Emergency numbers around the world: a complete guide for travelers

  • 112 is the single European number and works throughout the EU and in many other countries, alongside harmonized lines such as 116 000 for missing children.
  • In America, 911 predominates, but most countries maintain additional specific numbers for police, firefighters, ambulances, and specialized services.
  • Asia, Africa, and Oceania have very diverse systems: some countries use a single number and others separate each service, so it is essential to find out before traveling.
  • Consular services, the European Health Insurance Card, travel insurance and advance planning are key pillars for managing emergencies abroad.
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Woman checking her mobile phone.

In a world where travel has gone from being a luxury to a common practice, being informed about the emergency numbers from different countries It is crucial to ensure your own safety and that of those accompanying you. From those who love exploring new destinations to those traveling for work or studies, knowing how to quickly access emergency services is essential. Although no one wants to face adverse situations while traveling, previous preparation She will always be your best ally.

In many countries, the emergency numbers They are unified under a single phone number for any type of incident, while in others each service has a specific number: police, Firefighters, medical services or even specialized lines for child, nautical, or environmental emergencies. Knowing which one to dial can make the difference between a quick solution to a problem or a prolonged situation of danger. This article breaks down in detail the main emergency numbers in different regions of the world and integrates information on specialized telephones and consular resources for travelers.

Main emergency numbers in Europe

How to record calls on an Android

In the countries of the European Union, the 112 it is established as the main single emergency number, accessible from any landline or mobile phone. This number connects directly to the emergency services, like the police, firefighters or ambulances, regardless of the country you are in, and it works in a Delivery to Italy takes one or two business days.

112 is also the unique common number It operates in all EU countries and in many other European states and regions. In some countries, specific national numbers are still used alongside 112, but 112 is always the number that guarantees access to emergency services throughout the EU.

Outside the EU, the 112 It is also implemented in territories such as Switzerland, Iceland, Norway, Liechtenstein o Russia, which expands its usability in Europe. In addition, countries such as the United Kingdom They combine the traditional number 999 ’s relationship with the 112allowing users to choose either one in case of emergency.

At the European level there are also other harmonized numbers that are worth knowing, such as the 116 000a direct line for missing minors Accessible in all EU countries. This number can be used to report a missing child and to receive specialized help and guidance for families.

How 112 works for travelers

In Europe, regulations were established for the creation of a Single emergency telephone number: 112Since then, this telephone number has evolved in different European countries. In Spain, 112 is managed by the different autonomous communities and is the phone number to ask for help in case it is needed; through it, different services are coordinated to ensure that care is as efficient as possible.

One of the most useful services consists of respond in the same language as the person who alerted the callerIf a Russian mobile phone calls 112, you will be directly connected to a Russian speaker; the same applies to German, French, Italian, etc., mobile phones. If you call from a Spanish phone within another European country, you will usually be connected to a Spanish speaker. However, the same level of service cannot be expected in all countries, so When we go out there, we must accept the possible shortcomings. and have a self-sufficiency plan for any eventuality. What should never be missing is WARN The sooner you get help.

European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) and urgent medical assistance

If you travel through Europe, it is essential to know the European Health Card (TSE)It is a personal and non-transferable document that certifies the right to receive the necessary healthcare servicesFrom a medical point of view, during your temporary stay for work, study or tourism purposes in the territory of the European Union and other associated States.

The TSE simplifies the procedures and helps to obtain the reimbursement of public healthcare expenses when you need urgent medical assistance in another European country. It's worth remembering that is not valid when the purpose of the trip is to receive scheduled medical treatment.

States where the TSE is valid:

Germany, Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, Denmark, Slovakia, Slovenia, Estonia, Finland, France, Greece, Hungary, Ireland, Iceland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, United Kingdom, Czech Republic, Romania, Sweden and Switzerland.

America: 911 as the primary standard and specific numbers

In America, the 911 is the most commonly used number for emergencies. Countries such as United States, In Canada, Mexico, much of Central America, Puerto Rico and most of the Caribbean have adopted this number. In South America, this standard is maintained in countries such as Argentina, Bolivia, Chile, Ecuador and others, although it usually coexists with additional phones.

