Costa Rica emergency numbers

Keep this page handy. In any emergency in Costa Rica, dial 911 first.

In an emergency, call 911 Free · 24 hours · police, fire, medical, and traffic

This page is general information, not medical or legal advice. In any emergency, call 911 first. We check these numbers against official sources and date-stamp them, but numbers and hours can change, so confirm anything critical yourself. The Costa Rica Directory is not responsible for outcomes from the use of this information.

Call this first

  • Emergencies: police, fire, medical, traffic

    Emergencias 9-1-1

    Free, 24 hours, from any phone. One line dispatches the police, fire department, Red Cross ambulances, and traffic police. If you are not sure who to call, call 911.

    911

Reports and non-emergencies

For an emergency happening right now, call 911. Use these for reports, follow-up, and coordination.

  • Report a crime or theft

    Organismo de Investigación Judicial (OIJ)

    File a report of theft, assault, fraud, or another crime. Free, confidential 24-hour tip line: 800-8000-645.

    2295-3000

  • Disasters and civil protection

    Comisión Nacional de Emergencias (CNE)

    Coordinates response to floods, earthquakes, volcanic activity, and evacuations. For immediate danger, call 911.

    2210-2828

  • Fire department (administration)

    Cuerpo de Bomberos de Costa Rica

    Headquarters switchboard for non-emergency matters. To report a fire or request rescue, call 911.

    2547-3700

  • U.S. citizens in distress

    Embajada de Estados Unidos, San José

    Arrest, death, lost passport, or victim of crime for U.S. citizens. From abroad: 011-506-2519-2000. Not a first responder line; call 911 for danger.

    2519-2000

Major hospitals in San José

Orientation only. In an emergency call 911 to be routed to the nearest care. These are facility switchboards.

  • Hospital México

    Public (CCSS), La Uruca

    2242-6700

  • Hospital Calderón Guardia

    Public (CCSS), Aranjuez

    2212-1000

  • Hospital San Juan de Dios

    Public (CCSS), San José centro

    2547-8000

  • Hospital Nacional de Niños (children)

    Public (CCSS), San José

    2523-3600

  • Hospital Clínica Bíblica

    Private, San José centro

    2522-1000

  • Hospital CIMA

    Private, Escazú

    2208-1000

  • Hospital La Católica

    Private, Guadalupe

    2246-3000

Numbers verified against official sources on June 15, 2026. Spotted something out of date? Tell us and we will recheck.