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:
- *United States
- Canada
- UK
- Australia
- New Zealand
*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. Below is 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.
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.
US |
Canada |
UK |
Australia |
New Zealand |
|
Country code |
+1 |
+1 |
+44 |
+61 |
+64 |
Sending number types |
- Toll-free number - Short code - Vanity short code |
- Toll-free number - Short code (vanity) |
- Branded sender ID - Long code - Short code (vanity) |
- Branded sender ID - Long code |
- Short code |
Credit per message |
1 for SMS 3 for MMS |
3 for SMS 5 for MMS |
5 for SMS N/A for MMS |
4 for SMS N/A for MMS |
10 for SMS N/A for MMS |
Opt-in and opt-out keywords |
Available |
Available |
Branded sender ID: unavailable Long and short codes: available |
Branded sender ID: unavailable Long and short codes: available |
Available |
MMS |
Available |
Toll-free = available (15 msg/minute) Short codes = unavailable |
Unavailable |
Unavailable |
Unavailable |
SMS conversations (two-way messaging) |
Available |
Available |
Branded sender ID: unavailable Long and short codes: available |
Branded sender ID: unavailable Long and short codes: available |
Available |
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).
In Canada, MMS for short codes (regular or vanity) is not available:
UK
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
One aspect that is different in the UK is pricing. Due to the higher costs of sending to UK recipients, one SMS equals 5 credits for any UK recipient.
MMS is not available in the UK.
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
- Way to unsubscribe (e.g., opt-out link or keyword)
There are 2 sending numbers for Australia:
- Branded sender IDs (default)
- Long codes (only available for paid plans)
One SMS equals 4 credits for any Australian recipient.
You cannot send MMS to Australian recipients.
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:
- Legal business name or company name and Australian business number
- 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.
Additional resources
- Learn more about sending numbers:
- Check out this section for guidance on SMS compliance laws
- Learn about prohibited content for SMS and MMS messages