Area code 843 is a telephone area code in the United States. It is used for routing calls to specific geographic regions. When dialing a number with this area code, it is necessary to include it before the local number. Area codes help organize the vast network of phone numbers, ensuring efficient call routing and connectivity across different regions.
Area code 843 serves the southeastern region of South Carolina, covering cities such as Charleston, Myrtle Beach, and Hilton Head Island. It encompasses coastal areas and popular tourist destinations, including Beaufort and Georgetown. The region is known for its beautiful beaches, historic sites, and vibrant cultural scene. This area code also includes smaller towns and rural communities, providing a diverse mix of urban and suburban environments.
Area code 843 was established on March 22, 1998, as a result of a split from area code 803. This change was necessitated by the increasing demand for new phone numbers in South Carolina. The introduction of 843 helped alleviate the strain on the existing numbering system, ensuring adequate coverage for the region's growing population and technological advancements in telecommunications.
Area code 843 serves a diverse mix of users, including coastal tourism businesses, hospitality services, golf resorts, and maritime industries. Military installations, healthcare facilities, and educational institutions are prominent users. The code is essential for numerous small businesses catering to beach tourism, seafood restaurants, and water sports operators. Many retirement communities and real estate agencies also rely on this area code.
Area code 843, serving coastal South Carolina including Charleston and Myrtle Beach, has seen its share of unwanted calls. Common scams include fake vacation offers, timeshare schemes, and fraudulent IRS collection calls. Robocalls and spam calls often target this region's large tourist and retiree population, with scammers frequently spoofing local 843 numbers to appear legitimate.
To get an 843 phone number, contact major carriers like Verizon, AT&T, T-Mobile, or Sprint, who all service this area code. When signing up for a new plan, specifically request an 843 number. You can also try mobile virtual network operators (MVNOs) or VoIP services. If local numbers aren't immediately available, ask to be notified when one becomes free.