Where is Klaviyo SMS available?

You will learn

Learn about the major similarities and differences in countries where Klaviyo SMS is available.

Available countries for SMS

Klaviyo SMS is not available everywhere. Currently, you can only collect SMS consent and send text messages in: 

*The United States only includes the 50 US states and not Puerto Rico or other territories.

Similarities and differences in international SMS

It’s important to understand how SMS differs among the countries you send to. In the following sections, we provide a brief overview of important distinctions to keep in mind. This is not a comprehensive list, so make sure you review and abide by all laws, regulations, and industry guidelines for each country you send to. Find more information about localized messaging compliance laws.

North America

The United States and Canada share a country code (+1) and some area codes. However, their regulations are not exactly the same. If you aren’t sure which country a message will go to, follow the applicable SMS marketing regulations for both countries.

In Canada, MMS is available but constrained for toll-free numbers.

Europe

Asia Pacific

United States

In the United States, the rules and regulations of the Telephone Consumer Protection Act (TCPA) and the guidelines of the Cellular Telecommunications Industry Association (CTIA) are the two primary frameworks that apply to SMS marketing. When sending to a US phone number, you must follow the rules and guidelines set out by the TCPA and CTIA and all other applicable laws and regulations. Check out this article to learn about US SMS compliance laws. 

You must get express consent to send an SMS or MMS message to any US phone number. 

In your messages, it is highly recommended that you include:

• Your organization’s name or a way for recipients to easily identify your brand
• Instructions on how to opt out from receiving future messages

You should not include any prohibited SMS and MMS content in your messages. If you do, carriers will likely filter your message, and it will never land in your intended recipients’ messaging app(s). 

US short codes can only send to US phone numbers. If you want to send to other countries, such as Canada, either use a toll-free number or request a separate short code.

Canada

SMS marketing in Canada is regulated under the Canadian Anti-Spam Legislation (CASL). CASL applies to the sending of many different types of commercial electronic messages (CEMs), including commercial emails, SMS/MMS messages, and social media communications. For more information on CASL, read about Canada's Anti-Spam Legislation. 

You must get express consent to send an SMS or MMS message to any Canadian phone number using Klaviyo. 

CEMs sent to Canadian recipients must include: 

• Information that identifies the sender of the message and, if applicable, the person on whose behalf the message is sent
• Contact information for the sender, including:
  • Business name
  • A valid mailing address
  • Either an email address, phone number, or web address for contacting your organization; your mailing address must be valid for at least 60 days after your message is sent
• Instructions on how to opt-out from receiving future messages

Do not include prohibited SMS and MMS content in your messages. If you do, carriers will likely filter your message, and it will never land in your intended recipients’ messaging app(s). 

MMS is only available for toll-free numbers in Canada and for long codes in Australia. It is not available for short codes or branded sender IDs in these countries. 

United Kingdom

In the UK, SMS messaging falls under the UK General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR). This regulation covers most aspects of storing, collecting, and using someone’s personal data. Check out this article to see how UK GDPR affects SMS.

In messages to UK recipients, you must include:

• Organization name or identifier (e.g., a branded sender ID)
• Unsubscribe link or opt-out keywords

In the UK, SMS marketing messages can be sent from:

• Branded sender IDs
• Long codes
• Short codes

Australia

In Australia, the Spam Act 2003 and the Spam Regulations 2021 regulate the sending of SMS marketing messages, along with other commercial electronic messages (e.g., email and instant messages). For more information, read about Australia’s Anti-Spam legislation.

Messages to Australian recipients must include:

• Legal business name or company name and Australian business number
• Contact details or a link to business contact details
• Option to unsubscribe (e.g., opt-out link or keyword) 

There are 2 sending numbers for Australia. Both must undergo a type of registration or verification process before you can use them to send SMS messages in Australia:

• Branded sender IDs
  • Default
  • Registration process is 7–10 business days 
• Long codes
  • Only available for paid plans
  • Verification process is 1–3 business days

New Zealand

In New Zealand, SMS messages are regulated by the Unsolicited Electronic Messages Act 2007 and the Privacy Act 2020, which also oversee other commercial electronic messages (e.g., email and instant messages). 

Messages to New Zealand recipients must include:

• Contact details or a link to business contact details
• Opt-out keyword 

Short codes are the only sending number available in New Zealand. 

Here, one SMS equals 10 credits. MMS is not available. 

European Union

In any country in the EU, SMS is regulated by GDPR and the EU ePrivacy Regulations. These regulations detail many aspects of how you can store, collect, and use someone's personal data. Learn about SMS compliance in the European Union. 

In messages to EU recipients, you must include:

• Organization name or identifier (e.g., a branded sender ID)
• Unsubscribe link or opt-out keywords

Double opt-in, where available, is always recommended as a best practice. This is particularly the case in Germany and some other E.U. countries, such as Austria and Switzerland, where double opt-in is the preferred way of demonstrating that consent has been properly and lawfully obtained.

Note that Irish long codes require verification. 

MMS is not available at this time for any country in Europe. 

Additional resources

• Find out how to set up SMS in Klaviyo
• Learn more about sending numbers
• Get advice for building your SMS program:
  • Blog post: SMS marketing strategies for all levels [+12 Pro tips]
  • Guide: your strategic guide to Klaviyo SMS success