How to text Mexico: A guide to business communications

Are you struggling to send text messages to Mexico? Whether you're a business owner, marketer, or salesperson, we’ve got you covered. Sending text messages (also called SMS) to Mexico 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 Mexico, including formatting, country codes, and regulatory compliance.

Sending a text to Mexico

In Mexico, phone numbers have ten digits, starting with a three-digit area code representing the region where the phone is located. The remaining seven digits are the phone number itself.

Mexican phone number formatting

If you call a Mexican phone number from within Mexico, you might need to use extra numbers like "044" or "045" before the area code. These additional numbers help route the call to the correct network and apply different pricing plans for mobile phone numbers.

However, you don't need to include these numbers if you send a text message to a Mexican phone number. Instead, you only need to use the regular ten-digit number format with the three-digit area code followed by the seven-digit number.

So, before you send a text message to a Mexican phone number, double-check that the number is formatted correctly without the extra prefixes you would use when calling the phone from within Mexico.

Mexico’s country code

When sending a text message to someone in Mexico, you need to include Mexico's country code, +52. This particular code tells the mobile network that you're trying to message someone in Mexico.

To add the country code, you can either hold down the "0" key on your phone until you see a "+" symbol appear, or you can type "0052" before the Mexican phone number.

After you add the country code, you need to make sure the Mexican phone number you're sending the text message to is in the correct format: a ten-digit number starting with a three-digit area code, followed by a seven-digit number.

Once you’ve formatted the Mexican phone number correctly, you can enter it into the "Recipient" field on your messaging app and send your message. Again, including the country code is essential. Otherwise, your message may not be delivered to the recipient in Mexico.

Staying compliant while texting Mexico

It's essential to ensure that your text messages comply with regulatory requirements to avoid any legal issues. In Mexico, there are strict laws governing SMS messaging. Several regulatory bodies oversee SMS messaging, including the Federal Telecommunications Institute (IFT) and the National Commission for the Protection and Defense of Users of Financial Services (CONDUSEF). These organizations have implemented strict rules to protect consumers and prevent fraud.

The guidelines set by the Mexican government require businesses to obtain explicit consent from message recipients before sending SMS messages. Unsolicited SMS messages are prohibited, and companies can face hefty fines for violations. Additionally, all SMS messages must include opt-out instructions that allow consumers to unsubscribe from future messages easily. Companies that fail to include opt-out instructions can also face fines.

Four steps to send a text to Mexico

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

1. Inspect the number to ensure it's in the correct format.
2. Add Mexico's country code (+52).
3. Input the correctly-formatted number into the "Recipient" field.
4. Compose and send your message.

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

Best practices for texting Mexican numbers

Mexico's Federal Consumer Protection Agency (PROFECO) has regulations that specify when businesses can send marketing messages. According to these regulations, businesses should send messages between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. local time unless the recipient has given prior consent to receive messages outside of these hours.

Some customer-facing SMS best practices are the same, regardless of your customers’ locations. For example, businesses should always use clear and concise language when crafting their messages. Messages should be brief and to the point, focusing on conveying the message in as few characters as possible while still making it easy to understand. It's also important to keep messages under 160 characters, as this is the technical limit for SMS messaging.

In addition to these recommendations, businesses should register their sender IDs with the appropriate authorities to prevent their messages from being blocked or marked as spam. They should also comply with Mexico's strict regulations around SMS spam and privacy by ensuring they’re not sending unwanted messages and collecting and using customer data in compliance with Mexico's data protection laws.

To avoid delivery issues, businesses should double-check phone numbers before sending messages. By following these best practices, businesses can increase the chances of their messages being delivered successfully and avoid any potential legal issues.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Mexico

When sending text messages in Mexico, choosing the right greeting can make a big difference in the success of your message. The greeting sets the tone for the conversation and can establish a connection with the recipient. Therefore, choosing a greeting appropriate for the context and audience is essential.

One crucial factor to consider when selecting a greeting is the level of formality or informality appropriate for the message. For example, a formal marketing message typically requires a more formal greeting, such as "Estimado/a" (Dear), followed by the recipient's name: “Estimada, Josephina,” or “Estimado, Juan.”

This respectful and professional greeting can help establish credibility and trust with the recipient.

On the other hand, an informal message could use a more casual greeting such as "Hola" or "¿Qué onda?" to establish a friendly tone and build a rapport with the recipient. These greetings are more relaxed and conversational and can create a sense of familiarity with the recipient.

Another factor to consider when selecting a greeting is the relationship between the sender and the recipient. For example, a more informal greeting may be appropriate if you’re reaching out to an existing customer or someone who has shown interest in your products or services. However, if you’re reaching out to a new prospect or someone who hasn't previously expressed interest, a more formal greeting may be more appropriate to establish a professional tone and build credibility.

The appropriate greeting can help set the tone for your marketing text message and establish a connection with the recipient. By considering factors such as the level of formality or informality, the relationship between the sender and the recipient, and the context of the message, you can choose an appropriate greeting for your audience and increase the chances of a successful conversation.

Text Mexico: How to get started

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to send SMS messages to Mexico with confidence. Whether you're sending a personal message or business communication, understanding the formatting and regulatory compliance is essential to ensure your message gets delivered.

If you’re looking for more guidance on global texting, Telnyx’s team of experts can help you navigate the complexities of international communication. Telnyx is a next-gen communications platform that offers a global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services. Our developer-friendly SMS API and intelligent features make it easy to build messaging capabilities into your existing apps. We also offer support and guidance to help you grow and scale your business.

With competitive pricing and a wide variety of phone numbers in over 45 countries, Telnyx provides cost-effective messaging solutions with unmatched expertise. Our deliverability reports help businesses optimize their messaging campaigns, while easy implementation and a complete set of features make it easy to get started.

Contact our experts today to learn how we can help your business communicate effectively with contacts in Mexico and 45+ other countries.

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