Area Code 273 — Coming to Quebec
Area code 273 has been approved as a new overlay for Alma and the wider Quebec region served by 367, 418 and 581, but it is not in service yet. It is scheduled to go into service on February 27, 2027. Nobody has a 273 number today — existing 367, 418 and 581 numbers keep their area codes, and carriers will only begin assigning 273 to new phone lines after it launches. The region already uses 10-digit dialing, so there is nothing new to learn about how to dial.
Area code 273 quick facts
| Status | Approved — not yet in service |
|---|---|
| Region | Alma, Quebec |
| Expected in service | February 27, 2027 |
| Overlays | 367, 418, 581 |
| Time zone | Eastern Time |
| Dialing | 10-digit dialing already in use |
| Data current as of | August 2, 2026 |
Getting calls from 273 already? Here's why that's almost certainly spoofing.
Where area code 273 will be used
Once in service, 273 will supply new numbers across the same communities 367, 418 and 581 covers today, including Alma, Amqui, Baie-Comeau, Baie-Saint-Paul, Beauceville, Chandler, Chibougamau, Côte-Saint-Luc, Dolbeau-Mistassini, Donnacona, Gaspé, Jonquière.
Other Quebec area codes
- 263 — Montréal
- 354 — Valleyfield
- 367 — Québec
- 418 — Québec
- 438 — Montréal
- 450 — Granby
- 468 — Sherbrooke
- 514 — Montréal
- 579 — Granby
- 581 — Québec
- 819 — Hull
- 873 — Sherbrooke
Nearby area codes
Frequently asked questions
Is area code 273 active yet?
No. Area code 273 has been approved as a new overlay for Alma, Quebec, but it is not in service yet — no carrier has assigned a 273 number to anyone. It is scheduled to go into service on February 27, 2027.
When will area code 273 start?
Area code 273 is scheduled to go into service on February 27, 2027. On that date carriers can begin assigning 273 to new phone lines, once the existing 367, 418 and 581 pool is used up.
What region will area code 273 cover?
Area code 273 will be an all-services overlay of 367, 418 and 581, covering the same Quebec region around Alma. An overlay adds a new code over the existing area rather than splitting it, so current numbers do not change.
Do I need to change my number or how I dial when 273 launches?
No. Existing 367, 418 and 581 numbers keep their area codes, and only new lines may be issued a 273 number. The region already uses 10-digit dialing, so there is nothing new to learn about how to dial.
Is a call from 273 a scam?
Because area code 273 is not in service yet, no legitimate 273 numbers exist — so a call or text showing 273 today is almost certainly spoofed. The area code itself is not a scam; caller ID can be set to any number, including one that has not launched.
Sourced from the official NANPA (North American Numbering Plan Administrator) numbering database, current as of August 2, 2026. Refreshed monthly.