Lexi Webster
Sending international text messages can be costly, with charges applied for both sending and receiving messages. To send a text message from Australia to India, you will need to include India's country code (+91) before the Indian phone number. There are alternative ways to send international messages without incurring roaming charges, such as using Wi-Fi and downloading messaging apps like WhatsApp or Rebtel. These apps are usually free and easy to use, but both sender and recipient must have the app installed on their phones.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Country Code | +61 |
| Maximum characters | 160 single-byte or 70 double-byte |
| Free options | Use Wi-Fi and download an international texting app like WhatsApp or Rebtel |
| Carrier data roaming plan | The cost varies from one carrier to another |
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What You'll Learn
International SMS charges and free alternatives
International SMS charges vary depending on your carrier. For instance, if you are an au customer, you can use the free call time included in your rate plan for international SMS. However, communication charges will apply when sending international SMS, and these charges may also be applied when you are unable to send SMS due to errors or other causes.
If you are using your carrier data roaming plan, you will be charged twice, once for sending and once for receiving international messages. The cost varies depending on your carrier.
There are several free alternatives to sending international SMS. For example, you can use apps such as WhatsApp, WeChat, Skype, Viber, Rebtel, iMessage, SendSMSNow, and TalkSMS. These apps are free and allow you to send texts, pictures, and videos to your contacts. However, these apps are dependent on a data connection, so the person you are contacting must be online to receive your messages. To avoid roaming charges, you can turn off your mobile data or put your phone on airplane mode and use Wi-Fi instead.
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Formatting Australian phone numbers
To send a text message from Australia to India, you can use your carrier data roaming plan or an international texting app. When sending a text message to India, you will need to format the phone number in the international format.
Australian phone numbers generally have no more than 10 digits. The number of digits will differ depending on whether the number is a landline or mobile number.
Landline Numbers
Landline numbers have 2 digits for the area code followed by 8 digits for the rest of the telephone number. The national format for writing landline numbers is to separate the area code from the rest of the number with a non-breaking space. Then, separate the remaining 8 digits into two chunks of 4. For example, a landline number in NSW or the ACT would be written as: 02 5550 4321.
Mobile Numbers
Mobile numbers in Australia have 10 digits and no area code. The national format for writing mobile numbers is to separate the first 4 digits from the remaining 6 digits. For example, a mobile number would be written as: 04 XX XXX XXX.
International Format
To write an Australian phone number in international format, include the country code ('61' for Australia) after a plus symbol '+'. For a mobile number, this would be written as: +61 4XX XXX XXX. For a landline number, this would be written as: +61 2 XXXX XXXX.
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Using apps for international texting
International SMS services can be costly, with charges applied for both sending and receiving messages. However, there are many apps that allow you to send international messages for free, without incurring roaming charges.
To use these apps, you will need to download and sign up for an account. Some apps, like WhatsApp, are used by billions of people to send chats, pictures, and videos for free. WhatsApp also takes security seriously, with end-to-end encryption enabled by default on all conversations except those with business accounts. Signal is another app that uses end-to-end encryption and is free, with no need to harvest user data. Telegram offers a Secret Chats feature, which blocks screenshots and screen recording, and both Signal and WhatsApp have similar features. Briar is a highly secure, text-only app that does not need a central server to sync messages and is great for those worried about surveillance. If you are looking for an app that does not require Wi-Fi, MyLine allows you to make calls, send texts, and exchange multimedia messages anywhere in the world.
If you are sending messages the "old-school" way, you will need to enter your country's exit code followed by the cell number you want to text. You may also need to omit the "0" at the beginning of the number.
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Regulatory compliance for texting Australia
Regulatory compliance for texting in Australia is governed by a set of laws and regulations that ensure privacy and protect users from receiving unwanted messages. Here are some key considerations for regulatory compliance when sending text messages to Australia:
Spam Act 2003
The Spam Act 2003 is a crucial piece of legislation in Australia, designed to protect individuals from receiving unsolicited commercial electronic messages, including SMS and MMS. This Act ensures that businesses obtain explicit consent from recipients before sending any marketing communications. It also mandates that businesses clearly identify themselves in all messages and provide a straightforward method for recipients to unsubscribe. Non-compliance with the Spam Act can result in significant penalties, including fines of up to AUD 2.22 million for companies and AUD 444,000 for individuals per day of non-compliance.
Australian Privacy Principles (APPs)
The Australian Privacy Principles (APPs) are a set of privacy laws that govern how government agencies and organisations handle users' personal information. Businesses must comply with the APPs when collecting and handling personal data for SMS marketing campaigns. This includes obtaining clear consent, providing easy opt-out mechanisms, and handling personal data securely and responsibly.
Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA)
The Australian Communications and Media Authority (ACMA) is the regulatory body responsible for enforcing the Spam Act and ensuring businesses adhere to its provisions. ACMA has the authority to impose fines, issue warnings, and require businesses to implement compliance programs or undergo audits in case of breaches.
Technical Considerations
There are also technical aspects to consider when sending text messages to Australia. It is recommended to keep messages concise, ideally under 160 characters, for clarity and cost-effectiveness. Additionally, sender IDs should be registered with ACMA to avoid filtering or blocking issues.
Alternative Messaging Services
When sending international text messages, it is worth considering alternative messaging services or apps that provide free international texting services. These apps often use Wi-Fi or data plans instead of traditional carrier roaming, eliminating roaming fees. However, both the sender and recipient must have these apps installed on their phones. Examples include Rebtel, WhatsApp, and other similar messaging platforms.
In summary, regulatory compliance for texting Australia involves adhering to the Spam Act 2003, respecting user privacy, obtaining consent, and providing straightforward opt-out mechanisms. Businesses must also be mindful of technical considerations and alternative messaging services to ensure effective and compliant SMS communications.
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Best practices for texting in Australia
When texting in Australia, there are several best practices to ensure effective and compliant communication. Here are some key considerations:
Comply with Regulations
Adhere to relevant laws and regulations, such as the Spam Act 2003, which requires obtaining recipient consent for sending SMS messages. This consent can be explicit or inferred from an existing relationship. Respecting this law is crucial to avoid legal issues and maintain trust with customers.
Choose the Right Greeting
Select a greeting that suits the context and audience. Consider the level of formality or informality required. For instance, a formal business communication may warrant a greeting like "Dear [Name]" or "Hello [Name]," which establishes credibility and trust.
Send Messages During Reasonable Hours
Respect the recipient's privacy and comfort by sending messages within reasonable hours, typically between 8 am and 9 pm local time. Avoid sending messages outside these hours unless it's an urgent matter.
Double-Check Phone Numbers
To avoid delivery issues, always verify phone numbers before sending messages. This simple step can increase the chances of successful delivery and help prevent potential legal issues stemming from sending messages to incorrect numbers.
Use International SMS Services
When sending messages to India from Australia, consider using international SMS services provided by your carrier. Alternatively, utilize free international text messaging apps or websites that don't require roaming, such as WhatsApp or Rebtel. These options may provide more reliable delivery and avoid additional charges.
Format Phone Numbers Correctly
When sending messages to Indian numbers, ensure you format the phone number correctly. If the Indian phone number starts with a 0, omit that 0 when entering the number.
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Frequently asked questions
You can send an international SMS to India from Australia by using your carrier data roaming plan. You will be charged for sending and receiving messages. Alternatively, you can use Wi-Fi and download an app that provides international texting services, such as WhatsApp or Rebtel.
The country code for India is +91.
To text India, you should enter +91 followed by the local number. If the local number starts with a 0, do not include it.
