Costa Rica Emergency Numbers (2026)
Country Code: +506 · Currency: CRC
Verified emergency numbers for Costa Rica: Unified 911 for police, ambulance, fire, and Red Cross. Sourced from Costa Rica 911 Emergency System.
📞 Emergency Phone Numbers in Costa Rica (Police, Ambulance, Fire)
911 is the national unified emergency number in Costa Rica. Connects to police (Fuerza Pública), Red Cross ambulance, firefighters (Bomberos), and other services. Available 24/7 throughout the country. Operators speak Spanish; English available in tourist areas.
Police emergency via 911. Fuerza Pública handles criminal emergencies, public safety, and traffic. Tourist police available in major tourist destinations.
Ambulance and emergency medical services dispatched through 911 and provided by the Costa Rican Red Cross. Response is generally fast in urban and tourist areas.
Fire emergency via 911. Professional and volunteer fire departments respond. Handles fires, rescues, and hazardous material incidents.
🔢 Police, Ambulance, and Fire Numbers in Costa Rica
View dedicated guide, instructions, and alternate numbers for specific emergency services in Costa Rica.
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Costa Rica
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call Emergency Services
- • Do not call 911 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station
- • Do not call 911 for minor injuries - visit a local clinic or EBAIS
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable under Costa Rican law
- • Do not call 911 for power outages - contact the electricity provider
- • Do not use emergency lines for tourist information - contact the ICT (Tourism Board)
✈️ Travel Notes — Costa Rica
Emergency response is generally fast and reliable in urban areas and major tourist destinations. Response in remote mountain and jungle areas may be delayed. The Red Cross provides excellent ambulance services. Private hospitals in San José offer high-quality emergency care. Public hospitals (CCSS) provide free emergency treatment.
🛡️ Traveling to Costa Rica? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
Best for digital nomads, expats, and long-term travel. Flexible monthly subscription.
Best for standard holidays, adventure sports, hiking, and activity-filled trips.
ℹ️ We may earn a commission if you purchase through our links, at no extra cost to you.
Emergency Services in Costa Rica — Essential Traveler Guide
If you are planning a trip to Costa Rica or reside there, understanding the local emergency service system is critical for your safety. The international calling code for calling Costa Rica is +506. Emergency operators are available 24/7, but translation capabilities may vary, so keeping local phrases handy is advised.
Police, Ambulance, and Fire Brigade Numbers in Costa Rica
Costa Rica provides multiple standard emergency service channels, which are free to call from any phone. To call the universal emergency in Costa Rica, dial <strong>911</strong>. To call the police in Costa Rica, dial <strong>911</strong>. To call the ambulance in Costa Rica, dial <strong>911</strong>. To call the fire brigade in Costa Rica, dial <strong>911</strong>. To call the tourist police in Costa Rica, dial <strong>911</strong>.
How to call emergency services in Costa Rica
Emergency lines can be dialled from standard landlines, payphones, and mobile networks. In most cases, these emergency calls can be completed even if your mobile device does not have a SIM card installed or if you do not have a positive credit balance. If you need to make a call, remember to stay calm, clearly explain the issue, and provide the exact location to the operator.
Frequently Asked Questions — Costa Rica
Does 911 work everywhere in Costa Rica? ▼
911 is available throughout Costa Rica. The system is well-developed and covers the entire country, including rural areas, though response times may vary.
Can I call 911 from a mobile phone without a SIM card? ▼
Yes. 911 calls are free and can be made without a SIM card or airtime credit from any mobile phone.
Do 911 operators speak English in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes. 911 operators are trained to handle calls in both Spanish and English. English support is widely available, especially in tourist areas.
Which number handles tourist emergencies in Costa Rica? ▼
Call 911 for all tourist emergencies. The Policía Turística (Tourist Police) is dispatched through 911 and patrols major tourist areas.
Are ambulance services free in Costa Rica? ▼
Red Cross ambulance services dispatched through 911 are free. However, private ambulance services may charge fees. Public hospital emergency treatment is free or low-cost.