South Carolina has 6 active area codes serving its major cities and communities across the state. The entire state follows Eastern Time (ET), making coordination simple for business and personal calls.
Whether you need to identify an unknown caller, plan business communications across regions, or schedule calls with family and friends, this guide provides complete and current information about every South Carolina area code.
Key Takeaways:
- South Carolina uses 6 area codes organized into three main geographic regions with overlays
- ✨ NEW: Area code 821 was activated August 19, 2024, as an overlay for the Upstate region
- All local calls in South Carolina now require 10-digit dialing (area code + phone number)
- The entire state operates in Eastern Time Zone (UTC-5, UTC-4 during daylight saving time)
- Original area code 803 covered the entire state from 1947 until regional splits began in 1995
South Carolina Area Codes
| Area Code | Primary Cities/Regions | Time Zone | Type | Year Introduced |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 803 | Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter | Eastern (ET) | Original | 1947 |
| 821 | Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson | Eastern (ET) | Overlay | 2024 |
| 839 | Columbia, Rock Hill, Sumter | Eastern (ET) | Overlay | 2020 |
| 843 | Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head | Eastern (ET) | Split | 1998 |
| 854 | Charleston, Myrtle Beach, Hilton Head | Eastern (ET) | Overlay | 2015 |
| 864 | Greenville, Spartanburg, Anderson | Eastern (ET) | Split | 1995 |
Area Code 803: Columbia Region
Area code 803 was South Carolina’s original area code, established in 1947. For nearly 50 years, 803 covered the entire state until population growth led to the first split in 1995, creating 864 for the Upstate region.
By 2020, the 803 region needed additional capacity. Area code 839 was added as an overlay on May 26, 2020. Both codes now serve identical geographic areas with mandatory 10-digit dialing for all calls.
Area Code 839: Columbia Region Overlay
Area code 839 launched May 26, 2020, as an overlay to 803. Unlike splits that redraw boundaries, overlays add new codes to the same geographic area, allowing existing customers to keep their numbers.
New phone service requests may receive either 803 or 839 numbers. Many businesses keep original 803 numbers for brand recognition while newer lines may carry 839.
Area Code 843: Charleston and Coastal Region
Area code 843 serves eastern South Carolina, including coastal regions and the Grand Strand tourism corridor. The coverage area includes 18 counties from the North Carolina border to Georgia.
Area code 843 was created March 22, 1998, through a split from 803. The split addressed rapid coastal development, tourism growth, and increasing telecommunications demands in Charleston and beach communities.
Area Code 854: Charleston and Coastal Region Overlay
Area code 854 was activated December 16, 2015, as an overlay to 843, marking South Carolina’s first overlay. Implementation included a transition period for adjusting to 10-digit dialing.
New phone numbers can be assigned with either 843 or 854. Established businesses often retain 843 numbers for brand recognition, while newer enterprises may have 854.
Area Code 864: Greenville-Spartanburg Upstate Region
Area code 864 serves northwestern South Carolina, commonly called the Upstate. This mountainous region borders North Carolina and Georgia, featuring Blue Ridge Mountain foothills across 13 counties.
Area code 864 was created December 3, 1995, as South Carolina’s first split from 803. The split addressed rapid Greenville-Spartanburg growth and increasing business telecommunications needs.
Area Code 821: Greenville-Spartanburg Upstate Region Overlay
✨ NEW: Activated August 19, 2024
Area code 821 was approved in September 2022. Rollout began January 19, 2024, with a six-month transition period. On July 19, 2024, 10-digit dialing became mandatory, and 821 assignments started August 19, 2024.
Existing 864 numbers remain unchanged. New phone service after August 19, 2024, may receive either 864 or 821 numbers. All local calls require 10-digit dialing regardless of area code.
Understanding Time Zones in South Carolina
South Carolina observes one time zone across the entire state. All six area codes (803, 821, 839, 843, 854, and 864) operate in Eastern Time (ET), simplifying scheduling statewide.
UTC Offset
During standard time (November through March), South Carolina operates at UTC-5. During daylight saving time (March through November), the state operates at UTC-4. Clocks spring forward in March and fall back in November.
Scheduling Tips
No time zone differences exist within South Carolina. When coordinating with other states, remember South Carolina is one hour ahead of Central Time, two hours ahead of Mountain Time, and three hours ahead of Pacific Time.
South Carolina Cities and Their Area Codes
| City | Area Codes | Population Rank | Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Charleston | 843, 854 | 1st largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Columbia | 803, 839 | 2nd largest | Central |
| North Charleston | 843, 854 | 3rd largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Mount Pleasant | 843, 854 | 4th largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Rock Hill | 803, 839 | 5th largest | Central |
| Greenville | 864, 821 | 6th largest | Upstate/Northwestern |
| Summerville | 843, 854 | 7th largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Sumter | 803, 839 | 8th largest | Central |
| Goose Creek | 843, 854 | 9th largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Hilton Head Island | 843, 854 | 10th largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Spartanburg | 864, 821 | 11th largest | Upstate/Northwestern |
| Florence | 843, 854 | 12th largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Myrtle Beach | 843, 854 | 13th largest | Coastal/Eastern |
| Anderson | 864, 821 | 14th largest | Upstate/Northwestern |
| Aiken | 803, 839 | 15th largest | Central |
How to Use Area Codes in South Carolina
Local Calling Requirements
All local calls throughout South Carolina require 10-digit dialing. You must dial the area code plus the seven-digit phone number, even when calling the same area code. This applies across all six area codes.
Calling from Outside South Carolina
When calling from elsewhere in the US or Canada, dial 1 + area code + seven-digit number. Example: 1-803-555-1234 for Columbia.
International Dialing
From international locations, dial your country’s access code (often 00 or 011), then 1, then area code and number. Example: 011-1-843-555-1234 for Charleston.
Mobile and Landline
Area codes don’t distinguish between mobile and landline numbers. Any South Carolina area code could be either service type.