Question 1

Where is area code 253?

Accepted Answer

Area code 253 covers Tacoma and nearby cities including Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood in Washington, in the Pacific Time.

Question 2

What cities use area code 253?

Accepted Answer

Area code 253 serves Tacoma, Federal Way, Auburn, Lakewood, Puyallup, and 5 other communities in Washington.

Question 3

What time zone is area code 253 in?

Accepted Answer

Area code 253 is in the Pacific Time (America/Los_Angeles).

Question 4

How do you dial a 253 number?

Accepted Answer

Dial all 10 digits: 253 followed by the 7-digit local number. From abroad, dial +1 253 and the local number.

Question 5

Is a call from area code 253 a scam?

Accepted Answer

A 253 number is geographically tied to Washington, but caller ID can be spoofed, so the displayed area code does not prove where a caller really is. If you did not expect the call, do not share personal information and consider looking the number up.

Question 6

Is 253 a country code?

Accepted Answer

No. 253 is a US area code (a domestic 3-digit code), not a country code. The country (calling) code for the United States is +1, shared across the North American Numbering Plan. So a full 253 number written for international dialing looks like +1 253 followed by the 7-digit local number.

Area Code 253

Cities in area code 253

Area codes by city

Carriers in area code 253

Other Washington area codes

Nearby area codes