Emergency Numbers and Services in Argentina for British Expats

In an emergency in Argentina, the numbers are different from the UK's 999. Argentine emergency services are split between police, fire, and medical, each with their own number. Buenos Aires also has a unified 911 service. Knowing which to call (and what to say) can make a real difference in response time.

Emergency numbers

For related context, see Is Argentina Safe? An Honest Guide for British Expats.

British Embassy emergency

Prepaga emergency lines

Your private health insurance (prepaga) has its own emergency number, which dispatches private ambulances faster than the public SAME service:

In a medical emergency, call your prepaga first. Their ambulances are faster, better equipped, and take you to affiliated private hospitals. Call SAME (107) as backup if your prepaga does not respond within 10 minutes.

What to say in Spanish

You do not need perfect Spanish to communicate an emergency. Learn these phrases:

• "Necesito una ambulancia" — I need an ambulance
• "Necesito la policía" — I need the police
• "Hay un incendio" — There is a fire
• "Me robaron" — I was robbed
• "Tuve un accidente" — I had an accident
• "Estoy en la calle [nombre], número [número]" — I am on [street name], number [number]
• "Soy británico/a" — I am British
• "No hablo bien español" — I don't speak Spanish well

The dispatcher will ask your location (dirección) and the nature of the emergency (qué pasó). Give your address clearly. Argentine addresses use street name + number, not postcodes.

Police reports (denuncia)

If you are a crime victim:

1. Go to the nearest comisaría (police station) or call 101
2. File a denuncia (formal complaint/report)
3. You will receive a número de denuncia. keep this for insurance claims
4. The process takes 1-3 hours
5. You do not need a lawyer to file a denuncia

For insurance claims (stolen phone, wallet, passport), the denuncia number is essential. Without it, your insurance company will not process the claim.

Medical emergencies at home

1. Call your prepaga emergency line
2. Unlock your front door for the ambulance team
3. Tell the portero (doorman) an ambulance is coming
4. Have your prepaga card and DNI/passport ready
5. Keep the patient calm until the ambulance arrives (5-20 minutes in CABA)

Hospital emergency rooms (guardia)

If you go directly to a hospital emergency room:

• Public hospitals: free for everyone including foreigners. Expect longer waits. Major public hospitals: Hospital Fernández (Palermo), Hospital Durand (Caballito), Hospital Argerich (La Boca).
• Private hospitals: through your prepaga. Show your prepaga card at reception. Hospital Alemán, Sanatorio Otamendi, Hospital Italiano all have 24/7 emergency services.

Fire emergencies

Argentine buildings are a mix of old (wooden beams, narrow stairwells) and modern (concrete, fire exits). Know your building's exit routes. The bomberos (fire brigade) respond via 100 and are generally fast in CABA.

Save these contacts now

Add to your phone contacts today:

• 911 (unified emergency)
• Your prepaga emergency number
• British Embassy (+54 11 4808 2200)
• FCDO Global Response Centre (+44 20 7008 5000)
• Your building portero's mobile number

Not emergency advice. In a life-threatening situation, call 911 immediately. This guide is for preparation, not for reading during a crisis.

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• Is Argentina Safe? An Honest Guide for British Expats
• The British Community in Argentina: Finding Your People
• Food and Culture Shock: What Surprises British Expats in Argentina