Quick Answer
What is the main emergency number in Turkey?
112 is Turkey's universal emergency number for ambulance, police, and fire. It is free from any phone and available 24/7. In tourist areas and major cities, many 112 operators speak or can connect you to English. Say 'English' (İngilizce) the moment the call is answered. 112 works on all mobile phones including phones with no SIM card or no credit.
All Turkish Emergency Numbers
| Number | Service | Hours | English | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 112 | Ambulance / Medical Emergency | 24/7 | Yes — say "English" immediately | Universal emergency number. Also routes to fire and police. Free from any phone including mobiles with no SIM. |
| 155 | Police (Polis) | 24/7 | Limited — request interpreter | For crime, accidents, public safety in urban areas. Turkish national police (city areas). |
| 156 | Gendarmerie (Jandarma) | 24/7 | Very limited | Military-style rural police covering areas outside city limits. For incidents in rural/coastal areas outside towns. |
| 110 | Fire Brigade (İtfaiye) | 24/7 | Very limited | Report fires. In an emergency, 112 also dispatches fire services. |
| 177 | Forest Fire (Orman) | 24/7 | Very limited | Report forest or bush fires specifically. Critical in summer in coastal and Aegean regions. |
| 182 | Poison Control (Zehir Danışma) | 24/7 | Limited | Advice on poisoning, medication overdose, chemical exposure. Also useful for accidental medication ingestion by children. |
| 184 | Health Information Line (ALO 184) | 24/7 | Limited | Non-emergency health advice line. Can advise on nearest hospital, clinic hours, health questions. |
| 186 | Domestic Violence (KADES) | 24/7 | Limited | National domestic violence and women's support line. Also has a mobile app (KADES) for emergency alerts. |
| 153 | Municipality (Belediye) | Office hours mostly | Very limited | Non-emergency municipal services, noise complaints, abandoned vehicles, etc. |
| 122 | Natural Disaster (AFAD) | 24/7 | Very limited | Turkey's disaster and emergency management authority for earthquakes, floods, major disasters. |
What Happens When You Call 112
Say "English" (İngilizce) immediately when the operator answers
Turkish emergency dispatch is trained to handle language barriers. Many 112 operators in tourist areas speak English; others will connect you to a translator.
State the emergency type clearly
Say: "I need an ambulance", "there is a fire", or "I need police". Use simple, direct language. Do not start explaining the story.
Give your exact location
Street address, neighborhood (mahalle), the nearest landmark, or GPS coordinates from your phone. In rural areas, share your Google Maps pin by text after calling.
Stay on the line
The operator will keep you on the line until help arrives. Follow their instructions. Do not hang up unless told to.
Send your location by text or WhatsApp if needed
If communication breaks down, use Google Maps "Share Location" and send to the hospital or your emergency contact. In 2026, most private hospitals also accept WhatsApp messages.
Embassy Emergency Contacts
| Country | Main Number | 24h Emergency | Locations |
|---|---|---|---|
| United Kingdom | +90 312 455 3344 | +90 312 455 3344 (24h) | Ankara (Embassy) + Istanbul Consulate: +90 212 334 6400 |
| United States | +90 312 455 5555 | +90 312 455 5555 (24h) | Ankara (Embassy) + Istanbul Consulate: +90 212 335 9000 |
| Germany | +90 312 455 5100 | +90 312 455 5100 (24h) | Ankara (Embassy) + Istanbul: +90 212 334 6100 |
| Netherlands | +90 312 409 1800 | +90 312 409 1800 (24h) | Ankara (Embassy). Istanbul: +90 212 393 2121 |
| Australia | +90 312 459 9500 | +90 312 459 9500 (24h) | Ankara (Embassy) only |
Always save your home country's embassy emergency number in your phone before arrival. They assist with lost passports, major medical emergencies, arrests, and repatriation.
What to Do at a Hospital Emergency Room
Arrive at the emergency department (acil servis) — you do not need an appointment or referral.
At the triage desk, show your passport and insurance card. Say "acil" (ah-jeel) meaning "emergency" if needed.
A triage nurse will assess priority. Private hospital ERs are typically fast — 15–30 minutes to initial assessment.
Tests are often done within the ER (blood tests, X-ray, ECG) before a doctor sees you for final diagnosis.
Payment or insurance verification happens after initial treatment. You will not be turned away in a genuine emergency.
If admitted, you will be given a bed number and assigned to a ward. Ask for an English-speaking coordinator.
24-Hour Duty Pharmacies (Nöbetçi Eczane)
- Nöbetçi eczane (duty pharmacy) operates 24/7 in rotation — at least one pharmacy per district is always open.
- To find the current duty pharmacy, text "NOBETCI" to 5258 from a Turkish number, or check the sign on any closed pharmacy's door.
- Alternatively, search "nöbetçi eczane [city name]" on eczaneler.com or in Google.
- Private hospital pharmacies are typically open until midnight and sometimes 24 hours.
Important: Private Ambulance Services
Private ambulance services exist in Turkey and can be faster in some situations. Ask your private hospital which ambulance company they recommend and save the number. Typical cost: €150–400 per call-out.