We all hope it will never happen, but it helps to be prepared in an emergency, so here are the primary contact numbers for Spain’s emergency situations.
The first number you need to know is 112, the leading emergency number in Spain (equivalent to calling 999 in the UK). Besides Spain, you can actually use this number in any country in Europe.
When calling 112 in Spain, it’s handy if you have someone who speaks Spanish with you, Though English speakers may be available if you ask.
Here are some other numbers of interest if you are in an emergency.
Emergency Service | # | Cost |
Ambulance (Ambulancia) | 061 | 061 (€0,18 + €0,12/min) |
Civil Guard (Guardia Civil) | 062 | 062 (€0,18 + €0,12/min) |
General Fire Brigade (Bomberos) | 080 | 080 (€0,18 + €0,12/min) |
Province Fire Brigade (Bomberos de la provincia) | 085 | 085 (€0,18 + €0,12/min) |
National Police (Policía Nacional) | 091 | 091 (€0,18 + €0,12/min) |
Local Police (Policía Local or Municipal) | 092 | 092 (€0,18 + €0,12/min) |
Maritime Sea Rescue (Salvamento y Seguridad Marítimo) | 900 202 202 | Free |
If you dial 112 the call will be always free and you can be transferred to 061, 062, 080, 085… but you may waste a few seconds, which in some circumstances may be crucial. The costs above are an average, it can a few cents depending on your phone company.
There is also a Foreign Tourists Helpline called SATE. You can call the Tourist Emergency Helpline – 902 102 112 (in English, French, German and Italian). The Servicio de Atención al Turista Extranjero (SATE) handles foreigner’s security matters. You can report lost documents, a crime, damage, assault, robbery, break-in or an accident to this service. After calling, you will typically have a visit within 48 hours from your local police to make sure your complaint is real. Calling
If you would like to contact SATE directly, here are the numbers of a few cities in Spain:
Madrid: 915 488 537 | 915 488 008
Malaga: 951 926 161 | 951 999 818
Sevilla: 954 564 767
We hope you never need to use it, but it may not be a bad idea to add this post to your favorites on your phone.