Skip to main content

Colombia (CO)

Colombia offers expats an extraordinary combination of year-round spring climate (especially in Medellín), very affordable living, rich culture, improving safety, and one of Latin America's most welcoming visa systems.

Capital: Bogotá
Region: Americas
Language: Spanish
Currency: COP ($)
Cost of living: Very affordable (index 30)
Emergency: 123

Emergency Numbers

Save these numbers before you need them.

General Emergency
123
Police
112
Fire Brigade
119
Ambulance
132
Poison Control
018000 111 144
Mental Health
106
Domestic Violence
155
Child Protection
141
Road Assistance
767 (Tránsito y Transporte)

How to call emergency services in Colombia

123 is the unified emergency number (línea única de emergencias). Works nationwide and connects to police, fire, and ambulance dispatch. 112 is the Policía Nacional emergency line. In Bogotá, 123 is the most reliable. In rural areas, mobile coverage may be limited — know your local Alcaldía (town hall) number. Cruz Roja (Red Cross) emergencies: 132. For medical non-emergencies: go to the urgencias (A&E) of any EPS-affiliated IPS directly.