123
Ambulance · Colombia
123 is the Colombia Ambulance emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministerio de Salud. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 123 — Ambulance in Colombia
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Colombia
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 123
- • Do not call 123 for minor ailments - visit a local health center
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Colombian law
- • Do not call 123 for minor illnesses - visit a local health center
- • Do not call 123 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local CAI (police station)
- • Do not use emergency lines for traffic fines or general information
- • Do not call 165 for non-kidnapping or non-extortion matters
✈️ Travel Notes — Colombia
Emergency response is most reliable in Bogotá, Medellín, Cartagena, and major cities. Response in rural and jungle areas may be significantly delayed or unavailable. GAULA 165 is the specialized anti-kidnapping unit. Private clinics in major cities offer excellent emergency care. Public hospitals provide free emergency treatment.
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What is 123 in Colombia?
123 is the official Emergency Medical Service emergency number in Colombia. This number is operated by Ministerio de Salud and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 123. Response concentrated in Bogotá, Medellín, and major cities.
When to Call 123
Call 123 immediately in situations involving ambulance-related emergencies in Colombia. 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 — 123 in Colombia
Here are the key technical facts about calling 123 in Colombia:
- 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
How to Call 123 from Abroad
If you are calling 123 from outside Colombia, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +57 followed by 123 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Colombia, simply dialing 123 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Emergency Medical Service. The universal number 112 is also active across Colombia and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Colombia
Besides 123 (Emergency Medical Service), Colombia has the following emergency services available: National Unified Emergency Number: 123 · National Police: 123 · Emergency Medical Service: 123 · Firefighters (Bomberos): 123 · GAULA Anti-Kidnapping and Extortion: 165 · Highway Police (Tránsito y Transporte): #767. Save all these numbers before traveling to Colombia.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 123 is listed as the Emergency Medical Service emergency line for Colombia based on data from Ministerio de Salud. 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 — 123 (Colombia)
What is 123 in Colombia? ▼
123 is the Emergency Medical Service emergency number in Colombia. Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 123. Response concentrated in Bogotá, Medellín, and major cities.
Can I call 123 without a SIM card in Colombia? ▼
A SIM card may be required. Try 112, the universal number, which works without a SIM on most networks.
Is calling 123 free in Colombia? ▼
Yes, calling 123 is completely free in Colombia. No airtime credit needed.
Does 123 work from mobile in Colombia? ▼
Yes, 123 works from all mobile phones in Colombia.
Who do I reach when I call 123 in Colombia? ▼
Calling 123 in Colombia connects you to Emergency Medical Service (Ministerio de Salud), available 24/7.
What is the source for 123 being the Ambulance number in Colombia? ▼
Verified from Ministerio de Salud: https://www.policia.gov.co/. Last verified: 2026-01.
What is the unified emergency number in Colombia? ▼
123 is the national unified emergency number connecting to police, ambulance, fire, and civil defense.
Can I call 123 from a mobile phone without credit in Colombia? ▼
Yes. 123 is a free call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.
What is the GAULA number in Colombia? ▼
165 is the GAULA anti-kidnapping and anti-extortion unit operated by the National Police and military.
What number do I call for a highway emergency in Colombia? ▼
Dial #767 from any mobile phone for the highway police and transit authority. Also reachable via 123.
Are emergency services available in rural Colombia? ▼
Emergency services in remote rural areas, jungles, and conflict zones are limited. Response times may be hours or services may not be available. Police and military presence varies by region.
Can I call 123 from a mobile without credit in Colombia? ▼
Yes. 123 is a free call from any phone, including mobile phones without credit.