Bolivia Universal Emergency Number: 911
+591 · Unified Emergency System
The universal emergency number in Bolivia is 911. Operated by Policía Boliviana. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
Unified Emergency System
Bolivia · Universal Emergency
📝 911 is being implemented as the unified emergency number in major cities. Traditional short codes (110, 118, 119) remain active and may be more reliable in rural areas.
🔢 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 Universal Emergency
- • 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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Universal Emergency Emergency Service in Bolivia — Complete Guide
When traveling to Bolivia or living there as an expat, knowing the correct universal emergency number in Bolivia is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for universal emergency services in Bolivia is 911, which is operated and monitored by Policía Boliviana. 911 is being implemented as the unified emergency number in major cities. Traditional short codes (110, 118, 119) remain active and may be more reliable in rural areas.
How to Dial 911 in Bolivia
To reach the Unified Emergency System in Bolivia, dial 911 from any local fixed line, cellular phone, or public payphone. Dialing from mobile devices is fully supported across local mobile operators and international roaming SIM cards. You can dial this emergency number even if your phone has no SIM card inserted or if the SIM card is locked. Calls to this emergency service are 100% free of charge — no prepaid airtime credit or active subscription plan is required.
Calling from International Roaming or Abroad
If you are within Bolivia using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 911 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Bolivia from an international location, the country calling code is +591.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Bolivia communicate primarily in es. If you do not speak es, remain calm and state your language immediately (e.g. "English, please"). Most national dispatch centers have access to telephonic interpretation services or English-speaking officers to ensure rapid dispatch.
What to Expect When You Dial 911
When you call the universal emergency number in Bolivia, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Policía Boliviana. These operators are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. When connected, clearly state:
- Your exact location (city, neighborhood, landmark, or GPS coordinates)
- The nature of the emergency (universal emergency assistance)
- Number of individuals involved or needing immediate medical/police/fire assistance
- Your contact number for callback if disconnected
All Emergency Numbers in Bolivia
Please note that Bolivia utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Universal Emergency (911), 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 emergency contact number 112 is active across Bolivia and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 911 is verified against official directories published by Policía Boliviana. Last verified on 2026-01. If you notice any outdated information or changed hotline details, please contact our editorial team so we can update the platform for traveler safety.
Frequently Asked Questions — Universal Emergency in Bolivia
What is the Universal Emergency number in Bolivia? ▼
The Universal Emergency emergency number in Bolivia is 911. 911 is being implemented as the unified emergency number in major cities. Traditional short codes (110, 118, 119) remain active and may be more reliable in rural areas.
Does 911 work from mobile in Bolivia? ▼
Yes, 911 works from all mobile phones in Bolivia.
Can I call 911 without a SIM card? ▼
Yes, you can dial 911 without a SIM card in Bolivia.
Is calling 911 free in Bolivia? ▼
Yes, calling 911 is free in Bolivia. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Universal Emergency in Bolivia? ▼
The Universal Emergency service in Bolivia is operated by Policía Boliviana. 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.