What are the key regulations for SMS marketing in Guinea-Bissau?

Key regulations include mandatory explicit consent, honoring opt-out requests (STOP/HELP), time restrictions (no SMS between 10 PM and 6 AM), and a maximum of three SMS messages per day per recipient. Pre-registration of alphanumeric sender IDs is also required.

How do I handle SMS opt-outs in Guinea-Bissau to remain compliant?

You must process opt-outs within 24 hours, maintain accurate opt-out records, provide clear opt-out instructions in messages (including STOP and HELP commands in Portuguese and local languages), and confirm opt-out requests with a final confirmation message. Maintain your own suppression lists as there is no official Do Not Call registry.

What type of sender IDs are supported for SMS in Guinea-Bissau, and what are the requirements?

Alphanumeric sender IDs are supported but require global pre-registration. Domestic long codes are supported by operators but not available through major providers. International long codes are supported with limitations on the MTN network. Short codes are not currently supported. MTN network exclusively supports pre-registered alphanumeric sender IDs.

What kind of SMS content is restricted in Guinea-Bissau?

Restricted content includes gambling and betting services, adult content, political messaging without authorization, religious content, alcohol and tobacco products, and unauthorized financial services. Messages containing restricted keywords may be automatically blocked.

What is the best way to avoid SMS filtering issues in Guinea-Bissau?

To avoid filtering, avoid common spam trigger words, use registered and approved sender IDs, maintain consistent sending patterns, include clear business identification in messages, and avoid sending high-frequency messaging.

How do I format phone numbers correctly when sending SMS to Guinea-Bissau?

Always use the international number format, which includes the country code +245. For example, a Guinea-Bissau number should be formatted as +245 followed by the local number.

What should I consider when choosing an SMS API provider for Guinea-Bissau?

Consider factors such as support for alphanumeric sender IDs, compliance features, delivery reporting, API rate limits, error handling capabilities, and integration with your existing systems. Twilio, Sinch, and MessageBird are example providers.

Are there any limitations on sending SMS to Guinea-Bissau using Twilio, Sinch, or MessageBird?

Yes, be aware of daily limits (3 messages per recipient), the need for pre-registered sender IDs (especially alphanumeric), and potential carrier filtering. Implement error handling and monitor delivery rates to address issues promptly. All numbers must be in international format (+245). Check provider-specific documentation for the most current limitations.

What are the best practices for localizing SMS messages for Guinea-Bissau?

Use Portuguese and/or Creole, the primary languages. Consider bilingual messages for important communications. Use local date and time formats and respect cultural sensitivities in message content. Test your messages with local recipients to ensure clarity and relevance.

What error codes might I encounter when sending SMS to Guinea-Bissau, and what do they mean?

Common error scenarios include invalid phone number format, exceeding daily message limits, network connectivity issues, and sender ID registration problems. A 400 response error (code 21614) indicates an attempt to send to a landline, which is not supported. Check your SMS provider's documentation for specific error code meanings and troubleshooting steps.

Is two-way SMS communication supported in Guinea-Bissau?

No, two-way SMS communication is not supported in Guinea-Bissau. Messaging strategies should be designed around one-way communication flows.

Is number portability available in Guinea-Bissau?

No, number portability is not available in Guinea-Bissau. Phone numbers remain tied to their original mobile network operators.

Guinea-Bissau SMS Guide

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