Emergency Numbers Abroad: TheTravel Tip Nobody Talks About
When planning a trip, most of us check restaurants, attractions, parking, airport transfers
and hotel reviews. We create lists, maps and itineraries.
But there is one thing many travelers forget completely: emergency numbers abroad.
Years ago, during a family trip to London, our 2-year-old suddenly developed a very high
fever.
What started as a normal holiday quickly became stressful. Instead of sightseeing, we
were dealing with doctors, hospitals and trying to figure out what to do in a foreign country.
In that moment, we realized something simple: we knew where to eat, what attractions to
visit and how to use the Tube — but we had no idea who to call in an emergency.
Since then, checking emergency numbers has become one of the first things we do before
every trip.
Why Emergency Numbers Abroad Matter
When you are stressed, tired or panicking, that is not the moment you want to start
searching online for help. A few minutes of preparation before travel can make a huge
difference.
Most Popular Emergency Numbers Around the World:
-Europe (most countries): 112
-United Kingdom: 999 (112 often also works)
-United States / Canada: 911
-Japan: 119 ambulance/fire, 110 police (read our Japan for first time visitors guide)
-Australia: 000
-Thailand: 191 police, 1669 ambulance, 1155 tourist police
-Singapore: 999 police, 995 ambulance/fire
-South Korea: 112 police, 119 ambulance/fire
-UAE: 999 police, 998 ambulance, 997 fire
-Vietnam: 113 police, 114 fire, 115 ambulance
Especially Important When Traveling With Kids
Kids can get sick quickly, fevers rise fast and small accidents happen. That is why we now
always check the nearest hospital, emergency numbers abroad, nearby pharmacy, hotel address and
insurance details.
Our 5-Minute Travel Safety Routine
- Save the emergency numbers abroad in your phone notes.
- Save your hotel address offline.
- Check the nearest clinic or hospital.
- Screenshot travel insurance details.
- Share the details with your partner.
Final Thought
Hopefully you will never need these numbers. But if something happens, you will be glad
you checked.
Before your next trip, after checking restaurants and attractions, check emergency numbers
too. It might be the most important travel planning you do.
FAQ
What is the emergency number in Europe?
112 works in most European countries.
Does 112 work worldwide?
No, many countries use different numbers.
What is the emergency number in Japan?
119 for ambulance/fire and 110 for police.
Should families check emergency numbers before travel?
Yes, especially when traveling with children.