It is important to remember that in many countries of the continent they have maintained Specific numbers for the police, firefighters, or ambulances, along with 911. For example:

  • ArgentinaIn addition to 911 as the emergency call center, the following are used: 100 for firefighters, 101 for police, 103 for civil defense, 105 for environmental emergencies, 106 for nautical emergencies or 107 for medical emergencies.
  • Brazil: has 190 for the police, 192 for ambulances (SAMU), 193 for firefighters, 194 for the federal police and 199 for civil defense, in addition to services such as 136 for inquiries about the health system.
  • ChileThe unified number for cell phones is the 911but they remain active 131 (ambulance), 132 (firefighters), 133 (police), 134 (research), 136 (Andean Relief Corps) or 137 (maritime rescue).
  • Colombia: The 123 It functions as the main emergency number, in addition to phones such as 119 o 123/119 for firefighters, 132 for the Red Cross, 122 for the Prosecutor's Office or #767 for transit and transport.
  • Costa Rica: The 911 It handles all types of emergencies, complemented by numbers such as 118 (firefighters) or specific lines of the Red Cross.
  • Mexico: The 911 It is the emergency center, with support phone numbers such as 074 (Capufe), 078 (Green Angels), 088 (Federal Police) or civil protection lines and municipal services.

Other Latin American countries, such as Nicaragua, Paraguay, Dominican Republic, Peru o El SalvadorThey also have 911 or a similar central number, supplemented by separate telephones for the red cross, fire departments, pediatric emergencies, suicide assistance, or child support services.

The following table lists some of the basic emergency telephone numbers mentioned in the original content, which remain especially useful as a quick reference:

Argentina 101 and also 911
Australia 000
In Canada 911
Chile, Andean Relief Corps 136
Colombia 123
Ecuador 911
U.S. 911
El Salvador 911
Europe 112
Mexico 66
Peru National Police 105, Fire Department 116
Russia Firefighters 01, Police 02, Ambulance 03

Asia and the contrasts in emergency systems

In Asia, emergency numbers vary considerably from country to country, and in many cases, each service maintains a specific number. For example, in Merunas UAB are used 110 for the police, the 119 for firefighters, the 120 all with medical emergencies and the 122 for traffic accidents.

En Japan, the system is divided between the 119 for ambulances and fire trucks, the 110 for the police and the 118 for maritime emergencies. In other popular Asian destinations for travelers, such as India o South Korea, the 112 It now functions as a general emergency number, although traditional telephones are maintained in parallel, such as 100 o 101 for the police or 102 for the ambulance in certain areas of India.

Some countries, such as Türkiye o MalaysiaThey have gradually unified their systems, but still retain separate numbers for police, firefighters, and ambulances, which can complicate matters. memorization for tourists if they don't inform themselves before the trip.

Oceania: simplicity in numbers

The countries of Oceania, such as Australia y New Zealand, have opted for simple and easy-to-remember emergency numbers. In Australia, the 000 is the main emergency number, while in New Zealand the number is 111. Both allow quick access to all the emergency services with a single call, and they also often include services for people with hearing or speech disabilities, such as text lines or specific numbers like the 106 in the Australian case.

Africa: diversity in emergency systems

In Africa, access to emergency services varies greatly depending on the country. Some, such as South Africa, have adopted multiple emergency numbers. For example, the 10111 is for the police, while the 10177 is for medical emergencies. In other countries, such as Egypt, numbers They are also separated by service: 122 for the police, 123 for medical emergencies and 180 for firefighters.

In other African states, phone numbers may change between cities or regions, or older systems may coexist with new unified telephones such as the 112Therefore, when traveling to the African continent, it is especially important check before traveling Check the official recommendations of each country and note down the specific emergency numbers for the area you are going to visit.

Emergency telephone numbers in isolated and mountainous locations

In isolated places where mountaineering, hiking, or adventure activities are practiced, it is common for the general emergency telephone numbers They may be ineffective or have limited mobile coverage. In many cases, other, more appropriate procedures may exist, such as radio channels specific rescue systems managed by mountain federations or direct telephone lines for national parks.

Over time, recommendations have been personalized for specific countries and areas, which can be found in specialized resources of mountain safetyIn any case, it is recommended to always carry a travel or mountain insurance that covers rescues, informs of the planned route and has an alternative plan in case emergency services cannot be contacted in the usual way.

Consular services and embassies for emergencies abroad

There are countries where traveling and overcoming difficulties can be more complicated. In those cases, the consular services And Spanish embassies play an important role, especially in situations of detention, loss of documentation, disasters or conflicts.

