When an official template is required
On official WhatsApp, you have 24 hours after the customer’s latest message to reply in plain text. Each new customer message restarts this window. Your replies do not extend it.
If the customer has not written yet or the window is closed, use a Meta-approved template. Sending a template does not reopen the window; wait for the customer’s reply before using plain text. Dialogs shows when a template is required.
The 24-hour window determines how you can send, while charges are calculated separately. From October 1, 2026, these Meta base rates apply per delivered message to Kazakhstan numbers:
| Message type | Meta rate, USD |
|---|---|
| Service reply (free-form message) | $0.018 after the free allowance |
| Service-update template (Utility) | $0.018, including within the 24-hour window |
| Promotional template (Marketing) | $0.0604 |
| Verification code (Authentication) | $0.018; a separate international authentication rate may apply |
For each business phone number, the first 1,000 delivered Service replies per month are free; templates do not use this allowance. For example, 10,000 Service replies from one number cost $162 with the full allowance available and no other free-messaging conditions. These Meta charges are separate from the TehProf.kz line price.
Eligible inquiries from Click-to-WhatsApp ads in mobile WhatsApp can open a separate free-entry window of up to 7 days if the business replies within the first 24 hours. The rules for sending plain text still apply. Incoming messages and regular reactions are not charged; reactions do not use the free allowance.
The 24-hour rule and these WhatsApp API rates do not apply to WhatsApp Web.