What is Area Code 213?
Area code 213 is one of the original area codes assigned in the United States back in 1947. Area code 213 covers the downtown Los Angeles area in California. Known for being the heart of LA’s business, culture, and entertainment industries, 213 holds a unique prestige.
It is a highly recognizable area code because of its association with Hollywood, sports, and major corporations.
Area Code 213 Location
Area code 213 is one of the most iconic telephone area codes in the United States, serving the heart of Los Angeles, California. Established in 1947 as one of the original North American Numbering Plan codes, it was the sole area code for Southern California before population growth required splits and overlays.
Today, 213 primarily covers downtown Los Angeles and its immediate surrounding neighborhoods, making it strongly associated with the city’s urban core.
The 213 area code encompasses areas such as Downtown LA, Chinatown, Koreatown, University Park, Westlake, and Historic South Central. These neighborhoods are known for their cultural diversity, bustling business districts, and landmarks like the Staples Center (Crypto.com Arena), Los Angeles Convention Center, and Walt Disney Concert Hall.
Geographically, the 213 zone is relatively small compared to other Los Angeles area codes like 310, 323, or 818, but it holds significant historical and cultural value. Because of its limited footprint, 213 phone numbers have become somewhat prestigious and are often seen as a symbol of being “truly from Los Angeles.”
The area code operates in the Pacific Time Zone (PT), observing both Standard Time (UTC -8) and Daylight Saving Time (UTC -7).
Over the years, 213 has been overlaid with 323, meaning that both area codes now serve the same central Los Angeles region. Despite these changes, 213 remains a recognized identifier for the city’s commercial, entertainment, and cultural hub.
Where is 213 area code?
Area code 213 is mostly for the area of downtown Los Angeles and its immediate surrounding neighborhoods.
History of Area Code 213
- 1947: Area code 213 was created as one of the first area codes under the North American Numbering Plan (NANP). It originally covered a much larger portion of Southern California.
- 1951: Area code 714 was split from 213 to serve Orange County.
- 1984: 818 was split off for the San Fernando Valley.
- 1991: 310 was split off for West LA and coastal areas.
- 1998: 323 was created as an overlay for neighborhoods outside central Los Angeles.
Today, 213 is limited primarily to downtown Los Angeles and nearby central districts.
Major Cities Covered Under Area Code 213
| City | Population (Approx.) | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Los Angeles (Downtown) | 3.8 million+ | Core city for 213 |
| Chinatown | 20,000+ | Cultural hub |
| Koreatown | 120,000+ | One of the most densely populated districts |
| Echo Park | 40,000+ | Residential and cultural hotspot |
| Boyle Heights | 90,000+ | Historic Latino community |
Major Counties or States Covered Under Area Code 213
- Los Angeles County (Central/Downtown area only)
Time Zone of Area Code 213
- Standard Time: Pacific Standard Time (PST) → UTC -8 hours
- Daylight Saving Time: Pacific Daylight Time (PDT) → UTC -7 hours
So depending on the season, 213 follows either PST or PDT.
Famous 10 Businesses Operated out of Area Code 213 Cities
- Los Angeles Times (Media)
- AECOM (Engineering & Infrastructure)
- Oaktree Capital Management (Finance)
- Herbalife Nutrition (Health & Nutrition)
- Riot Games (Gaming & Esports)
- CBRE Group (Commercial Real Estate)
- City National Bank (Finance)
- USC (University of Southern California)
- Staples Center / Crypto.com Arena (Sports & Entertainment)
- Los Angeles Philharmonic (Walt Disney Concert Hall)
How to Call Area Code 213
From Mobile
- Dial the international exit code (e.g., 011 if calling from outside the US).
- Enter +1 (the US country code).
- Dial 213, followed by the 7-digit local number.
Example: +1 213 XXX XXXX
From Landline
- Within the US: Dial 1 + 213 + number.
- From abroad: Dial your country’s exit code + 1 + 213 + number.
Area Code 213 Service Providers
Some of the leading telecom providers for numbers in 213 include:
- AT&T
- Verizon Wireless
- T-Mobile
- Spectrum
- Frontier Communications
Area Code 213 Scams
Like other major area codes, scammers often spoof 213 numbers to appear local. Here are common scams:
- IRS Impersonation Scams – Callers claim to be IRS agents demanding unpaid taxes.
- Tech Support Scams – Fraudsters pretend to be Microsoft or Apple, requesting access to your device.
- Lottery/Prize Scams – Scammers say you’ve won money but must pay fees upfront.
- Charity Donation Scams – Fake charities claiming to help local communities.
- Business Loan Scams – Callers pretending to be financial institutions in downtown LA offering fake loans.
Always verify before giving out money or personal information. There are some reddit conversations about 213 area code scams– you can read it if you are interested.
Frequently Asked Questions About Area Code 213
Is 213 the only Los Angeles area code?
No, Los Angeles has multiple area codes, including 310, 323, 424, and 818.
Is area code 213 toll-free?
No, it’s a standard geographic area code. Normal call charges apply.
Why is 213 considered special?
It’s one of the oldest area codes in California and represents downtown LA, giving it cultural significance.
Can I still get a 213 number?
Yes, but availability is limited. You may need to request one from a telecom provider or purchase it as a premium number.
Are scams common with 213 numbers?
Yes, scammers often spoof 213 numbers because of its strong association with Los Angeles.