118
Ambulance · Bolivia
118 is the Bolivia Ambulance emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 118 — Ambulance in Bolivia
📍 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 118
- • 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.
🛡️ Traveling to Bolivia? Protect Yourself
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What is 118 in Bolivia?
118 is the official Emergency Medical Service emergency number in Bolivia. This number is operated by Ministerio de Salud y Deportes and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Response concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Also reachable via 911 in major cities.
When to Call 118
Call 118 immediately in situations involving ambulance-related emergencies in Bolivia. When you call, clearly state:
- Your exact location (street address, landmark, GPS coordinates if possible)
- The nature of the emergency
- The number of people involved or injured
- Your name and callback number
Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.
Technical Details — 118 in Bolivia
Here are the key technical facts about calling 118 in Bolivia:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: A SIM card is typically required. Try 112 if you have no SIM.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministerio de Salud y Deportes
How to Call 118 from Abroad
If you are calling 118 from outside Bolivia, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +591 followed by 118 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Bolivia, simply dialing 118 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Emergency Medical Service. The universal number 112 is also active across Bolivia and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Bolivia
Besides 118 (Emergency Medical Service), Bolivia has the following emergency services available: Unified Emergency System: 911 · National Police (Policía Boliviana): 110 · Emergency Medical Service: 118 · Firefighters (Bomberos): 119. Save all these numbers before traveling to Bolivia.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 118 is listed as the Emergency Medical Service emergency line for Bolivia based on data from Ministerio de Salud y Deportes. It was last verified in 2026-01. If this number has changed or is incorrect, please contact us immediately — accuracy of emergency contact information is our highest priority.
Frequently Asked Questions — 118 (Bolivia)
What is 118 in Bolivia? ▼
118 is the Emergency Medical Service emergency number in Bolivia. Ambulance and emergency medical services via 118. Response concentrated in La Paz, Santa Cruz, and Cochabamba. Also reachable via 911 in major cities.
Can I call 118 without a SIM card in Bolivia? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 118 free in Bolivia? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is completely free in Bolivia. No airtime credit needed.
Does 118 work from mobile in Bolivia? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Bolivia.
Who do I reach when I call 118 in Bolivia? ▼
Calling 118 in Bolivia connects you to Emergency Medical Service (Ministerio de Salud y Deportes), available 24/7.
What is the source for 118 being the Ambulance number in Bolivia? ▼
Verified from Ministerio de Salud y Deportes: https://www.minsalud.gob.bo/. Last verified: 2026-01.
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.