Emergency Numbers and How to Call
Keep France’s emergency numbers ready and know what information to give callers.
Save the main emergency numbers in your phone before arriving in France. Call 112 for a general European emergency, especially when you are unsure whether the situation requires police, medical assistance or firefighters. The operator directs the call to the appropriate service, and 112 can be used in every European Union country. Within France, call 17 for police or gendarmerie assistance when there is an emergency involving a criminal offence, road accident or public-order problem; call 15 for SAMU medical assistance, such as a life-threatening illness, heart failure, severe bleeding, severe asthma, stroke or serious trauma; and call 18 for firefighters, including a fire or road traffic accident. The French public-service information page states that these emergency calls are free, available from landlines and mobile phones, geolocated, prioritised and not shown on telephone invoices. They operate 24 hours a day and 7 days a week. The UK government’s France guidance gives the same core numbers: 112 for ambulance, fire and police, 15 for ambulance, 18 for fire and 17 for police (France emergency services). The Paris police visitor guide also lists 17 for police, 112 as the European emergency number, 18 for fire service and 15 for ambulance (Staying safe in Paris). If you are calling from a busy street, railway station, student residence or hotel, first move to a safe position if possible, then state the exact address, nearby landmark, building entrance, floor and door code. Give the telephone number you are using, your name, the victim’s name and age if known, and a short description of what happened. These details help the emergency team locate you and decide which service should respond. Do not delay a serious call because you are worried about speaking French: 112 is the general route, and emergency services may redirect the call internally.
If you are deaf, hard of hearing or unable to speak on the telephone, send a free text message to 114. The service is available 24 hours a day and 7 days a week; the exchange takes place in writing. The 114 service can also be reached by videophone after downloading the Emergency 114 application. This is especially useful for a person who cannot safely explain an emergency aloud or who needs written communication. For a non-urgent medical problem, do not use 15 merely because a regular doctor is unavailable. The French public-service guidance says that you can obtain information about doctors or pharmacies on duty from your town hall, particularly its website. In some departments, the toll-free number 116 117 is being introduced experimentally for medical advice, referral to a primary-care doctor or nursing home, and organisation of a home visit when the person cannot move. The number applies particularly to Corsica, Pays-de-la-Loire and Normandy. It is available in the evening from 8 p.m., at weekends from Saturday noon and on public holidays; during weekday daytime it is redirected to 15, which remains reserved for emergencies (Emergency numbers and listening numbers). Emergency services may call you back using 0 800 112 112. The public-service page says this number is free and that answering it does not create a charge or overcharge. Add it to your phone under a clear name such as Emergency services so that you recognise the callback. If the case is serious and you can move safely, you may go to the emergency department of the nearest hospital. For an English-speaking resident, keep the address written in French in your phone, including the postcode, building name and access instructions. If you live in a large residence, campus or apartment block, ask the landlord or school for the French wording of the address and the entrance code before an emergency occurs. When calling, do not spend time giving a long explanation; start with the location and immediate danger, then answer the operator’s questions.
France also has specialised numbers for particular situations. Call 115 for the Social Samu, the homelessness emergency and reception number; it is free from landlines and mobile phones in metropolitan France and overseas and operates Monday to Sunday, 24 hours a day. Call 119 if a child is in danger or at risk of violence. The number is free, confidential, available 24 hours a day and does not appear on phone records. Children under 21 can also use the 119 real-time chat seven days a week from 3 p.m. to 9 p.m. The French guidance lists 116 111 as a European number for children in need of care and protection. At sea, call 196 from the coast or use VHF radio channel 16 from the sea to reach the Regional Operational Monitoring and Rescue Center; 112 can also be used from the coast. Channel 16 is preferred at sea because it supports rapid location and contact with rescue equipment. For urgent medical consultation at sea, the Marine Medical Advisory Center can be reached at +33 5 34 39 33 33, or through 32 or 38 on Inmarsat. For an aircraft distress, a direct witness of an aircraft accident or concern about a missing aircraft and its occupants, call 191 free of charge, 24 hours a day. When an attack-alert plan is activated and you have information that could help investigators, call 197; it is toll-free, geolocated, identified, prioritised and available 24 hours a day while activated. The emergency-number guidance also lists 116,000 for missing children. These specialised services do not replace 112 when there is immediate danger to life. If the incident is a theft without immediate danger, move to a safe place, contact your bank or card issuer when relevant, and report the loss or theft to police. In Paris, the police guide says foreign visitors can use police reception points and bilingual officers, while the S.A.V.E. system can record complaints in 30 languages and provide a receipt in the visitor’s own language (Ma Sécurité).