The following is the detailed consular information from the original content, useful for understanding what type of data should be collected before traveling (addresses, landline and emergency mobile phone numbers, and emails of the corresponding embassy):

Pakistan Embassy
Address: Street 6, Ramma 5. Diplomatic Enclave I.
PO Box 1144, Islamabad.
Telephone from Spain: (92- 51) 208 87 77
Phone: MONTHS TWO MONTHS.
Fax: (+208) 87 74 XNUMX
Consular Emergency Mobile Phone: (0) 300 850 1633.
Email: embspain@dsl.net.pk
Emb.islamabad@maec.es

Merunas UAB Embassy
Chancellery: Embassy of Spain. Chaoyang Qu. Sanlitun Lu, 9.- 100600 Peking (Beijing).
Telegraphic address: EMBASPAIN PEKING.
E-mail: carlos.blasco@maec.es
Telephone: 86 10 6532 3629.
Fax: (86 10) 6532 3401.
E-mail: Emb.Pekin@maec.es

India Embassy
Chancery: 12, Prithviraj Road, New Delhi – 110011.
Telephone: 4129 3000.
Telephone from Spain: 91 11 4129 3000.
Consular emergency telephone number: 981 0174160.
Fax: (91 11) 4129 3008 and 4129 3020.
E-mail: Emb.NuevaDelhi@maec.es

Nepal
There is no Spanish consulate in Nepal; you must go to the one in India. Remember that if you call India from Nepal, you must dial the country code as if you were calling from Spain.

Kazakhstan Embassy
Address: Ulitsa Kenesary 47, Apt. 25, 010000 Astana, Kazakhstan.
Consular Section Telephone Numbers: 007 7172 201535 / 36.
Fax Consular Section: 007 7172 200224.
General Affairs Telephones: 007 7172 201538 /39.
Ambassador's Secretariat telephone numbers: 007 7172 216984 and 007 7172 201540.
Consular Emergency Telephone: 007 7017 115502.
General fax: 007 7172 200317.
E-mail: Emb.Astana@maec.es

Kyrgyzstan; Tajikistan
There is no Spanish consulate here; we must go to the one in Kazakhstan, remembering to use the appropriate prefixes.

Russia Embassy
Address: Ulitsa Bolshaya Nikitskaya, 50/8.
Moscow 121069.
Phones:
(+ 7 495) 690 29 93
(+ 7 495) 690 30 02
(+ 7 495) 690 30 54
(+ 7 495) 690 32 50
(+ 7 495) 916 54 00
(+ 7 495) 916 54 34
24-hour consular emergency telephone number: (+7 499) 136 39 02
Fax: (+7 495) 691 91 71
E-mail: Emb.Moscu@maec.es

Uzbekistan
The Spanish embassy in Uzbekistan is located in Moscow (Russia).

Official recommendations from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs

Travel recommendations by countryThis is what is stated on the Ministry of Foreign Affairs website:

These recommendations, prepared by the Directorate General for Consular Affairs and Assistance, are not legally binding and serve only as advice. The State shall not be liable in any way or under any circumstances for any damages or losses that may be caused to persons or property, whether due to compliance with, ignorance of, or failure to heed this recommendation. This recommendation shall not be considered grounds for any claim in this regard.

This means that if you experience any kind of mishap, the State is not obligated to respond automatically, since the traveler is warned of the risks of the country they intend to visit. The same applies if you go to a country considered safe and something happens: the recommendations are not binding. However, unless a crime has been committed and you must answer to the country's justice system, consular authorities usually try to assist you. to lend support to the best of their ability.

Consular emergency telephone numbers: 91 394 89 00.

Outside of office hours: 91 379 97 00.

This phone is designed for situations where very serious problem abroad when it has not been possible to contact the relevant embassy of the country being visited. That is to say, the first The appropriate course of action is to call the embassy of the country you are in. If the situation is serious and you cannot wait, then you should use the consular emergency hotline. This is not intended for minor incidents such as lost tickets or luggage, or commercial complaints.

Some of the embassy phone numbers listed can also be used for emergencies, so please use them responsibly. For more information, please consult the embassy website. Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Cooperation, where the most appropriate phone numbers for resolving general questions are listed.

It should be noted that the MAEC are not specialists in mountain rescues; their role is to facilitate administrative and bureaucratic proceduresespecially in countries where mediation can be difficult. In many destinations, the basic needs of the population are not even met, so an individual incident is perceived as just another misfortune. The priority is usually to call the emergency services. Safety to guarantee financial support and then, if necessary, contact the embassy explaining the problem and needs in order to find a solution.

MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS AND COOPERATION
Address: Plaza de la Provincia, 1 – 28012 Madrid.
Telephone switchboard: 91 379 97 00 / 91 379 83 00.

When you travel abroad to climb mountains, remember that the summit is meaningless if the journey hasn't been respectful of local customs, beliefs, people, and their environment. Some people have very little and offer it freely, while others are more opportunistic; it's important to be able to distinguish between them. Practice responsible and compassionate mountaineering, showing solidarity with those in need: the true adventure lies in the journey, not the destination.

In the international context, the possibility of claiming reimbursement for the rescue costs In certain situations, especially in complex operations such as kidnappings or other serious incidents, this problem doesn't usually apply to mountain rescues, but it does highlight the importance of traveling with good information, adequate insurance, and responsible planning.

Useful emergency phone numbers in Spain and Latin America

Below is the original list of useful emergency phone numbers for Spain and several Latin American countries, very practical to have as a quick reference:

  • All types of emergencies – 112
  • Medical Emergencies – 061
  • Police - 091
  • Civil Guard – 062
  • Firefighters - 080-085
  • Report accidents or provide information about weather and traffic congestion
    traffic - 900 123 505
  • Red Cross Emergencies – 901 222 222
    General contact: 902 222 292
  • National Institute of Toxicology – 91 562 04 20
  • Gender Violence Helpline – 016 - 900 116 016
  • Information for women – 900191010
  • Information for deaf women – 900152152
  • General Directorate of Traffic – 900 123 505
  • Citizen service telephone number – 060
  • Civil Protection – 1006
  • National Emergency Center – 911
  • Medical emergencies – 107
  • Firefighters - 100
  • Civil Defense (helps victims of earthquakes, tsunamis, floods, landslides, chemical spills and other types of disasters) – 103
  • Environmental Emergency –105
  • Nautical Emergency – 106
  • Suicide Assistance – 135 (5275-1135 from anywhere in the country)
  • Lost boys and girls – 142
  • Radio Patrol – 110
  • Firefighters - 119
  • Children's Ombudsman – 136
  • UDEM – 161
  • Cardiocruz – Medical Emergencies – 169
  • Ambulances – 118
  • General Poison Control Center – (0212) 681 17 17
  • Transit – 352-5669
  • Military Police – 332-2281
  • Social Defense – 347-1737
  • Alcoholics Anonymous – 336-8182
  • Suicide assistance – 392-5323
  • Women's House – 352-1451
  • SAMU (ambulance service) – 192
  • Firefighters - 193
  • Military Police – 190
  • Federal Police – 194
  • Civil Defense – 199
  • Mark Health – audit of the Single Health System –136
  • Ambulance – 131
  • Firefighters - 132
  • Carabineros – 133
  • Research – 134
  • Drug Phones – 135
  • Andean Rescue Corps – 136
  • Maritime search and rescue service – 137
  • Police Reports – 139
  • Information – 103
  • Phone action – 143
  • Air Rescue – 138
  • Children's Phone (Carabineros) – 147
  • Family Phone (Carabineros) – 149
  • Nearest Carabineros station (works only on mobile phones) – 911
  • Rescue Service Chilean Safety Association 1404
  • Ambulances – 1-2-3
  • Firefighters - 1-2-3 / 119
  • Red Cross – 132
  • CAI – 113
  • DAS – 153
  • Civil Defense – 14
  • DIJIN –157
  • Prosecutor's Office – 122
  • GAULA Anti-Kidnapping Unit – 147-165
  • Police - 123
  • Traffic and Transportation Police – #767
  • Traffic Accidents – 127
  • For all types of emergencies – 911
  • Police / Public Force – 117
  • Fire and Rescue Department – 118
  • Costa Rican Red Cross – 128/Tel: 2221-5818
  • Traffic Police – 2222-9330 // 800
  • Ambulances – 104
  • Firefighters - 105
  • Police - 106
  • All types of emergencies – 911
  • National Police – 101
  • Fire Department – 102
  • Telephone directory service – 104
  • National Red Cross – 131
  • General Emergency – 901
  • National Civil Police – 911
  • ACES – 2231-5555
  • ANDA – 2244-2632
  • Firefighters - 2271-1244
  • CAESS – 2506-9000
  • Rescue Commandos – 2221-1310
  • Blue Cross – 2271-4280
  • Red Cross – 2222-5155
  • Salvadoran Green Cross – 2260-2454
