How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Brazil?
Last verified: 2025-06 · Americas
1The Quick Answer
Police (Polícia Militar): 190; ambulance (SAMU): 192; fire brigade (Bombeiros): 193; Federal Police: 197.
2What You Need to Know
Brazil's emergency numbers are single or three-digit codes that work from any phone including mobiles without credit. SAMU (Serviço de Atendimento Móvel de Urgência) on 192 handles medical emergencies, though response times vary greatly by location. The Bombeiros on 193 handle fire, rescue, and sometimes medical response in areas without SAMU coverage. In tourist-heavy areas of Rio, a dedicated tourist police unit (Delegacia Especial de Atendimento ao Turista — DEAT) can assist with crimes against visitors.
3Practical Tips
Practical Tips
- 1Save all four emergency numbers in your phone before you travel — do not rely on remembering them in a stressful situation.
- 2In Rio de Janeiro, the tourist police DEAT can be reached at (21) 2332-2924 and has English-speaking staff to help tourists report crimes.
- 3If you need to report a crime for insurance purposes, go to a Delegacia (police station) to obtain a Boletim de Ocorrência (incident report) — this is required for insurance claims.
How does this compare?
Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:
Call 911 for all emergencies nationwide; dial 078 for the tourist assistance hotline.
Call 911 for all emergencies — police, fire, and ambulance — anywhere in Canada.
Call 101 for police, 107 for ambulance (SAME service), and 100 for fire anywhere in Argentina.
Traveling to Brazil?
You might also need:
SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Medical coverage for travelers worldwide. Covers emergency care, hospital stays, and evacuation.
Airalo eSIM
Instant eSIM for 190+ countries. Set up before you leave — no physical SIM card needed.
Wise (formerly TransferWise)
Send and spend money abroad using real mid-market exchange rates with no hidden fees.
More About Brazil
A 10% service charge (gorjeta) is usually already included on restaurant bills and is optional to pay, but small extras are appreciated.
Updated 2025-06
Uber and local app 99 are the safest and most practical options for tourists; São Paulo and Rio have metro systems, while city buses are cheap but difficult to navigate.
Updated 2025-06
Carry comprehensive travel insurance — private hospitals in major cities are excellent but extremely expensive, and the free public system (SUS) involves long waits.
Updated 2025-06
Cannabis is illegal, littering carries fines, LGBTQ+ rights are legally protected nationwide, and Carnival period carries specific public behavior tolerances that do not apply year-round.
Updated 2025-06
Brazil is extremely casual in daily life, but beachwear must stay at the beach and religious sites require modest, covered clothing.
Updated 2025-06
The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is inexpensive and widely available, but drink-driving is strictly enforced with a near-zero tolerance BAC limit.
Updated 2025-06
🚨 See Emergency Numbers rules in all countries
Compare all countries →