How to text India: A guide to business communications

Are you struggling to send text messages to India? Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we’ve got you covered. Sending text messages (also called SMS) to India is easy, but it requires attention to detail to ensure your message gets delivered. This guide will cover the ins and outs of texting to India, including formatting, country codes, and regulatory compliance.

Sending a text to India

In India, phone numbers typically have ten digits, starting with a two-digit area code for landlines or the mobile network prefix for mobile phones. The remaining eight digits are the phone number itself.

India phone number formatting

When texting in India, there's a slight difference between formats for mobile and landline numbers. Mobile numbers in India always start with a digit between 7 and 9, followed by nine more digits. Landline numbers, on the other hand, begin with a 2-8 digit area code, depending on the city, followed by the subscriber number. For texting, you should format the number without any spaces or special characters. This ensures that the message routes correctly through the mobile network.

India's country code

India's country code is +91. This code is essential when sending texts from abroad, as it directs the message to the Indian network. Including the country code ensures the message reaches its intended recipient without any issues.

To send a text message to an Indian phone number, format the number as follows: include the country code (+91), followed by the ten-digit phone number. For example, if the phone number is 9876543210, you will enter +919876543210 in your messaging app. After formatting the number correctly, input it into the recipient field and send your message.

Staying compliant while texting India

To comply with SMS messaging regulations in India, businesses must adhere to guidelines set by the Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI). Key compliance requirements include registering with TRAI, adhering to the Do Not Disturb (DND) registry, and ensuring message content complies with set standards.

Specific rules under the Telecom Commercial Communications Customer Preference Regulations include obtaining customer consent and maintaining transparency in communication. Non-compliance can result in penalties, including hefty fines and suspension of SMS services. Businesses should focus on registration, consent, transparency, DND adherence, and content compliance.

Four steps to text India

Now that you understand the formatting requirements and regulatory compliance, you can send your first text message to India. Use the following steps to send your message:

1. Verify the recipient's number to ensure it follows the correct format for Indian mobile numbers.
2. Add India's country code (+91) before the mobile number.
3. Enter the correctly formatted number, including the country code, into the "Recipient" field.
4. Write out your message and press send.

For instance, a properly formatted mobile number in India would look like this: +91 9876543210.

Now that you know how to format and send a text message to India, it's important to follow some best practices to ensure your messages are delivered successfully and comply with local regulations.

Best practices for texting India numbers

India's Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) has regulations that specify when businesses can send marketing messages. Businesses should send messages between 9 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time unless the recipient has given prior consent to receive messages outside these hours.

Some customer-facing SMS best practices are universally applicable. For instance, businesses should always use clear and concise language in their messages, keeping them brief, to the point, and under the technical limit of 160 characters for SMS messaging.

In compliance with India's regulations, businesses should register their sender IDs with the appropriate authorities to prevent their messages from being blocked or marked as spam. They should also respect India's strict regulations around SMS spam and privacy by ensuring they’re not sending unwanted messages and adhering to India's data protection laws.

To avoid delivery issues, businesses should verify phone numbers before sending messages. By adhering to these best practices, businesses can increase their messages' delivery success rate and avoid potential legal issues.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to India

When sending text messages in India, selecting an appropriate greeting can significantly impact the effectiveness and reception of your message. The greeting you choose sets the tone and can help build a meaningful connection with the recipient. Here are some guidelines to follow:

Formal greetings

In India, formality can vary greatly depending on the context and the recipient. For business or professional communication, a formal greeting is essential. Common formal greetings include "Dear" or "Respected," followed by the recipient's name or title. For example, "Dear Mr. Sharma," or "Respected Dr. Patel,". This approach is both respectful and professional, helping to establish your credibility.

Informal greetings

For more casual or personal interactions, an informal greeting may be more suitable. Common informal greetings in India include "Hi," "Hello," or "Namaste," followed by the recipient's first name. For example, "Hi Raj," or "Namaste Priya,". These greetings create a friendly and approachable tone, making the recipient feel more relaxed and engaged.

Cultural considerations

India is a culturally diverse country with various languages and customs. While English is widely understood, incorporating local greetings can add a personal touch. For instance, you might use "Namaskar" in addition to "Namaste" in certain regions. Additionally, being mindful of the recipient’s cultural background, language preferences, and traditional practices can enhance your message's acceptance.

Context matters

The relationship between the sender and the recipient should also guide your choice of greeting. For existing customers or acquaintances, a semi-formal greeting like "Hello" followed by their name can be appropriate. However, for new prospects or formal business inquiries, sticking to a formal greeting is advisable to maintain professionalism.

By considering the level of formality, cultural nuances, and your relationship with the recipient, you can choose the right greeting for your text message to India, thereby increasing the chances of a positive and successful interaction.

Text India: How to get started

Understanding the formatting and regulatory compliance is essential when sending SMS messages to India. Whether for personal communication or business purposes, ensuring your message gets delivered accurately is crucial.

Telnyx, a next-gen communications platform, offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services to make international messaging seamless. Our developer-friendly SMS API allows you to integrate messaging capabilities into your existing applications effortlessly. With Telnyx, you can rely on a robust infrastructure that supports your business growth and scalability.

Our competitive pricing and wide variety of phone numbers in over 140 countries, including India, provide cost-effective messaging solutions. Additionally, Telnyx’s deliverability reports help optimize your messaging campaigns, ensuring that your messages reach their intended recipients efficiently. Easy implementation and a comprehensive set of features make it simple to get started with our services.

Note: This is not legal advice. Consult your legal team and the appropriate regulatory authorities before beginning an SMS message campaign in India.