Emergency numbers in Prague: who to call, what to say, what else helps

You are on a tram, someone has collapsed, and your mind has gone blank. This is the worst moment to be working out which number to dial in a foreign country. So work it out now, in a calm minute, and save the numbers before you need them.

What number do I call in an emergency?

112. It is the European emergency number and works in Czechia from any mobile or landline. The call is free. Say which language you speak, say where you are and describe what has happened. Stay on the line until the operator tells you to hang up.

The direct numbers also work:

Service	Number
Ambulance (zdravotnická záchranná služba)	155
Fire and rescue (hasiči)	150
Police (policie)	158
Municipal police (městská policie)	156

Not sure which you need? Call 112 and the operator will route the call.

What should I say first?

Your location, before the problem itself. A street name, metro stop, tram stop or landmark will do. Then say what happened, how many people are involved and whether anyone is in danger, and answer the operator's questions calmly. If you can't name a street, your phone's map app can show your coordinates.

The ambulance service also has a smartphone app, Záchranka, which sends your location when you call. Check the official source for the current version before you rely on it (as of 2026; check the official source).

What counts as an emergency?

Anything where a life, health or property is in immediate danger: a serious injury or collapse, a fire, a crime in progress, a road accident with people hurt. A bag snatched yesterday is not, and neither is a hotel room that has been turned over while you were out. Those are for a police station, not for 112.

If you call and the situation turns out to be less serious than you feared, nobody will mind. Operators would much rather take a call that was not needed than miss one that was.

What is the municipal police for?

The městská policie deals with local order, parking, minor public-order problems and some trouble in tourist areas. The national police (Policie České republiky) handle crime, traffic accidents and serious incidents. In an emergency you can call either, and they will pass the matter on if it belongs to the other.

What if something is stolen?

Report it at a police station. Bring your passport or ID and a description of what was taken. You will get a written record, which your insurer or bank will often ask for. If a passport is stolen, contact your embassy or consulate in Prague, which can issue emergency travel documents. Most keep an out-of-hours number on their website.

If a bank card is stolen, call your bank to block it straight away. Do that first, then queue at the police station. A blocked card cannot be used by a thief, while a report can wait an hour.

I need medical help but it is not an emergency

A pharmacy (lékárna) can advise on minor problems, and a few in the centre stay open late or around the clock. Prague also has hospitals with emergency departments, and clinics that see foreign patients. For a longer-term doctor, see our guide to finding an English-speaking doctor in Prague.

Visitors from other EU countries can use the European Health Insurance Card, and everyone else should carry travel insurance. Costs and rules vary, so ask your insurer before you travel. This is not medical advice. For anything serious, call 155 or 112.

The rule of thumb locals use: if it can wait until morning and you are in no danger, it is a pharmacy or a clinic. If it cannot, it is 155 or 112. When in doubt, ring 112 and let the operator decide.

Can I get help in English?

At 112, usually. At police stations and hospitals you will often find English speakers, though not always. If you can't make yourself understood, say "English, please" or ask a passer-by to help. A translation app is useful in a pinch.

What about the metro and trams?

In the metro, tell station staff, or call 112 if it's dangerous. On trams and buses, tell the driver. Drivers and station staff can call for help faster than you can explain the problem to a stranger.

What if I lose my phone or passport?

Report the loss to the police and your embassy. For a phone, use "find my phone" from another device and ask your network to block the SIM. Keep a photo of your passport page in your email, separate from the original.

Is Prague safe?

Generally, yes. Violent crime against visitors is uncommon in the central areas. The usual problems are pickpocketing in crowds and overcharging (see our guide to tourist traps and scams). Use ordinary city sense at night and keep your phone in a pocket you can feel.

Frequently asked questions

Is 112 free?

Yes. The call is free from any mobile or landline in Czechia.

Which number do I call for an ambulance?

155 reaches the ambulance service directly. 112 also works, and the operator will route the call.

What is the difference between 158 and 156?

158 is the national police, who handle crime, traffic accidents and serious incidents. 156 is the municipal police, who deal with local order, parking and minor public-order problems.

Who do I contact if my passport is stolen?

Report it to the police, then contact your embassy or consulate in Prague, which can issue emergency travel documents.

Tonight: put 112 and your embassy's number in your contacts, then screenshot your hotel's address for the taxi or the ambulance.