SMS Country Information Guide: Asia (L-Z)

Lao People's Democratic Republic

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Lao Phone Number: Yes

• Lao Short Code: Yes

• International Phone Number: Yes

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Macao

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Macao Phone Number: Yes

• Macao Short Code: Yes

• International Phone Number: Yes

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Malaysia

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

• Malaysia Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

• Malaysia Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random short code by operators)

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: No

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: Yes (Monday-Sunday 20:00-08:00)

Additional Notes:

• This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

• All SMS containing URLs and/or phone numbers will be completely blocked by operators, even if previously whitelisted

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Maldives

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Maldives Phone Number: Yes (Note: STC network additionally supports these senders)

• Maldives Short Code: Yes (Note: STC network additionally supports these senders)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: STC network additionally supports these senders)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Mongolia

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Mongolia Phone Number: No

• Mongolia Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Myanmar

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Myanmar Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed by some networks)

• Myanmar Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed by some networks)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed by some networks)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: MPT network additionally supports numeric senders and short codes

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Nepal

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Nepal Phone Number: No

• Nepal Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: NCell network requires mandatory sender registration

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

North Korea

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: Limited support

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): No

• North Korea Phone Number: No

• North Korea Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Pakistan

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• Pakistan Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• Pakistan Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes (On certain networks)

• Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes:

• This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

• Different networks have different requirements:

  • Mobilink & Warid: Alpha senders need registration or will be changed to generic sender

  • ZONG & SCO Mobile: All sender types supported

  • Telenor & Ufone: All senders will be changed to short codes regardless of registration status

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Philippines

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Philippines Phone Number: No

• Philippines Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes:

• This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

• Registered sender IDs are only valid within the validity period stated in the LOA

• Before end of validity period, customer must submit a new LOA with a new validity period

• URL whitelisting is required

• Letter of Authorization (LOA) is required for sender ID registration

• Online gambling content prohibited for all Offshore Gaming Operators, but permitted for Philippine Inland Gaming Operators (PIGO) under certain conditions

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Singapore

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Singapore Phone Number: Yes

• Singapore Short Code: Yes

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: Yes (Monday-Sunday 22:30-07:00)

Additional Notes:

• All unregistered senders will be delivered as "Likely-SCAM"

• Must register on the SSIR portal

• After registration, you need two separate approvals:

  1. Request approval for sending to Singapore

  2. Upload the Proof of Registration on the SSIR as an attachment or LOA for the sender ID

• Short URLs are not supported

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

South Korea

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: KakaoTalk (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• South Korea Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• South Korea Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: Yes (Monday-Sunday 20:00-09:00)

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Sri Lanka

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Sri Lanka Phone Number: No

• Sri Lanka Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Sender registration is mandatory on Dialog, Etisalat and Hutch networks

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Taiwan

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: Line (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• Taiwan Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• Taiwan Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID will be changed to a random numeric sender ID by operators)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No (URL whitelisting required)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: Yes (Monday-Sunday 20:00-09:00)

Additional Notes: URL whitelisting requirements:

• All SMS messages with URLs must be pre-approved

• The URL/domain must belong to a dedicated domain owned by the business (e.g., teamplus.com.tw, e8d.tw)

• Shared or free short URLs are not permitted (e.g., bit.ly, tinyurl, t.co, lihi1, goo.gl)

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Tajikistan

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Tajikistan Phone Number: Yes

• Tajikistan Short Code: Yes

• International Phone Number: Yes

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Thailand

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: Line (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Thailand Phone Number: No

• Thailand Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No (URL whitelisting required)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: Yes (21:00-09:00)

Additional Notes:

• Sender ID is case sensitive and must match brand name or company name

• DND blocking enabled

• Strictly no political, religious, racial, unsolicited promotion, adult, part-time, gambling, fake loan, fake job or fake crypto content

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Timor Leste

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Timor Leste Phone Number: No

• Timor Leste Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: No

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: Timor Telkomcel network requires mandatory sender registration

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Turkmenistan

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Turkmenistan Phone Number: Yes

• Turkmenistan Short Code: Yes

• International Phone Number: Yes

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: No

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes: All sender types can be used but will be changed to random numeric senders due to operator limitations

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Uzbekistan

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Uzbekistan Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• Uzbekistan Short Code: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• International Phone Number: Yes (Note: Your sender ID may be changed to a generic sender on some networks)

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes (On certain networks like 43405)

• Generic URL Shortening: No (Only branded URL shortening like yourbrand.link is allowed)

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations

Vietnam

Best Messaging Channels by Use Case (Bird's Recommendations)

• Transactional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Promotional SMS: Alphanumeric Sender ID (e.g., "YourBrand")

• Two-Way Conversations: WhatsApp (You can use your existing number or get a new one from Bird)

Sender Types Supported

• Alphanumeric Sender ID (Business names like "Bird" or "Netflix" that send one-way messages): Yes

• Vietnam Phone Number: No

• Vietnam Short Code: No

• International Phone Number: No

• Generic Sender ID (Sender IDs that don't clearly identify your brand): No

Restrictions

• Operator Registration Required: Yes

• Generic URL Shortening: Yes

• Quiet Hours/Do Not Disturb: No

Additional Notes:

• This market has Local and International traffic segmentation

• Local traffic is further divided into industry sectors (e.g., e-commerce, education, banking, and general)

• For local brands, Vietnam business license is required but doesn't guarantee sender ID will be categorized as local

• Content whitelisting required

• Letter of Authorization (LOA) and Certificate of Incorporation required for sender ID registration

Opt-out Rules: No specific opt-out regulations