Knowing who to call in an emergency abroad, and that the numbers differ from home, could be vital if something goes seriously wrong. A little preparation means you can get help fast when it counts. This guide explains emergency numbers abroad, who to call and when. It is general information, so always check the specific numbers and procedures for your destination before you travel, as these vary and getting help quickly can make a real difference.
Numbers vary by country
Emergency numbers are not the same everywhere, so the numbers you know at home will not necessarily work abroad. Different countries have different numbers for police, ambulance and fire services, and assuming otherwise could cost vital time. Understanding that emergency numbers vary by country, and that you cannot rely on your home numbers working, is the key reason to find out the correct numbers for your destination before you travel, so you are not searching for them in the middle of an emergency.
112 across Europe and beyond
The number 112 works as an emergency number across the European Union and in many other countries around the world, connecting you to the emergency services. It is a useful number to know for travel in Europe and various other places. However, while 112 is widely recognised, it does not work everywhere globally. Knowing that 112 is a broadly usable emergency number across the EU and many other countries gives you a valuable fallback for much of Europe, though you should still confirm the numbers for your specific destination.
But it is not universal
Despite 112 being widely available, it is not a universal worldwide emergency number, and some countries use entirely different numbers. Relying on 112 everywhere would be a mistake outside the regions where it works. Recognising that no single emergency number works across the whole world, and that 112, while broadly useful, has limits, reinforces the importance of checking your specific destination. Do not assume any one number will summon help wherever you are; always verify the correct local numbers before you need them.
Find your destination's numbers
Before you travel, find out the emergency numbers for your destination, including those for police, ambulance and fire if they differ. Official travel advice, guidebooks and your accommodation can provide them. Our guide on checking FCDO travel advice can point to local information. Taking a moment to look up the correct emergency numbers for where you are going, and noting them, ensures you can call the right service quickly if needed, which is far better than trying to find the number during an actual emergency.
Different services may have different numbers
In some countries, police, ambulance and fire services have separate numbers rather than a single combined one, so it is worth noting each if they differ. Knowing the right number for the specific help you need avoids delay. Being aware that you may need different numbers for different emergencies, and having them all noted, means you can call the appropriate service directly. Where a single number like 112 connects all services, this is simpler, but in some places knowing the individual numbers matters.
Save the numbers before you go
Save the emergency numbers for your destination in your phone and write them down somewhere accessible, such as with your travel documents, before you travel. Having them ready means no scrambling in a crisis. Storing the numbers in advance, both digitally and on paper in case your phone is unavailable, ensures you can reach them when you most need to. This simple step of preparing the numbers ahead of time, rather than assuming you will find them when required, could make a real difference in an emergency.
Know how to call for help
Think about the practicalities of calling for help abroad, such as any language barrier, how to describe your location, and whether you can reach the services from your phone. Knowing your location and some key phrases helps. Our guide on staying safe abroad covers preparation. Considering in advance how you would actually make an emergency call, including communicating where you are, means that if you need to call, you can do so effectively, getting help to the right place rather than struggling to be understood in a stressful moment.
Emergency versus non-emergency
Use emergency numbers for genuine emergencies, such as serious illness or injury, crime in progress, or danger to life, and seek non-emergency routes, like a pharmacy, doctor or non-urgent line, for lesser issues. Knowing the difference ensures appropriate use. Our guide on what to do if you get ill or injured abroad covers options. Reserving emergency numbers for true emergencies, while using other healthcare routes for minor problems, means you get the right help for the situation and do not tie up emergency services unnecessarily.
Your insurer's assistance line
Keep your travel insurer's emergency assistance number handy too, as for medical situations they can advise, arrange and authorise care alongside the local emergency services. It is a key contact in a health emergency abroad. Our guide on whether you need travel insurance explains assistance. Having your insurer's assistance line accessible, in addition to the local emergency numbers, means that in a medical emergency you can both summon immediate local help and get your insurer's support in managing and paying for the care you receive.
The embassy for serious situations
In certain serious situations, such as a major crisis, lost passport or being a victim of serious crime, your country's embassy or consulate can provide assistance, so it is worth noting their contact details. They are a source of help beyond the emergency services. Knowing how to contact your embassy for the serious, non-medical situations where consular assistance is appropriate, while understanding the emergency services handle immediate danger, completes your picture of who to call when, ensuring you can reach the right help for different kinds of serious problem abroad.
Keep a list of key contacts
Pull together a list of key emergency contacts before you travel, including the local emergency numbers, your insurer's assistance line, your embassy, and a contact at home, kept accessible and separate from other documents. Having everything in one place saves time. Preparing a single, accessible list of who to call in various situations means that whatever goes wrong, you can quickly find the right number. This small piece of preparation brings together all the contacts you might need into a ready reference for emergencies.
Stay calm and clear in an emergency
If you do face an emergency, try to stay calm so you can communicate clearly, give your location, and explain the problem to whoever you reach. A clear head helps you get the right help quickly. Knowing your numbers and how to call in advance makes this easier under pressure. Being as composed and clear as you can when calling for help, despite the stress, ensures the emergency services or assistance line understand what you need and where you are, getting help to you as fast as possible.
In short
Emergency numbers vary by country, so do not rely on your home numbers. The number 112 works across the EU and many other countries but is not universal, so find your destination's specific numbers for police, ambulance and fire before you travel and save them in your phone and on paper. Know how to call for help, use emergency numbers only for genuine emergencies, and keep your insurer's assistance line and embassy details handy. This is general information, so check your destination's numbers.
Find more in our Health & Safety Abroad guides.