The second-largest city in Arizona and a Sonoran Desert hub ringed by mountains, Tucson is the home of the University of Arizona and the historic heart of the Old Pueblo. The entire region sits under a single area code, 520, which keeps local dialing simple. This guide covers the 520 area code, its coverage across Pima County, dialing rules, the no-daylight-saving time quirk, major ZIP codes, and local scam warnings.
Tucson Area Codes at a Glance
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Primary Area Code(s) | 520 |
| Overlay / Adjacent Code(s) | None (520 only) |
| Time Zone | Mountain Standard Time (MST) – no daylight saving time |
| Major County | Pima County |
| Dialing Format | 7 or 10-digit dialing |
Area Code Breakdown & Valley Mapping
520 – Southern Arizona Code
Area code 520 was created in 1995 when it split from 602, and after a further split it now serves southern Arizona including Tucson, Sierra Vista, Nogales, and Casa Grande. It covers Pima County as a single, non-overlaid area code.
Neighborhoods & Local Coverage
Tucson’s 520 code covers a city defined by the desert and the university. Downtown blends the historic Barrio Viejo and Armory Park districts with a revived arts and dining scene along Congress Street, while the lively Fourth Avenue corridor and the University District buzz with students from the University of Arizona.
Beyond the center, the same code reaches the leafy Sam Hughes neighborhood, the Menlo Park and Barrio Hollywood areas on the west side, the upscale Catalina Foothills to the north, and out to the Saguaro-studded edges of Saguaro National Park. The 520 code ties all of southern Arizona together under one dialing plan.
Local Dialing Rules, Time Zone & International Format
Because 520 is a single area code with no overlay, Tucson still permits 7-digit dialing for local calls, though 10-digit dialing (area code + number) always works. The Phoenix metro to the north uses 602, 480, and 623.
A note on Arizona time: Arizona does not observe daylight saving time, so it stays on Mountain Standard Time (MST) all year. In the summer, that means Tucson shares the same clock as Pacific Time cities like Los Angeles, while in winter it matches Denver on Mountain Time. Keep this in mind when scheduling calls across state lines.
To call Tucson 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, +1 520 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 520 service area spans many of Tucson’s core ZIP codes, including 85701, 85705, 85710, 85711, 85712, 85713, 85716, and 85719.
Spam & Scam Call Warnings in Tucson
Tucson residents report spoofed 520 robocalls impersonating utilities like Tucson Electric Power, the IRS, and delivery services. Student-targeted scams around the University of Arizona and fake-warranty robocalls are also common.
| Scam Type | What to Watch For |
|---|---|
| Neighbor Spoofing | Calls that mimic a local 520 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 Arizona Cities
Frequently Asked Questions
What area code is Tucson, AZ?
Tucson uses area code 520, which covers Pima County and southern Arizona.
Does 520 cover all of southern Arizona?
Yes. 520 serves Tucson, Sierra Vista, Nogales, Casa Grande, and much of the southern part of the state.
Do I have to dial 10 digits in Tucson?
Not necessarily. Because 520 has no overlay, 7-digit local dialing still works, but 10-digit dialing is always accepted.
Does Tucson observe daylight saving time?
No. Tucson and most of Arizona stay on Mountain Standard Time all year, so in summer the city aligns with Pacific Time and in winter with Mountain Time.
Stay Safe & Explore More
- Verify an unknown caller in our Scam Alerts directory.
- Comparing nationwide numbers? See our Toll-Free Numbers guides.