Article Highlights:

 

  • Key emergency contact numbers for some of the most popular travel destinations.
  • Ambulance and police numbers for quick access during emergencies.
  • Nearest hospital information for each destination.
  • Areas where cellular coverage in remote regions may be unreliable.
  • The importance of satellite-enabled communications in remote areas.

 

Traveling internationally is an exciting experience. But emergencies can arise unexpectedly and with cellular coverage unreliable in some of the world’s top tourist destinations – particularly in remote regions or areas with poor infrastructure – it’s important for travelers to be prepared.

Start with the right emergency contact numbers, which are essential to ensure safety while traveling abroad. Whether it’s ambulance numbers, police numbers, embassy hotlines or the direct line for a hospital, travelers should have these contacts digitally stored and printed, too. But a lack of consistent cell phone connectivity can become problematic during emergencies when reliable communication is critical.

Satellite communication devices, offering broader coverage and the ability to send distress signals, provide an essential backup for travelers. They ensure that, regardless of cellular limitations, tourists can access emergency services, medical assistance or rescue operations, making them invaluable for safety and peace of mind.

The following is a list of some of the most popular travel destinations with an assessment of the region’s cell coverage, along with the emergency numbers for first responders and the British, Canadian and U.S. embassies.

 

Emergency Numbers

Antigua and Barbuda

A stunning Caribbean destination, Antigua and Barbuda offers crystal-clear beaches and relaxation, but being prepared with emergency contact numbers is important.

Ambulance: 911

Police: 911

U.S. Embassy (Barbados, responsible for Antigua and Barbuda): +1 246 227 4000

Canadian Consulate (St. John’s): +1 268 562 2420

British High Commission (St. John’s): +1 268 462 6930

Mount St. John’s Medical Centre: +1 268 484 2700

Although cellular coverage in urban areas of Antigua is reliable, remote beach regions or parts of Barbuda may have inconsistent coverage. Satellite devices are helpful for emergencies in these locations.

 

Banff National Park, Alberta, Canada

Banff’s wilderness calls for extra preparation when it comes to safety.

Ambulance: 911

Police: 911

U.S. Consulate (Calgary): +1 403 266 8962

British Consulate (Ottawa): +1 613 364 6200

Banff Mineral Springs Hospital: +1 403 762 2222

In more remote sections of Banff, cellular coverage can be weak. Satellite phones are a must for hikers and campers.

 

Belize

Belize’s pristine natural beauty is best explored with awareness of emergency contact numbers.

Ambulance: 911

Police: 911

U.S. Embassy (Belmopan): +501 822 4011

Canadian Consulate (Belmopan): +501 822 0270

British High Commission (Belmopan): +501 822 2146

Karl Heusner Memorial Hospital: +501 223 1548

Cellular coverage in rural areas of Belize can be weak. Satellite communication is recommended for jungle or remote beach visits.

 

Cabo Polonio, Uruguay

Cabo Polonio is a secluded destination with little infrastructure, making emergency preparedness essential.

Ambulance: 911

Police: 911

U.S. Embassy (Montevideo): +598 1770 2000

Canadian Consulate (Montevideo): +598 2 900 0117

British Embassy (Montevideo): +598 2622 3630

Hospital de Rocha: +598 4472 2091

Cellular coverage in Cabo Polonio is virtually nonexistent, as the area is off-grid. Travelers must rely on satellite-enabled communications for emergencies.

 

Cancún, Los Cabos, Mexico

Cancún is one of the most visited destinations in Mexico, but being familiar with local emergency contact numbers can make all the difference in urgent situations.

Ambulance: 065

Police: 911 (national emergency number)

U.S. Embassy (Mexico City): +52 55 5080 2000

Canadian Embassy (Mexico City): +52 55 5724 7900

British Embassy (Mexico City): +52 55 1670 3200

Hospiten Cancún: +52 998 881 3700

Hospiten Los Cabos: +52 624 105 8500

Cellular coverage in remote areas around Cancún may be spotty, particularly in rural or coastal areas. Some remote beach locations in Los Cabos might have weak signal coverage. Travelers should consider satellite communication tools for added safety.

 

Costa Rica (Osa Peninsula)

The Osa Peninsula is a remote and biodiverse region of Costa Rica, ideal for eco-tourism, but emergency contact numbers should be on hand.

Ambulance: 911

Police: 911

U.S. Embassy (San José): +506 2519 2000

Canadian Embassy (San José): +506 2242 4400

British Embassy (San José): +506 2258 2025

Hospital Tomas Casas (Puerto Jiménez): +506 2735 5100

Cellular coverage in the Osa Peninsula can be unreliable, especially in dense jungle areas. Satellite communication is essential for travelers heading deep into the forest.

 

Hokkaido, Japan

Hokkaido is renowned for its skiing and winter sports, but being prepared with emergency contact numbers is important for travelers.

Ambulance: 119

Police: 110

U.S. Consulate (Sapporo, Hokkaido): +81 11 641 1115

Canadian Embassy (Tokyo): +81 3 5412 6200

British Embassy (Tokyo): +81 3 5211 1100

Sapporo Medical University Hospital: +81 11 611 2111

Cellular coverage in Hokkaido’s urban areas is excellent, but rural or mountainous regions may have weak coverage. Travelers venturing into ski resorts or hiking trails should consider satellite phones for backup communication.