France emergency numbers at a glance
| Situation | Number | Practical action |
|---|---|---|
| General emergency | 112 | Use when police, fire or medical assistance may be needed, or when you are unsure which service is correct. |
| Police or gendarmerie | 17 | Use for an emergency criminal offence, road accident or public-order problem. |
| Medical emergency | 15 | Use SAMU for life-threatening illness, severe injury or a critical medical condition. |
| Firefighters | 18 | Use for fire, road traffic accidents and situations requiring firefighter assistance. |
| Deaf, hard of hearing or unable to speak | 114 | Send a free text message or use the videophone service; available 24/7. |
| Non-urgent medical advice in participating areas | 116 117 | Experimental service, particularly in Corsica, Pays-de-la-Loire and Normandy; evening, weekend and holiday access. |
| Homelessness emergency | 115 | Free from landlines and mobile phones in metropolitan France and overseas; operates 24/7. |
| Child in danger | 119 | Free, confidential and available 24/7; calls do not appear on phone records. |
| Maritime rescue | 196 or VHF channel 16 | Call 196 from the coast; use VHF channel 16 from the sea. |
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Common Scams and Crime Prevention
Recognise tourist scams, phishing attempts and distraction theft before you lose money or documents.
The most useful first step in preventing crime is to reduce opportunities for distraction and keep essential documents separate. The Paris police visitor guide recommends a small shoulder bag or waist pouch instead of a backpack, with the opening facing your body. Keep your wallet out of your back pocket, carry as little cash as possible and prefer low- and medium-value notes. If somebody tries to grab your bag, do not fight back. Be particularly alert when someone attempts to divert your attention at a café terrace, cash machine or while asking you to sign a petition. In public places, do not handle cash openly or change currency in the street; use a bureau de change. At an ATM, cover the keypad while entering your PIN and do not allow another person to distract you. Do not leave a payment card or money in a cloakroom or in a coat placed over a chair. At restaurants and cafés, keep your bag on your lap or in sight rather than at your feet, and do not leave a telephone or wallet on the table. Do not put a phone in an outside bag or clothing pocket, lend it to a stranger or hold it loosely while taking a selfie. The UK travel advice similarly says that pickpockets may work in groups, with one person distracting the victim while another reaches into a bag. It recommends separate bags or pockets for passports, credit cards and valuables, inside bag compartments, cross-body carrying and keeping belongings close in restaurants and bars (Safety and security in France). The U.S. Embassy’s Paris advice notes that pickpockets are especially active in museums, crowded subways and train stations, and that professional thieves may work in pairs or larger groups (Safety Advice for Paris). For a student or new resident, the practical routine is simple: carry only the card, identification and cash needed for the day; keep a photocopy of identity documents separately; store emergency bank contacts in a password manager or secure note; and do not put every passport, ticket and card belonging to a group into one person’s bag.
Several street scams in Paris are described in the official visitor guide. Never participate in a three-card or dice-and-cup game in the street. In the card version, the handler asks the player to bet at least €50, promises double the money if the correct card is found, and works with accomplices who pretend to be players. The guide states that the handler will always win and the victim will always lose. Be cautious with petitions at tourist sites. People may approach with a petition, sometimes claiming to be deaf and dumb, and ask for money after obtaining a signature. The guide says that these people do not represent the recognised charities they appear to represent; accomplices may use the distraction to steal from bags and pockets. Do not buy goods from hawkers selling items on pavements because the guide warns that the money may support illegal organisations and underground networks and that the origin of the product is unknown. On public transport, never leave a bag unattended, report an unattended package to an RATP information point or bus driver, and do not let another person pass through a ticket barrier directly behind you. Never buy a ticket from someone in the street: the guide warns that the price may be as much as 10 times the normal price. Use ticket offices and machines inside stations. At airports, stations or on the street, reject unsolicited taxi offers. The guide warns that an unauthorised taxi may lack statutory equipment and professional insurance. For direct journeys between Paris and the airports, it lists set prices of €53 from the Paris Right Bank to Roissy Charles de Gaulle and €58 from the Left Bank, and €37 from the Right Bank to Orly and €32 from the Left Bank. These figures are a useful check for the specific journeys described, but the safer rule is to use an official taxi or an authorised booking channel rather than accepting a stranger’s offer (Staying safe in Paris). In bars, restaurants and cabarets, ask to see the menu before ordering. Prices must be displayed inclusive of tax. Avoid cabarets whose staff solicit customers in the street; the guide warns that customers may be pressured into buying drinks at very high prices. Choose establishments that clearly display prices inside and outside and buy event tickets from official resellers rather than the black market, where counterfeit tickets may be expensive.
