Emergency Numbers in Brazil: What to Save Before Your Trip
Going through an emergency is one of those things most people don't think about when planning vacations, but saving the right emergency numbers can help you a lot when something goes wrong. The good news is that the main emergency numbers are easy to remember.
Whether you are dealing with a medical issue, a fire, a robbery, or you need consular help, here are the key contacts worth keeping on your phone before your trip.
A simple tip before you arrive
Save these numbers in your phone before your trip, and keep a small offline note with your hotel address, emergency contacts, passport details, and travel insurance information. It is a small step, but it can save time in a stressful moment.
Main emergency numbers in Brazil
Police:
190
Ambulance (public healthcare is free for foreigners and citizens alike):
192
Fire department:
193
Federal Police:
194
Civil Defense:
199
Human rights hotline:
100
Women’s assistance hotline:
180
Is there a general emergency number in Brazil?
Brazil does not use a single universal emergency number in the same way some other countries do. The main ones travelers should know are 190 for police, 192 for medical assistance (ambulance), and 193 for the fire department.
When to call each one
Call 190 if you need the police, for example in cases of theft, assault, or if you feel in immediate danger. Call 192 for medical emergencies and ambulances. Call 193 for fires, accidents or rescue situations.
If the issue is related to immigration, airports or international borders, 194 connects you to the Federal Police. And in situations involving floods, storms, landslides or similar risks, 199 is the Civil Defense number.
Tourist police station in Rio de Janeiro
If you are a foreign visitor in Rio and need to report a crime or get support, the main police station for tourists is the Delegacia Especial de Apoio ao Turismo (DEAT) at Avenida Afrânio de Melo Franco, 159, Leblon.
The official listing shows the phone number as +55 (21) 2332-2924 and +55 (21) 98596-7474. This police station operates 24 hours a day, everyday.
For anything urgent or happening right now, it is still best to call 190 first. Then, if needed, you can go to the tourist police station for the report and follow-up.
If you want a broader overview of personal safety, scams, safer areas, and practical tips for visitors, read our guide on Is Rio Safe?.
U.S. consular help in Brazil
If you are a U.S. citizen and need urgent consular assistance while in Brazil, the U.S. mission in Brazil provides emergency support for situations such as lost passports, arrests, serious accidents, or other emergencies.
Here are two especially useful contacts:
U.S. Consulate General Rio de Janeiro
Phone during working hours: +55 (21) 3823-2000
After-hours emergency: +55 (21) 3823-2029
U.S. Consulate General São Paulo
Telephone: +55 (11) 3230-2170 or +55 (11) 3958-7007
After-hours emergency: +55 (11) 3250-5000
For broader emergency assistance anywhere in Brazil, the U.S. Embassy and Consulates list a general emergency contact number: +55 (61) 3312-7400.
Brazil is an amazing country to visit, and we hope you will never need any of these numbers. Still, having them ready is one of those simple travel habits that is always worth it, anywhere you go. Don't let the fear block you from exploring the World, just be prepared :)