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Emergency Abroad: Numbers & Phrases To Know When You Travel

Essential emergency numbers and phrases for popular travel destinations. Be prepared for anything!

Imagine you’re navigating a foreign city or unwinding on an exotic beach, and suddenly the unexpected occurs: an illness, a breakdown, or a brush with crime. 

It’s a scenario we seldom anticipate, but being prepared is a necessity, not just a precaution.

While we set out on our journeys expecting perfection, life’s unpredictability means we must be ready for anything. 

This guide isn’t about fearing the worst but empowering you with essential emergency numbers and local phrases for popular travel destinations. 

Armed with this knowledge, you can transform potential chaos into a handled situation.

 

France

Emergency Numbers:

  • European Emergency Number (all emergencies): 112
  • Medical Emergency: 15
  • Police Emergency: 17
  • Fire Emergency: 18

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — Pourriez-vous m’aider ?
  • the police — la police
  • the ambulance — l’ambulance
  • the firefighters — les pompiers
  • It’s an emergency! — C’est une urgence!

Spain

Emergency Numbers:

  • European Emergency Number (all emergencies): 112
  • Medical Emergency: 061
  • Police Emergency: 091 (national), 092 (local)
  • Fire Emergency: 080

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — ¿Me puede ayudar?
  • the police — la policía
  • the ambulance — la ambulancia
  • the firefighters — los bomberos
  • It’s an emergency! ¡Es una urgencia!

Italy

Emergency Numbers:

  • European Emergency Number (all emergencies): 112
  • Medical Emergency: 118
  • Police Emergency: 113
  • Fire Emergency: 115

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — Mi può aiutare?
  • the police — la polizia
  • the ambulance — l’ambulanza
  • the firefighters — vigili del fuoco
  • It’s an emergency! — È un d’emergenza!

Germany 

Emergency Numbers: 

  • European Emergency Number (all emergencies): 112 
  • Medical Emergency: 112 
  • Police Emergency: 110 
  • Fire Emergency: 112

Helpful Phrases: 

  • Can you help me? — Können Sie mir helfen? 
  • the police — die Polizei 
  • the ambulance — der Krankenwagen 
  • the firefighters — die Feuerwehr 
  • It’s an emergency! — Es ist ein Notfall!

Mexico

Emergency Numbers:

  • All Emergencies: 911

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — ¿Me puede ayudar?
  • the police — la policía
  • the ambulance — la ambulancia
  • the firefighters — Los bomberos
  • It’s an emergency! — ¡Es una urgencia!

United Kingdom

Emergency Numbers:

  • European Emergency Number (all emergencies): 112
  • National Emergency Number (all emergencies): 999

Helpful Phrases:

If you’re reading this, then you’re gonna be okay 🙂

Peru

Emergency Numbers:

  • All Emergencies: 911
  • Medical Emergency: 117
  • Police Emergency: 105
  • Fire Emergency: 116

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — ¿Me puede ayudar?
  • the police — la policía
  • the ambulance — la ambulancia
  • the firefighters — Los bomberos
  • It’s an emergency! — ¡Es una urgencia!

Norway

Emergency Numbers:

  • Medical Emergency: 113
  • Police Emergency: 112
  • Fire Emergency: 110

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? Kan du hjelpe meg?
  • the police — politiet
  • the ambulance — ambulanse
  • the firefighters — brannmenn
  • It’s an emergency! — Det er et nødstilfelle!

Brazil

Emergency Numbers:

  • Medical or Fire Emergency: 193
  • Police Emergency: 190

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — Você pode me ajudar?
  • the police — a polícia
  • the ambulance — a ambulância
  • the firefighters — os bombeiros
  • It’s an emergency! — É uma emergência!

The Netherlands

Emergency Numbers:

  • All Emergencies: 112

Helpful Phrases:

  • Can you help me? — Kunt u mij helpen?
  • the police — de politie
  • the ambulance — de ziekenauto
  • the firefighters — brandweerlieden
  • It’s an emergency! — Het is een noodgeval!

Safety First!

Knowing the right numbers and phrases could be life-saving in an emergency situation. 

Make sure to bookmark this guide or save it on your device, so you always have it at your fingertips during your travels. 

Stay safe, and happy traveling!

And check out our other helpful guides before heading out there into the great unknown!

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Frequently Asked Questions

There are a lot of questions you need answered before heading out on your next journey. We’ve got your back!

Do I Need a Passport and/or Visa to Travel Abroad?

Traveling internationally almost always requires a passport. A visa, on the other hand, may or may not be necessary depending on your destination country, purpose of visit, and your nationality.

What Health Precautions Should I Take Before Traveling Abroad?

Depending on your destination, specific vaccines or medications might be necessary. Consult a Travel Health Clinic and refer to official travel health information such as the U.S. Centers for Disease Control’s guidelines.

Will My Health Insurance Cover Me While Abroad?

Don’t assume your existing insurance will cover you internationally. Explore specific Travel Abroad Health Insurance options, especially for students and personal/leisure travel.

Where Can I Find the Cheapest Airfares and Railpasses?

Sources like STA Travel offer special student-rate airfares, rail passes, and youth hostel reservations. Rail passes are convenient in Europe, and purchasing them can save time and money, but they aren’t a necessity.