financial services, cryptocurrency promotions without proper disclaimers, and unauthorized pharmaceutical products.

What are some best practices to avoid SMS filtering in Bulgaria?

To avoid SMS filtering in Bulgaria, use clear, professional language, avoid spam trigger words, include your company name in the sender ID, and keep URLs short and legitimate.

What are some messaging strategy best practices for sending SMS in Bulgaria?

Keep messages under 160 characters, include clear call-to-actions, personalize messages, and maintain a consistent brand voice.

How often should I send SMS messages to recipients in Bulgaria?

Limit SMS messages to 2-4 messages per month per recipient. Respect Bulgarian holidays and Orthodox Christian observances, and avoid weekends unless specifically requested.

What localization considerations should I keep in mind when sending SMS to Bulgaria?

The primary language should be Bulgarian. Consider dual-language messages for international businesses, use proper character encoding for the Cyrillic alphabet, and respect local cultural nuances.

How should I handle SMS opt-outs in Bulgaria?

Process opt-outs immediately, maintain clear opt-out records, provide confirmation of successful opt-out, and regularly audit opt-out lists.

Which SMS APIs can I use to send messages to Bulgaria?

You can use Twilio, Sinch, MessageBird and Plivo to send SMS messages to Bulgaria. Each offers unique features and rate limits.

Bulgaria SMS Guide

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