Keep a Note of the Local Emergency Number

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Most people know the emergency number they would call at home. Once you travel overseas, that number may no longer work.

Emergency services use different numbers around the world. Some countries have one number for police, fire, and ambulance services, while others use separate numbers. Knowing the correct one before you arrive can save valuable time if something goes wrong.

Before your trip, find the official emergency number for your destination and save it in your phone. Do not rely entirely on being able to search for it online later. You may not have mobile data, Wi-Fi, or enough battery when you need it.

It is also useful to know what happens when you call. Some emergency services may have English-speaking operators, while others may ask for information in the local language. Your accommodation provider or local tourism authority may be able to explain the process.

If you are travelling with someone else, make sure they know the number too. There is little value in one person knowing how to contact emergency services if that person is the one who becomes unwell.

You can take the preparation one step further by saving the address of your accommodation in your phone exactly as it appears on the booking confirmation. If you need emergency assistance, being able to give an accurate address can be just as important as knowing the number.

Some destinations also have dedicated tourist police, medical assistance lines, or other services for visitors. These are not substitutes for emergency services, but knowing they exist can be useful for less urgent problems.

If you take regular medication or have a medical condition, keep relevant information accessible while travelling. A simple note containing your medicines, allergies, and important medical details can help if you need medical care somewhere unfamiliar.

Hopefully you will never need any of it. That is precisely why it is easy to overlook.

Travel preparation is usually about passports, bookings, and what to pack. Add one more small task to the list: know who to call if something goes wrong. Five minutes of preparation can be worth considerably more if you ever need it.