Digital fraud is another important risk for people opening French bank, telephone, housing or university accounts. Service-Public describes phishing as a fraudulent technique in which a malicious person pretends to be a trusted third party and tries to obtain personal data, access codes, passwords or bank details. A message may appear to come from a bank, telephone company or administration. Check the language and wording: spelling mistakes, inappropriate phrases or an unusual tone can indicate that the message is not from the real institution. Before clicking, inspect the complete link address and confirm that it matches the legitimate website. Be wary of any unusual request; the Service-Public guidance says that no organisation has the right to ask for your credit-card code, access codes or personal-space passwords. Do not open attachments or reply when you have serious doubts. Delete the message and empty the email recycle bin. Never click directly on an advertisement in a pop-up window, even if the window contains a close button; use the X in the corner instead. Enable an anti-spam filter, anti-phishing browser warning or ad blocker where appropriate. General scam-prevention guidance also recommends strong passwords, current operating systems and updated applications, antivirus, firewall and email-filter protection (How can you protect yourself against attempts to steal your personal or banking data?). Treat visa assistance offers with the same caution. France-Visas warns applicants about fraudulent agencies that claim to help obtain French visas, particularly where the genuineness of supporting documents is concerned. Use the official France-Visas process and do not give passport scans, bank information or passwords to an unverified intermediary. A suspicious offer often combines urgency, a request for an unusual payment, pressure to share login details or a promise that official checks can be bypassed. Stop the conversation, access the relevant service by typing its known address yourself and contact the institution through its published channel. If a card, phone or identity document is stolen, contact the relevant provider, notify the police and keep the report receipt. Paris police can use the S.A.V.E. system for foreign visitors in 30 languages, which can make later embassy or insurance procedures easier.
Common France scams and the safer response
| Warning sign | Specific source detail | Safer response |
|---|---|---|
| Person claiming to be a police officer and asking for money | A real police officer will never ask you for money. | Ask to see the white plastic police card with the tricolour insignia and contact police if the situation remains suspicious. |
| Street ticket seller | Tickets may cost up to 10 times the normal price. | Use station ticket offices and machines. |
| Unsolicited airport or street taxi | The vehicle may be unauthorised, lack required equipment and lack professional accident insurance. | Use an official taxi or authorised booking channel. |
| Three-card, dice or cup game | The card handler asks for a minimum €50 bet and is assisted by accomplices. | Do not place a bet; keep walking and protect your belongings. |
| Petition at a tourist site | The petition may be a distraction while accomplices steal from bags or pockets. | Do not sign or take out your wallet; move away from the group. |
| Street-solicited cabaret | Customers may be pressured into buying drinks at very high prices. | Choose a venue that displays prices inside and outside. |
| Bank or administration message asking for passwords | No organisation has the right to ask for credit-card codes, access codes or passwords. | Do not click, reply or open attachments; contact the institution independently. |
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Safety Information and Security Tips
Plan for public demonstrations, terrorism alerts, wildfires, transport risks and outdoor hazards.
Security conditions can change quickly, so new residents and visitors should monitor official information rather than relying only on old travel impressions. Australian travel advice currently recommends exercising a high degree of caution in France because of the threat of terrorism. It says the national terrorist alert warning is at its highest level and that increased security may be present at schools, places of worship, shopping centres and landmarks. Possible targets listed include transport hubs, tourist areas, music and cultural events, festivals, shopping areas, the LGBTQIA+ community, sporting events and other public areas. Methods of attack have included knife attacks, shootings, bombings and vehicle attacks. The practical response is not to panic but to stay alert in crowded public places, take official warnings seriously, report suspicious activity to police, follow local-authority instructions and leave an affected area if it is safe to do so. Expect bag or vehicle searches and increased identity checks at borders. Demonstrations and political gatherings may take place with little or no warning, especially in cities. The UK guidance says most demonstrations are peaceful but recommends remaining aware of events around you and following police and local-authority advice. It also notes that frequent industrial action can disrupt roads and public transport. Before travelling across a city, check the operator’s advice and allow time for delays. Do not deliberately approach a demonstration to observe it, and avoid locations with significant police activity. Crowded cultural, sporting and nightlife venues require the same awareness as transport hubs. If you see a suspicious object, do not touch it; move away and report it. The official French Ma Sécurité website offers anonymous online chat with a police officer 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and says that 130 languages are supported. It also provides a police-station locator, online complaint access and a guide for visitors (Ma Sécurité). For an English-speaking student, install or bookmark this resource before moving, keep your local address available in French, and tell a trusted contact where you will be when attending a large event.
