New York · Eastern Time
838 Area Code
Area code 838 is in New York, serving eastern upstate New York, including the Capital District, Adirondacks and Saratoga. It is in the Eastern Time zone. It shares its territory with overlay code 518, so 10-digit dialing is required.
Last updated October 1, 2026 · Source: NANPA
Where is the 838 area code?
838 is a New York area code covering eastern upstate New York, including the Capital District, Adirondacks and Saratoga. In the wider directory it sits in the Northeast region.
Cities in the 838 area code
- Albany
- Schenectady
- Troy
- Saratoga Springs
- Glens Falls
- Plattsburgh
- Amsterdam
- Cohoes
- Gloversville
- Watervliet
- Rensselaer
- Hudson
- Johnstown
- Lake Placid
- Malone
Counties served by 838
Albany County, Schenectady County, Rensselaer County, Saratoga County, Warren County, Washington County, Clinton County, Columbia County, Montgomery County and Fulton County.
838 overlay codes and dialing
The 838 territory is covered by an overlay of 2 area codes: 518, 838. All of them serve the same geographic area, and the original code is 518. Because more than one code covers the same ground, 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.
History of the 838 area code
838 went into service on September 19, 2017 as an overlay of 518, relieving number exhaustion in the Albany area. Rather than splitting the region, the overlay lets existing customers keep their numbers while new lines draw from the added code. Learn more in our overlay guide.
Is 838 a scam or spam risk?
838 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 838 number on your screen is no guarantee the caller is in Albany, NY or trustworthy. See spam & scam-risk area codes for how spoofing works and how to respond.
Other New York area codes
Explore more
See every code in New York, compare codes across the Northeast 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
838 area code FAQ
Where is the 838 area code?
The 838 area code is in New York, covering eastern upstate New York, including the Capital District, Adirondacks and Saratoga, in the Northeast region.
What cities are in the 838 area code?
Cities in the 838 area code include Albany, Schenectady, Troy, Saratoga Springs, Glens Falls, Plattsburgh, Amsterdam, Cohoes, Gloversville and Watervliet.
What time zone is 838 in?
838 is in the Eastern Time zone.
What is the overlay for the 838 area code?
838 shares its territory with 518. Both codes (518, 838) serve the same area, so 10-digit dialing is required for every call.
When did the 838 area code start?
838 went into service on September 19, 2017 as an overlay of 518.
Do I have to dial 10 digits for 838?
Yes. Because 838 is an overlay area, you must dial the full 10-digit number (area code + 7 digits) for every call.
Is 838 a toll-free or premium code?
No. 838 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.