118
Universal Emergency · Italy
118 is the Italy Universal Emergency emergency number. Verified 2026-01. Source: Ministero dell'Interno. Works from mobile. Free to call. One-tap dial.
📞 About 118 — Universal Emergency in Italy
📍 Find Nearest Emergency Services
Use GPS to locate the nearest hospital, police station, or fire station near your current location.
🗣️ Emergency Phrases in Italy
Use these phrases to communicate in an emergency when language is a barrier. Tap the speaker to play pronunciation.
⚠️ When NOT to Call 118
- • Do not call 112 for non-urgent medical advice - call the medical guard 116117
- • Do not call 113 for non-urgent police matters - visit the local police station or Carabinieri barracks
- • Do not make false emergency calls - punishable by fines up to €1,000 under Italian law
- • Do not call 115 for controlled agricultural burns unless out of control
- • Do not use emergency lines for road conditions or tourist information
✈️ Travel Notes — Italy
Emergency response is generally fast in urban areas and major tourist destinations. Response in rural and mountainous areas may be slower. The 112 'Where ARE U' app is recommended for GPS location sharing. Medical care is of excellent standard. The Carabinieri and Polizia di Stato are both national police forces with different jurisdictions.
🛡️ Traveling to Italy? Protect Yourself
Emergency medical treatment and evacuation abroad can cost tens of thousands of dollars. We recommend securing travel insurance before your trip.
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What is 118 in Italy?
118 is the official Single European Emergency Number (NUE) emergency number in Italy. This number is operated by Ministero dell'Interno and is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. 112 is the unified European emergency number in Italy (Numero Unico di Emergenza). Connects to Carabinieri, Police, Fire, and Ambulance. Operators speak Italian; English available in tourist areas. The '112 Where ARE U' app sends GPS location. SMS 112 available for deaf users.
When to Call 118
Call 118 immediately in situations involving universal emergency-related emergencies in Italy. 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 — 118 in Italy
Here are the key technical facts about calling 118 in Italy:
- Works from mobile: Yes — you can call from any mobile phone.
- Works without SIM card: Yes — you can call even without a SIM card installed.
- Free to call: Yes — calling is completely free. No credit needed.
- Last verified: 2026-01
- Official source: Ministero dell'Interno
How to Call 118 from Abroad
If you are calling 118 from outside Italy, or from a foreign SIM card, dial the international format: +39 followed by 118 (omitting any leading zero). However, in a genuine emergency within Italy, simply dialing 118 directly from any local or roaming SIM will connect you to the Single European Emergency Number (NUE). The universal number 112 is also active across Italy and can be dialed from any phone.
All Emergency Numbers in Italy
Besides 118 (Single European Emergency Number (NUE)), Italy has the following emergency services available: Single European Emergency Number (NUE): 112 · State Police (Polizia di Stato): 113 · Carabinieri (Military Police): 112 · Emergency Medical Service: 118 · Fire Service (Vigili del Fuoco): 115. Save all these numbers before traveling to Italy.
Data Source & Verification Policy
The number 118 is listed as the Single European Emergency Number (NUE) emergency line for Italy based on data from Ministero dell'Interno. 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 — 118 (Italy)
What is 118 in Italy? ▼
118 is the Single European Emergency Number (NUE) emergency number in Italy. 112 is the unified European emergency number in Italy (Numero Unico di Emergenza). Connects to Carabinieri, Police, Fire, and Ambulance. Operators speak Italian; English available in tourist areas. The '112 Where ARE U' app sends GPS location. SMS 112 available for deaf users.
Can I call 118 without a SIM card in Italy? ▼
Yes, you can dial 118 in Italy without a SIM card on a GSM phone.
Is calling 118 free in Italy? ▼
Yes, calling 118 is completely free in Italy. No airtime credit needed.
Does 118 work from mobile in Italy? ▼
Yes, 118 works from all mobile phones in Italy.
Who do I reach when I call 118 in Italy? ▼
Calling 118 in Italy connects you to Single European Emergency Number (NUE) (Ministero dell'Interno), available 24/7.
What is the source for 118 being the Universal Emergency number in Italy? ▼
Verified from Ministero dell'Interno: https://www.interno.gov.it/. Last verified: 2026-01.
What is the difference between 112 and 113 in Italy? ▼
112 is now the unified emergency number (NUE). Historically 112 was Carabinieri and 113 was State Police. Both now connect through 112. Traditional numbers still work.
Can I call 112 from a mobile without a SIM card in Italy? ▼
Yes. GSM phones can dial 112 without a SIM card. Emergency calls are free.
Are emergency calls free in Italy? ▼
Yes. All emergency calls to 112, 113, 115, and 118 are free of charge.
Do emergency operators speak English in Italy? ▼
In major tourist areas, English-speaking operators are available. The 112 system can access interpretation services. In rural areas, Italian may be the only language.
What is the non-urgent medical number in Italy? ▼
116117 is the medical guard (Guardia Medica) for non-urgent medical needs when your GP is closed. Do not use for emergencies.