South Carolina area codes: full list with cities and how to dial
South Carolina has roughly 5.4 million residents, and its phone numbers are organized into 6 area codes under the North American Numbering Plan. South Carolina is served by 6 active geographic area codes, anchored by 803 in the Charleston area. Each of South Carolina's three numbering plan areas uses a two-code overlay requiring ten-digit dialing. Every South Carolina number is dialed as +1, then the three-digit area code, then a seven-digit local number. With Phonecall you can call any South Carolina landline or mobile straight from your browser. There is no app to install, no SIM, and no subscription. You see the per-minute rate before you dial, billing is by the second, and your first call is free.
Call South Carolina from your browserAll South Carolina area codes
6 active geographic area codes in service across South Carolina.
| Area code | Primary cities and region | Example number |
|---|---|---|
| 803 | Central South Carolina and the Midlands (Columbia; overlay of 803/839) | +1 (803) 555-0100 |
| 839 | Central South Carolina (overlay of 803) | +1 (839) 555-0100 |
| 843 | Eastern and coastal South Carolina (Charleston, Myrtle Beach; overlay of 843/854) | +1 (843) 555-0100 |
| 854 | Eastern and coastal South Carolina (overlay of 843) | +1 (854) 555-0100 |
| 864 | Northwestern South Carolina and the Upstate (Greenville, Spartanburg; overlay of 864/821) | +1 (864) 555-0100 |
| 821 | Upstate South Carolina (overlay of 864) | +1 (821) 555-0100 |
Example numbers use the reserved 555-0100 range and are for illustration only.
How to call South Carolina from abroad
Every South Carolina phone number is part of the +1 North American calling zone. To reach one from outside the United States, dial three parts in order:
- 1. Your exit code, then +1 — the US country code.
- 2. The three-digit area code — for example 803 for the Charleston area.
- 3. The seven-digit local number.
Example, full international format:
+1 (803) 555-0100
With Phonecall you skip the exit codes entirely. Enter the number in international format and we connect the call from your browser, billed by the second from $0.03/min, with no SIM, no app, and no monthly fee.
Why South Carolina has multiple area codes
Each of South Carolina's three numbering plan areas uses a two-code overlay requiring ten-digit dialing.
When a region runs low on available numbers, the phone system adds capacity in one of two ways. A split divides the old region geographically and gives part of it a brand-new area code. An overlay keeps the existing code and layers a second one on top of the same area, which is why a single city can have several area codes and why ten-digit dialing becomes the norm. Either way, the number you dial always stays the same length: +1, the area code, then seven digits.
6
active area codes
~5.4 million
residents (approx.)
Charleston
largest city
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South Carolina area codes: frequently asked questions
What is the main area code for Charleston?
Charleston, the largest city in South Carolina, is primarily served by area code 803 (Central South Carolina and the Midlands (Columbia; overlay of 803/839)). South Carolina has 6 area codes in total, listed in full above.
How do I dial a South Carolina number from another country?
Dial your international exit code, then +1 (the US country code), then the three-digit South Carolina area code, then the seven-digit local number. With Phonecall you just enter the number in international format and we connect the call from your browser, from $0.03/min.
How many area codes does South Carolina have?
South Carolina currently has 6 active geographic area codes in service. Each of South Carolina's three numbering plan areas uses a two-code overlay requiring ten-digit dialing.