Is two-way SMS supported in China?

No, two-way SMS is not supported in China. Recipients cannot reply directly to your messages.

Can I port my mobile number to a different carrier in China?

No, number portability is not supported in China. Users cannot transfer their mobile numbers when switching carriers.

What is the maximum character length for SMS messages in China?

For optimal delivery, limit SMS messages to 500 characters or 8 segments when using UCS2 encoding.

Are URLs allowed in SMS messages sent to China?

No, URLs are prohibited in SMS content sent to China.

Can I send MMS messages to China?

No, Multimedia Messaging Service (MMS) is not available in China. Alternative platforms should be used for multimedia content.

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

Sending SMS to landline numbers in China is not supported. Attempts will result in a 400 response with error code 21614, and the message will not be logged or charged.

What types of content are prohibited in SMS messages to China?

Prohibited content includes URLs, political content, illegal content, pornographic content, fraudulent messages, and financial marketing related to loans, credit cards, securities, stocks, crude oil, futures, gold, and cryptocurrency.

What are the time restrictions for sending promotional SMS messages in China?

Promotional messages cannot be sent between 07:00 PM and 08:00 AM local time in China.

Is it necessary to obtain opt-in consent before sending SMS in China?

Yes, it is important to secure opt-in consent before sending communications, especially marketing messages.

What should I do if my SMS campaign includes STOP/HELP commands?

Ensure that your SMS campaigns support commands like HELP and STOP in the local language.

Are there any specific time zones to consider when sending SMS to China?

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

Can I send SMS messages to recipients on do-not-call lists in China?

No, you should avoid messaging recipients who are on do-not-call or do-not-disturb lists.

What is the best practice for sending SMS to M2M numbers in China?

Delivery to M2M numbers is on a best-effort basis, with no guarantee of success.

What are the consequences of violating SMS content regulations in China?

Violations can lead to fines or network disconnection.

Where can I find more information on SMS regulations in China?

For more information, visit the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology of the People's Republic of China website at http://www.miit.gov.cn/.

Can SMS messages be split and reassembled in China?

Yes, China supports concatenated messages, allowing long messages to be split and reassembled, depending on sender ID type and character encoding.

Is it important to consult legal counsel for SMS compliance in China?

Yes, consulting with legal counsel is recommended to ensure compliance with all applicable laws.

What type of encoding is recommended for SMS messages in China?

UCS2 encoding is recommended for optimal delivery, allowing up to 500 characters or 8 segments.

Can I include political content in my SMS messages to China?

No, messages with political undertones or content violating China's Constitution are banned.

How can I ensure successful SMS campaigns in China?

By following technical and regulatory guidelines, respecting time zones, obtaining opt-in consent, and consulting legal counsel, you can effectively manage SMS campaigns in China.

Is two-way SMS supported in China?

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

Can I send promotional messages at any time in China?

No, promotional messages are not allowed to be sent between 07:00 PM and 08:00 AM local time in China.

Are there restrictions on the type of content I can send via SMS in China?

Yes, China has strict regulations on SMS content, including prohibitions on URLs, political content, and financial marketing messages.

What is the role of WeChat in the Chinese messaging market compared to SMS?

While SMS remains relevant for business communications and authentication, WeChat dominates consumer messaging in China with over 1.2 billion monthly active users.

What mobile operating system has the largest market share in China?

Android devices hold approximately 80% of the mobile market share in China, with iOS accounting for most of the remainder.

What are the 'Nine Prevention Rules' and 'Five Categories' in the context of SMS compliance in China?

The 'Nine Prevention Rules' and 'Five Categories' are guidelines that all SMS message content must comply with in China, as overseen by the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) and the Ministry of Public Security.

What type of sender ID is supported for SMS messages in China?

Alphanumeric Sender IDs and domestic long codes are not supported in China. International long codes are supported with limitations.

What is the recommended strategy for sending SMS messages with URLs in China, given content restrictions?

Due to content restrictions, including URLs in SMS messages to China may face delivery challenges. It's generally best to avoid including URLs.

What should I consider regarding Chinese holidays when planning SMS campaigns?

Consider Chinese holidays and cultural events when planning SMS campaigns to avoid sending messages during sensitive times or periods of high network congestion.

What steps should I take to manage opt-outs effectively for SMS in China?

Process opt-outs within 24 hours, maintain a centralized opt-out database, include clear opt-out instructions in Chinese, confirm opt-out status via SMS, and regularly audit your opt-out list.

How does the lack of number portability in China affect SMS delivery?

The lack of number portability in China means phone numbers remain tied to their original carrier, simplifying routing but limiting consumer flexibility.

What is the significance of the MIIT in regulating SMS in China?

The Ministry of Industry and Information Technology (MIIT) oversees SMS communications in China, enforcing strict regulations and maintaining a national Do-Not-Call registry.

How can I avoid SMS messages being blocked by carriers in China?

To minimize blocking, use pre-approved message templates, avoid special characters and excessive punctuation, keep content neutral and factual, use simplified Chinese characters, and maintain consistent sender information.

What is the recommended character limit for SMS messages to China to ensure better delivery rates?

It is recommended to keep messages under 70 characters when possible to ensure improved delivery rates.

What are some common error codes encountered when sending SMS to China, and what do they mean?

Common error codes include 21614 (invalid number format), 21408 (message blocked), and 21610 (message content violation). Monitor these codes to troubleshoot delivery issues.

What is the best approach for handling high-volume SMS sending to China?

Implement exponential backoff for retry logic, use queuing systems (Redis, RabbitMQ), consider batch APIs for bulk messaging, and monitor throughput, adjusting sending patterns based on delivery rates.

Are there any specific industries or use cases that are restricted from sending SMS in China?

Yes, restricted industries and use cases include financial services marketing (banks, insurance, loans, credit cards), cryptocurrency and investment products, gambling and gaming, adult content, healthcare claims or medical advertising, and real estate investment promotions.

What are the best practices for localizing SMS messages for the Chinese market?

Use Simplified Chinese characters, avoid machine translation, include both Chinese and English for international businesses, consider regional language preferences, and test character rendering across devices.

China SMS Guide

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