🚑 Ambulance in Chile
+56 · SAMU Emergency Medical Service
Chile Ambulance emergency number is 131. Verified 2026-01. Official source: SAMU Chile. One-tap call, works offline.
SAMU Emergency Medical Service
Chile · Ambulance
📝 SAMU (Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencia) provides ambulance and emergency medical services. Response faster in Santiago and major cities. Also reachable via 911.
🔢 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 Chile
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 131 for minor ailments - visit a local clinic
- • Do not call emergency numbers for electricity outages - contact the electricity company
- • Do not call 131 for minor illnesses - visit a local consultorio
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or traffic information
- • Do not call emergency numbers for power outages - contact the electricity company
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Chilean law
- • Do not call 133 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
✈️ Travel Notes — Chile
Emergency response is generally reliable in Santiago and major cities. Response in remote Patagonia, the Atacama Desert, and the Andes may be significantly delayed. Carabineros GOPE handles mountain rescue. Private clinics in Santiago offer excellent emergency care. Public hospitals provide free emergency treatment.
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Ambulance Emergency Service in Chile — Complete Guide
When traveling to Chile or living there as an expat, knowing the correct ambulance number Chile can be critical for safety and emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for ambulance services in Chile is 131, which is operated and monitored by SAMU Chile. SAMU (Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencia) provides ambulance and emergency medical services. Response faster in Santiago and major cities. Also reachable via 911.
How to Call the Ambulance in Chile
To reach the SAMU Emergency Medical Service in Chile, dial 131 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 131
When you call the ambulance number in Chile, you will be connected to a trained operator at SAMU Chile. 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 Chile
Please note that Chile utilizes different emergency lines for distinct situations. Besides the Ambulance (131), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: Unified Emergency Number (911), Carabineros (National Police) (133), SAMU Emergency Medical Service (131), Firefighters (Bomberos) (132), Maritime Rescue (via Carabineros) (133), Mountain Rescue (via Carabineros GOPE) (133). Additionally, the universal European/global emergency contact number 112 is active in Chile and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Data Source & Verification
The emergency number 131 is verified against official directories published by SAMU Chile. 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 Chile
What is the Ambulance number in Chile? ▼
The Ambulance emergency number in Chile is 131. SAMU (Servicio de Atención Médica de Urgencia) provides ambulance and emergency medical services. Response faster in Santiago and major cities. Also reachable via 911.
Does 131 work from mobile in Chile? ▼
Yes, 131 works from all mobile phones in Chile.
Can I call 131 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 131 free in Chile? ▼
Yes, calling 131 is free in Chile. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Ambulance in Chile? ▼
The Ambulance service in Chile is operated by SAMU Chile. Source: https://www.samu.cl/
Does 911 work everywhere in Chile? ▼
911 is operational in major cities. Traditional numbers (133, 131, 132) may be more reliable outside urban centers.
Can I call 133 from a mobile phone without credit in Chile? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 131, 132, and 133 are free and can be made without airtime credit.
What number do I call for mountain rescue in the Andes? ▼
Call 133 for Carabineros GOPE, the specialized police unit that handles mountain and wilderness rescue. In ski resorts, also contact resort patrol.
Are emergency services available in Patagonia? ▼
Emergency services exist in Patagonian towns but response times can be hours or days in remote wilderness areas. Hikers should carry satellite communication devices. Carabineros GOPE handles wilderness rescue.
How do I contact maritime rescue in Chile? ▼
Call 133 or use VHF Channel 16 for DIRECTEMAR (Chilean Navy Maritime Authority). The Navy coordinates all maritime search and rescue operations.
What should I do in an earthquake in Chile? ▼
Chile is seismically active. Drop, cover, and hold on. After shaking stops, move to higher ground if near the coast due to tsunami risk. Follow official instructions.
Can I call emergency numbers from a mobile without credit in Chile? ▼
Yes. Emergency calls to 131, 132, 133, and 911 are free and can be made without airtime credit.