South Carolina · Eastern Time
803 Area Code
The 803 area code is a telephone area code in South Carolina, covering Columbia and the surrounding area. It lies in the Eastern Time zone.
Last updated June 5, 2026
Where is the 803 area code?
803 serves Columbia and nearby communities in South Carolina. In the wider directory it sits in the South region.
Overlay codes serving Columbia
Columbia is served by an overlay of 2 area codes: 803, 839. Because more than one code covers the same area, 10-digit dialing is mandatory — you must dial the area code for every local call. New phone lines may be assigned any of these codes, so Columbia numbers are no longer tied to a single prefix.
History of the 803 area code
803 is one of the original area codes assigned in 1947, when AT&T and Bell Laboratories created the North American Numbering Plan and divided the country into the first 86 numbering plan areas. It has served the Columbia area ever since.
Is 803 a scam or spam risk?
803 is a legitimate geographic area code, not a premium or toll line, so a call from it costs you nothing extra. That said, scammers frequently spoof real local area codes to look familiar on caller ID. A genuine 803 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is local or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other South Carolina area codes
Explore more
See every code in South Carolina, compare codes across the South region, or view all Eastern Time codes. You can also browse the 8XX block or the complete numeric list of US area codes.
New to how this all works? Start with how area codes work, then read up on overlays, 10-digit dialing, and spam & scam-risk codes. To check another number, use the area code lookup tool.
Quick answers
803 area code FAQ
Where is the 803 area code?
The 803 area code is in South Carolina, serving Columbia and the surrounding area in the South region.
What time zone is 803 in?
803 is in the Eastern Time zone.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 803?
Yes. Because Columbia is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 803 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 803 is a standard geographic area code, so calling it costs the same as any local or long-distance call on your plan. Toll-free calls use 800, 888, 877, 866, 855, 844 or 833.