Known as the Camel City for its tobacco heritage and the Twin City for its dual origins, Winston-Salem is a Piedmont Triad hub reinventing itself around medicine, research, and the arts. It shares its area codes with Greensboro and High Point. This guide breaks down Winston-Salem’s 336 and 743 codes, the required 10-digit dialing, major ZIP codes, and local scam warnings.
Winston-Salem Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 336 |
| Overlay Area Code(s) | 743 |
| Time Zone | Eastern Time (ET) – EST / EDT |
| Major County | Forsyth County |
| Dialing Format | 10-digit dialing required |
Area Code Breakdown & District Mapping
336 – Triad Region Code
Area code 336 was created in 1997 when it split from 910, serving the Piedmont Triad including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point. It is Winston-Salem’s primary code and anchors Forsyth County.
743 – Triad Region Overlay
Area code 743 is the 2016 overlay for the 336 region, sharing the same Triad geography. Many newer Winston-Salem lines carry a 743 prefix, fully local to existing 336 numbers.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Winston-Salem’s 336/743 codes cover a city whose Downtown Arts District along Trade Street blends galleries and restaurants with the restored Innovation Quarter, a research campus anchored by Wake Forest University’s medical school. Nearby, the meticulously preserved Old Salem showcases the city’s 18th-century Moravian roots.
Beyond downtown, the same codes reach the historic West End, the charming Ardmore and Buena Vista neighborhoods, the Wake Forest University campus in the north, and the surrounding Forsyth County suburbs. The 336/743 codes tie Winston-Salem together with Greensboro and High Point across the Triad.
Local Dialing Rules & International Format
Winston-Salem and the entire 336 region have required 10-digit dialing since the 743 overlay launched — always dial the area code plus the 7-digit number. Neighboring Greensboro and High Point share the same 336/743 codes.
To call Winston-Salem from outside the United States, dial your country’s exit code, then the U.S. country code +1, followed by the 10-digit number (for example, +1 336 XXX-XXXX). From inside the U.S. and Canada, simply dial 1 before the 10-digit number for long-distance calls.
Major ZIP Codes Covered
The 336 service area spans many of Winston-Salem’s core ZIP codes, including 27101, 27103, 27104, 27105, 27106, and 27107.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Winston-Salem
Winston-Salem residents report spoofed 336 robocalls impersonating Duke Energy, the IRS, and delivery services. Fake-warranty and Medicare robocalls also target the area’s older population across Forsyth County.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 336 prefix to look familiar. |
| Utility / Toll Scams | Threats to shut off power or demand toll payment via gift cards. |
| IRS / Government | Robocalls claiming legal action — agencies never call to demand instant payment. |
Red flag: Any caller who pressures you to pay immediately with gift cards, wire transfers, or cryptocurrency is almost certainly running a scam. Hang up and verify through an official number.
↑ See the complete list of All US Area Codes by State for every code across the country.
Nearby & Related North Carolina Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Winston-Salem, NC?
Winston-Salem uses area code 336 and its overlay 743, shared across the Piedmont Triad.
Does Winston-Salem have the same area code as Greensboro?
Yes. Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point all use 336/743 across the Triad.
Do I need to dial 10 digits in Winston-Salem?
Yes. With the 743 overlay active, all local calls in the 336 region require 10-digit dialing.
What time zone is Winston-Salem in?
Winston-Salem observes Eastern Time (EST/EDT), like all of North Carolina.
Is 743 a real Winston-Salem area code?
Yes. 743 is the FCC-approved overlay for the 336 region, added in 2016 to expand number capacity across the Piedmont Triad, including Winston-Salem, Greensboro, and High Point.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.