Area code 843 covers Charleston and surrounding areas in South Carolina. It was activated in 1998 as an overlay of area code 803. Today it shares its territory with overlay code 854. For the full picture, see all South Carolina area codes.
| State | South Carolina |
|---|---|
| Primary city | Charleston |
| Cities also served | Charleston, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Florence, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort |
| Time zone | Eastern (UTC-5 / UTC-4 DST) |
| Year established | March 22, 1998 |
| Original 1947 NPA? | No |
| Parent code | 803 |
| Overlay codes | 854 |
| Currently in use? | Yes, actively assigned |
| Ten-digit dialing required? | Yes |
Cities Served by Area Code 843
Area code 843 serves Coastal and eastern South Carolina, including the Lowcountry, Grand Strand, Pee Dee, and Sandhills regions, including the following cities and communities:
- Charleston
- Myrtle Beach
- North Charleston
- Florence
- Mount Pleasant
- Summerville
- Hilton Head Island
- Beaufort
Nearby area codes covering the same broader region include: 803, 839, 864.
How to Get a 843 Phone Number
There are three ways to get a phone number with the 843 area code, each suited to a different need:
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Browse 843 Numbers →- Buy from a premium-number specialist. Companies that hold curated inventories of specific area codes can sell you a 843 number directly, often with a one-time fee and ownership transferred to you (no recurring carrier fees). This is the option for picking a specific memorable number, or for getting an area code that most carriers won’t let you request. Browse our 843 inventory.
- Sign up with a VoIP carrier. Voice-over-IP services (such as Google Voice, OpenPhone, Grasshopper, and many others) can typically provision a 843 number on request, especially for active overlay codes. You won’t usually get to pick the specific number, but you’ll get a working line in the area code. This is the cheapest option for anyone who doesn’t need a particular number.
- Port an existing 843 number. If you already have a 843 phone number with another carrier, you can transfer it (port it) to a new service provider while keeping the number. This works for landlines, cell phones, and VoIP services, though landlines outside of South Carolina sometimes can’t accept inbound ports of 843 numbers due to 911 routing rules.
Looking for a 843 number? 212areacode.com offers premium 843 numbers for Charleston, South Carolina — choose your number, port it to any carrier in 3–5 business days, and pay a one-time fee with no monthly charges. Browse available 843 numbers →
Frequently Asked Questions
Is the 843 area code still in use?
Yes. 843 is actively assigned to new phone lines in Coastal and eastern South Carolina, including the Lowcountry, Grand Strand, Pee Dee, and Sandhills regions.
What is the difference between 843 and 854?
Today they share the same geographic territory in South Carolina. New phone lines in the area may be assigned either code. The two codes work identically for calling, billing, and service.
What is the parent area code of 843?
Area code 843 is an overlay of 803. Both codes serve the same region of South Carolina.
Can I get a 843 number if I don't live in South Carolina?
Yes. Phone numbers are no longer tied to a physical address. With VoIP service or a number broker, you can hold a 843 number from anywhere in the world. The number routes to whatever device or carrier you specify.
Is 843 a scam area code?
No. 843 is a legitimate, active area code for Coastal and eastern South Carolina, including the Lowcountry, Grand Strand, Pee Dee, and Sandhills regions. Like any area code, scammers occasionally spoof 843 caller IDs, but the code itself is heavily used by real South Carolina businesses, government offices, and residents.
When did area code 843 go into service?
Area code 843 entered service on March 22, 1998, created in a split from area code 803 to relieve growing demand for phone numbers in coastal South Carolina.
What is the overlay for area code 843?
Area code 854 was introduced in 2015 as an all-services overlay for the 843 territory. Ten-digit dialing became mandatory in the 843/854 region on September 19, 2015.
What cities does the 843 area code cover?
Area code 843 covers eastern and coastal South Carolina, including Charleston, Myrtle Beach, North Charleston, Florence, Mount Pleasant, Summerville, Hilton Head Island, and Beaufort, among many others.
Is 843 still a valid area code?
Yes. Area code 843 remains fully active and is not at risk of exhaustion. It shares the geographic territory with overlay code 854, with ten-digit dialing required for all local calls.
Related Reading
- Who Invented Area Codes?
- Why Use Area Codes For Local Calls?
- What States Have the Most Area Codes?
- Most Desirable Area Codes
Looking for a different code? See the complete US area code directory.