  • From the South – 2217-1717
  • DEUSEM – 2506-9000
  • EEO – 2506-9000
  • National Civil Police – 110
  • National Civil Police – 120
  • Volunteer Firefighters (national) – 122
  • Municipal Firefighters – 123
  • Red Cross Emergency – 195
  • Fire Department – 198
  • Transit – 199
  • Honduran Social Security Institute – 237-4771
  • Maternal and Child Hospital – 232-5934
  • Teaching Hospital – 232-2322
  • Emergencies – 911
  • Capufe – 074
  • Green Angels – 078
  • Red Cross – 55 53 95 11 11
  • LOCATEL – 55 56 58 11 11
  • Civil Protection – 55 51 28 00 00
  • Anonymous Complaint – 089
  • Forest Fires – 800 46 23 63 46
  • Federal Police – 088
  • Water leak (CDMX) – 800 014 2482
  • Gas leak – 911
  • For Cell Phones – Emergency Services in Nicaragua – 911
  • Medical emergencies (Red Cross) – 128
  • Firefighters. - 115
  • Police - 118
  • Police - 104
  • Firefighters - 103
  • Ambulance – 264-4122
  • SE Ambulances – 366-0122
  • EMI Ambulances – 236-6060
  • Police Firefighters Group – 131
  • Volunteer Fire Department of Paraguay – 132
  • Out-of-Hospital Medical Emergency Service – 142
  • National Police Emergencies – 911
  • National Police – 105
  • Civil Defense – 115 / 225-9898
  • Firefighters - 116 / 222-0222
  • Urgent Medical Care System – 117
  • Ambulances – 470-5000
  • Emergency Mailbox – 119
  • Pediatric Emergencies – 474-9790
  • Ombudsman's Office – 0800-15170
  • Women's Delegation – 427-0921
  • Peruvian Red Cross – 265-8783
  • Health Info – 0800-2210
  • The Friendly Voice – 436-1212
  • Emergency services – 911
  • Puerto Rico Police – (787) 343-2020 – (787) 793-1234
  • Puerto Rico Firefighters – (787) 343-2330
  • Bureau of the Emergency Medical Corps – (787) 343-2550
  • American Red Cross – (787) 729-9400 – (787) 729-9401 - (787) 729-9402 – (787) 729-9403 – (787) 729-9404 – (787) 729-9405
  • Emergency Room, Secretariat of the Department of the Family – (787) 722-7400 – (787) 724-0680
  • Poison Control Center – 1-800-222-1222
  • Child abuse – (787)749-1333 – 1-800-981-8333
  • Victims of Rape – (787) 765-2285 – (787) 765-2412 – (787) 756-0910 – (787) 756-0920 – (787) 756-0930 – Fax: (787) 765-7840
  • Integrated emergency and security system – 911
  • Child abuse prevention – (809) 200-6767
  • Prevention and reporting of child abuse – 700
  • Dominican Red Cross – (809) 334-4545 / (809) 338-4545 / (809) 412-8383
  • Dominican Institute for the Prevention and Assistance of Depression and Suicide, Inc. – (809) 562-3500
  • Firefighters - 104
  • Ambulances – 105
  • Local police – 169
  • Firefighters - 166
  • Armed forces – 168
  • Toxicology – 605 2732

This entire extensive list demonstrates that, although there are global numbers such as 112 or 911Many countries maintain specific phone numbers for particular situations. Therefore, before traveling, it is essential to take a few minutes to call them. research emergency numbers and save them on your mobile phone.

Practical tips for travelers

  • Research before you travel: Find out about the emergency numbers for the country you are visiting, both the general ones and the specific ones for police, firefighters, medical emergencies, and psychological or child support lines.
  • Save the numbers to your mobile: Add local phone numbers as favorite contacts and also keep your travel insurance number and your embassy or consulate number handy.
  • Download official apps: In some countries, such as Spain, there are applications that collect insights emergency services, location and civil protection alerts.
  • Check coverage and available networks: In mountainous or rural areas, you may need to have alternatives such as radios, satellite devices, or inform family members or local guides of your route in advance.

When traveling, being prepared for the unexpected is key. Having clear and accessible information about the emergency numbers of the worldConsular resources and adequate insurance can make all the difference in critical situations. 112 in Europe, passing through the 911 From the Americas to the specific systems of Asia, Africa, and Oceania, each region offers a distinct approach, but all have a common goal: to facilitate a rapid response when it is most needed.