The 229 area code is a valid geographic telephone area code that serves the Southwestern portion of the state of Georgia, United States.
This area code is essential for communication across a large region known for its agricultural and cultural significance, including several mid-sized cities that act as economic and cultural hubs. It operates within the standard US system, meaning all calls require 10-digit dialing.
This article provides the full details on the location of the 229 area code, the major cities it covers, its time zone, and what to know about calls from this region.
Where is the 229 Area Code Located?
The 229 area code is geographically situated in the southwest quadrant of Georgia, bordering Alabama and Florida.
| Detail | Information |
| Area Code: | 229 |
| State: | Georgia (GA), USA |
| Time Zone: | Eastern Time (ET), observing EST (UTC-5) and EDT (UTC-4) during Daylight Saving Time. |
| Type: | Geographic Area Code (Split from the 912 area code in 2000). |
| Dialing: | 10-digit dialing is required for all calls within and to the 229 area code. |
Major Cities and Regions Covered by 229
The 229 area code is quite large and covers dozens of towns and rural communities, including several regional centers:
- Albany (Largest city in the area code)
- Valdosta (Home to Valdosta State University and Moody Air Force Base)
- Thomasville
- Tifton
- Bainbridge
- Cordele
- Americus
- Moultrie
The region is often referred to as Southwest Georgia, and it is known for its agriculture, especially pecans, peanuts, and cotton.
History and Dialing Rules
The 229 area code was created due to the demand for new phone numbers in the region.
The Area Code Split
Prior to 2000, all of Southern Georgia was served by the 912 area code. Due to the rapid growth of the region and the proliferation of mobile phones, the 912 area code was split into three parts on August 1, 2000:
- 229: Assigned to the southwestern region (Albany, Valdosta).
- 478: Assigned to the central region (Macon).
- 912: Remained in the eastern and coastal region (Savannah, Brunswick).
Calling a 229 Number
To successfully dial any number in the 229 area code, whether you are calling from outside the area code or even from within the 229 region, you must use 10-digit dialing.
(Calling from outside the area)
(Calling from within the area)
Note: The long-distance prefix “1” is only necessary when calling from another Area Code within the North American Numbering Plan.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What time zone is the 229 area code in?
The entire 229 area code is in the Eastern Time Zone (ET). This means it follows Eastern Standard Time (EST) in the winter and Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) during the summer months. It is the same time zone as New York, Atlanta, and Miami.
Are calls from the 229 area code usually scams?
The 229 area code is a normal, domestic U.S. area code. While scammers frequently use call-spoofing technology to display any area code, calls from 229 are not inherently more likely to be scams than any other local area code. If you receive an unsolicited call from 229, be cautious, especially if the caller asks for personal data or demands immediate payment.
Why does my phone say a call from 229 is a long-distance call?
If you are located in a different area code outside of Southwest Georgia (even if you are still in Georgia, such as in Atlanta’s 404/678 area), the call from 229 is correctly identified by your carrier as a domestic long-distance call. While included in most unlimited plans, it is technically not a local call if you are outside the 229 calling zone.
Conclusion
The 229 area code is a firmly established geographic area code for Southwest Georgia, USA, serving prominent cities like Albany and Valdosta. As a resident or business attempting to contact someone in this region, always remember the 10-digit dialing rule and be mindful of the Eastern Time Zone difference when placing calls.