 

Lapland, Finland

Lapland’s winter wonders are best experienced safely with knowledge of emergency contacts.

Ambulance: 112

Police: 112

U.S. Embassy (Helsinki): +358 9 6162 9300

Canadian Embassy (Helsinki): +358 9 2285 030

British Embassy (Helsinki): +358 9 2286 5100

Lapland Central Hospital: +358 16 2431

Cell coverage may be inconsistent in remote regions of Lapland. Satellite communication is advisable for rural travel.

 

Patagonia, Chile/Argentina

Patagonia’s remoteness makes having emergency contact numbers even more critical.

Ambulance: 131 (Chile), 107 (Argentina)

Police: 133 (Chile), 101 (Argentina)

U.S. Embassy (Santiago, Chile): +56 2 2330 3000 / (Buenos Aires, Argentina): +54 11 5777 4533

Canadian Embassy (Santiago, Chile): +56 2 2944 6400 / (Buenos Aires, Argentina): +54 11 4514 1100

British Embassy (Santiago, Chile): +56 2 2370 4100 / (Buenos Aires, Argentina): +54 11 4808 2200

Hospital Dr. Juan Noé (Chile): +56 58 224 1175

Hospital Zonal El Calafate (Argentina): +54 2966 491 022

Cellular coverage is unreliable in much of Patagonia. For extended hikes or adventures, satellite devices are recommended.

 

Paris, France

In bustling Paris, emergency contact numbers are vital in case of accidents or issues.

Ambulance: 15

Police: 17

U.S. Embassy (Paris): +33 1 43 12 22 22

Canadian Embassy (Paris): +33 1 44 43 29 00

British Embassy (Paris): +33 1 44 51 31 00

Hôpital Hôtel-Dieu: +33 1 42 34 82 34

Cellular coverage in Paris is widely available, but as with many European cities, using a local SIM or an international roaming plan will ensure better coverage.

 

Punta Cana, Dominican Republic

A tropical paradise, Punta Cana’s emergency contact numbers are essential for a safe stay.

Ambulance: 911

Police: 911

U.S. Embassy (Santo Domingo): +1 809 567 7775

Canadian Embassy (Santo Domingo): +1 809 262 3100

British Embassy (Santo Domingo): +1 809 472 7111

Centro Médico Punta Cana: +1 809 552 1506

Remote beach areas may experience spotty cellular coverage in Punta Cana. Satellite-enabled devices are recommended for emergency communication in these areas.

 

Reykjavík, Iceland

Reykjavík offers stunning natural beauty, but travelers should be prepared for emergencies.

Ambulance: 112

Police: 112

U.S. Embassy (Reykjavík): +354 595 2200

Canadian Embassy (Reykjavík): +354 575 6500

British Embassy (Reykjavík): +354 550 5100

Landspítali University Hospital: +354 543 1000

While cellular coverage in Reykjavík is generally good, travelers venturing into the countryside or mountainous regions should consider satellite-enabled communications.

 

Rome, Italy

Rome’s rich history makes it a popular destination, but knowing local emergency contacts is crucial.

Ambulance: 118

Police: 112

U.S. Embassy (Rome): +39 06 46741

Canadian Embassy (Rome): +39 06 85444 2911

British Embassy (Rome): +39 06 4220 0001

Policlinico Umberto I: +39 06 49971

Most areas have strong cellular coverage, but who do you call if you lose signal? Satellite-enabled communications can be useful when visiting Rome’s outskirts.

 

Tromsø, Norway

Tromsø is a popular destination for viewing the northern lights and exploring the Arctic Circle, but knowing local emergency contact numbers is crucial.

Ambulance: 113

Police: 112

Fire: 110

U.S. Embassy (Oslo): +47 21 30 85 40

Canadian Embassy (Oslo): +47 22 99 53 00

British Embassy (Oslo): +47 23 13 27 00

University Hospital of Northern Norway (Tromsø): +47 77 62 60 00

While cellular coverage in Tromsø is generally reliable in the city, rural areas and northern regions may experience patchy reception. For those venturing into remote areas, satellite communication is recommended.

 

The Global Rescue Connection

Travelers should always be prepared with emergency contact numbers. For those in remote areas or locations with unreliable cellular coverage, satellite-enabled communication devices can provide lifesaving communications in an emergency.

As a member, we want you to contact us whether it’s a major emergency or something minor. Contact Global Rescue at +1 (617) 459-4200 or ops@globalrescue.com or operations@globalrescue.com

If you experience a life-threatening emergency and are within the range of an emergency service — like 911 in North America, 112 in the EU or 999 in the U.K. — contact them immediately. If you experience an emergency, after you are safe and stabilized and need to communicate with Global Rescue you must contact Global Rescue directly by phone at +1 (617) 459-4200 or by sending an e-mail to ops@globalrescue.com or operations@globalrescue.com.

If you’re contacting Global Rescue through a satellite device, you should review the instructions regarding your device’s SOS features and procedures. Be certain to understand who receives the SOS message signal when it is sent and what services the SOS monitoring provider offers. Contacting Global Rescue directly at +1 (617) 459-4200 or through a messaging device at ops@globalrescue.com or operations@globalrescue.com is the most straightforward way of obtaining service.