Emergency Number Istanbul

Welcome to Istanbul! ✨
We hope your trip is filled with joy, delicious food, and unforgettable memories. No one wants to think about emergencies on vacation, but being prepared is the best way to travel with confidence and peace of mind.

The good news? Turkey’s emergency system is simple. You don’t need to memorize different numbers for police, fire, or ambulance—there’s one easy system for everything. Here’s what you need to know to stay safe while enjoying your trip.

The Golden Number: Just Remember 112

This is the most important piece of information on this page. In Turkey, all emergency services have been unified under a single, universal number:

112

That’s it. Whether you need an ambulance, the police, or the fire department, you only need to dial 112.

Key things to know about calling 112:

• It's completely free to call from any mobile phone or payphone.
• You can call even if you don't have a SIM card in your phone or have no signal from your provider.
• They have English-speaking operators available 24/7.

How to Make the Call: A Step-by-Step Guide

In a stressful situation, it's easy to forget what to say. Just follow these simple steps.

😶 Stay as Calm as Possible
Take a deep breath before you speak. The calmer you are, the more clearly you can explain the situation.

🌐 State Your Language and the Service You Need
When the operator answers, start by saying:
"Hello, I need to speak to someone in English, please. I need an ambulance."
This immediately tells them how to direct your call.

📍Give Your Exact Location (This is CRUCIAL)

This is the most important part of the call. If you don't know the exact address, use these tips:

• Look for street signs (Sokak or Cadde).

• Mention a famous landmark nearby (e.g., "I am near the Blue Mosque," "I am in front of the Marmara Pera hotel").

• Open Google Maps on your phone; it will show your precise location with a blue dot. You can read the address from there.

❗Clearly and Simply Explain the Situation
You don't need a long story. Just state the facts.

• "There has been a car accident."

• "Someone has collapsed and is not breathing."

• "My friend fell and may have a broken leg."

📋 Follow Their Instructions
The operator may give you instructions, like not to move someone who is injured. Listen carefully and don't hang up until they say you can.

Beyond Immediate Emergencies: Other Helpful Contacts

Not every problem is a life-threatening emergency. For other issues, these contacts are incredibly useful.

If you experience an issue that is not a life-threatening emergency, such as a lost item, a scam, or a dispute, the Tourism Police are your best resource. This special unit is dedicated to helping tourists and has multilingual officers.

• Learn More About the Tourism Police and How They Can Help You → 

Your consulate is your government's presence in Istanbul. You should contact them for serious issues that are not immediate medical emergencies.

• When to call them: If you have lost your passport and need an emergency travel document, if you have been arrested, or if you are a victim of a serious crime.
• Important: In a life-or-death situation, always call 112 first. Get the immediate help you need, and then contact your consulate.

Being prepared doesn't mean being worried; it means being empowered. By simply saving 112 in your phone and knowing that the Tourism Police are here to help, you can put your mind at ease.

Now that you have this essential safety knowledge, you can relax and focus on what truly matters: enjoying every single moment of your incredible adventure in our beautiful city.