Do Rome emergency operators speak English?

Yes, 112 operators speak English and often other major languages. 113 (police) varies by station. 118 (ambulance) operators usually understand basic English.

Is calling 112 free in Italy?

Yes. 112 is free from any phone, even without a SIM card or credit, including landlines and payphones.

What is the equivalent of 911 in Rome?

112 is the equivalent. It is the universal European emergency number and connects you to the right service (police, ambulance, fire).

Where do I report a stolen wallet in Rome?

Go to the nearest Polizia di Stato commissariato or Carabinieri station and file a denuncia. You need this report for travel insurance claims and embassy assistance.

Emergency Numbers in Rome 2026: Complete Tourist Safety Guide

Q: Can I get free emergency medical care as a tourist?

Yes, emergency room (pronto soccorso) treatment is provided to anyone regardless of insurance. EU citizens with EHIC card pay nothing. Non-EU tourists may receive a bill but care is never refused.

Knowing the right emergency number in Rome can save your life — or at least your vacation. Italy uses 112 as the universal European emergency number, but several specialized numbers still work. Here is the complete list, with which language operators speak and when to call which.

112 — Single European Emergency Number

Free from any phone (mobile or landline), with or without SIM. Operators speak Italian and English, often Spanish, French and German. Use 112 for any life-threatening situation: accidents, crimes, fires, medical emergencies. The operator dispatches the right service.

113 — State Police (Polizia di Stato)

For crimes (theft, assault, fraud), public order issues, or filing a denuncia. Available 24/7. English service is variable — ask for an English-speaking officer at the nearest commissariato. Always file a police report (denuncia) for stolen documents — required for travel insurance and embassy.

118 — Medical Emergency / Ambulance

Ambulance and medical emergencies. Free. Operators triage your call: ambulance with doctor, ambulance with nurse, or self-transport to nearest pronto soccorso. Tourists are entitled to emergency care regardless of insurance. EU citizens with EHIC card pay nothing for emergencies.

115 — Fire Brigade (Vigili del Fuoco)

Fire, gas leaks, building collapse, elevator entrapment, flooding. Free, 24/7.

1530 — Coast Guard (only at sea)

If you are at Ostia or any coastal area near Rome and need rescue at sea.

Pharmacy at night (farmacia di turno)

Roman pharmacies rotate night/holiday duty. Look for the green cross flashing or call 800 800 331 to find the nearest open pharmacy. Many central pharmacies (Termini, Piazza Barberini) are open 24/7.

Lost passport or theft

1) Call 112 to report. 2) Go to the nearest commissariato to file a denuncia (you need a copy for the embassy and insurance). 3) Contact your embassy or consulate — find yours in our Embassies section. Emergency travel documents can be issued in 24–48 hours.