Essential Emergency Contact Numbers in Colombia

Yes. Dial +57-123 from a foreign phone number. If you have a Colombian SIM card (from Claro, Movistar, or Tigo), just dial 123 directly. The call is free from any Colombian mobile phone. VoIP apps like WhatsApp or Skype may not connect to emergency numbers, so use your phone’s regular dialer.

Most 123 operators speak Spanish only, though some in Bogota may have basic English ability. If you don’t speak Spanish, have your hotel address written down and ready to read aloud. A translation app on speaker can help in a pinch. For English-speaking assistance, contact the Tourist Police (Policia de Turismo) directly at +57-601-337-4413.

123 is Colombia’s unified emergency number (like 911 in the USA). It dispatches police, ambulance, or fire services depending on your situation. 112 connects directly to the National Police. 119 connects directly to the fire department (Bomberos). 125 connects directly to the health and ambulance service (Secretaria de Salud). When in doubt, dial 123 and the operator will route your call.

You must provide your exact address, including the city and neighborhood. Colombia uses a street address system based on calles (streets), carreras (avenues), and diagonales. If you don’t know the address, give a nearby landmark, business name, or intersection. State clearly what type of emergency you have: medical (emergencia medica), fire (incendio), or crime (robo, asalto).

Response times vary depending on your location and the severity of the emergency. In major cities like Bogota and Medellin, public ambulances may take 20 to 45 minutes or longer. For faster medical care, you may want to take a taxi directly to the nearest hospital emergency room (urgencias). Private hospitals generally have shorter wait times and better facilities than public hospitals.

The Tourist Police (Policia de Turismo) is a specialized unit trained to assist foreign visitors with non-life-threatening situations like theft, scams, lost documents, or safety concerns in tourist areas. They are more likely to have English-speaking officers. For genuine emergencies (medical crises, fires, violent crime in progress) always call 123 first. You can reach the Tourist Police at +57-601-337-4413 in Bogota, or +57-605-660-0583 in Cartagena.

No. Colombia’s emergency lines only accept voice calls. You cannot send SMS messages to 123, 112, or any other emergency number.

Keep these steps in mind:

First, call 123 and say “Emergencia, no hablo espanol.” The operator may find a translator or transfer you.

Second, call the Tourist Police for English-speaking assistance.

Third, ask your hotel reception to call on your behalf, as they can communicate your location and situation in Spanish.

Fourth, contact your embassy’s emergency line.

Always carry a card with your hotel’s name, address, and phone number written in Spanish.