🚑 Ambulance in Bolivia
+591 · Emergency Medical Service
Bolivia Ambulance emergency number is 118. Verified 2026-01. Official source: Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. One-tap call, works offline.
Emergency Medical Service
Bolivia · Ambulance
📝 Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Response concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Also reachable via 911 in major cities.
🔢 Dedicated Number Pages
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Bolivia
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Ambulance
- • Do not call 110 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 118 for minor illnesses - visit a local health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Bolivian law
- • Do not call emergency numbers for altitude sickness unless severe symptoms present
- • Do not use emergency lines for road blockade information
✈️ Travel Notes — Bolivia
Emergency response is most reliable in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Response in rural areas and the Altiplano may be significantly delayed. Altitude sickness is a serious risk in La Paz (3,640m). Private clinics in major cities offer better emergency care than public facilities. Medical evacuation may be necessary for serious conditions.
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Ambulance Emergency Service in Bolivia — Complete Guide
When traveling to Bolivia or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number Bolivia can be critical for safety and emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in Bolivia is 118, which is operated and monitored by Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Response concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Also reachable via 911 in major cities.
How to Call the Ambulance in Bolivia
To reach the Emergency Medical Service in Bolivia, dial 118 from any local telephone network, cellular phone, or public payphone. This emergency number is fully compatible with mobile networks and roaming devices. Calls to this emergency service are free of charge, meaning no prepaid airtime credit or active service plans are required. When dialing, make sure you stay calm, wait for the dispatcher to connect, and clearly speak in the local language or request English translation. State your location, the nature of the emergency, and any injuries immediately.
What to Expect When You Dial 118
When you call the ambulance number in Bolivia, you will be connected to a trained operator at Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, and 365 days a year to coordinate immediate dispatch. If you are a traveler facing a language barrier, remain on the line. Operators have access to translation services or are trained to handle foreign queries to ensure response teams are routed to your exact coordinates.
All Emergency Numbers in Bolivia
Please note that Bolivia utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. Besides the Ambulance (118), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Unified Emergency System (911), National Police (Policía Boliviana) (110), Emergency Medical Service (118), Firefighters (Bomberos) (119). Additionally, the universal European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Bolivia and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
The emergency number 118 is verified against official directories published by Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact us so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Ambulance in Bolivia
What is the Ambulance number in Bolivia? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in Bolivia is 118. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Response concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Also reachable via 911 in major cities.
Does 118 work from mobile in Bolivia? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Bolivia.
Can I call 118 without a SIM card? ▼
A SIM card is typically required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 118 free in Bolivia? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is free in Bolivia. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in Bolivia? ▼
The Ambulance service in Bolivia is operated by Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. Source: https://www.minsalud.gob.bo/
Does 911 work everywhere in Bolivia? ▼
911 is operational in major cities but may not be available in all rural areas. The traditional numbers (110, 118, 119) remain active and may be more reliable outside major urban centers.
Can I call emergency numbers from a mobile without credit in Bolivia? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 110, 118, 119, and 911 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
What should I do for altitude sickness in Bolivia? ▼
For mild symptoms, rest and hydrate. For severe symptoms (confusion, severe breathlessness), call 118 for emergency medical assistance. La Paz is at 3,640m; acclimatize gradually.
Are emergency services available in rural Bolivia? ▼
Emergency services in rural areas are limited. Response times may be hours or services may not be available. Road blockades can further delay emergency response.
What number do I call for a traffic accident on Bolivian highways? ▼
Call 110 for police. If there are injuries, also request ambulance via 118. The Transit Police handles highway accidents.