What area code is 518?
Here's everything about it.
Instant lookup for the 518 area code — location, time zone, cities served, and who's been calling from it. No sign-up, no app.
518 at a glance
Summary
Cities & regions served by 518
Albany6 communities on record for 518.
Where 518 sits on the map
Overlay: 838Coverage area
About the 518 region
518 covers Albany in New York, including Schenectady, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Lake George and Westport. The code has been in service since 1947 and is one of the original North American area codes.
As the Albany region grew, 518 ran low on available numbers, so 838 was added as an overlay code over the same geographic area. Both codes are local to each other and 10-digit dialing applies throughout.
2017: overlaid by 838.
Who called me from 518?
Community reports- Caller ID is trivially spoofed: an incoming call that displays 518 does not prove the caller is really in the 518 region or even in the United States.
- Avoid calling back unknown one-ring numbers — some premium-rate scams rely on curiosity callbacks.
- Never share verification codes, payment details, or remote access during an unsolicited call, even if the caller claims to be your bank or a government agency.
- When a 518 call pressures you to act immediately, hang up and contact the organization directly through its official number.
Be the first to add a community report for a 518 number below.
Frequently asked questions
FAQWhat area code is 518?+–
518 is a telephone area code serving Albany in New York, United States, in service since 1947.
Where is area code 518 located?+–
It covers Schenectady, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Lake George and Westport in New York.
What cities are in area code 518?+–
Major communities on record include Schenectady, Plattsburgh, Saranac Lake, Lake George and Westport, among others. The code's territory spans the Albany region of New York.
What time zone is 518?+–
518 observes Eastern (ET), which is UTC−5 / −4 DST and follows daylight saving time.
When did area code 518 start?+–
518 entered service in 1947 as one of the original 1947 North American area codes. Its history: 2017: overlaid by 838.
Why do calls to 518 require 10-digit dialing?+–
518 shares its territory with overlay code 838. Because both codes serve the same geographic area, the phone network needs all 10 digits to route a call, and calls between the codes are still local.
Is 518 a scam area code?+–
Scam and robocall traffic can use any North American code, 518 included — caller ID is easy to spoof, so the code alone does not tell you who is really calling. Check the community reports on this page before calling back an unknown 518 number, and report anything suspicious.
Can I get a 518 phone number?+–
Yes — most mobile carriers and VoIP providers let you request a 518 number regardless of where you physically live.