199
Civil Defense · Brazil
199 is the Brazil Civil Defense emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministério do Desenvolvimento Regional. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 199 — Civil Defense in Brazil
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
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🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Brazil
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⚠️ When NOT to Call 199
- • Do not call 190 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station or use Civil Police services
- • Do not call 192 for minor injuries - visit a UPA (Unidade de Pronto Atendimento)
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Brazilian law
- • Do not call 191 for non-highway traffic issues
- • Do not call 199 for non-disaster civil matters
✈️ Travel Notes — Brazil
Emergency response varies significantly by region. Major cities like São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro, and Brasília have reliable SAMU ambulance services. Response in remote Amazon regions and rural areas may be significantly delayed. Private hospitals in major cities offer excellent emergency care. Public hospitals (SUS) provide free emergency treatment for everyone, including tourists.
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What is 199 in Brazil?
199 is the official Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) emergency number in Brazil. This number is operated by Ministério do Desenvolvimento Regional and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Civil Defense for natural disasters including floods, landslides, and severe storms. Important during Brazil's rainy season.
When to Call 199
Call 199 immediately in situations involving civil defense-related emergencies in Brazil. 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 — 199 in Brazil
Here are the key technical facts about calling 199 in Brazil:
- 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: Ministério do Desenvolvimento Regional
How to Call 199 from Abroad
If you are calling 199 from outside Brazil, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +55 followed by 199 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Brazil, simply dialing 199 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Civil Defense (Defesa Civil). The universal number 112 is also active across Brazil and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Brazil
Besides 199 (Civil Defense (Defesa Civil)), Brazil has the following emergency services available: Military Police (Polícia Militar): 190 · SAMU Emergency Medical Service: 192 · Fire Department (Corpo de Bombeiros): 193 · Federal Highway Police (PRF): 191 · Civil Defense (Defesa Civil): 199 · Women's Helpline (Central de Atendimento à Mulher): 180. Save all these numbers before traveling to Brazil.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 199 is listed as the Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) emergency line for Brazil based on data from Ministério do Desenvolvimento Regional. 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 — 199 (Brazil)
What is 199 in Brazil? ▼
199 is the Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) emergency number in Brazil. Civil Defense for natural disasters including floods, landslides, and severe storms. Important during Brazil's rainy season.
Can I call 199 without a SIM card in Brazil? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 199 free in Brazil? ▼
Yes, calling 199 is completely free in Brazil. No airtime credit needed.
Does 199 work from mobile in Brazil? ▼
Yes, 199 works from all mobile phones in Brazil.
Who do I reach when I call 199 in Brazil? ▼
Calling 199 in Brazil connects you to Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) (Ministério do Desenvolvimento Regional), available 24/7.
What is the source for 199 being the Civil Defense number in Brazil? ▼
Verified from Ministério do Desenvolvimento Regional: https://www.gov.br/mdr/. Last verified: 2026-01.
What is the difference between 190 and 191 in Brazil? ▼
190 is the Military Police for urban emergencies. 191 is the Federal Highway Police (PRF) for emergencies on federal highways. For state highways, contact the state police.
Can I call 192 for free in Brazil? ▼
Yes. SAMU 192 is a free public emergency ambulance service. Emergency calls are free from any phone. Public hospital emergency treatment is also free for everyone.
Are emergency services available in the Amazon region? ▼
Emergency services in the Amazon are limited. Response times can be hours or days. Medical evacuation by air or boat may be necessary. In remote areas, emergency numbers may not connect.
What is the women's helpline in Brazil? ▼
180 is the national women's helpline (Central de Atendimento à Mulher) for domestic violence, abuse, and harassment. 24/7 service. Anonymous reporting is available.
What number do I call for a natural disaster in Brazil? ▼
Call 199 for Civil Defense (Defesa Civil) for floods, landslides, and other natural disasters. Also call 193 for fire and rescue if there is immediate danger.
Is 112 available in Brazil? ▼
112 is the GSM standard emergency number that works from mobile phones and typically redirects to 190 (Military Police). It is not the primary emergency number in Brazil.