Protect yourself during ordinary travel by paying attention to the exact environment mentioned in official guidance. Pickpocketing, passport theft, bag snatching, burglary and mugging are described as common concerns, particularly during summer, and groups of thieves operate on busy public transport, including metro lines and trains serving airports. The UK advice specifically notes serious assaults on RER line B, which serves Charles de Gaulle Airport, Orly Airport and Gare du Nord, and on RER line D, which serves the Stade de France. This does not mean that every journey is unsafe, but it does mean that passengers should keep bags closed, phones out of sight and valuables close to the body on crowded trains. Do not leave drinks unattended. The travel guidance warns that spiking can occur using a drink or a needle, and the UK guidance advises buying your own drinks, keeping them in sight and knowing your alcohol limit because drinks served in French bars may be stronger than those in the United Kingdom. If you become unwell after a drink, seek emergency assistance and tell staff or police what happened. Carry identification in a secure way. The UK guidance says you must be able to prove your identity by providing a passport, photocard driving licence or other government-issued documentation when asked or within four hours at a police station. Australian guidance also says to always carry a photo ID such as a passport because police conduct random checks, particularly at borders. At the same time, keep a photocopy of identity documents separately and avoid carrying every original document in one wallet. Face coverings in public places are illegal under the UK guidance, including balaclavas, full veils or another garment or mask used to hide the face; failure to comply may result in a fine of up to €150. Forcing someone else to hide their face is also a crime, punishable by one year of imprisonment and a fine of up to €30,000, with the sentence doubled if the person forced is aged 17 or under. Illegal drugs, including cannabis, can bring severe penalties including imprisonment and heavy fines for possession, use or smuggling, including while transiting airports, ports and Eurostar stations (Safety and security in France).
Outdoor and transport planning matters because the risks differ by region and season. The UK guidance says that local sea conditions can be dangerous even for strong swimmers, that beaches may use lifeguards and flag-warning systems, and that strong undercurrents known as baïnes occur particularly along parts of the Atlantic coast around Gironde and Landes. Learn the local flag system, follow lifeguard instructions and do not enter water when warnings indicate danger. Before trekking or mountaineering, check weather and conditions, do not undertake the activity alone, consider a guide and leave a copy of your itinerary with someone. In mountain areas, confirm that insurance covers mountain rescue and helicopter evacuation; in Savoie and Haute-Savoie, treatment may require transfer to Switzerland. For winter sports, check weather and avalanche risk through Météo-France and consider avalanche search equipment for off-piste skiing. If driving, lock vehicle doors in slow-moving traffic, secure the vehicle when unattended and do not leave valuables visible. On motorways, use orange emergency phones for help after an accident or when witnessing one. The guidance lists 107.7 FM as the motorways radio service in French and English. In certain mountain regions, vehicles must use winter tyres or chains during the winter period from 1 November to 31 March. Vehicles in central Paris, Lyon and Grenoble must display an air-pollution sticker from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m., Monday to Friday, and checks may occur at any time depending on pollution levels. Wildfire planning is especially important from April to October. The UK advice says the highest risk is in the south, along the Mediterranean coast, in Corsica and in parts of the south-west during hot, dry weather. Check the Météo-France fire-alert map, follow local-authority instructions, and expect roads, forests, countryside areas and tourist sites to close at short notice. Current UK advice reports wildfires affecting parts of Gironde and Landes, with evacuations and possible road closures, and gives 112 as the emergency number. The public information line for those affected is open from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at +33 (0)9 70 80 90 40, with option 1 for Gironde and option 2 for Landes (France travel advice).
Security habits for daily life in France
| Situation | Risk described by the sources | Action to take |
|---|---|---|
| Large events and public places | Potential targets include transport hubs, festivals, cultural events, shopping areas and sporting venues. | Stay alert, monitor official warnings, report suspicious activity and follow local instructions. |
| Demonstrations and strikes | Demonstrations may occur with little warning; industrial action can disrupt roads and public transport. | Avoid demonstrations and significant police activity; check transport operators before travelling. |
| Busy metro and RER journeys | Pickpockets and groups of thieves operate on crowded public transport; serious assaults have been reported on RER B and RER D. | Keep bags closed and close to you, do not display valuables and remain aware when boarding or leaving. |
| Bars and nightlife | Drink spiking can occur through drinks or needles, and drinks may be stronger than in the UK. | Buy your own drink, keep it in sight, know your limit and seek help if you feel unwell. |
| Identity checks | You may need to prove identity with a passport, photocard driving licence or other government document. | Carry acceptable photo ID securely and keep copies separately. |
| Swimming and coastal activities | Strong currents and baïnes may occur, especially around Gironde and Landes. | Learn the flag system, follow lifeguard instructions and check local sea conditions. |
| Mountain activities | Mountain rescue, helicopter evacuation and cross-border medical transfer may be required. | Do not go alone, leave an itinerary with someone and confirm insurance coverage. |
| Summer wildfire areas | Wildfires may lead to evacuation, road closures and restricted access, especially from April to October. | Check the fire-alert map, follow authorities and call 112 in an emergency. |
| Driving and vehicle security | Theft from vehicles and attempts to enter vehicles can occur, including near roads to ports. | Lock doors, keep moving where safe, do not leave the vehicle unattended and call 112 if proceeding is unsafe. |