Costa Rica Universal Emergency Number: 911
+506 · National Unified Emergency System
The universal emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. Operated by Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. Free to call. Works from mobile phones.
National Unified Emergency System
Costa Rica · Universal Emergency
📝 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.
🔢 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 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 Universal Emergency
- • 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.
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Universal Emergency Emergency Service in Costa Rica — Complete Guide
When traveling to Costa Rica or living there as an expat, knowing the correct universal emergency number in Costa Rica is critical for emergency preparedness. The official emergency contact line for universal emergency services in Costa Rica is 911, which is operated and monitored by Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. 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.
How to Dial 911 in Costa Rica
To reach the National Unified Emergency System in Costa Rica, 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 Costa Rica using an international roaming SIM card, you can dial 911 directly without any country code prefix. If you need to contact emergency dispatch in Costa Rica from an international location, the country calling code is +506.
Language & Communication with Dispatchers
Emergency operators in Costa Rica 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 Costa Rica, you will be connected to a trained dispatcher at Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. 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 Costa Rica
Please note that Costa Rica utilizes dedicated emergency lines for different agencies. Besides the Universal Emergency (911), the following emergency services can also be reached directly: National Unified Emergency System (911), Fuerza Pública (National Police) (911), Red Cross Emergency Medical Service (911), Bomberos (Firefighters) (911), Policía Turística (Tourist Police) (911). Additionally, the universal emergency contact number 112 is active across Costa Rica and will redirect calls to the appropriate local agency.
Official Regulatory & Government Source
The emergency number 911 is verified against official directories published by Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. 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 Costa Rica
What is the Universal Emergency number in Costa Rica? ▼
The Universal Emergency emergency number in Costa Rica is 911. 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.
Does 911 work from mobile in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, 911 works from all mobile phones in Costa Rica.
Can I call 911 without a SIM card? ▼
Yes, you can dial 911 without a SIM card in Costa Rica.
Is calling 911 free in Costa Rica? ▼
Yes, calling 911 is free in Costa Rica. No airtime credit needed.
Who operates Universal Emergency in Costa Rica? ▼
The Universal Emergency service in Costa Rica is operated by Sistema de Emergencias 9-1-1. Source: https://www.911.go.cr/
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.