212 Area Code
The 212 area code is one of the most iconic and historic telephone area codes in the United States. It covers Manhattan, New York City, and is highly recognizable due to its long-standing association with the financial, cultural, and media capital of the country. As one of the original NANP (North American Numbering Plan) codes established in 1947, 212 holds prestige and demand, often considered a status symbol in New York.
Understanding the 212 Area Code
The 212 area code was implemented in October 1947 as one of the original 86 numbering plan areas. Initially, it covered all of New York City, but due to population growth and increased demand for telephone lines, the city was split and overlaid multiple times. Today, 212 exclusively serves Manhattan, while the outer boroughs use other codes like 718, 347, 929, and 917.
Where Is the 212 Area Code Located? (Map & Boroughs)
The 212 area code map shows its coverage restricted to Manhattan, the central borough of New York City. It is overlaid with 917 and 646, meaning new phone numbers in Manhattan may be assigned any of these three codes.
Major Neighborhoods in the 212 Area Code Region
- Midtown Manhattan � Times Square, Grand Central, Empire State Building
- Downtown Manhattan � Wall Street, World Trade Center, Financial District
- Upper East Side
- Upper West Side
- Harlem
- Greenwich Village
- SoHo & Tribeca
The 212 area code is synonymous with business, finance, culture, and luxury living, making it one of the most desirable numbers in the U.S.
ZIP Codes (Representative) in the 212 Telephone Zone
Examples of ZIP codes within the 212 area code include:
- 10001 - Chelsea, Midtown
- 10007 - Tribeca, Civic Center
- 10017 - Midtown East
- 10019 - Theater District
- 10021 - Upper East Side
- 10023 - Upper West Side
ZIP codes and area codes are not perfectly aligned, but these ZIPs fall within 212�s Manhattan coverage.
Time Zone
The 212 area code lies in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). It observes Eastern Standard Time (EST, UTC-5) and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT, UTC-4) during daylight saving time.
Dialing Guide � Phone, Number & Examples
- Local calls (within NYC overlays 212/646/917): Must dial 10 digits.
- Long-distance (U.S. & Canada): Dial
1 + area code + number. - International calls to 212: Dial your country�s exit code, then
+1 212followed by the 7-digit number (e.g.,+1 212 555 0199).
What area code is 212? / Where�s area code 212?
What area code is 212? � It is the original New York City area code, now serving Manhattan.
Where�s area code 212? � The 212 area code is located in Manhattan, New York City, New York State.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) about 212 Area Code
When was the 212 area code created?
212 was created in October 1947 as one of the original NANP codes.
Which borough does 212 cover?
212 covers Manhattan only. Other boroughs use 718, 347, 929, or 917.
Does 212 have overlays?
Yes, the 646 and 917 overlays also serve Manhattan.
What time zone is 212 in?
The 212 area code follows the Eastern Time Zone (EST/EDT).
Why is 212 considered prestigious?
212 is the original Manhattan code and is limited in availability, making it a symbol of prestige in New York.
