Tip 1: Save SNS24 (808 24 24 24) in your phone for non-emergency he…

Save SNS24 (808 24 24 24) in your phone for non-emergency health questions — it saves unnecessary trips to hospital.

Tip 2: 112 operators are trained to handle calls in multiple langua…

112 operators are trained to handle calls in multiple languages including English.

Tip 3: If you need the tourist police (PSP Turismo) in Lisbon, thei…

If you need the tourist police (PSP Turismo) in Lisbon, their dedicated office is in Praça dos Restauradores.

🇵🇹

🚨Emergency Numbers

How Does Emergency Numbers Work in Portugal?

Last verified: 2025-06 · Europe

1The Quick Answer

✅Quick Answer

Dial 112 for all emergencies — police, fire, and ambulance — anywhere in Portugal.

2What You Need to Know

112 is the universal EU emergency number and works from any phone including mobiles with no SIM. For non-urgent medical advice, SNS24 (808 24 24 24) provides a free telephone triage service around the clock. GNR (rural police) and PSP (urban police) both respond to 112. The number functions across mainland Portugal, the Azores, and Madeira.

3Practical Tips

Practical Tips

1Save SNS24 (808 24 24 24) in your phone for non-emergency health questions — it saves unnecessary trips to hospital.
2112 operators are trained to handle calls in multiple languages including English.
3If you need the tourist police (PSP Turismo) in Lisbon, their dedicated office is in Praça dos Restauradores.

How does this compare?

Emergency Numbers rules in nearby and similar countries:

🇩🇪

GermanyNormal

Police: 110. Ambulance & Fire: 112. Medical non-emergency: 116117. All EU emergency: 112.

🇬🇧

UKNormal

Emergency: 999 (or 112). Non-emergency police: 101. NHS non-emergency medical: 111.

🇫🇷

FranceNormal

SAMU (medical): 15. Police: 17. Fire (Pompiers): 18. EU universal: 112.

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More About Portugal

💰Tipping🔥

Normal

Tipping is not obligatory in Portugal, but 5-10% is appreciated for good restaurant service.

Updated 2025-06

🚇Public Transport

Warning

Lisbon and Porto have good metro networks, and intercity trains and buses connect the country efficiently.

Updated 2025-06

🏥Tourist Healthcare

Warning

Portugal's SNS public health service is solid, and EU citizens can use their EHIC card for free or reduced-cost treatment.

Updated 2025-06

⚖️Local Laws

Warning

Personal drug use is decriminalized in Portugal, meaning possession of small amounts leads to an administrative warning rather than criminal charges.

Updated 2025-06

👗Dress Code

Normal

Portugal is very relaxed about dress, but shoulders and knees should be covered when visiting churches and especially the Fátima sanctuary.

Updated 2025-06

🍺Alcohol Rules

Normal

The legal drinking age is 18, alcohol is cheap and widely available, and drinking in public is generally permitted.

Updated 2025-06

View all topics for Portugal →

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