Emergency Numbers in Europe: What to Dial and When

112 works across the EU — but a few countries also keep their old numbers active, and it's worth knowing when to use which.

112 is the single emergency number recognized across the entire European Union, and it works from any phone, even without a SIM card or credit. Operators can typically assist in multiple languages, including English.

Country-specific numbers still in use

Several countries kept their original national emergency numbers active alongside 112 — for example, Italy's 118 for ambulance services, or the UK's 999. Dialing 112 will still connect you and get routed appropriately, so it's the safest default if you're unsure.

What counts as an emergency

Emergency services are for genuinely urgent, life-threatening situations — chest pain, severe difficulty breathing, major injury, loss of consciousness, signs of stroke. For everything else, a walk-in clinic, pharmacy, or telemedicine consultation is almost always faster and more appropriate than an emergency department.

Keep it saved, not memorized

It's worth saving 112 in your phone before you travel, along with the address of your accommodation in the local language — in a stressful moment, being able to read it aloud or show it to an operator matters more than you'd expect.