How to text Spain: A guide to business communications

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

Sending a text to Spain

In Spain, phone numbers consist of nine digits. These numbers are formatted with a three-digit area code followed by a six-digit subscriber number. The area codes represent specific regions within Spain.

Spain phone number formatting

When sending a text message to a Spanish phone number, it is crucial to correctly format it. Unlike calling, where you might need to add certain prefixes depending on the call's nature, texting requires the standard nine-digit format. Ensure you use the three-digit area code followed by the six-digit number without any additional prefixes. This ensures that your message is delivered to the correct recipient without any complications.

Spain's country code

Spain's country code is +34. This code is necessary to indicate that the text message is intended for a recipient in Spain. Including the country code ensures that the message is routed through the appropriate international gateway to reach the Spanish mobile network.

To format a Spanish phone number correctly for texting, start with the country code (+34), followed by the nine-digit phone number. Once formatted, enter the number into your messaging app and send your message. Properly including the country code is essential to guarantee that your message reaches its intended destination in Spain.

Staying compliant while texting Spain

In Spain, businesses sending SMS messages must adhere to regulations enforced by key regulatory bodies such as the Spanish Data Protection Agency (AEPD) and Comisión Nacional de los Mercados y la Competencia (CNMC). Compliance encompasses several crucial aspects, including obtaining explicit consent from recipients before sending messages, providing clear and accessible opt-out options, and implementing robust data protection measures in line with the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR).

Businesses must ensure recipients have clearly consented to receive SMS messages and offer a straightforward mechanism for unsubscribing. Strict adherence to GDPR guidelines is essential for protecting user data. Additionally, message content should avoid any misleading or deceptive information to maintain trust and comply with advertising standards.

It's important to note that non-compliance with these regulations can result in significant financial penalties and legal consequences. By prioritizing these compliance measures, businesses can engage in responsible SMS marketing practices while respecting consumer rights and privacy in Spain.

Four steps to text Spain

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

1. Inspect the number to ensure it's in the correct format and includes the necessary area code.
2. Add Spain's country code (+34) at the beginning of the number.
3. Input the correctly formatted number into the "Recipient" field of your messaging application.
4. Compose and send your message.

For example, a properly formatted mobile number in Spain would look like this: +34 612 345 678.

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

Best practices for texting Spain numbers

When sending SMS marketing messages to numbers in Spain, several key regulatory requirements and best practices must be adhered to. First, it is crucial to register your business texting number with the relevant authorities to ensure message deliverability and compliance with local regulations.

Obtain explicit consent from recipients before sending any commercial messages. This can be done through various means, such as web forms or during the checkout process. Clear and detailed information about the types of messages recipients will receive, including frequency and potential costs, must be provided at the time of consent.

Clearly communicate subscription details and offer easy opt-out options. Recipients should be able to unsubscribe from messages by sending a simple command like "STOP" or "ALTO". It is also important to respect privacy and data security by adhering to GDPR and other privacy protection acts, ensuring that data is acquired and retained securely and legally.

Adhere to sending time restrictions to avoid disturbing recipients during off hours. Messages should only be sent between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. local time.

Finally, maintain message content compliance by avoiding prohibited content, such as overly promotional images or potentially harmful links. Businesses should also provide customer support information and respond promptly to customer inquiries.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Spain

When sending text messages in Spain, the right greeting is crucial for setting the tone and ensuring your message is well-received. The greeting should reflect the context, the level of formality, and your relationship with the recipient.

Formal greetings

For formal messages, especially in business contexts, a respectful greeting is essential. Use "Estimado/a" (Dear) followed by the recipient's name, for example, "Estimado Sr. García" or "Estimada Sra. López." This approach conveys professionalism and respect. If you don't know the recipient's gender, use "Estimado/a" without a name: "Estimado/a cliente."

Informal greetings

In casual or personal contexts, a more relaxed greeting is appropriate. "Hola" (Hello) is a versatile and friendly option, suitable for most informal interactions. You might also use "Buenas" (Hi) or "¿Qué tal?" (How are you?), depending on your familiarity with the recipient. For instance, "Hola, Marta" or "¿Qué tal, Juan?"

Context matters

When deciding on the greeting, consider the context of your message. For example, if you're sending a promotional text to a potential customer, a semi-formal greeting like "Hola" followed by the recipient’s first name can balance professionalism with friendliness: "Hola, Carlos."

For existing customers or colleagues with whom you have an established relationship, you can opt for a more casual approach: "Hola, Ana. ¿Cómo estás?"

Cultural nuances

Understanding cultural nuances can also be beneficial. Spaniards appreciate politeness and direct communication. While informal greetings are common among friends and close acquaintances, maintaining a level of courtesy is always appreciated. Avoid overly casual language unless you are certain it is appropriate for the relationship.

By choosing the right greeting, you set a positive tone for your message and enhance the likelihood of a favorable response. Consider the formality, context, and your relationship with the recipient to craft an effective and respectful greeting.

Text Spain: How to get started

Sending SMS messages to Spain requires an understanding of formatting and regulatory compliance to ensure your messages are delivered successfully and legally. Whether you’re communicating for personal reasons or business purposes, adhering to local regulations is crucial.

Telnyx, a next-gen communications platform, offers powerful solutions to help you navigate these complexities. With our global private IP network, multi-cloud redundancy, and carrier-grade services, we provide reliable and efficient messaging capabilities that can be seamlessly integrated into your existing applications. Our developer-friendly SMS API simplifies the process, allowing you to build robust messaging functionalities with ease.

What sets Telnyx apart is our competitive pricing and extensive selection of phone numbers available in over 140 countries. This ensures cost-effective and versatile messaging solutions for your business. Additionally, our deliverability reports provide valuable insights to help you optimize your SMS campaigns, ensuring maximum reach and engagement.

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