How to text Philippines: A guide to SMS communication

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

Sending a text to the Philippines

In the Philippines, mobile phone numbers typically have ten digits. These digits are composed of a three-digit prefix, which identifies the mobile network, followed by a seven-digit subscriber number.

Philippine phone number formatting

When texting a phone number in the Philippines, it's important to correctly format it. Unlike calling, where you might need to add additional digits depending on whether you're calling a landline or mobile number, texting only requires the standard ten-digit format.

To format a Filipino mobile number for texting, you should write the three-digit prefix followed by the seven-digit subscriber number.

For example, if the prefix is 917 and the subscriber number is 1234567, the entire phone number would be 9171234567. It's essential to omit any local prefixes used for calling and focus solely on the ten-digit format.

Philippine country code

When sending a text message to the Philippines from abroad, you need to include the country's international country code, which is +63. The country code is necessary to ensure your message is properly routed to the Philippine mobile network.

To add the country code, simply precede the ten-digit phone number with +63. For instance, if you're texting the number 9171234567, you would format it as +639171234567.

To send your message, format the number correctly with the country code, enter it into your messaging app, and press send. Proper formatting, including the country code, is essential for successful message delivery.

Staying compliant while texting the Philippines

In the Philippines, businesses must comply with regulatory requirements for SMS messaging governed by the National Telecommunications Commission (NTC) and the Department of Information and Communications Technology (DICT). Key regulations include obtaining explicit consent from recipients, providing opt-out mechanisms, and adhering to data privacy laws.

Non-compliance can result in hefty fines and legal actions. Furthermore, businesses must ensure that the message content adheres to the guidelines set forth by the NTC and DICT. Companies should consider these five main factors: obtaining consent, offering opt-out options, safeguarding data privacy, complying with content guidelines, and being aware of legal penalties.

Four steps to text the Philippines

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

1. Inspect the number to ensure it's in the correct format.
2. Add the Philippines' country code (+63).
3. Input the correctly formatted number into the "Recipient" field. Ensure you include the three-digit prefix for mobile numbers.
4. Compose and send your message.

For example, a properly formatted mobile number in the Philippines would look like this: +639171234567.

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

Best practices for texting Philippines numbers

When sending SMS marketing messages to numbers in the Philippines, businesses must adhere to strict regulatory requirements to avoid penalties and maintain customer trust. According to the Data Privacy Act of 2012, explicit consent from recipients is mandatory before sending commercial messages. This consent must be informed, voluntary, and documented, ensuring that customers are aware they are opting in to receive promotional SMS messages.

Businesses must also clearly identify themselves in every SMS message, providing transparency and building trust with their audience. This includes using a professional sender ID, which should not contain words like "TEST," "MESSAGE," "SMS," or any variations thereof. Additionally, sender IDs must be pre-registered to comply with local regulations.

Content restrictions are also stringent. SMS messages should not contain adult content or promote violence, profanity, tobacco, gambling, drugs, or alcohol. Messages must be limited to 160 characters and should not include shortened URLs or phone numbers, which are strictly prohibited.

Businesses must include opt-out instructions like "Reply STOP to unsubscribe" in all promotional messages. Regular opt-out reminders should be sent weekly for daily subscriptions or monthly for weekly subscriptions.

Finally, businesses should ensure data security by using encryption and restricting access to customer data. Regular compliance audits are essential to stay updated with evolving regulations and maintain best practices. By following these guidelines, businesses can effectively engage in SMS marketing while adhering to Philippine laws and regulations.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to the Philippines

When sending text messages to someone in the Philippines, choosing an appropriate greeting can greatly enhance the effectiveness of your communication. The greeting sets the tone for the conversation and can help establish a connection with the recipient. Here are some tips to consider:

Formal greetings

In the Philippines, respect and politeness are highly valued, especially in formal settings. For business or formal communication, it's best to use formal greetings such as "Mahal kong" (Dear) followed by the recipient's name. For example, "Mahal kong Ginoong Santos" (Dear Mr. Santos) or "Mahal kong Binibining Reyes" (Dear Ms. Reyes). This approach conveys respect and professionalism, which can help build trust and credibility with the recipient.

Informal greetings

For more casual or informal messages, you can use greetings like "Kamusta" (Hello) or "Kamusta ka?" (How are you?). These phrases are friendly and conversational, making them suitable for reaching out to friends, family, or existing customers. For example, "Kamusta, Maria?" or "Kamusta ka, Juan?" These informal greetings can create a sense of familiarity and warmth, which is often appreciated in personal interactions.

Considering the relationship and context

The relationship between the sender and the recipient is crucial in determining the appropriate greeting. For instance, if you are texting a colleague or someone you have a professional relationship with, sticking to formal greetings is advisable. However, informal greetings are more appropriate for friends or individuals with whom you have an established rapport.

Additionally, consider the context of your message. If you are sending a promotional or marketing text, a more formal greeting might be suitable to maintain a professional tone. On the other hand, for customer service follow-ups or friendly reminders, an informal greeting can make the message feel more personal and engaging.

By carefully selecting your greeting based on formality, relationship, and context, you can ensure your text message to someone in the Philippines is well-received and effective.

Text the Philippines: How to get started

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to send SMS messages to the Philippines 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 140 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.

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