How to text Vietnam: A guide to business communications

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

Sending a text to Vietnam

In Vietnam, phone numbers typically consist of ten digits. These numbers include a three-digit area code, which denotes the region, followed by a seven-digit subscriber number.

Vietnam phone number formatting

When sending a text message to Vietnam, it's essential to format the phone number correctly. For instance, if you're texting within Vietnam, you would use the local format starting with a zero, followed by the area code and the subscriber number (e.g., 081-234-5678).

However, for international texts, the format changes slightly. You must replace the initial zero with the country code, followed by the area code and subscriber number (e.g., +84 81 234 5678). This ensures that your message is correctly routed through the international network.

Vietnam's country code

Vietnam's country code is +84. This code is necessary for directing your message to the correct international destination. To include the country code, simply replace the initial zero of the phone number with "+84". This tells your messaging app that the number is located in Vietnam.

To summarize, ensure the phone number is formatted correctly with the country code (+84), followed by the area code and the subscriber number. Enter this formatted number into your messaging app to send your text message successfully.

Staying compliant while texting Vietnam

Vietnam’s regulatory requirements for SMS messaging are overseen by the Ministry of Information and Communications (MIC). Businesses must comply with Decree 91/2020, which focuses on anti-spam measures and user consent. Key compliance points include obtaining explicit user consent before sending messages, providing opt-out options, and maintaining message logs.

Violations can lead to penalties, including fines up to VND 100 million. Businesses should consider obtaining user consent, providing opt-out mechanisms, maintaining accurate records, monitoring compliance, and understanding local regulations to ensure adherence.

Four steps to text Vietnam

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

1. Inspect the number to ensure it's in the correct format.
2. Add Vietnam's country code (+84).
3. Input the correctly formatted number, including the area code, into the "Recipient" field. For example, if the mobile number starts with a '0', replace it with the area code '8' for Hanoi.
4. Compose and send your message.

For example, a properly formatted mobile number in Vietnam would look like this: +84 8 1234 5678.

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

Best practices for texting Vietnam numbers

When sending SMS marketing messages to numbers in Vietnam, it is essential to adhere to the country's regulatory framework. The new Telecommunications Law, which took effect on July 1, 2024, introduces specific regulations concerning digital infrastructure and service providers. While the primary focus is on infrastructure, businesses must also comply with general telecommunications laws.

In terms of message content and timing, it is advisable to send messages during reasonable hours to avoid disturbing recipients. Additionally, obtaining explicit user consent before sending marketing messages is crucial. This practice aligns with global standards for respecting user privacy and helps avoid potential legal issues while improving the effectiveness of marketing campaigns.

Messages should be clear, concise, and ideally kept under 160 characters to ensure they are delivered as a single message. This is particularly important in Vietnam, where high mobile penetration can sometimes lead to delivery issues due to network conditions.

By following these best practices and ensuring compliance with Vietnam's telecommunications regulations, businesses can effectively engage with their customers via SMS while minimizing the risk of legal issues or message delivery problems.

Choosing the right greeting for your text message to Vietnam

When texting someone in Vietnam, selecting the right greeting is crucial for ensuring your message is well-received. The greeting sets the tone and shows respect for Vietnamese culture and communication norms. Here’s how to choose an appropriate greeting based on the context and relationship with the recipient.

Formal greetings

In professional or formal contexts, it's essential to convey respect and professionalism. Use a polite and formal greeting such as "Kính gửi" (Dear) followed by the recipient's name and title if known, for example, "Kính gửi Anh Thắng," or "Kính gửi Chị Hằng." This greeting shows respect and is suitable for business communications, job applications, or formal requests.

Informal greetings

For more casual or friendly messages, a less formal greeting like "Chào" (Hello) followed by the recipient's name can be used, such as "Chào Linh," or "Chào Minh." If you are texting a friend or someone you have an established rapport with, you might use "Xin chào" (Hi) or even "Hey" for a more relaxed tone. These greetings are warm and friendly, helping to build a personal connection.

Considering the context

The relationship between you and the recipient is vital when determining the appropriate greeting. For example, when texting a business acquaintance or a stranger, err on the side of formality to show respect. In contrast, a casual greeting is more appropriate with friends or peers and reflects a friendly relationship.

Cultural nuances

Vietnamese culture emphasizes respect and hierarchy, especially concerning age and social status. Always consider these factors when choosing your greeting. For instance, addressing someone with the appropriate honorifics like "Anh" (older brother) or "Chị" (older sister) can show respect and improve the reception of your message.

By considering the formality, relationship, and cultural nuances, you can choose the proper greeting for your text messages to recipients in Vietnam, enhancing your communication's effectiveness and respectfulness.

Text Vietnam: How to get started

With these tips and recommendations, you're ready to confidently send SMS messages to Vietnam. 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 Vietnam.