Get a demoLog inAcademyDevelopers

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

Was this helpful?