So you’re in the Netherlands and you come across an emergency! What shall you do? Here is a list of all of the Dutch emergency numbers you need to know if you get into a bit of a crisis.
First off, if you happen to be in an international location (or have an international phone number) but need to get in touch with Dutch emergency services, remember to dial +31 first. Of course, some calls are subject to small charges.
Police
- For emergencies dial: 112
- For non-emergencies dial: 0900 8844
- To report a crime anonymously: dial 0800 7000
Fire Service
- For emergencies dial: 112
- For non-emergencies call the police first
Health Service
- For emergencies dial 112 or visit your local A&E (accident and emergency department)
For Centrale Huisartsenpost/an emergency doctor’s service out-of-hours, call this helpline and they will sort it out for you:
- For Amsterdam dial: 088 003 0600
- For Rotterdam dial: 010 466 9573 (Central, North), 010 290 9888 (South), 010 279 9262 (East)
- For Utrecht dial: 0900 450 1450
- For The Hague dial: 070 346 9669
- For Eindhoven, Helmond, Geldrop dial: 0900 8861
- For other locations dial: 0900 1515
READ MORE | Don’t speak Dutch? You can now use this app in case of an emergency
Other emergency numbers
- For Dierenambulance/Animal Emergencies dial: 0900 0245
- For Kustwacht/Coastguard dial: 0900 0111
- For Alcoholics Anonymous dial: 020 625 6057
- For Sexual Abuse hotline dial: 0900 899 8411
- For SOS helpline dial: 0900 0767
- For ChildLine dial: 0800 0432
- For a discrimination helpline dial: 0900 235 4354
- For residency issues dial: 088 0430 430
Dental Emergencies
Click here for a list of places to contact for dental emergencies throughout the whole of the Netherlands.
Utility Emergencies
- If it’s an emergency that will seriously affect you and the people around you dial: 112
- For power leaks and gas problems dial: 0800 9009
- Call your local gementee if there is a water emergency that involves sewage, if otherwise call your water provider
Government emergencies
Sirens sound at midday, every first Monday of the month — this is a test. Any other time, this is a national emergency. Subscribe to the alert service, so the government can alert you on your mobile if there is an emergency.
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Editor’s Note: This article was originally published in January 2022, and was fully updated in December 2022 for your reading pleasure.
