Emergency phone numbers for travellers and expats in Spain

Whether you're planning a trip to Spain or moving there as an expat, ensuring security in a variety of situations should remain paramount. Being prepared is not just about packing correctly or learning a few Spanish phrases, but it also entails having immediate access to vital contact numbers in cases of emergency or need. Having such a list on hand can help you swiftly address and manage unforeseen circumstances or access essential services when required.

This comprehensive guide details crucial contact numbers every traveller and expat should have to hand when visiting or moving to Spain. It lets you connect with several emergency services, police services, non-emergency services, and assistance and support services, making your stay in Spain safer and more comfortable.

Emergency Services

1. General Emergency - 112: This contact is the universal emergency number for police, ambulance, fire services, or coastguard services across Spain and all other European Union countries. The call to 112 is toll-free and available 24/7, even without a SIM card.
2. Medical Emergencies - 061: For medical assistance or ambulance services, dial 061. This number provides you with immediate and professional health support during emergencies. This number is toll-free.
3. Fire Brigade - 080 or 085: To report a fire, contact 080 or 085 (the number varies depending on the region). These numbers connect you directly to local fire departments.

Police Services

The National Police, Local Police, and Guardia Civil all serve different purposes in Spain. The National Police, or "Policia Nacional," primarily focuses on national security matters and major crimes. They are similar to other countries' specialized forces, such as the FBI in the United States. The Local Police, or "Policia Local," operates within specific city limits, overseeing issues like minor traffic accidents and noisy neighbours. They maintain order, prosecute minor crimes, and protect citizens at the local level. The Guardia Civil, on the other hand, is a military force responsible for maintaining order and fighting crime, mainly in rural areas, coasts, and highways. It falls under the authority of both the Ministry of the Interior and the Ministry of Defense.

4. National Police - 091: For criminal incidents, contact the national police.
5. Local Police - 092: Responsible for local order within their respective municipalities.
6. Guardia Civil - 062: They have competencies across the entire national territory.

Non-emergency Numbers

7. Tourist Helpline - +34 902 102 112: For general tourist information, including local events, cultural activities, and public transport schedules. This is not a toll-free number.
8. Road Traffic and Accidents - 011: For real-time traffic information on Spanish roads. This number is not toll-free.
9. Embassies and Consulates: Depending on your nationality, always have your country's embassy or consulate contact information. You can look up their contact information on the respective embassy website. Most embassies provide a 24/7 emergency contact line for their citizens, and keeping this number handy can be pivotal during an emergency situation.

Assistance and Support Services

10. Maritime Sea Rescue - +34 900 202 202 - If you find yourself in a life-threatening maritime situation or know of someone who is, this is the safety and rescue emergency number you can call for help. This number is toll-free.
11. Red Cross (Cruz Roja) - +34 900 100 333 - This number is toll-free
12. Anti-poison and Drugs Helpline - +34 915 620 420 - In case of poisoning or adverse reactions to drugs, medical help can be reached on this number.
13. Elderly Helpline - +34 900 222 223 - Information and emergency services tailored to the specific needs of the elderly people. This is a toll-free number
14. Health and Pharmacy Information - +34 900 161 161 - If you need to find a pharmacy or get information on specific health issues or medication you can call this toll-free number. You can also locate 24-hour pharmacies here online.
15. Crime Victim Support Service - +34 900 150 909 - serves as the helpline for crime victims, offering them immediate support and assistance in adverse situations. This is a toll-free number.
16. Phone Gender Violence - 016 / +34 900 116 016 - this number is dedicated to gender violence cases, connecting victims to immediate help and support. This is a toll-free number.

Ensure that you save all these essential phone numbers before your trip to or relocation to Spain. Keep in mind that when dialling local Spanish numbers from abroad, you should add Spain’s country code, +34, before dialling the local number.

Stay safe and enjoy your time in Spain!