Which number should you use?

AssistanceNumber to call
Police emergency911 [source]
Emergency medical services132 [source]

Have your location ready

Keep the name and address of your accommodation with your trip documents. When you move to another base, replace the previous address with the current one. If you are out for the day, keep the place name and a recognizable location detail available.

Ask your accommodation to write its address in Spanish before you need it. “¿Me puede escribir la dirección?” means “Can you write down the address for me?” Save that reply with the booking, and make sure you know which branch or property it describes.

For a call, prepare to give your location, what has happened and a way to contact you. Follow the instructions you receive.

Keep these details with your travel documents

DetailAdd your own information
Current accommodationName and complete address
InsurerPolicy number and assistance instructions
Travel companionName and contact details
Consular assistanceYour government’s contact instructions
Next transferProvider and agreed pickup location

Keep another copy accessible if your phone is unavailable. Save or print the emergency numbers before departure.

Medical appointments are a separate arrangement

For planned care, confirm English-speaking staff with the facility. [source] The medical care page explains what to ask about the branch, appointment and payment. It also links to consular medical-facility resources.

Medical providers may require payment before care. [source] Keep your insurer’s instructions available, and review the travel insurance checklist before departure. An insurance contact is useful to have alongside emergency information, but it does not replace the emergency service you are trying to reach.

If a robbery occurs

Do not physically resist a robbery. [source] Use the police emergency contact when you need emergency police assistance. [source] After the immediate situation, the stolen-belongings reporting guide explains the police-station step. Keep the POLITUR contact guide with these references. The security update explains El Salvador’s current U.S. travel advisory. Keep the lost U.S. passport guide with these references if your U.S. passport is lost or stolen during the trip.

Common questions

What is the police emergency number?

Call 911 for police emergencies in El Salvador. For emergency medical services, call 132. Keep your current location available when requesting help, including the place name and a recognizable location detail. Prepare to describe what happened and give a way to contact you. [source] [source]

What number is listed for medical emergencies?

Call 132 for emergency medical services in El Salvador. Keep your current location available and prepare to describe what happened. If you are staying at an accommodation, save its complete address with your trip documents. Call 911 when you need emergency police assistance. [source] [source]

Sources

  1. Call 911 for police emergencies in El Salvador.U.S. Department of State (archive: Jul 2026) · UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office
    Checked Sep 2026
  2. Call 132 for emergency medical services in El Salvador.U.S. Department of State (archive: Jul 2026) · Global Affairs Canada · Fondo Solidario para la Salud
    Checked Sep 2026
  3. Confirm English-speaking staff before arranging medical care.UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · Global Affairs Canada
    Checked Sep 2026
  4. Medical providers may require payment before care in El Salvador.Global Affairs Canada · Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
    Checked Sep 2026
  5. Do not physically resist a robbery.UK Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office · U.S. Department of State (archive: Jul 2026)
    Checked Sep 2026

Travel information only; for medical or legal decisions, consult a qualified professional.